Mastering Mount Yushan: Thrilling 3-Day Hiking Guide

About Mount Yushan

Mount Yushan, also known as Jade Mountain, reigns as the highest peak in Taiwan, standing proudly at 3952 meters above sea level. Its majestic presence is further accentuated by its array of subsidiary peaks, including the eastern peak (3869 masl), northern peak (3858 masl), southern peak (3844 masl), and western peak (3467 masl).

One of the famous mountains in Taiwan for locals and foreign hikers. Before obtaining an entry permit, you must secure your slot at the Paiyun Lodge. The management uses a lottery draw to allocate slots. Draw results are announced one month before the hike date.

Planning my Return Trip to Taiwan:

1. Destination Selection:
   • Decided to explore other places in Taiwan that were missed during my time as an expatriate.
   • Chosen to hike Mount Yushan, following previous hikes at Mount Pulag and Mount Daraitan.
2. Visa-Free Travel:
   • Excited to learn that Taiwan offers visa-free entry.
   • Successfully secured a slot at Paiyun Lodge for accommodation during the hike.

Preparations for the Journey:

1. Flight Booking:
   • Secured my plane ticket well in advance.
2. Route Planning:
   • Researched and identified a route to reach Dongpu Lodge before the day of my hike.
   • Saved the timetable for buses and the High-Speed Rail (HSR) to facilitate my journey.

Day 1: Heading to Dongfu Lodge

I arrived at Taoyuan International Airport early in the morning. I purchased a SIM card and an EasyCard (for bus payments) and waited for the bus service to begin operations.

Navigating the Route:

1. Bus Ride (705) to Taoyuan HSR.
2. Taoyuan HSR to Chiayi HSR via High-Speed Rail.
3. Shuttle Bus (7211/7212) to Chiayi TRA. (Note: Present your HSR ticket for a free ride.)
4. From Chiayi TRA, proceed to the opposite side of the station.
5. Board Bus (7322) bound for Alishan bus station.
6. At Alishan bus station, transfer to Bus (6739) and alight at Tatajia bus stop.

While walking, I encountered bad luck as the temperature began to drop unexpectedly. I didn’t anticipate a hailstorm, and despite having my raincoat, my bags and shoes got wet. I submitted my permit to the Yushan National Park and the police station, then proceeded to the Dongpu Lodge. I paid for my reservation and rested.

Day 2: Hike to Paiyun Lodge

At Dongfu Lodge, I met Jeffrey Arias’ group and joined them. We walked to the Yushan National Park to submit their permit, and the staff offered to store my other bag with them. Then, they submitted their permit to the police station

From the park, it’s about a 1.2 km distance to the Tataka trailhead. It’s advisable to ride a van (100 NT$ per person) to get to the Tataka trailhead.

The total distance from the Tataka trailhead to the Paiyun Lodge is 8.2 km. You can reach the lodge in approximately 4 to 6 hours, depending on your physical fitness.

The trail was well maintained and easy to follow. Every 500 meters, there is a trail marker.

At last, we reached the Paiyun Lodge(3,402 masl).

Day 3: The Summit

We woke up around 2 AM, prepared our things, and ate our breakfast. Before beginning our hike, we prayed for guidance and safety on our journey to the summit

The first part of the trek was fine for me. I could walk with the group easily. When I felt the air thinning due to the high altitude, I started to breathe slowly. Perhaps it was due to altitude sickness.

The challenging part came during the final ascent. It was very cold, and I felt my hands becoming numb. All the hikers who had reached the top started to descend, passing by my way. So, I needed to wait for all of them to pass so that I could continue on the way to the summit using the metal chains.

I’m very thankful for reaching the summit top. It’s the first time I’ve done a solo international climb. Although it was foggy at the peak when I took photos.

Useful Links and Contacts:

1. Online Application Site for Park Permit:
   • Website: https://npm.cpami.gov.tw/en/index.aspx
2. Yushan National Park Headquarters Park Entry Service Unit:
   • Phone Number: +886-49-2348209
3. Dongpu Lodge:
   • Website: https://dongpusky.tw
   • Phone Numbers: 0492702213 or 927186777
   • Email: [email protected]

*Note: Once you secure a slot in Paiyun Lodge, you can request the park entry service unit to book/reserve a slot for you in Dongpu Lodge.

Acknowledgements:

Special thanks to the following individuals and groups:

1. JM Saguil:
   • For providing a helpful DIY guide.
2. Group led by Jeffrey Arias:
   • For allowing me to join their hike.
3. Taiwanese individual at the parking area (Shangdongfu):
   • For kindly dropping me off at Alishan bus station. (Apologies for not getting his name.)

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey to hike Mount Yushan for three days is an unforgettable experience, especially for first-time hikers. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit is incomparable. It’s a journey that tests both physical endurance and mental resilience, but also rewards with breathtaking views and a newfound appreciation for nature’s beauty. For first-time hikers, conquering Mount Yushan is not just a hike, but a transformative adventure that ignites a passion for exploration and fuels the desire for more outdoor adventures in the future.