Lunana is a remote and picturesque village located in the Gasa District of northwestern Bhutan. Nestled high in the Himalayas, it sits at an elevation of around 3,400 to 5,000 meters above sea level, making it one of the most isolated human settlements in the world. The village is part of the Lunana Gewog and lies along the ancient Snowman Trek, which is known for being one of the toughest trekking routes globally.
Due to its extreme altitude and remoteness, Lunana is accessible only by foot, often requiring several days of trekking through rugged mountain terrain. The harsh environment limits transportation and access to basic amenities, making life for the villagers both challenging and unique.
Lunana is primarily inhabited by semi-nomadic yak herders who depend on yaks for milk, meat, transportation, and trade. The local economy revolves around livestock and the harvesting of cordyceps, a highly valued medicinal fungus.
Despite its isolation, Lunana is culturally rich. The community practices Tibetan Buddhism and maintains traditional Bhutanese customs, dress, and architecture. Dzongs (fortress-monasteries) and chortens (stupas) dot the landscape, reflecting the deep spiritual heritage of the region.
The village came to international attention through the 2019 Oscar-nominated film Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, which depicted the struggles and beauty of life in Lunana. The film highlighted the resilience of its people, the value of education, and the breathtaking natural beauty of the area.
Lunana is also known for its pristine environment, glacial lakes, and panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. However, it faces environmental challenges due to climate change, including the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
Life in Lunana may be hard, but it is deeply connected to nature, tradition, and community—a window into a way of life that remains largely untouched by modernity.
