We know that Luke is able to survive Hoth by laying inside of a Tauntaun. But how did Han Solo survive Hoth?
Han Solo is able to survive Hoth by building a shelter. He places Luke inside a Tauntaun since the boy is injured and suffering from hypothermia, but Han builds a normal shelter for himself.
The two are found the following morning by Rogue Two, a team of Rebel ships.
Han Solo builds a shelter to survive on Hoth
In Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, a group of freedom fighters led by Luke Skywalker establish a new secret base on the remote ice world of Hoth. Despite the destruction of the Death Star, Imperial forces continue to hunt Rebel forces throughout the galaxy.
Luke conducts an outer search of the base after a supposed “fallen meteorite.” Hours pass and Luke does not return, sparking fears that he may be injured or lost.
Despite having plans to leave the rebellion due to outstanding debts to Jabba The Hutt, Han Solo decides to temporarily stay. It’s getting dark outside, and Han has concerns that Luke will not be found in time.
A Rebel soldier informs Han that Speeders have not been properly acclimated to the cold. Han suggests riding Tauntauns.
Han finds Luke out in the cold
After being caught by a dangerous creature, Luke didn’t stay in the Wampa cave. He is able to free himself and venture out into the cold again. Han and his Tauntaun then find a delirious Luke laying upon the ground. The boy just had a conversation with a Force Ghost of Obi-Wan, who instructs Luke to reach the Dagobah System and receive training from Yoda.
Due to Luke’s injuries and onset of hypothermia, Han guts his Tauntaun to place Luke within. Han says the Tauntaun might smell bad, but it’ll keep Luke warm until the shelter is set up.
Once Luke is secure, Han pulls equipment out from the satchel on his Tauntaun. The camera pans away as Han places spikes in the ground as a foundation for his shelter.
The following morning, Rogue Two makes contact with Han over radio. Luke and Han are then picked up by the Rebel ship and safely brought back to base. Han’s appreciation and love for his friends is exemplified when he comes back in A New Hope to save the day.
So that’s the answer. Han Solo is able to survive Hoth by building a shelter. He awaits in the shelter for help while Luke lays warmly within a Tauntaun.