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Yushan ( Jade Mountain ) - Tatajia Trek

Yushan (玉山 ) is situated in the Yushan National Park (玉 山 國家公園) and soars 3952 meters (12,962 feet) above sea level. It has 11 peaks, of which the highest are the Main Peak and the North Peak, 3858 meters (12,654 feet).

Just 3 hours' drive from Taichung city, the usual approach to Jade Mountain begins at Tatachia where there is a Visitors' Center (塔 塔 加 遊客中心). The walk from Tatachia to Paiyun Hostel (排雲山 莊) where trekkers spend the 1st night is 8.5km long and takes about five hours. Along the way, visitors will pass through the "white forest," a scenic grove of trees weathered white by the elements. In order to see sunrise, climbers generally get up at about 3 a.m. and with flashlights, start the final climb to the summit. The slopes become much steeper than those on the walk up from Tatachia, and this climb will take about 2 hours. Because winds are particularly strong at a certain spot near the peak ( which is aptly named 'Wind Mouth' ), a chain fence here keeps climbers from being blown off the mountain which has actually happened in the past.

After viewing the magnificent sunrise, most people retrace the route down to Paiyun Hostel and Tatachia.

Note: Most trekkers go back the way they came back to Tatajia trailhead, but if you are fit and a good climber there is no reason why you shouldn't take the alternative route on to the forest recreation and hot springs town of Tungpu (東埔) . On the trail leading all the way down to Tungpu ( which adds an extra day to the trek ), climbers will discover many spectacular scenes including several waterfalls. Do take note that this walk is long and more strenuous. Be prepared to spend at least one full day hiking down. It is a four-hour climb down to the lush, green alpine meadow at 3,000 meters altitude, known as Patungkuan (八通 關) . From there, it is another six hours' walk, or more, to Tungpu. See our other itinerary Yushan Traverse Trek on this descent route.

Standard Inclusions:

*  Local land transfers Taichung to trailhead/end
* Full accommodation arrangement: hotels in Taichung and mountain dormitory hostel during trek
* Full mountain trekking arrangement ( including Class A mountain climbing permit, experienced local mountain guide, and park entry fees )
* Pre-trip briefing

Exclusions:

* International flights & all airport taxes
* Visa if required
* Local airport transfers
* All meals & beverages during trip, except for meals which are included in the trek package arrangement
* Travel insurance, medical immunizations, personal travel / trekking gear

We recommend taking the airport bus from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to Taichung and return. It is very convienient, easy and much more cost economical than private transfer.

Part 2 ( day 2 ) of this Jade Mountain trek - the summit phase - is steep and rocky, and rockfalls and crumbling cliff faces are often encountered by climbers. Layers of rock that are visible in places attest to the collision of tectonic plates that created the Central Mountain Range. The wide open expanse of rock face allows strong winds to arise suddenly. Climbers on Jade Mountain are aided in dealing with the high winds and steep slopes by some 100 meters (328 feet) of chains.

The average yearly temperature at altitudes above 3,500 meters ( 11,483 feet) is 5 degrees Celsius; above 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) it is 10 degrees C. Annual rainfall is 3,000 to 4,700 mm (117-183 inches), with the rainy season lasting from May to August. The best time to climb the mountain is during the dry season, which lasts from October through December. From January to March, deep snows on the upper reaches of the mountain make climbing without experience and the proper equipment difficult and dangerous at times.

Self-sufficiency and good personal outdoor gear is required and essential for an enjoyable outing. With temperatures expected to be -7deg Celsius ( or lower ) with strong wind and possible rainfall, hikers need to be well-equipped with layers of good waterproofs ( both top and bottom ), quality insulation clothing ( fleece jackets, pants, gloves and warm hat ), and synthetic thermal wear ( either polyester or polypropylene fabrics ). Hiking boots with good ankle-support, synthetic socks and knee guards are essential for those with weak knees. Sleeping bags are not provided and these need to be brought along. To carry all these, a good backpack is essential as it’ll make the difference between comfortable carrying or a miserable & painful time on the trail as long trekking hours are to be expected.

Trekkers also need to carry their own personal gear on the trek. For those who’re unable to or unwilling carry a heavy backpack, portage service are available but very costly at about NT4000 ( S$200 ) per day. So best to tune up your fitness levels by training hike with a moderately heavy backpack ( 8-12kg ) before your trip for a few hours each week.