Hehuanshan (合歡山) also known as Joy Mountain is one of the most accessible sections of the Central Mountain Range. The surrounding peaks of Hehuan Main Peak, East Peak, North Peak, West Peak and Shimen are all above 3,000m high. At a mean annual temperature of only 6ºC, Hehuanshan has cool summers and cold winters and has good visitor’s infrastructure – an ideal place to enjoy some great hikes with the comfort of amenities nearby.

ITINERARY

Day 01

TAIPEI – DAYULING

Leave Taipei City (metro station or hotel) for homestay in Dayuling (~5 hrs. drive) in the late afternoon (5pm). Check-in to the homestay and turn in early for the next day‘s trek.

Overnight: Homestay in Dayuling

Day 02

DAYULING – NORTH PEAK – WEST PEAK

After your homestay breakfast, you will be transferred to the trailhead to begin your hiking adventure. The total hiking distance for today is 13.4 km and will take about 9-10 hours to complete. The relatively easy 1.5 hours trek to the North Peak (合歡北峰; 3422m) acts as a prelude to the more challenging trek to the West Peak (合歡西峰; 3,145m). The trail to the West Peak is well-known for its humps; 5 ups and downs altogether with some scrambling towards the top. The scenic trail meanders through different terrains from bamboo forest, pine forest to meadow with blooming mountain flowers. After a well-deserved break at the summit, you will descend to the trailhead where you will be transferred back to your homestay.

Overnight: Homestay in Dayuling

Day 03

MOUNT SHIMEN – SONG XUE LOU – EAST PEAK – MAIN PEAK – WU LING – TAIPEI

Wake up early in the morning for breakfast and then don your headlamp for the 1 hour sunrise trek to the summit of Mount Shimen (石門山; 3,237m) – probably the easiest of Taiwan’s “Hundred Peak” to climb. Observe how the surrounding peaks and ridges develop firmer edges and take shape as the rising sun’s warmth disperses away the enveloping clouds and mist. After sunrise, you will trek down for an hour towards Song Syue Lodge (松雪楼; 3,150m) – highest mountain lodge in Taiwan – where the East Peak trailhead is located. Proceed for a 2 hours return trek to the East Peak (合歡東峰; 3,421m) follow by another 1.5 hours return trek to the Main Peak (合歡主峰; 3,416m). You will end the trek at Wuling (武嶺) a saddle between the Main Peak and the East Peak. At 3,275m high, it is the highest automobile pass in Taiwan. Thereafter you will be transferred back to Taipei.

Package includes:

• All land transport from Taipei City to Park and back
• Two nights’ accommodation in Dayuling
• Local trekking guide
• Entrance fees
• 2 x breakfast and 2 x dinner

Package excludes:

• Return international air tickets
• Travel insurance
• Additional transport for different pickup/drop off locations and timings (e.g. Taoyuan Airport pickup/return will incur extra cost)
• All meals not indicated above (lunches are not included, please bring along trail food)
• Porters to carry personal belonging
• All expenses of a personal nature

HIKING GRADE

OPTIONAL PROGRAM

List of mountain hikes we offer in Taiwan are as below. They can be combined to form a longer itinerary.

2D2N Yushan (Jade Mountain) Climb

2D2N Xue Shan (Snow Mountain) Climb

3D3N Xue Shan (Snow Mountain) & Cui Pond Climb

2D2N Hehuanshan 

3D3N Dabajianshan

3D3N WuLing Sixiu

4D4N Nanhu Dashan

2D2N Qilai Nanfeng & Nanhuashan

TESTIMONIALS

See latest reviews on our Google page!

The guide, Mr Lu, was very professional, kind and nice to us! Despite disruptions in our plans due to the rainy weather, he always had alternative options for us. His driving skills were superb, winding through sharp bends for hours where there was so little visibility and still maintaining a positive and optimistic outlook. All these on top of taking us through long hikes makes him one of the most resilient and nicest person I’ve known! Thank you!

- Xin Han (Group of 6 on a 5D4N Xueshan & Hehuanshan trip in May 2019)

Mountain guide is very friendly. He brings us around to try local delights and share with us local stories and facts.

- Wan Lin (Group of 6 on a 5D4N Xueshan & Hehuanshan trip in May 2019)

The guide was very experienced and friendly. He also plans the ascend and descend schedules very well and is able to walk at a comfortable pace for the team.

- Ruobing (Group of 6 on a 5D4N Xueshan & Hehuanshan trip in May 2019)

Why 5 stars? There key difference was the 雪山 summit climb. On the way up, we met at least two groups that turned back because the trail was completely snowed over. There were doubts and we thought this was going to be an anti-climax. However, when we reach the snow line, our guide hacked through the top layer of hard snow so that our clamp-on spikes could dig into the softer bottom layer. Without doing this, it was not possible for inexperienced climbers to summit. He could have simply said "Let's turn back, this is too dangerous". It was act of professionalism backed by long experience, sound judgment and supreme fitness.

– Chee Wai (Group of 10 on a 3D3N Xueshan trip in Mar 2019)

Honorable mention to the guide, whom was the driver too. Her energy and dedication throughout the trek makes the trip very worthwhile, even though the view at the summit was spoiled by the poor foggy weather. Our team would gladly scale another mountain in taiwan with her as the guide again, if we had the chance.

– Jonathan (Group of 5 on a 2D2N Yushan trip in Mar 2018)

The whole organisation was prepared smoothly prior to the trip. The ample of times attending to the enquiries and the notes given had definitely been useful. For transport, guide (and driver), food, activities, accommodation - they were pleasant. The van provided was spacious especially the legroom, and even had enough room to store our bag packs. The guide and driver were very accommodative, for an instance, stopping the van to allow us take some photos before proceeding to the trail head. Additionally, both tried their best to attempt to make conversations in English. As per food and activities, it was great. The food complimented the next activity well, an example, we were provided rice instead of noodles on the day before our summit push and back to the trail head. It was essential since we had to have plenty carbohydrates for the long trek ahead.

– SR (Group of 5 on a 2D2N Xueshan trip in Oct 2017)

Thanks Ying! You've been very helpful and professional! We truly enjoyed ourselves 😊

– Johan (Group of 9 on a 2D2N Xueshan trip in Jan 2017)

Thanks so much for Organising the Taiwan trip. The 2 mountains were amazing and the guides were great! Everyone enjoyed the trip and were able to make it down from both mountains safely!

– Shaun from NUS Mountaineering Club (Group of 10 on a 5D4N Xueshan -Yushan Climb in Dec 2016)

Read more at testimonials!

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DISCLAIMER

IWT LLP, acts only as an agent for The Client in acquiring transportation, accommodations, sightseeing, trekking and other services for The Client’s benefit, and on the express condition that IWT LLP shall not be liable nor responsible for any loss (including without limitation, direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential loss, economic loss), damage, mishap, bodily injury, death, delay, defect, omission or any irregularity that may be caused to The Client, third parties or properties. IWT LLP is to be released from all liabilities deriving from acts of terrorism, hijacking, civil unrest, natural calamities, labour strikes, thefts or any other factors beyond IWT LLP’s control. Any losses and expenses are to be borne by The Client. In the event that IWT LLP is found liable by a court of competent jurisdiction on any basis in relation to The Client’s booking done via IWT LLP, IWT LLP’s maximum liability to the client is limited to the cost of the booking in question. See our full Terms and Conditions.