Trips Taiwan

Yushan ( Jade Mountain ) Summit Circuit 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).

A good introduction for the 1st-time trekker will be the 2-day Yushan Tatajia Trek. For more variety, a good choice will be the 3-day Yushan Traverse Trek. If your aim is to attempt more-serious mountain trekking, by devoting a further 2 days to the mountains, you'll have enough time to climb more or all of the surrounding peaks in Yushan National Park.

This is an ambitious peak bagging outing - the super fit can try for as many as 11 peaks but a more realistic goal will be about 5-6 peaks. Hikers must have good equipment, good hiking skills & knowledge, good endurance and in very good physical condition. Hence this is a trek only for the experienced, super-fit and well-prepared trekker

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 and is a straight-forward trail that's not overly taxing nor dangerous. Along the way here, 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 2 hours. Because winds are particularly strong at a certain spot near the peak ( it is aptly named 'Wind Mouth' ), a chain fence here keeps climbers from being blown off the mountain which has actually happened in the past.

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 at Paiyun Hut on Mt Yushan
* Full mountain trekking arrangement ( including Class A mountain climbing permit, experienced local mountain guide, 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 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.