Recommended itinerary: 3D3N Jiaming Lake Trek
1. Where is Jiaming Lake?
Jiaming Lake lies on an alpine meadow on the southeastern side of Sancha Mountain at an elevation of approximately 3,310 metres. The lake is located within the Siangyang National Forest Recreation Area near Taitung in southeastern Taiwan It is the second-highest alpine lake in Taiwan, after Cuichi Lake in Xueshan.
2. How to get to Siangyang National Forest Recreation Area?
The nearest major city is Taitung, which is approximately 2–3 hrs drive from the trailhead. However, most travellers coming from Taipei take a train (apporx. 4 hrs ride) to the nearby town of Chishang, followed by a 1.5 hr drive to the trailhead.
3. When is the best time for the Jiaming Lake hike?
The best time to hike Jiaming Lake is during the dry seasons: October to December and April to May, when the weather is generally stable and the skies are clear, providing the most scenic views of the alpine landscape. From late December to early March, the trail is often snow-covered, and climbers may need crampons and proper winter gear. Snow usually melts by March, although in some years it can persist into mid-March depending on conditions. During the summer months (July to September), the area is more prone to typhoons, which can lead to permit cancellations or changes in itinerary.
4. What is the booking process like?
To increase your chance of getting the hiking permit, you should book the trip with us as early as possible – at least 2 months before your climb date. We will require 50% deposit to proceed with the permit application. If the permit application is successful, you are required to pay the balance payment in full to confirm your climb with us. If the permit application is not successful, we will refund the full 50% deposit back to you.To increase your chance of getting the permit, we recommend going for non-balloting slots for foreigners. Please see the next point.
5. Is there another way to get guaranteed hiking permit permit?
The National Park does provide non-balloting slots to foreigners for weekday climbs (Sunday to Thursday). However, slots are limited (18 foreigner slots) and application has to be made more than 4 months in advance so that we can “snatch” the slots as soon as they are released 4 months before climb date.
6. What are the accommodations available for the Jiaming Lake hike?
There are two mountain lodges along the trail: Xiangyang Mountain Lodge (4.3 km from the trailhead) and Jiaming Lake Mountain Lodge (8.4 km from the trailhead). To better space out the hiking distances, our itinerary includes two nights at Jiaming Lake Mountain Lodge. While there is also a camping option at Jiaming Lake Campsite, it does not offer priority reservations for foreign hikers. To improve your chances of securing a permit, we strongly recommend staying at the mountain lodges instead of camping.
7. Are sleeping bags provided?
Yes, sleeping bags will be provided. They will be transported by the communal porter and handed to you upon arrival at the mountain lodge.
8. Are there shower facilities at the mountain lodge
There are no shower facilities at the lodges. You may bring wet wipes and body powder for personal cleaning, but please remember to carry all your rubbish down the mountain.
9. Are there chargers or power outlets at Jiaming Lake Mountain Lodge?
No, Jiaming Lake Mountain Lodge does not have dedicated chargers or guaranteed power outlets. Be sure to bring a portable power bank (10,000 mAh or higher) to keep your phone, camera, or other devices charged.
10. How difficult is the Jiaming Lake hike?
The trailhead is at an elevation of around 2,230 m, while Jiaming Lake sits at 3,310 m. For this trek, we will be staying at Jiaming Lake Mountain Lodge, which is roughly at the same elevation as the lake. This means the elevation gain on day one will be more than 1,100 m. Below are the hiking distances and estimated durations for each section of the trek.
Day 01: Xiangyang National Forest Recreation Area → (2.7K, 70 minutes) → Forest Road 2.7K Trailhead → (1.6K, 60 minutes) → Xiangyang Mountain House → (1.6K, 100 minutes) → Xiangyang Famous Trees → (1.5K, 80 minutes) → Xiangyang Mountain West Trailhead → (1.0K, 40 minutes) → Jiaming Lake Refuge Hut
Day 02: Jiaming Lake Refuge Hut → (3.3K, 90 minutes) → Sancha Mountain Trailhead → (1.3K, 35 minutes) → Jiaming Lake → (4.6K, 180 minutes) → Jiaming Lake Refuge Hut
11. What training do I need to prepare for the trek?
Engage in exercise at least twice a week for 8 weeks or more before the trek. Suitable activities include mid-distance jogging (~5 km) or stair climbing (~60 stories) to condition your body for the climb. Those who are less accustomed to regular exercise may benefit from a longer period of conditioning.
12. Are meals provided during the trek?
Meals will be prepared and served at the lodges for the entire duration of the trek, except for lunches on the trail. The lodge meals are typically Chinese-style dishes, such as porridge, noodle soups, and rice with vegetables and meat. For trail lunches, you should bring portable snacks like energy bars, biscuits, bread, nuts, and raisins. These should be purchased in advance from convenience stores in Taipei or Chi Shang.
13. Is drinking water provided during the trek?
There is no water source along the trail except at the lodges. Boiled water will be available for refills at the lodges every morning and evening at no extra cost. Please bring a heat-resistant water bottle for refilling.
14. What temperatures can I expect in the mountains?
Temperatures vary with altitude and season. Daytime temperatures on the trail are typically 10–20 °C, while nighttime and early-morning temperatures around the lodge and Jiaming Lake are usually in the single digits and can drop below zero.
15. What clothing is recommended for the Jiaming Lake trek?
For the trek, wear a quick-dry synthetic shirt (short- or long-sleeved) as your base layer, a good-quality fleece or woolen pullover as the mid layer, and a thick windproof jacket as the outer layer. Waterproof and windproof trekking pants are recommended, along with woolen gloves, a beanie, and a scarf for extra protection against the cold.
16. What kind of footwear is recommended for the Jiaming Lake trek?
Bring a pair of well-broken-in trekking shoes with good traction. Mid- or high-cut shoes are preferred over low-cut ones, as they provide better ankle support and help keep loose soil and debris out of your shoes.
17. Are trekking sticks necessary for this trek?
Hiking sticks are useful for extra traction on uphill sections and help reduce strain on your joints when descending.
18. Do I need any specialized equipment for the trek?
The trail is generally well-defined, but it is steep in sections with significant elevation gain, especially on the first day to Jiaming Lake. The terrain includes dirt paths, rocky sections, and some loose soil, and near the summit, scrambling may be required to navigate steeper areas. The trail can also be muddy or slippery after rain or during snowmelt. Except for a set of cold wear, a good pair of trekking shoes, a headlamp and trekking sticks you do not need other specialized equipment for this trek. Upon booking confirmation, a detailed packing list will be provide to you to help you pack for your trip.
19. Do you provide hiking sticks or crampons for rent?
Yes, hiking sticks can be rented for SGD 5 per piece, and crampons can be rented for SGD 30 per pair. They will be provided to you before the hike begins.
20. Where can I leave my extra luggage or belongings while hiking?
You may store your extra belongings/luggage at the Jiaming Lake Mountain Lodge or in your vehicle and collect them after your trek. We recommend that you keep your belongings secured with padlocks. Do not leave any valuables behind in the lodge. We are not liable for any loss of your belongings.
21. Will porters be provided for the trek?
Porters are not included in our standard itinerary for this trek as you can leave your extra belongings/luggage at the Jiaming Lake Mountain Hut . However, we can help to arrange for a porter if you require one.
22. How much does it cost to hire a porter?
|Porters are available for hire, but they are relatively expensive, costing around SGD 700–900 per porter for the entire trip. Each porter can carry up to 15 kg, so the cost can be shared among members of your group.
23. Is altitude sickness a concern on this climb?
The trail reaches a maximum altitude well above 3,000 m, which is high enough for altitude sickness to be a potential concern. For more information on symptoms, prevention, and treatment, please refer to this link: High Altitude Sickness – Travel Doctor
24. Does the trek package include travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in the trek package. We strongly recommend that you arrange your own travel insurance before embarking on the Jiaming Lake hike.
25. Is a refund available if the trek is cancelled due to weather?
For the safety of hikers, the National Park may cancel or suspend the trek in the event of adverse weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or lightning risk. Since such situations are considered acts of God (beyond human control), no refunds will be issued.
26. Can I be picked up or dropped off at a location other than Taipei City?
While it is possible to arrange an alternative pickup location, additional transportation costs may apply to cover the driver. For instance, Taoyuan Airport is about 50 km west of Taipei City, so direct airport pickups will incur extra charges. Simply let us know your requirements, and we will ensure that any additional costs are communicated upfront.
27. Is a 2D1N trek possible instead of a 3D2N trek?
A 2D1N option is possible but not recommended for most hikers. It involves long hiking hours each day with significant elevation gain and descent, making the trek more physically demanding and less enjoyable. Our 3D2N itinerary allows for better pacing, improved acclimatization, and a safer overall experience. We strongly recommend the 3D2N option unless you are an experienced and very fit hiker.