Hiking maps and other resources.

Taiwan hiking maps come in many shapes and forms, but with one common element - they're only in Chinese. The main printer of quality topographical maps is Sun River 上河. Their 1:25,000 TM__ series of 22 maps focusing on the top 100 peaks and key trails, plus a guide to mountain flowers and printed on weather/abuse-proof plastic is probably the most useful for hiking the high mountains. The accompanying hiking times and gradient charts seem accurate. Their 1:50,000 M__ (1-25) series seems to be out of print now with only certain maps still in stock, a pity as they covered some areas not on the TM__ series.

The M__ (40-47) series covers the hills around Taipei. M__ (31-36) follows an (often imaginary) "Green day hikes" route N-S over mid-level mountains and valleys just west of the main high mountains. Sun River also have a series of comprehensive Northern Taiwan hiking maps, and atlas-like books for all of Taiwan (1:50,000).
For regular navigation of Taiwan's roads, the free bilingual maps published by the Tourism Bureau are usually more than adequate. These are clear, marked with most appropriate places, and contain very few mistakes!!! In the collection there is a general Taiwan map, and separate maps dedicated to Northern Taiwan; Central Taiwan; Eastern Taiwan and Offshore Islands; and Southern Taiwan. The reverse is packed with lots of tourist information. Airports and tourist offices should have these - often you need to ask, failing that, politely suggest that they look in the bulging cupboard behind them.
Of interest to some hikers will be Sun River's coffee table map/photo books introducing the Top 100 peaks, and maps published by the forestry department for various excellent trails - why are these so hard to come by??? The Tourism Bureau's site has links to some good (and mediocre) maps. The Taiwan Mountain Magazine (pictured in first picture above) is a delight to look at even if you don't read Chinese. The googlemaps-based site CubePoint seems to work well. We are willing to annotate some maps with English, contact us at barkingdeerinfo@gmail.com

Richard Saunder's excellent Taipei day trips and Yangmingshan guides are available at the Community Services Center.

Of course Lonely Planet Taiwan (remember to get the most up to date edition) and the Rough Guide have lots of practical advice. Check out Lonely Planet author Robert's blog Pashan for great (and well written) Taiwan hiking suggestions.

Books not to do with hiking but worth noting: 'Private Prayers and Public Parades' by Mark Cantonhill. And 'Keeping up with the War God' by Steven Crook.

Let's not forget Taiwan's premier English-language bulletin board, Forumosa, for all sorts of information and sophisticated discussion.

Southern-Cross Highway

The Southern Cross-Island Highway runs west to east from Tainan to Taidung county. It is wonderfully scenic, and probably the best way to travel through the mountains in southern Taiwan. The least traveled of the cross-island roads, expect few cars even at the busiest times.
This is highway 20, not highway 9 much further to the south - a more practical, busy, and not particularly stunning route. If you need to get to the East quickly and reliably travel south to No 9, if you want to see the best of Taiwan wander up No 20!From the peaks near the highest point big views can be expected - including of Yushan.

Many sections are as breathtaking as Taroko - 'private Hawaii' was the phrase someone used recently when describing it.
The Jhongjhihguan (Jhong-jr-guan) trail and the hike up to Taguan Peak are mostly through forest.

The east side of Yakou tunnel (2,722 meters altitude, km marker 147) is one of the easiest and best places for the sunrise over a sea of clouds experience. Much better than Alishan in my humble opinion - no train, but there is guy with his illegal van/coffee machine attempting to provide the Starbucks experience.
Arrive at Lidao on the right day and expect a hangover the next.
The Guanshanlingshan (Guan-shan-ling mountain) climb is mostly without shade, but affords first class 360 views.Some other notes: It's possible to go the whole across in one day, much better though to make two days of it. Try to travel the higher parts of the Southern Cross as early as possible in the day as mist and clouds are more likely in the afternoon and evening. In the rainy season and after typhoons do not be surprised if sections are closed due to landslides etc. If needing more advice or a custom tour contact Richard at barkingdeerinfo@gmail.com Will fill out this post more soon!

Snow Mountain DIY

Hike Snow Mountain by yourself.

Snow Mountain is Taiwan's second highest - and an excellent choice if wanting to do a prominent peak by public transport and without a guide.

Embarrassingly known by many names including Shei, Syue, Hsieh, Xue, Sheui, Hsueh, Swei, it is in Shei-Pa National Park (the 'Pa' refers to another distinctive mountain Da 'Ba' Jian). It is is the highest point (3,886m) in the the Snow mountain range (the other ranges being the Eastern Coastal, Alishan, Central, and Yushan) and is Taiwan's second highest after Yushan. It is regarded by some as being more beautiful than, Yushan. For this reason - as well as the relative ease in getting permits we recommend foreign hikers, especially coming from Taipei, consider hiking Snow. It is possible to climb without a guide and using public transport (let us arrange the direct shuttle bus from Taipei). Having your own transport makes getting to and around Wuling Farm a bit easier though.

Snaps from a 2010 hike http://picasaweb.google.com.tw/barkingdeerinfo/SnowMay10#


There are several excellent hiking routes in Shei-Pa park including:

• Standard Snow main peak hike - 2/3 days.

• The Holy Ridge 'O' loop - a challenging 5/6 days.

• The Sixiu '4 shows' - 4 peaks over 3,000m 3/4 days.

• The west ridge 7 days.

• Dabajian standard ascent 3/4 days (beautiful route from Hsinchu County)

• Dabajian to Wuling traverse. 4/5 days.

These and other routes can be linked up for longer trips.

This post introduces the standard ascent of Snow main peak.

This hike starts from Wuling Farm/Wuling National Forest Recreation Area in Taichung County. But in practical terms it is closer to Yilan County or even Taroko Gorge. There are four main ways of getting there.

1. From Taipei on Freeway 5 via the new 13km long Hsuehshan tunnel, linking up with highway 7/7jia. This is the quickest (3½ hours) and easiest route. We can arrange a shuttle bus service directly from Taipei Main Station to Wuling.
2. From west central Taiwan via Puli, He-Huan Mountain, and the now down-at-heel Lishan. (Freeway 3, highways 14, 14 jia, 8, 7jai. Note: Freeway 6 is now open, linking Freeway 3 with Puli) This is a very scenic route but is best only if you are into enjoying most of a day traveling on winding roads.
3. From Taoyuan or Hsinchu over the scenic and often foggy North Cross-island highway (No 7 meeting up with 7jai). Allow 5/6/7 hours for this drive.
4. From Taroko. A trip to Wuling can (and should) be combined with a visit to the fantastic Taroko Gorge. Continue up No 8 beyond Tiensiang in the gorge, meeting No 7jai at Lishan. Allow half a day - enjoy it!

Notes: The formerly quickest way from west-central Taiwan on highway 8 is still closed between Guguan and Lishan. Rumor has it it may be opened to some traffic later this year - do not plan on it though. The free tourist maps available at airports and visitor centers are more than adequate for navigation. Two buses a day run from Taipei/Yilan, and one from Puli to Wuling.

Within Wuling
Wuling was originally (well, after the indigenous population were not to be found there anymore, that is) established as a farm for retired soldiers. In recent years it has taken on a more recreation-focused role and the the farming has largely disappeared. It is a very pleasant area with the Formosan Salmon Protection Area Cijaiwan River running through it. Key places include the Wuling Hotel (near the entrance), Visitor center, police station (where if we haven't obtained for you already you must apply for a 'mountain permit' - different from the 'National Park permit'), various orchards, Wuling Cottage from where you can do the day hike to Taoshan waterfall, campgrounds, and the trailhead for Snow mountain. These are mostly several kilometers from each other, thus, we suggest you have your own transport.

Hiking Snow
National Park permits must be applied for at least 10 days (1 month better) in advance and cannot be applied for on the spot at Wuling. Email us at barkingdeerinfo@gmail.com and we can do all the paperwork for you - hard to do if you don't read/write Chinese, and haven't done it before. We will need the dates you plan to hike, your names, dates of birth, and passport numbers. If the application is successful (aim to hike on weekdays) we will email the permit as a PDF file and mail by conventional post a package including an indestructible topographical map annotated in English (see below) more detailed hiking notes, and as much advice as you desire. For this we charge NT$1900 (US$65) per group. If requested, we can arrange custom guided trips.

The number of hikers/permits is limited to spaces available in the huts/shelters - must apply to sleep in these. The shelters most relevant to this hike are, Chika (Qika), an easy hike only 2km from the trailhead and the higher-up Sanliojeou (369). The small Tswei-chr (Emerald pond), and beautifully located North Peak hut (within close range of the North Peak and the magnificent Dragon's spine) involve hauling all your gear over the main summit.

Visitor Center Area - 9.8km uphill (by car if desired) - Trail head (2,140m water, toilets, carpark) where your permits are inspected - 2km (on foot now) - Chika hut (2,500m large barrack-style bunk platform-beds rooms - space for 130 people, campground, water, toilets) - 3km - East Peak 3,201m - 2.1km - Sanliojeou (369) hut (space for 106 people, water-may be frozen in winter, toilets, no space to camp) - 2.6km - 'black' forest and start of Glacial Cirque - 1.2km - main summit 3,886m. A total of 10.9 km from trail head to summit.

For 'most' people it is recommended you stay in the huts for two nights. Everyone is different in their abilities and preferences - decide what is appropriate for you. Remember you are at altitude and may experience extremes of heat/cold you are not used to, only the very fittest and experienced should plan on staying on the trail only one night. Typical itinerary: Day 1. travel to Wuling, mid afternoon hike from trailhead to Chika hut. Day 2. Hike, via East peak, to Sanliojeou (369) hut. Day 3. Arise early, summit, return to trail head. Some people will be able to start hiking early on Day 1 and aim directly for Sanliojeou, some prefer to plan a later start from Sanliojeou Hut for the summit and spend an extra night there or Chika. Tell us clearly your dates and hut booking preferences - these must be specified on the permit application. Better to be over-cautious/conservative than be caught short of time or energy on the trail.

There is no bedding or cooking facilities at the huts, you must bring your own stove, utensils, gas, cooking pots, food, and sleeping bag. Other things you should have are: light hiking pants, warm fleece pants - in winter, spare underwear, wide-brimmed hat, warm hat, warm gloves, 2 pair spare socks, toilet paper - not tissue paper, headlight - fresh batteries, inner layer breathable shirt (not cotton!), 2 fleece layers - one light one heavy, toothbrush - toothpaste, sunblock, rain jacket, hiking boots - must be broken in and in good shape (remember most good shoes/boots are designed to disintegrate for recycling purposes after a couple years!), personal medicine etc, sleeping mat, backpack - must have good hip belt, backpack cover, bags to waterproof spare clothing/sleeping bag, water bottles - 2 liters, cell phone - CH telecom best, compass, water purifying gadget/tablets, maps (Barking Deer can supply).

We also appreciate having these things with us: hiking poles, sandals to wear at huts, shorts, glasses (better than contact lenses), entertainment - reading material/mp3, camera - spare battery/memory card, silica drying packs, first-aid kit, repair kit, Diamox for altitude sickness - do your own research on this.

Dogs not allowed. Not needed: technical climbing gear or crampons for most of the year. From December to March crampons and iceaxes may be needed.

The trail is obvious (but be careful in the 'Black forest' especially in low light), clean, and well serviced with bilingual signs and noticeboards.