Trips Taiwan

Syue Shan & Dapajian Shan - The Classic Holy Ridge Trek

The Shei-Pa National Park contains some of the most well-known and spectacular peaks in Taiwan, amongst which are Syue Mountain ( Snow Mountain ) and Dapajian Mountain, known as the Matterhorn of Taiwan.

Dapajian, at 3,492-m, is among the highest and most spectacular on Taiwan. This is the most notable peak in the northern section of the Syueshan ( Snow Mountain ) Range, and is surrounded by terrain almost as precipitous as itself.

The mountain is sacred to the Atayal tribe; in the past they tried to dissuade climbers from ascending the mountain, taking them only as far as the Dapa ridge. As the mountain is set in deep valleys on all sides and has only the ridge and a tower before the peak, most climbers were only able to get as far as the ridge, or as far as 140 meters up the tower, before returning down the mountain. However, the mountain has been consistently climbed since 1927, when a team of climbers slipped away from their guide and found a way up the mountain.

In 1959 wooden railings were built on the mountain to aid climbers. These were replaced by iron railings in 1971 when the effects of weathering and a steady stream of climbers had rendered the wood dangerous. Iron rungs continued up to the summit of Tapachien Mountain until recently, when they were removed because the stone of the mountain face is brittle and dangerous. In 1970 the forest services opened a new route that starts by the Matala River at Kuanwu.

The Sheng Ling Sien ( or The Holy Ridge Trail ), refers to the trail along the mountain ridge between Syue Mountain & Dapajian Mountain. The entire trail is above 3000m and extends for 15 kilometres. In 1928, Japanese climber Numai Tetsutaro described it in his article, "Behold this Holy Ridge ! Who can fully accomplish this climb from Dabajian Mountain to Syue Mountain ? Who can be crowned with the laurel of victory, and be the first to tell of the truth and beauty of the journey ?" Since then, this trail has been called 'The Holy Ridge', and generally acknowledged by mountain climbers as one of the most beautiful trails in Taiwan and the cherished trek of many a trekker in Taiwan.

Note that certain portions of this trek is very steep and fixed ropes are used for ascent / descent, and may also be physically very taxing. It's a trek for the fit, prepared and those looking for a challenge.

Standard Inclusions:
* Local airport transfers ( airport coaches )
* Local land transfers: city <-> trailhead ( private charter bus or van )
* Full accommodation arrangement: basic no-frills budget hotels in Taichung & Taipei, and mountain dormitory hostel on trek
* Full mountain trekking arrangement ( including Class A mountain climbing permit & experienced local mountain guide, meals, and park entry fees )

Bonus Inclusions:
* Free GCS to tune up your fitness to the desired level
* Experienced Singapore Trek Leader from BOAC for group of 10 persons or more

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

The most suitable times for climbing Snow Mountain are from October to December and March to April. From January to February snow often blocks the trails completely; from April to May is the rainy season, when violent rainstorms contribute to landslides; and from June to September is the typhoon season, when high winds across the mountain face are dangerous to climbers. 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.

Wildlife present in the vicinity of the mountain includes Taiwan black bear, deer, squirrels, white-faced flying squirrels, newts, and frogs. There are also a number of rare shrubs, such as the Taiwan sassafrass, and 61 types of flowering plants, including the impatiens flower and ground-covering fragrant grasses, orchids, and many types of alpine flowers. The area is famous for a rare and nearly extinct species of fish called the landlocked salmon (also called brook masu salmon) which used to range in rivers all across the area of the current national park but is now restricted to one small stretch of unpolluted water in the Chichiawan Creek.

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 NT 3500 to NT 4000 ( S$ 150 to 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.