Daisetsuzan Grand Traverse (大雪山縦走)

The Daisetsuzan Grand Traverse is a premier high-altitude wilderness trek in Hokkaido, Japan. This approximately 55km (34 mile) north-to-south route crosses the core of Daisetsuzan National Park—the largest national park in the country. The trail traverses an expansive volcanic alpine plateau characterized by active fumaroles, subarctic meadows, and permanent snow patches. The region provides habitat for the Higuma (brown bear) and the rare pika, offering a true subarctic wilderness environment.

Following the historic path used by the Army of the Andes in 1817, this 6-day trans-Andean expedition traverses the central cordillera from Mendoza, Argentina, to the Cajón del Maipo in Chile. The route crosses two significant high-altitude barriers—Portillo Argentino (4,330m) and Paso Piuquenes (4,030m). Hikers move through a high desert landscape of volcanic rock, vast glacial valleys, and the powerful Tunuyán River. The terrain consists primarily of rocky mountain paths, loose scree on the steeper pass approaches, and high-altitude plateaus where exposure to wind and sun is constant.