By Nick Kembel. This submit on Taiwan mountaineering trails incorporates affiliate hyperlinks to trusted companions!
In search of the finest mountaineering trails in Taiwan?
You then’re in the correct place!
Taiwan is a steadily missed paradise for hikers.
This small island nation is residence to the biggest density of excessive mountains on this planet, with practically 300 peaks hovering above 3,000 meters (9,843 toes). This contains mighty Yushan, the tallest mountain in Northeast Asia.
Principally, in the event you’re in search of unbelievable Taiwan mountain mountaineering, you gained’t be disenchanted — particularly since this interprets to an considerable and numerous vary of trails.
Need to hike by means 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 children? Additionally verify.
On this submit, I’ve narrowed it right down to 13 of the very best hikes in Taiwan, spanning the nation and all mountaineering ranges.
We’ll start within the capital, Taipei Metropolis, earlier than traversing the huge Central Mountain Vary and ending in Southern Taiwan.
Desk of Contents
- What Sort Of Hiker Are You? [Free Quiz]
- Map Of Taiwan
- Suggestions For Mountain climbing In Taiwan
- The Greatest Mountain climbing Trails In Taiwan
- Greatest Motels In Taiwan
- Renting A Automobile In Taiwan
- Lively Excursions In Taiwan
- Taiwan Journey Insurance coverage
What Sort Of Hiker Are You? [Free Quiz]
However first, earlier than we get into our mountaineering Taiwan information, I wish to share a free character quiz I believe you’ll love:
Click on right here to take the free quiz!
It’s referred to as “What sort of hiker are you?” and it’ll provide help to uncover your mountaineering character.
Bonus:
Your outcomes additionally share path ideas based mostly in your outcomes!
On that notice, let’s dive into our Taiwan journey information sharing the nation’s finest treks.
Map Of Taiwan
Having a map and understanding the place you might be and the place you’re going is sensible when mountaineering.
The above map presents a great start line for getting a lay of the land.
Moreover, you possibly can click on right here for an interactive Taiwan map that means that you can plug in your vacation spot and even the paths you’ll be mountaineering.
Suggestions For Mountain climbing In Taiwan
Whether or not you might be already residing in Taiwan or planning a hiking-focused go to, there are some vital issues you’ll wish to make. Listed below are some ideas and ideas for mountaineering in Taiwan.
Greatest Time to Go Mountain climbing In Taiwan
Typically talking, the very best time to go to Taiwan and go mountaineering there’s spring and fall. The spring mountaineering season is round March to Could, whereas the autumn mountaineering season is from October to December.
Winter is Taiwan will be too chilly for consolation — until you particularly wish to go mountaineering within the snow, which I’ll get to beneath!
In the meantime, summer time is just too sizzling, to not point out that it’s the peak of hurricane season in Taiwan, with about half a dozen typhoons often placing the island nation from July to September. It’s much less widespread, however typhoons can come as late as October and even November.
Right here is extra details about the very best instances to go to Taiwan, together with a month-by-month comparability.
Taiwan Mountain climbing Security
One of the vital security considerations when mountaineering in Taiwan is the very actual chance of landslides after typhoons or any type of heavy rain. Many individuals have died in Taiwan from landslides; within the worst instance, a complete village was coated.
Even simply driving or biking down a street within the mountains is strongly really useful 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 finest to maintain a watch out and keep away from tramping by means of the bush.
In addition to the above, primary precautions needs to be taken, like by no means mountaineering alone, registering with the authorities for extra severe hikes, carrying the right apparel for mountaineering, and by no means going off the principle path.
Taiwan Mountain climbing Path Permits
Permits are required for a number of the extra severe, high-mountain hikes in Taiwan. I’ll point out which hikes beneath want a allow.
This being mentioned, making use of for them could be a trouble. Due to this fact, it’s nearly at all times simpler to go along with a mountaineering group.
Mountain climbing Excursions In Taiwan
For in a single day treks within the excessive mountains of Taiwan I’ve at all times gone on a guided trek. These teams organize the mountaineering permits and hut reservations in your behalf, however if you end up there, you possibly can hike by yourself in the event you choose. I personally suggest Taiwan Adventures for multi day hikes in Taiwan.
The Greatest Mountain climbing Trails In Taiwan
Taipei from Elephant Mountain, one of many 4 Beasts. Picture by Nick Kembel.
1. 4 Beasts
Path Issue: 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 GoogleMaps. 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 mountaineering trails in Taipei, it is a nice possibility.
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 (象山 or Xiangshan) 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 fashionable and also you doubtless gained’t go too lengthy with out seeing one other particular person.
It solely takes 20 minutes up a collection of steep stairs to achieve an unbelievable, panoramic view of Taipei Metropolis dominated by Taipei 101, which is just one.2 kilometers (0.7 miles) away.
For those who’ve ever seen a postcard of Taipei, it was in all probability shot from right here!
From the well-known — and very crowded, particularly at sundown — viewpoint on Elephant Mountain (the precise level is named 象山六巨石觀景台), the path connects to a community of different trails on the opposite three mountains.
These are far much less crowded, but in addition supply unbelievable views over Taipei.
An extended and tougher path continues all the best way as much as the height of Nanshan Mountain.
Xiaoyoukeng Fumaroles, Qixingshan Path. Picture from Canva.
2. Seven Star Mountain
Path Issue: Reasonable
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’s also doable to hike to the height from Lengshuikeng sizzling spring on the southeaster aspect of the mountain. Each beginning factors have connections by bus to 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 toes).
It’s half of a giant volcanic massif proper on the sting of Taipei Metropolis and is a superb place to soak up the fantastic thing about the Taiwanese mountains.
The mountaineering 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 many stairs!
The Qixingshan Essential Peak is roofed in grasslands which are typically coated in mist, and on clear days, you possibly can 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 sizzling spring.
In addition to the Essential Peak, it’s additionally doable so as to add aspect journeys to the South Peak and East Peak.
Enjoyable Truth:
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 Issue: Reasonable
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 lot of meters into the sky.
The three crags are referred to as Xiaozi Mountain (孝子山), Putuo Mountain (普陀山), and Cimu Peak (慈母峰), and the path is typically additionally referred to as Xiaozishan Path after the primary one.
Every of the three crags will be summited on ladders. Whereas none of them is especially troublesome, merely wanting down will be scary, particularly for these with vertigo. That is what makes it one of the exhilarating but doable hikes in Taiwan.
Enjoyable Truth:
Pingxi village is likely one of the places 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 Issue: 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 fashionable for Sanxia Outdated Avenue 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 (五寮尖) is likely one of the most fun mountaineering trails in Taiwan that may be finished in a single day. And likewise just like the Pingxi Crags, it’s simply reachable from Taipei Metropolis.
What makes this path so enjoyable is the sheer number of terrain you’ll encounter. You’ll have to climb ropes and ladders up rock partitions, squeeze by means of gaps, and observe 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 palms rather a lot, this hike is taken into account troublesome, however anybody in first rate form and with some mountaineering expertise ought to be capable of deal with it.
No further gear is required, nevertheless it’s finest to go along with a bunch of fellow hikers.
Climbing by means of the teapot on Teapot Mountain. Picture by Nick Kembel.
5. Teapot Mountain
Path Issue: Reasonable
Path Size: 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles)
Location: Jinguashi, New Taipei Metropolis
Trailhead: The path will be accessed instantly 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 value seeing, however in the event you solely wish to do the hike, you possibly can inform the ticket desk and they’re going to in all probability allow you to by means of with out paying the payment.
Path Map: Click on right here for a Teapot Mountain path map.
About this Taiwan Path:
One of the lovely coastal hikes in Taiwan, Tea Pot Mountain (茶壺山) is a small mountain with a big stony peak peak that’s formed like (you guessed it) a tea pot.
The path begins within the Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park, with is only a few minutes by bus from Jiufen, a very talked-about 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 while you attain the teapot itself, which has a cave that you just’ll must 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 Issue: Reasonable
Path Size: 7.1 kilometers (4.4 miles)
Location: New Taipei Metropolis & Yilan County
Trailhead: You’ll have to get to a spot referred to 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 (草嶺古道) was as soon as the one route connecting the northeast coast of Taiwan to the Yilan plains.
Right this 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 means of forest, the place it passes a couple of historic buildings, earlier than reaching dramatic Pacific Ocean views from a collection of coastal bluffs. From there, the path descends rapidly to a gorgeous temple on the coast in Dali.
An optionally available add-on is to observe 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 unbelievable views and no crowds.
You’re 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 possibly can end off at Fulong Seaside, the very best seaside in northern Taiwan.
Enjoyable Truth:
Lonely Planet as soon as wrote that in the event 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 Issue: 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 finest.
Path Map: Click on right here for a Lion’s Head Mountain path map.
About this Taiwan Path:
Lion’s Head Mountain (獅頭山 or Shitoushan) is a brief mountain, solely 492 meters (1,614 toes) at its highest level. The slopes of the mountain are, nevertheless, wealthy in Buddhist and Taoist tradition, making it a captivating day hike.
The primary path at Lion’s Head Mountain, referred to 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.
Essentially the most attention-grabbing temples are on the Miaoli aspect, so you too can begin and end your hike there. It’s also doable to spend the following in one of many visitor rooms at Quanhua Temple, which have fairly a view. Easy vegetarian meals are served from the temple’s kitchen.
Close to the height of Snow Mountain. Picture by Nick Kembel.
8. Snow Mountain (Xueshan)
Path Issue: 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 fashionable for flower viewing.
Path Map: Click on right here for a Snow Mountain path map.
About this Taiwan Path:
Snow Mountain (雪山 or Xueshan, also called Mount Sylvia) is the second highest peak in Taiwan at 3,886 meters (12,749 toes).
It lends a part of its identify “Xue” to the nationwide park identify, 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 identify suggests, snow in Taiwan.
You gained’t simply see a bit snow on the height of Snow Mountain; you could be mountaineering by means of it as much as your knees. You’ll additionally see beautiful icicles and different snow and ice formations, in addition to the awe-inspiring Black Forest.
If you wish to go mountaineering within the snow, the very best months to go are December by means of March, with January and February being the most certainly. Temperatures can plummet properly beneath zero, so clearly correct clothes and mountaineering gear is required, however no specialised rock or mountain climbing gear is required.
The hike often takes two nights; on the primary day, a brief hike will deliver you to Qika Cabin, whereas an extended second day brings you to 369 Cabin. On the third day, you possibly can summit and return to the underside of the mountain.
To do that fashionable hike, you’ll want nationwide park permits and cabin reservations. Going with an area English-speaking group like Taiwan Adventures is very really useful.
Enjoyable Truth:
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 referred to as the Holy Ridge.
For those who’re in search of the very best multi day hikes in Taiwan, this trek needs to be in your listing!
Zhuilu Outdated Path in Taroko Gorge. Picture from Canva.
9. Zhuilu Outdated Path
Path Issue: Tough
Path Size: 6 kilometers (3.7 miles)
Location: Taroko Nationwide Park, Hualien County
Trailhead: The path is situated in Taroko Gorge, one in every of Taiwan’s most well-known pure points of interest. The trailhead is accessed by crossing a bridge at Swallow’s Grove, one of many fashionable 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 beneath.
And no, there aren’t any rails.
The trail was initially constructed within the 1800s as a searching path by the native Truku aboriginal tribe, who lend their identify to Taroko Gorge. If the path appears slender now, it was solely one-third as huge once they first made it!
Right this moment the path is situated inside Taroko Nationwide Park and begins from one of many parks most well-known scenic spots, although few folks notice this when stopping there.
Due to the apparent dangers, permits are required from this one, and so they aren’t straightforward to get. Due to this fact, going with an skilled and English-speaking native information is really useful. I like to recommend Island Life Taiwan for this one.
Walami Path. Picture by Nick Kembel.
10. Walami Path
Path Issue: Reasonable
Path Size: 4 to 11.2 kilometers – quick and lengthy choices (2.5 to 7 miles)
Location: Yushan Nationwide Park, Hualien County
Trailhead: The path begins close to Nan An Waterfall simply outdoors of Yuli city in southern Hualien County. The best method 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 possibility to see a number of macaques.
Most day hikers go so far as Shanfeng Waterfall. This portion of the path is rated straightforward and will be finished in a couple of hours with no 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 entails spending an evening at Walami Cabin, two permits are required.
Yushan, the tallest mountain in Northeast Asia. Picture from Canva.
11. Yushan Peak
Path Issue: 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 points of interest.
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 needs to be in your radar, because it’s top-of-the-line hikes on this planet and is a problem, as properly.
Yushan (玉山, additionally referred to as Jade Mountain) is the best peak in Taiwan and Northeast Asia at 3,952 meters (12,966 toes), which is 176 meters (577 toes) taller than Mt. Fuji in Japan.
Yushan Nationwide Park is incorporates greater than 30 peaks above 3000 meters (9,843 toes) and is considerable in wildlife and fauna. Regardless of its massive measurement, the park is relative distant and inaccessible.
The mountaineering path to the height of Yushan is rated troublesome however can in truth be finished with anybody with average mountaineering expertise, even older youngsters or younger youngsters.
Many individuals spend the evening at Dongpu upon arriving, then start the ascent the following morning. They spend the second evening at Paiyun Lodge, then rise early to soak up the dawn from Yushan Peak.
It is not uncommon to witness a dawn above a sea of clouds within the valleys far beneath 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 daily. Due to this — in addition to the hike’s immense reputation — you’ll must guide properly prematurely. Going with a guided group comparable to Taiwan Adventures is very really useful.
For those who’re in search of one thing actually memorable so as to add to your Asia journey itinerary, you definitely gained’t neglect this unbelievable hike!
A bamboo forest on Ruitai Historic Path. Picture by Nick Kembel.
12. Ruitai Historic Path
Path Issue: Reasonable
Path Size: 6.4 kilometers (4 miles)
Location: Chiayi County
Trailhead: This one-way path begins within the small mountain village of Ruili (瑞里) 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 will also be finished in reverse. Minibuses from Chiayi Metropolis to Ruili are rare, with just a few per day.
Path Map: Click on right here for the Ruitai Historic Path.
About this Taiwan Path:
This historic path within the searching grounds of the native Tsou aboriginal tribe is likely one of the finest methods to admire bamboo forests and soak up lovely Taiwan nature.
Virtually the whole path runs by means 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 mountaineering trails in Alishan Nationwide Scenic Space close by. You may count on to come across few to no different hikers on this one.
As a result of there are so few buses to Ruili, it’s vital to plan your transportation to and from the path.
Taiwanese macaques on Shoushan (Monkey Mountain). Picture from Canva.
13. Monkey Mountain (Shoushan), Kaohsiung
Path Issue: Straightforward – Reasonable
Path Size: 5.1 kilometers (3.2 miles)
Location: Kaohsiung Metropolis
Trailhead: The path begins behind Longquan Temple (萬壽山龍泉禪寺), northwest of the Kaohsiung metropolis middle. There are a community of trails overlaying 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 mountaineering trails within the far south of Taiwan, one which stands out is Monkey Mountain in Kaohsiung Metropolis.
Monkey Mountain is known as for the truth that you might be just about assured to see troops of macaques there.
There’s a huge community of mountaineering trails overlaying Shoushan and Chaishan mountains, however a preferred circuit entails going as much as Monkey Rock and again.
For those who simply wish to see the macaques, you don’t must stroll far in to see them, so this hike could possibly be quick and rated straightforward.
As a result of the macaques are used to people, they’re slightly fearless and identified to seize objects from folks. Warning needs to be taken, and by no means feed the macaques.
Click on right here to take the free mountaineering character quiz!
Greatest Motels In Taiwan
Click on right here to browse resorts in Taiwan!
Desire self-contained stays?
Click on right here to take a look at distinctive native leases!
You can too use this map to seek for native stays:
Renting A Automobile In Taiwan
The most effective methods to get round — particularly in the event you’re seeking to do a couple of completely different Taiwan mountaineering trails — is to lease a automobile.
Use Uncover Automobiles to rapidly evaluate your automobile rental choices.
Their comparability instrument does the homework for you, so there’s no have to have up 10+ tabs attempting to determine which firm is probably the most reasonably priced. Really, it can save you as much as 70% utilizing their instrument!
Lively Excursions In Taiwan
- Taipei Metropolis Bike Tour with Elephant Mountain Mountain climbing Expertise
- Zhuilu Outdated Path From Hualien: The Greatest One Day Hike in Taiwan
- Full-Day Non-public Northern Taiwan Tour from Taipei with Pickup
Click on right here to take the free mountaineering character quiz!
What finest mountaineering trails in Taiwan would you add to this listing?
