Taiwan is a regularly missed paradise for hikers.
This small island nation is dwelling to the biggest density of excessive mountains on this planet, with almost 300 peaks hovering above 3,000 meters (9,843 ft). This consists of mighty Yushan, the tallest mountain in Northeast Asia.
Principally, should you’re searching for unimaginable Taiwan mountain climbing, you gained’t be dissatisfied — particularly since this interprets to an ample and various vary of trails.
Wish to hike by way of subtropical jungles then summit a snowy peak in the identical day? Taiwan has you coated. Stare upon steaming volcanic fumaroles? Examine. See Taiwanese macaques within the wild on a simple hike with youngsters? Additionally test.
On this publish, I’ve narrowed it right down to 13 of one of the best hikes in Taiwan, spanning the nation and all climbing ranges.
We’ll start within the capital, Taipei Metropolis, earlier than traversing the huge Central Mountain Vary and ending in Southern Taiwan.
Let’s dive into the place to hike in Taiwan!
What Kind Of Hiker Are You? [Free Quiz]
However first, earlier than we get into our climbing Taiwan information, I need to share a free persona quiz I feel you’ll love:
It’s known as “What kind of hiker are you?” and it’ll enable you to uncover your climbing persona.
Bonus:
Your outcomes additionally share path recommendations based mostly in your outcomes!
On that word, let’s dive into our Taiwan journey information sharing the nation’s greatest treks.
Map Of Taiwan
Having a map and understanding the place you’re and the place you’re going is wise when trekking in Taiwan.
The above map presents an excellent start line for getting a lay of the land.
Moreover, you may click on right here for an interactive Taiwan map that permits you to plug in your vacation spot and even the paths you’ll be climbing.
Suggestions For Climbing In Taiwan
Whether or not you’re already dwelling in Taiwan or planning a hiking-focused go to, there are some necessary issues you’ll need to make. Listed below are some ideas and recommendations for climbing in Taiwan.
Greatest Time to Go Climbing In Taiwan
Questioning when is one of the best time to hike in Taiwan?
Usually talking, one of the best time to go to Taiwan and go climbing there’s spring and fall. The spring climbing season is round March to Could, whereas the autumn climbing season is from October to December.
Winter is Taiwan may be too chilly for consolation — except you particularly need to go climbing within the snow, which I’ll get to under!
In the meantime, summer time is just too scorching, to not point out that it’s the peak of storm season in Taiwan, with about half a dozen typhoons often hanging the island nation from July to September. It’s much less frequent, however typhoons can come as late as October and even November.
Right here is extra details about one of the best occasions to go to Taiwan, together with a month-by-month comparability.
Taiwan Climbing Security
Some of the necessary security considerations when climbing in Taiwan is the very actual chance of landslides after typhoons or any sort of heavy rain. Many individuals have died in Taiwan from landslides; within the worst instance, a whole village was coated.
Even simply driving or biking down a street within the mountains is strongly advisable in opposition to after there was heavy rain.
Moreover, as a subtropical nation, Taiwan does have some toxic snakes, centipedes, and tiger head hornets, so it’s greatest to maintain an eye fixed out and keep away from tramping by way of the bush.
Moreover the above, fundamental precautions ought to be taken, like by no means climbing alone, registering with the authorities for extra severe hikes, carrying the correct apparel for climbing, and by no means going off the principle path.
Taiwan Climbing Path Permits
Permits are required for a few of the extra severe, high-mountain hikes in Taiwan. I’ll point out which hikes under want a allow.
This being mentioned, making use of for them could be a trouble. Subsequently, it’s virtually all the time simpler to go along with a climbing group.
Climbing Excursions In Taiwan
For in a single day treks within the excessive mountains of Taiwan, I’ve all the time gone on a guided trek. These teams organize the climbing permits and hut reservations in your behalf, however if you end up there, you may hike by yourself should you want. I personally suggest Taiwan Adventures for multi-day hikes in Taiwan.
They’ve superb Taiwan climbing excursions!
The Greatest Climbing Trails In Taiwan
Taipei from Elephant Mountain, one of many 4 Beasts. Picture by Nick Kembel.
1. 4 Beasts
Path Problem: Straightforward
Path Size: 1.1 to five kilometers – a number of routes (0.7 to three.1 miles)
Location: Taipei Metropolis
Trailhead: It’s a 10-minute stroll from Xiangshan MRT station to the Elephant Mountain trailhead, labeled “Xiangshan Path” on Google Maps. The Tiger Mountain trailhead is a 25-minute stroll from Houshanpi MRT station.
Path Map: Click on right here for a 4 Beasts path map
About this Taiwan Path:
For those who’re looking for climbing trails in Taipei, it is a nice possibility. It’s top-of-the-line Taipei hikes!
4 Beasts refers to 4 connecting peaks named after animals on the japanese fringe of Taipei Metropolis. They’re Elephant Mountain, Tiger Mountain, Leopard Mountain, and Lion Mountain. Collectively they’re situated on Nangang Mountain.
Elephant Mountain specifically is probably the most well-known hike in Taipei. It’s nice for these having fun with some solo journey in Taiwan because it’s standard and also you probably gained’t go too lengthy with out seeing one other particular person.
It solely takes 20 minutes up a collection of steep stairs to succeed in an unimaginable, panoramic view of Taipei Metropolis dominated by Taipei 101, which is only one.2 kilometers (0.7 miles) away.
For those who’ve ever seen a postcard of Taipei, it was most likely shot from right here!
From the well-known — and very crowded, particularly at sundown — viewpoint on Elephant Mountain , the path connects to a community of different Taipei climbing trails on the opposite three mountains.
These are far much less crowded but in addition provide unimaginable views over Taipei.
An extended and tougher path continues all the best way as much as the height of Nanshan Mountain.
Climbing in Taipei. Xiaoyoukeng Fumaroles, Qixingshan Path. Picture from Canva.
2. Seven Star Mountain
Path Problem: Average
Path Size: 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles)
Location: Yangmingshan Nationwide Park, Taipei Metropolis
Trailhead: The path begins at Xiaoyoukeng Customer’s Heart in Yangmingshan Nationwide Park, Beitou District, on the northwestern aspect of the mountain. It is usually potential to hike to the height from Lengshuikeng scorching spring on the southeaster aspect of the mountain. Each beginning factors have connections by bus to the town middle.
Path Map: Click on right here for a Seven Star Mountain path map
About this Taiwan Path:
Seven Star Mountain (七星山 or Qixingshan) is the tallest peak in Yangmingshan Nationwide Park at 1120 meters (3,675 ft).
It’s half of a big volcanic massif proper on the sting of Taipei Metropolis and is a superb place to absorb the great thing about the Taiwanese mountains.
The climbing path begins at Xiaoyoukeng, the place you’ll stroll proper previous steaming fumaroles on the aspect of the volcano. To your legs: put together for plenty of stairs!
The Qixingshan Foremost Peak is roofed in grasslands which are usually coated in mist, and on clear days, you may see all the best way to the ocean from the highest.
As a substitute of backtracking to Xiaoyoukeng, a extra attention-grabbing descent is down the opposite aspect to Lengshuikeng, a easy public scorching spring.
Moreover the Foremost Peak, it’s additionally potential so as to add aspect journeys to the South Peak and East Peak.
Enjoyable Reality:
Qixingshan is the tallest dormant volcano in Taiwan, though latest research present that it could not truly be dormant!
One of many Pingxi Crags. Picture by Nick Kembel.
3. Pingxi Crags
Path Problem: Average
Path Size: 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles)
Location: Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis
Trailhead: The trailhead is a 300-meter (984-foot) stroll from Pingxi practice station on the Pingxi Small Railway Line. You may entry this scenic railway line from Taipei by transferring at Ruifang Station. The trailhead is Jing An Street proper beside the Pingxi Waterfall lookout.
Path Map: Click on right here for a Pingxi Crags path map
About this Taiwan Path:
Pingxi Crags (平溪小三尖) refers to a few extraordinarily vertical rocky crags that stick up a whole bunch of meters into the sky.
The three crags are known as Xiaozi Mountain (孝子山), Putuo Mountain (普陀山), and Cimu Peak (慈母峰), and the path is usually additionally known as Xiaozishan Path after the primary one.
Every of the three crags may be summited on ladders. Whereas none of them is especially troublesome, merely wanting down may be scary, particularly for these with vertigo. That is what makes it one of the crucial exhilarating but doable hikes in Taiwan.
Enjoyable Reality:
Pingxi village is likely one of the areas of the well-known mass sky lantern launch on the 15th day of the primary month of the lunar calendar. The opposite location is close by Shifen, which has probably the most well-known waterfall in Taiwan.
Wuliaojian Path. Picture by Nick Kembel.
4. Wuliaojian Path, New Taipei Metropolis
Path Problem: Tough
Path Size: 4.8 kilometers (3 miles)
Location: Sanxia District, New Taipei Metropolis
Trailhead: The path is situated 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) south of Sanzia District, which is standard for Sanxia Outdated Road and Zushi Temple. Take bus 807 from Sanxia (as much as half-hour) or simply hop in a taxi (10 minutes).
Path Map: Click on right here for a Wuliaojian Path map
About this Taiwan Path:
Just like the final entry, Wuliaojian Path is likely one of the most fun climbing trails in Taiwan that may be performed in a single day. And in addition just like the Pingxi Crags, it’s simply reachable from Taipei Metropolis.
It’s top-of-the-line locations to hike in Taiwan!
What makes this path so enjoyable is the sheer number of terrain you’ll encounter. You’ll must climb ropes and ladders up rock partitions, squeeze by way of gaps, and comply with a slender ridge. Because of this, many native hikers cite Wuliaojian as their favourite hike in all of Taiwan.
Due to the verticals, ropes & ladders, and the truth that you’ll want to make use of your arms lots, this hike is taken into account troublesome, however anybody in respectable form and with some climbing expertise ought to be capable of deal with it.
No further tools is required, however it’s greatest to go along with a bunch of fellow hikers.
Climbing by way of the teapot on Teapot Mountain, certainly one of Taiwan greatest climbing trails. Picture by Nick Kembel.
5. Teapot Mountain
Path Problem: Average
Path Size: 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles)
Location: Jinguashi, New Taipei Metropolis
Trailhead: The path may be accessed straight from the Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park in New Taipei Metropolis. There’s a small entrance payment for the Gold Ecological Park, and the park is price seeing, however should you solely need to do the hike, you may inform the ticket desk and they’re going to most likely allow you to by way of with out paying the payment.
Path Map: Click on right here for a Teapot Mountain path map
About this Taiwan Path:
Some of the lovely coastal hikes in Taiwan, Tea Pot Mountain (茶壺山) is a small mountain with a big stony peak that’s formed like (you guessed it) a teapot.
The path begins within the Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park, which is only a few minutes by bus from Jiufen, a extremely popular day journey from Taipei. For the primary a part of the hike, the views wanting down on the coast simply get higher and higher.
However probably the most thrilling a part of the hike is if you attain the teapot itself, which has a cave that you just’ll need to climb down into and out to the opposite aspect.
After that, the path reaches a small rock wall with a ladder, after which it circles again to Jinguashi.
Silvergrass, Caoling Historic Path. Picture by Nick Kembel.
6. Caoling Historic Path
Path Problem: Average
Path Size: 7.1 kilometers (4.4 miles)
Location: New Taipei Metropolis & Yilan County
Trailhead: You’ll must get to a spot known as Yuanwangkeng Entrance on Google Maps, which is about half-hour on foot from Fulong practice station by Fulong Seaside. For those who stroll in the other way, the path begins proper inside Dali Temple (大里天公廟).
Path Map: Click on right here for a Caoling Historic Path map
About this Taiwan Path:
The Caoling Historic Path was as soon as the one route connecting the northeast coast of Taiwan to the Yilan plains.
At the moment it’s particularly well-known for its coastal bluffs and seas of silvergrass, which paint the slopes silver in autumn.
The path ascends by way of the forest, the place it passes just a few historic buildings, earlier than reaching dramatic Pacific Ocean views from a collection of coastal bluffs. From there, the path descends rapidly to a good looking temple on the coast in Dali.
An non-compulsory add-on is to comply with the Taoyuan Valley Path alongside the coast and end in Daxi. It’s an up-and-down slog that makes for a really lengthy day, however comes with unimaginable views and no crowds.
You might be additionally more likely to see wild buffalo grazing within the elevated grasslands.
For those who do the hike in the other way, beginning at Dali, you may end off at Fulong Seaside, one of the best seaside in northern Taiwan.
Enjoyable Reality:
Lonely Planet as soon as wrote that should you can solely do one hike in Taiwan, make it this one.
Quanhua Temple, Lion’s Head Mountain. Picture by Nick Kembel.
7. Lion’s Head Mountain
Path Problem: Straightforward
Path Size: 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles)
Location: Hsinchu & Miaoli Counties
Trailhead: To achieve the Lion’s Head Mountain Customer’s Heart on the Miaoli aspect, take bus 5700 (hourly on the hour from 8 am to 2 pm) from Hsinchu practice station. On the Miaoli aspect, there’s no public transportation, however bus 5805 from Zhunan will get you shut. For those who can, getting there by yourself by scooter is greatest.
Path Map: Click on right here for a Lion’s Head Mountain path map
About this Taiwan Path:
Lion’s Head Mountain is a brief mountain, solely 492 meters (1,614 ft) at its highest level. The slopes of the mountain are, nevertheless, wealthy in Buddhist and Taoist tradition, making it an enchanting day hike.
The primary path at Lion’s Head Mountain, known as Shishan Historic Path, goes from the Lion’s Head Mountain Customer’s Heart on the north (Hsinchu) aspect of the mountain to Quanhua Temple on the south (Miaoli) aspect of the mountain.
Alongside the best way, the path passes over a dozen or so energetic Buddhist and Taoist temples and monasteries the place many monks and nuns reside. A few of the temples are even constructed into caves.
Probably the most attention-grabbing temples are on the Miaoli aspect, so you may as well begin and end your hike there. It is usually potential to spend the subsequent in one of many visitor rooms at Quanhua Temple, which have fairly a view. Easy vegetarian meals are served from the temple’s kitchen.
Taiwan trekking – A gaggle close to the height of Snow Mountain. Picture by Nick Kembel.
8. Snow Mountain (Xueshan)
Path Problem: Tough
Path Size: 7.4 kilometers (4.6 miles)
Location: Shei-Pa Nationwide Park, Taichung Metropolis
Trailhead: The path is accessed from close to Wuling Farm, a resort city standard for flower viewing.
Path Map: Click on right here for a Snow Mountain path map
About this Taiwan Path:
Snow Mountain is the second-highest peak in Taiwan at 3,886 meters (12,749 ft).
It lends a part of its title “Xue” to the nationwide park title, Xueba Nationwide Park (additionally spelled Shei-Pa Nationwide Park), together with one other iconic mountain peak within the park, Dabajianshan, additionally spelled Da “pa” jiashan.
It may be hiked year-round, and in winter, presents top-of-the-line alternatives to see, because the title suggests, snow in Taiwan.
You gained’t simply see a bit snow on the height of Snow Mountain; it’s possible you’ll be climbing by way of it as much as your knees. You’ll additionally see gorgeous icicles and different snow and ice formations, in addition to the awe-inspiring Black Forest.
If you wish to go climbing within the snow, one of the best months to go are December by way of March, with January and February being the probably. Temperatures can plummet effectively under zero, so clearly correct clothes and climbing gear is required, however no specialised rock or mountain climbing tools is required.
The hike often takes two nights; on the primary day, a brief hike will convey you to Qika Cabin, whereas an extended second day brings you to 369 Cabin. On the third day, you may summit and return to the underside of the mountain.
To do that standard hike, you’ll want nationwide park permits and cabin reservations. Going with a neighborhood English-speaking group like Taiwan Adventures is extremely advisable.
Enjoyable Reality:
Snow Mountain can also be the start line of a really troublesome, five-to-six day hike throughout the peaks of a number of 3000+ meter peaks known as the Holy Ridge.
For those who’re searching for one of the best multi day hikes in Taiwan, this trek ought to be in your checklist!
Zhuilu Outdated Path in Taroko Gorge. Picture from Canva.
9. Zhuilu Outdated Path
Path Problem: Tough
Path Size: 6 kilometers (3.7 miles)
Location: Taroko Nationwide Park, Hualien County
Trailhead: The path is situated in Taroko Gorge, certainly one of Taiwan’s most well-known pure sights. The trailhead is accessed by crossing a bridge at Swallow’s Grove, one of many standard stops inside Taroko Gorge.
Path Map: Click on right here for a Zhuilu Outdated Path map
About this Taiwan Path:
Zhulu Outdated Path is famend for its ultra-narrow (lower than a meter) paths with 750-meter (2,461-foot) drops on one aspect to the canyon flooring under.
And no, there aren’t any rails.
The trail was initially constructed within the 1800s as a looking path by the native Truku aboriginal tribe, who lend their title to Taroko Gorge. If the path appears slender now, it was solely one-third as large once they first made it!
At the moment the path is situated inside Taroko Nationwide Park and begins from one of many park’s most well-known scenic spots, although few folks notice this when stopping there.
Due to the plain dangers, permits are required for this one, and so they aren’t straightforward to get. Subsequently, going with an skilled and English-speaking native information is advisable. I like to recommend Island Life Taiwan for this one.
Walami Path. Picture by Nick Kembel.
10. Walami Path
Path Problem: Average
Path Size: 4 to 11.2 kilometers – brief and lengthy choices (2.5 to 7 miles)
Location: Yushan Nationwide Park, Hualien County
Trailhead: The path begins close to Nan An Waterfall simply exterior of Yuli city in southern Hualien County. The simplest solution to get there’s by renting a scooter at Yuli practice station.
Path Map: Click on right here for a Walami Path map
About this Taiwan Path:
Immerse your self in Taiwan wilderness on this unforgettable trek!
Walami Path begins within the typical jungle panorama of Hualien County, full with the prospect to see a lot of macaques.
Most day hikers go so far as Shanfeng Waterfall. This portion of the path is rated straightforward and may be performed in just a few hours and not using a allow.
From there, the path ascends into the excessive mountains of Yushan Nationwide Park towards Yushan, Taiwan’s tallest mountain (see subsequent entry).
To do the complete hike, which often includes spending an evening at Walami Cabin, two permits are required.
Yushan, the tallest mountain in Northeast Asia. Picture from Canva.
11. Yushan Peak
Path Problem: Tough
Path Size: 24.3 kilometer (15 miles)
Location: Yushan Nationwide Park, Nantou County
Trailhead: The path begins at Dongpu Lodge in Tataka, which is situated on the mountain street connecting Alishan and Solar Moon Lake, two of Taiwan’s hottest sights.
Path Map: Click on right here for a Yushan Peak path map
About this Taiwan Path:
If it’s true journey journey you search, this path ought to be in your radar, because it’s top-of-the-line hikes on this planet and is a problem, as effectively.
Yushan is the very best peak in Taiwan and Northeast Asia at 3,952 meters (12,966 ft), which is 176 meters (577 ft) taller than Mt. Fuji in Japan.
Yushan Nationwide Park accommodates greater than 30 peaks above 3000 meters (9,843 ft) and is ample in wildlife and fauna. Regardless of its massive measurement, the park is comparatively distant and inaccessible.
The climbing path to the height of Yushan is rated troublesome however can in truth be performed with anybody with reasonable climbing expertise, even older youngsters or younger youngsters.
Many individuals spend the night time at Dongpu upon arriving, then start the ascent the subsequent morning. They spend the second night time at Paiyun Lodge, then rise early to absorb the dawn from Yushan Peak.
It is not uncommon to witness a dawn above a sea of clouds within the valleys far under from Yushan Peak, a phenomenon that can also be related to the close by Alishan Nationwide Scenic Space.
Permits and cabin reservations are vital for this one. There are strict caps on how many individuals can hike on daily basis. Due to this — in addition to the hike’s immense recognition — you’ll need to e book effectively prematurely. Going with a guided group resembling Taiwan Adventures is extremely advisable.
For those who’re searching for one thing actually memorable so as to add to your Asia journey itinerary, you definitely gained’t neglect this unimaginable hike!
A bamboo forest on Ruitai Historic Path. Picture by Nick Kembel.
12. Ruitai Historic Path
Path Problem: Average
Path Size: 6.4 kilometers (4 miles)
Location: Chiayi County
Trailhead: This one-way path begins within the small mountain village of Ruili and ends in one other small village of Taihe (太和), which is close to Fenqihu, a small vacationer city on the well-known Alishan Forest Railway. It may also be performed in reverse. Minibuses from Chiayi Metropolis to Ruili are rare, with only some per day.
Path Map: Click on right here for the Ruitai Historic Path
About this Taiwan Path:
This historic path within the looking grounds of the native Tsou aboriginal tribe is likely one of the greatest methods to admire bamboo forests and soak up lovely Taiwan nature.
Virtually all the path runs by way of bamboo forest, so that you’ll be surrounded by towering, swaying stalks of bamboo.
The path is comparatively unknown, particularly in comparison with the very well-known and crowded climbing trails in Alishan Nationwide Scenic Space close by. You may anticipate to come across few to no different hikers on this one.
As a result of there are so few buses to Ruili, it’s necessary to plan your transportation to and from the path.
Taiwanese macaques on Shoushan (Monkey Mountain). Picture from Canva.
13. Monkey Mountain (Shoushan), Kaohsiung
Path Problem: Straightforward – Average
Path Size: 5.1 kilometers (3.2 miles)
Location: Kaohsiung Metropolis
Trailhead: The path begins behind Longquan Temple , northwest of the Kaohsiung metropolis middle. There are a community of trails protecting Shoushan (AKA Monkey Mountain) and adjoining Chaishan to the south.
Path Map: Click on right here for a Monkey Mountain path map
About this Taiwan Path:
Whereas there are fewer well-known climbing trails within the far south of Taiwan, one which stands out is Monkey Mountain in Kaohsiung Metropolis.
Monkey Mountain is called for the truth that you’re just about assured to see troops of macaques there.
There’s a huge community of climbing trails protecting Shoushan and Chaishan mountains, however a preferred circuit includes going as much as Monkey Rock and again.
For those who simply need to see the macaques, you don’t need to stroll far in to see them, so this hike could possibly be brief and rated straightforward.
As a result of the macaques are used to people, they’re slightly fearless and recognized to seize objects from folks. Warning ought to be taken, and by no means feed the macaques.
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