Purposely keeping this short and sweet.
Paiyun Lodge 'at the very earliest' will reopen late October 2012. We shall see...
Baiyang Trail (original route) is open again. We have seen.
Shakadang Trail will be closed for some time due to damage caused by Typhoon Soala. Don't want to see.
Most other stuff as normal. Take care!
Showing posts with label Yushan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yushan. Show all posts
Monday, August 6, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Paiyun continued...
Paiyun continued...
It
may surprise my some of my friends (if they were really listening to me
in the last couple years), but I do have a life beyond figuring out
options for climbing Yushan.
The main cabin on Yushan - Paiyun Lodge - made the English news today. I have reproduced the article from the Taipei Times below that makes public some of the rumors I have been hearing. A couple minor errors, and dodgy interpretations, but gives you a flavor of the issues involved
My conclusions: The conventional approach to Yushan (staying in Paiyun) may not be available as hoped for this spring/summer. This legal argument could drag on some time - I hope I am wrong.
In the meantime if you are fit and have good mountain hiking experience, and really want to get to the highest point in Taiwan, then the only half-sensible option is the tough single-day ascent. If you just want to do fantastic hiking in great mountains, then consider other trails such as Snow Mountain, the Hehuan area, and in greater Taroko. Taiwan has much, much more than Yushan (Jade Mountain). Richard HikeTaiwan@gmail.com
Yushan National Park (YSNP) have announced (well not really announced - more sheepishly let slip out that is) that:
Once Paiyun reopens, foreigners will pay three times what Taiwanese will for the use of the lodge. Their reasoning is that ‘this is what happens overseas’, and ‘is to cover the cost of bilingual services’. I ask - does this make it right, or a good overall idea? What bilingual services? Their website, trail signs, hiking maps, signs at Paiyun, and other advice is the worst of the other equivalent Taiwan organizations - Taroko NP, Shei-pa NP, Forestry Bureau etc.
Another issue: once Paiyun reopens, foreigners will not be allowed (regardless of being able to prove extensive experience on serious Taiwanese or foreign mountains) to apply for single day ascents. Idiotic! Unsafe!
Quick FAQ notes:
Complaints raised over Yushan lodge
Yushan National Park Administration may have violated the Government Procurement Act (政府採購法) and the Construction Industry Act (營造業法) in the reconstruction of the Pai Yun Lodge (排雲山莊), a source said.
The lodge is a rest building for hikers, located 3,400m above sea level. It can accommodate 82 hikers in the main building and 20 in its camping area. Due to the heavy traffic on Yushan hiking trails, the park administration decided to refurbish the lodge and add a second floor in 2010. However, environmental protection groups opposed the plan on grounds that it might cause an ecological disaster.
To allay those concerns, the administration spent NT$1.3 million (US$43,946) in 2009 commissioning outside sources to evaluate the lodge project, and in 2010 spent another NT$900,000 on environmental and ecological monitoring.
Construction began in October 2010, but was soon met with protests.
A reader who tipped off the Liberty Times (the Taipei Times’ sister newspaper) on the alleged violations said the park administration had torn everything down except a few walls, and was actually rebuilding the whole building under the guise of refurbishing.
The administration’s methods to sidestep environmental criticism were in themselves very controversial, the reader said.
The reader said that in an effort to evade inspection by the Public Construction Commission and to be able to apply for green architecture labels, the park administration said it was only spending NT$40 million, but the estimates deliberately omitted the expense of airlifting materials by helicopter, which would have brought expenditures close to NT$100 million.
The park administration may have violated the law, the reader said, adding that it was illogical that the designers weren’t looking into the matter because there was such a serious breach of design.
Deputy park administration Director Wu Hsiang-chien (吳祥堅) said that while it was true that there were some additional fees in the construction process, any such fees would be handled through contracts.
The original budget for the construction stood at NT$45 million, and the winning construction bid came in at NT$38 million, Wu said. However, due to multiple design changes during construction process, the budget had been increased to NT$44 million.
The differences in the design conception of the construction and the design companies may cause the cost to increase to more NT$50 million, but no costs had been omitted from the budget quotes, Wu said.
The project is currently 93 percent complete, the park administration said, adding that it had asked the construction company to expedite work and finish quickly to avoid inconveniencing domestic and foreign hikers.
‧ The Yushan National Park Administration spent NT$1.3 million (US$43,946) in 2009 on outside sources to evaluate the lodge project.
‧ It spent NT$900,000 on environmental and ecological monitoring.
‧ The original budget for the project was NT$45 million, but the winning bid was NT$38 million.
‧ Multiple design changes have boosted the budget to NT$44 million.
‧ A complaint says the true cost may reach NT100 million.
It
may surprise my some of my friends (if they were really listening to me
in the last couple years), but I do have a life beyond figuring out
options for climbing Yushan.The main cabin on Yushan - Paiyun Lodge - made the English news today. I have reproduced the article from the Taipei Times below that makes public some of the rumors I have been hearing. A couple minor errors, and dodgy interpretations, but gives you a flavor of the issues involved
My conclusions: The conventional approach to Yushan (staying in Paiyun) may not be available as hoped for this spring/summer. This legal argument could drag on some time - I hope I am wrong.
In the meantime if you are fit and have good mountain hiking experience, and really want to get to the highest point in Taiwan, then the only half-sensible option is the tough single-day ascent. If you just want to do fantastic hiking in great mountains, then consider other trails such as Snow Mountain, the Hehuan area, and in greater Taroko. Taiwan has much, much more than Yushan (Jade Mountain). Richard HikeTaiwan@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------
A couple other bits of (early March) info/personal observations.Yushan National Park (YSNP) have announced (well not really announced - more sheepishly let slip out that is) that:
Once Paiyun reopens, foreigners will pay three times what Taiwanese will for the use of the lodge. Their reasoning is that ‘this is what happens overseas’, and ‘is to cover the cost of bilingual services’. I ask - does this make it right, or a good overall idea? What bilingual services? Their website, trail signs, hiking maps, signs at Paiyun, and other advice is the worst of the other equivalent Taiwan organizations - Taroko NP, Shei-pa NP, Forestry Bureau etc.
Another issue: once Paiyun reopens, foreigners will not be allowed (regardless of being able to prove extensive experience on serious Taiwanese or foreign mountains) to apply for single day ascents. Idiotic! Unsafe!
Quick FAQ notes:
- No camping at Paiyun.
- The main peaks are not open yet (early March) but possibly will be by April.
- If wanting great hiking on great mountains - and not ‘needing’ to do Yushan - consider some of Taiwan’s other mountains.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Complaints raised over Yushan lodge
BROKEN LAWS? One complainant said the park was actually rebuilding the entire lodge, not refurbishing it, and that the true cost was being kept a secret
Yushan National Park Administration may have violated the Government Procurement Act (政府採購法) and the Construction Industry Act (營造業法) in the reconstruction of the Pai Yun Lodge (排雲山莊), a source said.
The lodge is a rest building for hikers, located 3,400m above sea level. It can accommodate 82 hikers in the main building and 20 in its camping area. Due to the heavy traffic on Yushan hiking trails, the park administration decided to refurbish the lodge and add a second floor in 2010. However, environmental protection groups opposed the plan on grounds that it might cause an ecological disaster.
To allay those concerns, the administration spent NT$1.3 million (US$43,946) in 2009 commissioning outside sources to evaluate the lodge project, and in 2010 spent another NT$900,000 on environmental and ecological monitoring.
Construction began in October 2010, but was soon met with protests.
A reader who tipped off the Liberty Times (the Taipei Times’ sister newspaper) on the alleged violations said the park administration had torn everything down except a few walls, and was actually rebuilding the whole building under the guise of refurbishing.
The administration’s methods to sidestep environmental criticism were in themselves very controversial, the reader said.
The reader said that in an effort to evade inspection by the Public Construction Commission and to be able to apply for green architecture labels, the park administration said it was only spending NT$40 million, but the estimates deliberately omitted the expense of airlifting materials by helicopter, which would have brought expenditures close to NT$100 million.
The park administration may have violated the law, the reader said, adding that it was illogical that the designers weren’t looking into the matter because there was such a serious breach of design.
Deputy park administration Director Wu Hsiang-chien (吳祥堅) said that while it was true that there were some additional fees in the construction process, any such fees would be handled through contracts.
The original budget for the construction stood at NT$45 million, and the winning construction bid came in at NT$38 million, Wu said. However, due to multiple design changes during construction process, the budget had been increased to NT$44 million.
The differences in the design conception of the construction and the design companies may cause the cost to increase to more NT$50 million, but no costs had been omitted from the budget quotes, Wu said.
The project is currently 93 percent complete, the park administration said, adding that it had asked the construction company to expedite work and finish quickly to avoid inconveniencing domestic and foreign hikers.
‧ The Yushan National Park Administration spent NT$1.3 million (US$43,946) in 2009 on outside sources to evaluate the lodge project.
‧ It spent NT$900,000 on environmental and ecological monitoring.
‧ The original budget for the project was NT$45 million, but the winning bid was NT$38 million.
‧ Multiple design changes have boosted the budget to NT$44 million.
‧ A complaint says the true cost may reach NT100 million.
Friday, December 30, 2011
2011 Round-up
Hope you all enjoying the holiday season - and that you will have time in 2012 to explore Taiwan more.
An end-of-year round-up:
Firstly, most trails/roads/cabins in most places open and in proper working order.
As usual, Yushan Main Peak Trail (from Tatajia) will close for the month of February for all hikers. Snow and ice on the trail will probably mean this being extended well into March.
The renovation of Paiyun Lodge (the main cabin on Yushan) is ongoing. Officially it is to open “after Chinese New Year”, I predict it will the summer at the earliest. We can still arrange single-day ascents (only for the fit and experienced) after the mountain reopens in March/April.
A much needed bus service between Sun Moon Lake and Alishan (via Tatajia) has been launched. Buses leave at 07:00 and 09:00. Single trip ticket: NT$307, return: NT614. More details later.
Repairs to bridges on the Walami Trail have been completed.
We’ve recently scouted out areas in the south damaged by Typhoon Morakot in 2009:
The Southern Cross-island Highway (#20, the ‘nan-heng’) remains closed to visitors between Meishan on in the west and Xiangyang on the east. There has been lots of work done to make the road passable, we hope it may open to some traffic in 2012.
The road to Tengjhih is passable but in rough shape. The Forest Recreation Area is scheduled to reopen in August.
Shanping will be closed to all visitors for at least another year or two.
Maolin and Wutai are open to visitors. Roads are generally in OK shape, lots of reconstruction work being done to roads and trails.
The wonderfully-located Tienchr Cabin reconstruction - on the Neng-gao (Cilai South) Trail is very close to completion. Should be open for use in the spring.
The highway running through Taroko Gorge is usually open. In the next few months expect delays occasionally at the east end of the Swallow’s Grotto (where there was a large landslide November 2011) and just west of Tianxiang.
Birders can look forward to the 2012 Dasyueshan (aka Anmashan) Bird Race on April 13 and 14th. As well as being one of the best places to bird in Taiwan, foreign teams qualify for free accommodation. Contact the bird society - or me for further advice.
Two useful and practical apps for traveling around Taiwan have been launched. Here and Taiwan Adventures.
Steve Crook’s handy Does and Don’ts in Taiwan is now available in Kindle format.
An end-of-year round-up:Firstly, most trails/roads/cabins in most places open and in proper working order.
As usual, Yushan Main Peak Trail (from Tatajia) will close for the month of February for all hikers. Snow and ice on the trail will probably mean this being extended well into March.
The renovation of Paiyun Lodge (the main cabin on Yushan) is ongoing. Officially it is to open “after Chinese New Year”, I predict it will the summer at the earliest. We can still arrange single-day ascents (only for the fit and experienced) after the mountain reopens in March/April.
A much needed bus service between Sun Moon Lake and Alishan (via Tatajia) has been launched. Buses leave at 07:00 and 09:00. Single trip ticket: NT$307, return: NT614. More details later.
Repairs to bridges on the Walami Trail have been completed.
We’ve recently scouted out areas in the south damaged by Typhoon Morakot in 2009:
The Southern Cross-island Highway (#20, the ‘nan-heng’) remains closed to visitors between Meishan on in the west and Xiangyang on the east. There has been lots of work done to make the road passable, we hope it may open to some traffic in 2012.
The road to Tengjhih is passable but in rough shape. The Forest Recreation Area is scheduled to reopen in August.
Shanping will be closed to all visitors for at least another year or two.
Maolin and Wutai are open to visitors. Roads are generally in OK shape, lots of reconstruction work being done to roads and trails.
The wonderfully-located Tienchr Cabin reconstruction - on the Neng-gao (Cilai South) Trail is very close to completion. Should be open for use in the spring.
The highway running through Taroko Gorge is usually open. In the next few months expect delays occasionally at the east end of the Swallow’s Grotto (where there was a large landslide November 2011) and just west of Tianxiang.
Birders can look forward to the 2012 Dasyueshan (aka Anmashan) Bird Race on April 13 and 14th. As well as being one of the best places to bird in Taiwan, foreign teams qualify for free accommodation. Contact the bird society - or me for further advice.
Two useful and practical apps for traveling around Taiwan have been launched. Here and Taiwan Adventures.
Steve Crook’s handy Does and Don’ts in Taiwan is now available in Kindle format.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Fall & Winter 2011 Open Hikes.
Scheduled guided hikes (open to anyone) in the next months.
Full Moon Festival long weekend.
Join us for 1,2 , or 3 days for fun hiking in Taroko Gorge for Mid-Autumn Festival. As well as checking out most of the main sights (Shakadang, Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow’s Grotto, Lyushui-Heliou Trail, Tianxiang etc) we will focus on one or two excellent trails. Last-minute arrivals welcome. All you have to do is to take the bus/train to Taroko, be ‘reasonably’ fit, and possess sensible walking clothes/shoes.
Day 1. Saturday September 10th: Wenshan-Lyushuei Trail, easy 4-7hours. Plus lots of main gorge sights.
Day 2. Sunday September 11th: Zulun Mountain 1599 meters elevation, 5-7 hours hiking. Not far from the Lotus Pond and the trail to the Jhucun/Meiyuan Trail. Plus lots of main gorge sights on the way up/down. Option to ride bicycles back down to guesthouse.
Day 3. Monday September 12th (a public holiday in Taiwan) Dali-Datong Trail: I will be doing the moderately hard route. Option available for those wanting a tougher option - and a very easy stroll. Finish with a little rivertracing.
Price NT$ 2,400 per day or $ 5,900 for the 3 days. Includes: shuttle from Taroko (aka Xincheng/Sincheng) Train Station, good nearby guesthouse accommodation, breakfast//dinner/snacks, local transport - and me guiding throughout. As well as the general, fun stuff, I will be focusing on the flora and fauna of Taroko.
Note, reserved train seats the whole way to Taroko/Hualien that weekend will be very difficult to book. Better to take Kamalan Bus from Taipei to Yilan or Luodong, and then local train to Xincheng. It works - quick and cheap too.
General Gorge photos.
___________________________________
October 10th National Day Long Weekend.
Similar to Full Moon weekend above, but hopefully including Jhueilu (Vertigo) and Baiyang Trails. October 8/9/10.
___________________________________
American Thanksgiving TBA
____________________________
November Sunday 27th Yushan Single-day Main Peak hike.
We travel to the trailhead the 26th from cities on the west coast. Can be back in Taipei etc on 27th night. As the single-day option is only suitable for the hiking-fit. See previous posts as to why 2-day options etc are not possible. Repeat only for those in above average condition. Must be arranged well in advance.
____________________________________
Snow Mountain December 2, 3, 4.
We will travel via the west coast and Taipei to Wuling Farm. Standard route to Taiwan’s second highest mountain. Backup destination (should permits prove hard to get) may be Nanhu Mountain - Taiwan’s most beautiful mountain according to 90% of Taiwan hikers. Book early.
____________________________________
New Year Taroko - main gorge and fantastic viewpoint sunset/sunrise hike.
Friday December 30th. General great stuff in the gorge. Stay in guesthouse.
Saturday December 31st. Solid 3-6 hour hike via the remote Dali Village to almost the summit of Liwu Mountain. That night we will sleep in the local aboriginal chief’s house - simple, no electric, but warm quilts in dorm-style rooms, good food, and fantastic views.
Sunday January 1st. Arise and walk 15 minutes to the ridge - at 1,200 meters elevation, and similar horizontal distance from the Pacific Ocean. Hard to imagine a more stunning place to welcome the new year in. Hike 3-5 hours via Datong Village down to the Shakadang Trail and back to the gorge proper.
Other Taroko Tours can be arranged for the unfit/lazy/on a different level.
Richard
HikeTaiwan@gmail.com
Full Moon Festival long weekend.
Join us for 1,2 , or 3 days for fun hiking in Taroko Gorge for Mid-Autumn Festival. As well as checking out most of the main sights (Shakadang, Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow’s Grotto, Lyushui-Heliou Trail, Tianxiang etc) we will focus on one or two excellent trails. Last-minute arrivals welcome. All you have to do is to take the bus/train to Taroko, be ‘reasonably’ fit, and possess sensible walking clothes/shoes.
Day 1. Saturday September 10th: Wenshan-Lyushuei Trail, easy 4-7hours. Plus lots of main gorge sights.
Day 2. Sunday September 11th: Zulun Mountain 1599 meters elevation, 5-7 hours hiking. Not far from the Lotus Pond and the trail to the Jhucun/Meiyuan Trail. Plus lots of main gorge sights on the way up/down. Option to ride bicycles back down to guesthouse.
Day 3. Monday September 12th (a public holiday in Taiwan) Dali-Datong Trail: I will be doing the moderately hard route. Option available for those wanting a tougher option - and a very easy stroll. Finish with a little rivertracing.
Price NT$ 2,400 per day or $ 5,900 for the 3 days. Includes: shuttle from Taroko (aka Xincheng/Sincheng) Train Station, good nearby guesthouse accommodation, breakfast//dinner/snacks, local transport - and me guiding throughout. As well as the general, fun stuff, I will be focusing on the flora and fauna of Taroko.
Note, reserved train seats the whole way to Taroko/Hualien that weekend will be very difficult to book. Better to take Kamalan Bus from Taipei to Yilan or Luodong, and then local train to Xincheng. It works - quick and cheap too.
General Gorge photos.
___________________________________
October 10th National Day Long Weekend.
Similar to Full Moon weekend above, but hopefully including Jhueilu (Vertigo) and Baiyang Trails. October 8/9/10.
___________________________________
American Thanksgiving TBA
____________________________
November Sunday 27th Yushan Single-day Main Peak hike.
We travel to the trailhead the 26th from cities on the west coast. Can be back in Taipei etc on 27th night. As the single-day option is only suitable for the hiking-fit. See previous posts as to why 2-day options etc are not possible. Repeat only for those in above average condition. Must be arranged well in advance.
____________________________________
Snow Mountain December 2, 3, 4.
We will travel via the west coast and Taipei to Wuling Farm. Standard route to Taiwan’s second highest mountain. Backup destination (should permits prove hard to get) may be Nanhu Mountain - Taiwan’s most beautiful mountain according to 90% of Taiwan hikers. Book early.
____________________________________
New Year Taroko - main gorge and fantastic viewpoint sunset/sunrise hike.
Friday December 30th. General great stuff in the gorge. Stay in guesthouse.
Saturday December 31st. Solid 3-6 hour hike via the remote Dali Village to almost the summit of Liwu Mountain. That night we will sleep in the local aboriginal chief’s house - simple, no electric, but warm quilts in dorm-style rooms, good food, and fantastic views.
Sunday January 1st. Arise and walk 15 minutes to the ridge - at 1,200 meters elevation, and similar horizontal distance from the Pacific Ocean. Hard to imagine a more stunning place to welcome the new year in. Hike 3-5 hours via Datong Village down to the Shakadang Trail and back to the gorge proper.
Other Taroko Tours can be arranged for the unfit/lazy/on a different level.
Richard
HikeTaiwan@gmail.com
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Taiwan trails, roads, bridges, birds - and Yushan.
Taiwan trails, roads, bridges, birds - and Yushan.
No typhoons!?! Not a bad summer - so far. Tip of the day: The best time for hiking in Taiwan is spring and fall but usually ANY month is excellent somewhere.
Work on the entrance to the Baiyang Trail and Wenshan Hotsprings in Taroko Gorge seems to be progressing smoothly. The tunnel entrance for Baiyang (currently accessible from a new trail starting behind the protestant church in Tienxiang) will be enclosed in a rock slide tunnel. Could be finished this year. The large concrete bridge near the waterfall was destroyed last month, work to replace it (with something less substantial) is likely to start soon. The trail will be closed for the second half of August 2011 to allow the cliffs to be ‘swept’ (刷坡) of loose rocks and railings replaced.
Also reportedly soon (maybe this year) to reopen are the Wenshan Hotsprings.
Have updated earlier comments on Taroko options.
The Southern Cross-island Highway (Number 20) remains closed at its highest section following Typhoon Morakot in 2009. The highway department has officially announced it will not ‘rebuild’ it but attempt to ‘maintain’ it.
Residents of Namaxia (formerly Sanming) in Kaohsiung fear the section of Highway 20 from Jiaxian northwards will not be fully rebuilt. Currently the road is passable.
The section of road from Wutai to Ali will not be rebuilt. This is effectivly the end for the village of Ali. The old forest roads/hiking trails beyond here, leading to the mountains around the ghost lakes remain utterly impassable.
Highway 21 between kilometer 121 and 145K (essentially between Tatajia and Dongpu) will only be open to traffic between 7am and 5:30 pm for the immediate future. This is due to unstable road conditions in this area. This may be relevant to hikers coming off Yushan and hoping to soak sore legs in Dongpu’s hot springs. If needing further information (in Chinese), phone the relevant roads office at 049-2791511. Road to Alishan (and on to Chaiyi etc) usually open to most vehicles.
Another bird race is to be held on November 12th and 13th at Tatajia - the trailhead for Yushan, 20km from Alishan. If wanting to compete, contact Elva at the Wild Bird Society, or me (will accept absolute novices on my team).
The Walami Trail is closed until mid November to allow for repairs on the first couple bridges on the trail after Nanan. Should be on schedule.
All Shei-pa National Park trails seem to be open. My earlier musings on the proposed rebuilding of Banan Cabin (to the south of Daba) were sadly wrong. There are no plans to replace this beautifully-located shelter.
Yushan
A reminder: The only, sort-of, sensible options for getting to Yushan’s summit at the moment is either a single-day ascent from Tatajia, or camping at the high up Yuan-fong campsite/small cabin. In my opinion the single-day is preferable. If wanting a simple, fun, hiking experience consider other mountains.
When applying (paper/snail-mail option only) for permits, hikers must prove experience at on a high mountain. Proof - in the form of photos of you on a serious summit (or in snow...) seems to do the trick. Most hikers will start hiking at 2 or 3am from Tatajia (the highway, not the trailhead proper - handy van shuttle not possible) and return very tired between 2pm and 7pm. The National Park has the sensible, and enforced, rule that hikers must make it to Paiyun Lodge before 10am - or not be allowed further up the mountain.
This is all due to Paiyun Lodge still being unfinished. My prediction (based on discussions with numerous relevant people, and dependant on typhoons/snow/acts of humans) is that the cabin will not be effectively operating until spring 2012.
Richard
HikeTaiwan@gmail.com
No typhoons!?! Not a bad summer - so far. Tip of the day: The best time for hiking in Taiwan is spring and fall but usually ANY month is excellent somewhere.
Work on the entrance to the Baiyang Trail and Wenshan Hotsprings in Taroko Gorge seems to be progressing smoothly. The tunnel entrance for Baiyang (currently accessible from a new trail starting behind the protestant church in Tienxiang) will be enclosed in a rock slide tunnel. Could be finished this year. The large concrete bridge near the waterfall was destroyed last month, work to replace it (with something less substantial) is likely to start soon. The trail will be closed for the second half of August 2011 to allow the cliffs to be ‘swept’ (刷坡) of loose rocks and railings replaced.
Also reportedly soon (maybe this year) to reopen are the Wenshan Hotsprings.
Have updated earlier comments on Taroko options.
The Southern Cross-island Highway (Number 20) remains closed at its highest section following Typhoon Morakot in 2009. The highway department has officially announced it will not ‘rebuild’ it but attempt to ‘maintain’ it.
Residents of Namaxia (formerly Sanming) in Kaohsiung fear the section of Highway 20 from Jiaxian northwards will not be fully rebuilt. Currently the road is passable.
The section of road from Wutai to Ali will not be rebuilt. This is effectivly the end for the village of Ali. The old forest roads/hiking trails beyond here, leading to the mountains around the ghost lakes remain utterly impassable.
Highway 21 between kilometer 121 and 145K (essentially between Tatajia and Dongpu) will only be open to traffic between 7am and 5:30 pm for the immediate future. This is due to unstable road conditions in this area. This may be relevant to hikers coming off Yushan and hoping to soak sore legs in Dongpu’s hot springs. If needing further information (in Chinese), phone the relevant roads office at 049-2791511. Road to Alishan (and on to Chaiyi etc) usually open to most vehicles.
Another bird race is to be held on November 12th and 13th at Tatajia - the trailhead for Yushan, 20km from Alishan. If wanting to compete, contact Elva at the Wild Bird Society, or me (will accept absolute novices on my team).
The Walami Trail is closed until mid November to allow for repairs on the first couple bridges on the trail after Nanan. Should be on schedule.
All Shei-pa National Park trails seem to be open. My earlier musings on the proposed rebuilding of Banan Cabin (to the south of Daba) were sadly wrong. There are no plans to replace this beautifully-located shelter.
Yushan
A reminder: The only, sort-of, sensible options for getting to Yushan’s summit at the moment is either a single-day ascent from Tatajia, or camping at the high up Yuan-fong campsite/small cabin. In my opinion the single-day is preferable. If wanting a simple, fun, hiking experience consider other mountains.
When applying (paper/snail-mail option only) for permits, hikers must prove experience at on a high mountain. Proof - in the form of photos of you on a serious summit (or in snow...) seems to do the trick. Most hikers will start hiking at 2 or 3am from Tatajia (the highway, not the trailhead proper - handy van shuttle not possible) and return very tired between 2pm and 7pm. The National Park has the sensible, and enforced, rule that hikers must make it to Paiyun Lodge before 10am - or not be allowed further up the mountain.
This is all due to Paiyun Lodge still being unfinished. My prediction (based on discussions with numerous relevant people, and dependant on typhoons/snow/acts of humans) is that the cabin will not be effectively operating until spring 2012.
Richard
HikeTaiwan@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Taroko (and Yushan) Spring 2011 updates.
Taroko (and Yushan) Spring updates.
Yushan (Jade Mountain): The official line is that Paiyun Cabin will be open from the end of July. Based on conversations with people who should know, I don’t believe this. I predict maybe a reopening at the very end of this (2011) year. Edit August 2011: best prediction will open spring 2012. Note very tough single-day ascents are still available now...when the mountain opens in the next few days.
Sometimes there is not always time to arrange last minute high-mountain hiking trips. You can’t go wrong with Taroko Gorge for a great range of sights, hikes and nature. See here for some recent photos.
Taroko Trail conditions at the start of April 2011, starting from the eastern ‘start’.
Original map here.
Qingshui (Chingshui) Cliffs at Chungde (崇德步道) 176.4km mark, right after the first tunnel north along the coast. Open.
Dekalun Trail (得卡倫步道). Up the hill behind the National Park headquarters. Open.
Dali-Datong Trail (大禮大同步道) Long, scenic single-day, or couple days. Open.
Shakadang (砂卡礑步道). A very pleasant must-do hike, starts after tunnel not far from National Park HQ. Open.
Eternal Spring Shrine Trail (Changchun, 長春祠步道). An absolute must-do sight. Do the 40-minute loop hike up above the shrine exiting at the nearby Changuang Temple. Few people get beyond the car park. Usually open.
Buluowan Trail (布洛灣－燕子口步道). A good steep path to use down to the main highway - especially if staying at the Leader Hotel. Open.
Swallow’s Grotto Trail (Yanzihkou, 布洛灣－燕子口步道). A very easy stroll that should NOT on any account be missed. Usually open, occasionally closed due to loose falling rocks.
Jhuilu (Vertigo) Trail (錐麓古道) is now open its entire length. Unbeatable! See pictures. Needs both kinds of permits.
Tunnel of Nine Turns Trail（Jiuqudong, 九曲洞步道). A stunning, easy stroll. Currently closed due to rockfalls, a very short section on the western end is sometimes open but is often plagued with tourists from China nowadays.
Lyushui-Heliou Trail (綠水步道). A very pleasant 1-hour loop. The short tunnel is just about manageable without a flashlight. Open - and don’t worry about the signs warning you about snakes and hornets - not a significant worry.
Lyushui - Wenshan Trail (綠水文山步道) A recently reopened trail. Moderatly tough - at start and end some scrambling, and requires/deserves 4 to 5 hours. Permit required but easy to obtain from the the NP police (warden) station at the park headquarters or at Tienxiang (the station on the left going up the hill towards the protestant church...across the street from the regular police station!)
Baiyang Trail (白楊步道). A very, very nice trail, CLOSED due to damage to mountainside at entrance next to highway. Tougher alternative route now available - see below.
Tianxiang - Baiyang Trail (天祥─白楊步道). Recently reopened access to the Baiyang Trail. Toughish and potentially risky in places. Trail starts from the protestant church in Tienxiang village. Please get a permit (easy) from the nearby police station. Easy walking once you get to the original trail that ends at the fun ‘Water Curtain tunnel’. If possible bring a flashlight for the tunnels. Allow 5-6 hours. Edit August 2011: may be closed close to waterfall due to missing bridge and reconstruction work.
Wenshan Hot Springs (文山溫泉). Officially closed for the last few years, park officials suggest it will reopen this year.
Meiyuan Jhucun Trail (梅園竹村). Great 6-hour, fairly-flat path. Officially closed due to landslide damage after the turn of for Lianhua Pond. Usually passable.
Lianhua Pond (Lotus, 蓮花池步道). A very nice 3-hour round hike starting and ending at Huitouwan (6km beyond Tienxiang Village. Don’t get too distracted by the views and walk of the edge. Open.
In addition to these trails, I recommend the following:
The ornamental entrance gate.
In the mid section of the gorge look up and try to spot the Jhuilu Trail - best at eastern end of the Tunnel of Nine Turns.
Take in the splendid Feng-shui of the pavilion at Cimu bridge.
Walk over the suspension bridge next to the Yuefei Pavilion. (The trail on the other side is the end of the very tough 7-8 day Cilai East Ridge Trail that starts at Hehuan Mountain.)
Tienxiang Terrace hike across the bridge and up to the statue and Xiangde Temple.
Remember trail conditions are always changing. Recently delays just after (west of) Eternal Spring Shrine - traffic allowed through on the hour and at lunchtime/morning/evening. Currently no delays at the rockslide after Tienxiang.
Rihang, the owner of Country Garden Hostel in Xincheng at the edge of the gorge May 2012 update - new location, even better place. Click here. has been impressing us with his eagerness to help.His clean hostel/homestay is conveniently located 10 minutes walk (can also pick you up) from Taroko (aka Sincheng/Hsincheng/Xincheng) Train Station. Overall good service - as well as accommodation, transport, and food - he has bicycles to rent. Consider his offer to drive you up to Tienxiang (Tiensiang) or Huitouwan by van and then letting you freewheel the whole way down again - a superb way to see the gorge at you own pace, solving the problem of a proper public bus service. Other fancier accommodation can be arranged.
Accommodation NT$900 per/person private rooms. Includes breakfast.
Bicycle rental (hostel guests or day-visitors) NT$350/ day.
Bicycle rental + shuttle to Tienxiang NT$700 (very good value!)
Contact Rihang at 0922938743 rihangsu@gmail.com. Some English spoken, if having communication problems speak to me at 0938337710 or barkingdeerinfo@gmail.com
Note the 8:40 bus from Hualien to high-mountain Lishan (via the gorge, Tienxiang, Guanyuan, and Dayuling) stops briefly 9.30 at the nearby Sincheng (Xincheng) school. Also buses at 6:30, 10:50, 13:50 from Hualien City (orange building next to train station) take 1.5 hours to Tienxiang. Return leaves Tienxiang at 9:10, 14:00, 16:40, 18:30. Pathetic service considering this is such a top destination for visitors.
For most of the time the gorge is quiet and empty...except when the Chinese tourists arrive on mass. Almost all their tour buses seem to arrive at the main easy sights (Swallow’s Grotto, Eternal Spring Shrine) mid to late afternoon. Be aware.
Recently Chinese (from China that is) tour groups have been booking up train spaces from Yilan to Hualien or Taroko (Sincheng/Xincheng/Hsincheng) to avoid the (un-)fun part of the Su-hua highway. It can be difficult to secure guaranteed train seats if coming from Taipei. Please note: just because there are “no seats available” that does not mean you can’t buy a ticket - and then with a bit of luck find a seat to use for most of the journey. It is possible to get on any train (except the 'Taroko express' and 'tourist' trains) without reserved seats. A trick locals use is to take the bus from Taipei (main bus station, Gamalan Bus Co) to Yilan (either Yilan City, Luodong or Dongshan) and then catch the next local train onwards. As well as saving money and time (bus is quicker...via the Hsueshan Tunnel), it means, at very worst, you may only have to stand a shorter time on the final Yilan to Hualien/Taroko section. No reason for not just going to Taroko again!
Yushan (Jade Mountain): The official line is that Paiyun Cabin will be open from the end of July. Based on conversations with people who should know, I don’t believe this. I predict maybe a reopening at the very end of this (2011) year. Edit August 2011: best prediction will open spring 2012. Note very tough single-day ascents are still available now...when the mountain opens in the next few days.
Sometimes there is not always time to arrange last minute high-mountain hiking trips. You can’t go wrong with Taroko Gorge for a great range of sights, hikes and nature. See here for some recent photos.
Taroko Trail conditions at the start of April 2011, starting from the eastern ‘start’.
Original map here.
Qingshui (Chingshui) Cliffs at Chungde (崇德步道) 176.4km mark, right after the first tunnel north along the coast. Open.
Dekalun Trail (得卡倫步道). Up the hill behind the National Park headquarters. Open.
Dali-Datong Trail (大禮大同步道) Long, scenic single-day, or couple days. Open.
Shakadang (砂卡礑步道). A very pleasant must-do hike, starts after tunnel not far from National Park HQ. Open.
Eternal Spring Shrine Trail (Changchun, 長春祠步道). An absolute must-do sight. Do the 40-minute loop hike up above the shrine exiting at the nearby Changuang Temple. Few people get beyond the car park. Usually open.
Buluowan Trail (布洛灣－燕子口步道). A good steep path to use down to the main highway - especially if staying at the Leader Hotel. Open.
Swallow’s Grotto Trail (Yanzihkou, 布洛灣－燕子口步道). A very easy stroll that should NOT on any account be missed. Usually open, occasionally closed due to loose falling rocks.
Jhuilu (Vertigo) Trail (錐麓古道) is now open its entire length. Unbeatable! See pictures. Needs both kinds of permits.
Tunnel of Nine Turns Trail（Jiuqudong, 九曲洞步道). A stunning, easy stroll. Currently closed due to rockfalls, a very short section on the western end is sometimes open but is often plagued with tourists from China nowadays.
Lyushui-Heliou Trail (綠水步道). A very pleasant 1-hour loop. The short tunnel is just about manageable without a flashlight. Open - and don’t worry about the signs warning you about snakes and hornets - not a significant worry.
Lyushui - Wenshan Trail (綠水文山步道) A recently reopened trail. Moderatly tough - at start and end some scrambling, and requires/deserves 4 to 5 hours. Permit required but easy to obtain from the the NP police (warden) station at the park headquarters or at Tienxiang (the station on the left going up the hill towards the protestant church...across the street from the regular police station!)
Baiyang Trail (白楊步道). A very, very nice trail, CLOSED due to damage to mountainside at entrance next to highway. Tougher alternative route now available - see below.
Tianxiang - Baiyang Trail (天祥─白楊步道). Recently reopened access to the Baiyang Trail. Toughish and potentially risky in places. Trail starts from the protestant church in Tienxiang village. Please get a permit (easy) from the nearby police station. Easy walking once you get to the original trail that ends at the fun ‘Water Curtain tunnel’. If possible bring a flashlight for the tunnels. Allow 5-6 hours. Edit August 2011: may be closed close to waterfall due to missing bridge and reconstruction work.
Wenshan Hot Springs (文山溫泉). Officially closed for the last few years, park officials suggest it will reopen this year.
Meiyuan Jhucun Trail (梅園竹村). Great 6-hour, fairly-flat path. Officially closed due to landslide damage after the turn of for Lianhua Pond. Usually passable.
Lianhua Pond (Lotus, 蓮花池步道). A very nice 3-hour round hike starting and ending at Huitouwan (6km beyond Tienxiang Village. Don’t get too distracted by the views and walk of the edge. Open.
In addition to these trails, I recommend the following:
The ornamental entrance gate.
In the mid section of the gorge look up and try to spot the Jhuilu Trail - best at eastern end of the Tunnel of Nine Turns.
Take in the splendid Feng-shui of the pavilion at Cimu bridge.
Walk over the suspension bridge next to the Yuefei Pavilion. (The trail on the other side is the end of the very tough 7-8 day Cilai East Ridge Trail that starts at Hehuan Mountain.)
Tienxiang Terrace hike across the bridge and up to the statue and Xiangde Temple.
Remember trail conditions are always changing. Recently delays just after (west of) Eternal Spring Shrine - traffic allowed through on the hour and at lunchtime/morning/evening. Currently no delays at the rockslide after Tienxiang.
Rihang, the owner of Country Garden Hostel in Xincheng at the edge of the gorge May 2012 update - new location, even better place. Click here. has been impressing us with his eagerness to help.
Note the 8:40 bus from Hualien to high-mountain Lishan (via the gorge, Tienxiang, Guanyuan, and Dayuling) stops briefly 9.30 at the nearby Sincheng (Xincheng) school. Also buses at 6:30, 10:50, 13:50 from Hualien City (orange building next to train station) take 1.5 hours to Tienxiang. Return leaves Tienxiang at 9:10, 14:00, 16:40, 18:30. Pathetic service considering this is such a top destination for visitors.
For most of the time the gorge is quiet and empty...except when the Chinese tourists arrive on mass. Almost all their tour buses seem to arrive at the main easy sights (Swallow’s Grotto, Eternal Spring Shrine) mid to late afternoon. Be aware.
Recently Chinese (from China that is) tour groups have been booking up train spaces from Yilan to Hualien or Taroko (Sincheng/Xincheng/Hsincheng) to avoid the (un-)fun part of the Su-hua highway. It can be difficult to secure guaranteed train seats if coming from Taipei. Please note: just because there are “no seats available” that does not mean you can’t buy a ticket - and then with a bit of luck find a seat to use for most of the journey. It is possible to get on any train (except the 'Taroko express' and 'tourist' trains) without reserved seats. A trick locals use is to take the bus from Taipei (main bus station, Gamalan Bus Co) to Yilan (either Yilan City, Luodong or Dongshan) and then catch the next local train onwards. As well as saving money and time (bus is quicker...via the Hsueshan Tunnel), it means, at very worst, you may only have to stand a shorter time on the final Yilan to Hualien/Taroko section. No reason for not just going to Taroko again!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Cold Fronts and Hehuan.
This winter has already seen several cold fronts sweep the Taiwan. Visitors to the high mountains should be ready for winter conditions. The Central Weather Bureau has the best forecasts by the way.
Last week saw the pass at Hehuan (the highest place you can drive here) close for a day to all traffic - including 4-wheel drive vehicles fitted with snow chains, as the road was cleared of snow and stranded vehicles. Of course this being Taiwan I’m sure there will be days in the next couple months when shorts and t-shirts will be fine for the easy peaks around there. Be prepared for restrictions on traffic between Dayuling on the north side, and Kunyang not far from Chingjing, and heavy weekend snow-viewing traffic. Also note, it can be more difficult (steeper uphill) coming southwards at the highest elevations. Feel free to ignore the guys selling/renting snow chains at Dayuling, if you continue on without and then start slipping there is sure to be someone nearby to sort you out - for a small price. The daily bus from Taichung to Lishan has been getting across most days. For current conditions, have a Chinese-speaker call the highway department - Puli (埔里工務段) 049-2982066 and Luoshao (洛韶工務段) 03-8691311、03-8691119.
On the subject of Hehuan - please note the hostel next to the road has been closed for the last couple years and the nearby replacements “5-star” Songsyue Hotel and Ski Lodge (hostel) run by the Forestry Bureau can be a pain to deal with. Great location but very can be restrictive and bureaucratic. Often better to stay at the CYC hostel at Guanyun a further away in the direction of Taroko Gorge.
The main route up Yushan (Jade Mountain) via Tataka will close in February, and in view of the recent weather close probably earlier. See previous posts for more info on this subject.
Being further north, the various mountains and ridge walks in Shei-pa (Snow) National Park are now very icy. Hikers should be appropriately prepared.
If planning a hiking trip over the upcoming Chinese New Year, try to schedule (especially if you have no family obligations) getting on the trails, a day or two before everyone else.
May I join the those deploring the adoption of the English-language name ‘New Taipei City’ for the municipality formally known as ‘Taipei County’. There was no good reason not to use the romanization of it’s new Chinese-language name - ‘Xinbei City’. This new name will cause much confusion in the years to come. Taiwan is a great place I’m very proud of, decisions like this are embarrassing.
Some updates on Taroko in the next post.
Last week saw the pass at Hehuan (the highest place you can drive here) close for a day to all traffic - including 4-wheel drive vehicles fitted with snow chains, as the road was cleared of snow and stranded vehicles. Of course this being Taiwan I’m sure there will be days in the next couple months when shorts and t-shirts will be fine for the easy peaks around there. Be prepared for restrictions on traffic between Dayuling on the north side, and Kunyang not far from Chingjing, and heavy weekend snow-viewing traffic. Also note, it can be more difficult (steeper uphill) coming southwards at the highest elevations. Feel free to ignore the guys selling/renting snow chains at Dayuling, if you continue on without and then start slipping there is sure to be someone nearby to sort you out - for a small price. The daily bus from Taichung to Lishan has been getting across most days. For current conditions, have a Chinese-speaker call the highway department - Puli (埔里工務段) 049-2982066 and Luoshao (洛韶工務段) 03-8691311、03-8691119.
On the subject of Hehuan - please note the hostel next to the road has been closed for the last couple years and the nearby replacements “5-star” Songsyue Hotel and Ski Lodge (hostel) run by the Forestry Bureau can be a pain to deal with. Great location but very can be restrictive and bureaucratic. Often better to stay at the CYC hostel at Guanyun a further away in the direction of Taroko Gorge.
The main route up Yushan (Jade Mountain) via Tataka will close in February, and in view of the recent weather close probably earlier. See previous posts for more info on this subject.
Being further north, the various mountains and ridge walks in Shei-pa (Snow) National Park are now very icy. Hikers should be appropriately prepared.
If planning a hiking trip over the upcoming Chinese New Year, try to schedule (especially if you have no family obligations) getting on the trails, a day or two before everyone else.
May I join the those deploring the adoption of the English-language name ‘New Taipei City’ for the municipality formally known as ‘Taipei County’. There was no good reason not to use the romanization of it’s new Chinese-language name - ‘Xinbei City’. This new name will cause much confusion in the years to come. Taiwan is a great place I’m very proud of, decisions like this are embarrassing.
Some updates on Taroko in the next post.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Start of winter notes.
An update on Yushan, Snow Mountain and a friend’s treks.
First, a reminder: Most of Taiwan (south of Taipei and Yilan) has great weather in winter. Get out of grey Taipei!
Shei-pa Permits.
Shei-pa (Snow) National Park have announced some changes to the process of applying for national park permits see announcement (in Chinese). Starting today there will be a ‘waiting list’ function for over-subscribed cabins. Starting January 2011 there will be no need to apply for the Police Permit in addition to the National Park permit. Applies to Shei-pa only but I hope this sensible policy will be adopted elsewhere. I will watch how both of these new policies are put into practice - the devil is always in the tiny details...and update things here.
Yushan
Yushan is, as mentioned before, effectively closed due to the rebuilding of Paiyun Lodge. The only options open are a single-day ascent or staying at the higher and remoter Yuanfong Cabin. THESE OPTIONS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON. If you have the fitness and experience I may be able to help you out with logistics. Expect (not announced yet) Yushan to close as usual for Chinese New Year for the month of February.
Disappointed? Do not forget Yushan is usually very visible from around its Tataka (Tatajia) trailhead. Permits are not required for the excellent day-hikes in the Tataka area.
The roads to Tataka from Chaiyi/Alishan (Highway 18), and from Sun Moon Lake/Dongpu (Highway 21) are reliably open and should remain passable until the next rainy season (summertime) or earthquake.
Some longer treks being led by a Tsao aborigine friend of ours, Xiao Yang (Small Goat) in the new year:
January 6 - 11 Nengao-Antongjun 能高安東軍
February 24 - March 2 Southern Second Section 南二段 (assuming it’s open by then)
March 11 - 20 Southern Third Section 南三段 (hope to join him on this one)
March 31 - April 5 Cilai East Ridge 奇萊東稜
Dates listed are only for the core hiking dates and do not include travel or extra days. If interested in joining in please email or call Xiao Yang's wife, Sarah Tsai, hikingfun.tour@gmail.com 0972218185 (speaks excellent English) to register, or see their website http://www.hikingfuntour.com/website/ (in Chinese).
As of December 1st 2010:
All Shei-pa (Snow Mountain) National Park hiking/trekking trails open.
All Taroko hiking/trekking trails open.
Most of Yushan National Park trails closed (including the Southern Second Section, Batongguan etc). Some special exemptions may be possible for trails starting around Jiaming Lake. If you read Chinese have a look at this document on the state of the Batongguan Trail...not cheery. A couple interesting observations about the increase in sanbar deer and the emerging eastward erosion of the Chen-you-lan River/Kinmen Tong landslide.
Jiaming Lake, Nengao, Bei Dawu open.
Southern Cross-island Highway closed from Meishan to Xiangyang. Some rumors of possible opening.
And remember, many of Taiwan’s trails can be very tough going, only attempt what you really are ready for!
First, a reminder: Most of Taiwan (south of Taipei and Yilan) has great weather in winter. Get out of grey Taipei!
Shei-pa Permits.
Shei-pa (Snow) National Park have announced some changes to the process of applying for national park permits see announcement (in Chinese). Starting today there will be a ‘waiting list’ function for over-subscribed cabins. Starting January 2011 there will be no need to apply for the Police Permit in addition to the National Park permit. Applies to Shei-pa only but I hope this sensible policy will be adopted elsewhere. I will watch how both of these new policies are put into practice - the devil is always in the tiny details...and update things here.
Yushan
Yushan is, as mentioned before, effectively closed due to the rebuilding of Paiyun Lodge. The only options open are a single-day ascent or staying at the higher and remoter Yuanfong Cabin. THESE OPTIONS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON. If you have the fitness and experience I may be able to help you out with logistics. Expect (not announced yet) Yushan to close as usual for Chinese New Year for the month of February.
Disappointed? Do not forget Yushan is usually very visible from around its Tataka (Tatajia) trailhead. Permits are not required for the excellent day-hikes in the Tataka area.
The roads to Tataka from Chaiyi/Alishan (Highway 18), and from Sun Moon Lake/Dongpu (Highway 21) are reliably open and should remain passable until the next rainy season (summertime) or earthquake.
Some longer treks being led by a Tsao aborigine friend of ours, Xiao Yang (Small Goat) in the new year:
January 6 - 11 Nengao-Antongjun 能高安東軍
February 24 - March 2 Southern Second Section 南二段 (assuming it’s open by then)
March 11 - 20 Southern Third Section 南三段 (hope to join him on this one)
March 31 - April 5 Cilai East Ridge 奇萊東稜
Dates listed are only for the core hiking dates and do not include travel or extra days. If interested in joining in please email or call Xiao Yang's wife, Sarah Tsai, hikingfun.tour@gmail.com 0972218185 (speaks excellent English) to register, or see their website http://www.hikingfuntour.com/website/ (in Chinese).
As of December 1st 2010:
All Shei-pa (Snow Mountain) National Park hiking/trekking trails open.
All Taroko hiking/trekking trails open.
Most of Yushan National Park trails closed (including the Southern Second Section, Batongguan etc). Some special exemptions may be possible for trails starting around Jiaming Lake. If you read Chinese have a look at this document on the state of the Batongguan Trail...not cheery. A couple interesting observations about the increase in sanbar deer and the emerging eastward erosion of the Chen-you-lan River/Kinmen Tong landslide.
Jiaming Lake, Nengao, Bei Dawu open.
Southern Cross-island Highway closed from Meishan to Xiangyang. Some rumors of possible opening.
And remember, many of Taiwan’s trails can be very tough going, only attempt what you really are ready for!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Ending the summer.
Time for an update - we’ve passed the first anniversary of Morakot, are most of the way through Ghost Month, and have yet to have a single typhoon hit us...hang on, what are these 3 fluffy, white things approaching?
The latest on Yushan:
Several of the longer trekking routes (Batongguan, Southern Second Section, Badashow, Yushan Main Peak via Batonguan) are scheduled to reopen September 20th. The deciding factor is safe access from Dungpu via the Batongguan Trail - especially in the Guangao area - just North of the Batongguan Meadow. There has been a lot of repair work done on it in the last few months, but it is in a poor condition and prone to bad weather damage. The Mapo cross-island, Xinkang, and Walami to Dashueiku sections are not yet being opened. The Southern Stars (Kuhanuoshin, Guan, Guan Ling/Da etc) are also supposed to be reopened next month - the lack of a road (Highway 20) to the trailhead has not been addressed - I’ve no idea what is supposed to happen. Likewise some confusion around Yushan N.P. announcing the opening of the Southern Second without firm plans from the Forestry Bureau to reopen Jiaming Lake - the most southern bit of the Southern Section.
Climbing Yushan.
Access to the main summit via Tataka (Tatajia) is much reduced due to the closure of Paiyun Lodge - rebuilding is to start next month, and last ‘8 months’. The latest news on the design is that the new lodge will not be that much larger. National Park laws and sensible consideration of the foundation’s stability mean the new building will not be the colossus that some had hoped for. For a taste of the ongoing debate, see these minutes (in Chinese) http://mountain.ysnp.gov.tw/upload/RelFile/News/179/634184206479553865.pdf
There are two options for those wanting to knock off the Main Summit - both are more strenuous and only suitable for the very fit. Single-day ascent, and camping at Yuan-fong Cabin.
Single-day ascent: This nasty option is available again (having been canceled a couple years ago), the daily permit limit increased from 20 to 40, with possible special allowances for foreigners. Hikers must prove experience of hiking above 3000meters (usually in the form of photos on summits). No access past Tataka before 5am, and hikers arriving at Paiyun after 10am (some say 12am) will not be allowed to proceed further uphill. I suggest hikers have porter-carried food prepared at Paiyun.
Camping at Yuan-fong: 15 spaces in the cabin, 21 camping nearby. Again this is only an option for the fitter and experienced. Yuanfong is further away, higher, and colder than Paiyun Lodge.
I’m not 100% sure of some of the practical issues that will come up with applying for these permits, expect surprises.
Taiwan’s national parks are marking this year (year 99 in the official ROC calender) with an activity called ： Taiwan 99 (台灣99) encouraging hikers to climb Taiwan’s other National Park’s highest peaks: Nanren Mountain (南仁山) in Kenting (墾丁) N.P.; Cising (七星山) Mouountain in Yangminshan (陽明山) N.P; Nanhu (南湖大山), (and also Cilai North 奇萊北峰 and Hehuan East 合歡東峰) in Taroko( 太魯閣) N.P.; Snow (Xue, Shei, 雪山主峰) Mountain (and Daba 大霸尖山) in Shei-pa (雪霸) N.P.; Taiwu( 太武山) Mountain in Kinmen (金門).
Note: Shei-pa N.P. announced this month that that they are fining anyone found to have climbed to the top of the Daba's actual peak. For 99.9% of people getting to the foot of the summit (99.9% of the way) is more than satisfactory. The very final climb (yes - real climbing) has been treacherous since the various ropes and via ferratta were removed.
We are busy/on holiday until mid-October. Hope to able to arrange permits (think about Snow Mountain, Jhuilu, Daba, Hehuan) remotely in this time...and then soon after have a new schedule of open hikes/tours available!
The latest on Yushan:
Several of the longer trekking routes (Batongguan, Southern Second Section, Badashow, Yushan Main Peak via Batonguan) are scheduled to reopen September 20th. The deciding factor is safe access from Dungpu via the Batongguan Trail - especially in the Guangao area - just North of the Batongguan Meadow. There has been a lot of repair work done on it in the last few months, but it is in a poor condition and prone to bad weather damage. The Mapo cross-island, Xinkang, and Walami to Dashueiku sections are not yet being opened. The Southern Stars (Kuhanuoshin, Guan, Guan Ling/Da etc) are also supposed to be reopened next month - the lack of a road (Highway 20) to the trailhead has not been addressed - I’ve no idea what is supposed to happen. Likewise some confusion around Yushan N.P. announcing the opening of the Southern Second without firm plans from the Forestry Bureau to reopen Jiaming Lake - the most southern bit of the Southern Section.
Climbing Yushan.
Access to the main summit via Tataka (Tatajia) is much reduced due to the closure of Paiyun Lodge - rebuilding is to start next month, and last ‘8 months’. The latest news on the design is that the new lodge will not be that much larger. National Park laws and sensible consideration of the foundation’s stability mean the new building will not be the colossus that some had hoped for. For a taste of the ongoing debate, see these minutes (in Chinese) http://mountain.ysnp.gov.tw/upload/RelFile/News/179/634184206479553865.pdf
There are two options for those wanting to knock off the Main Summit - both are more strenuous and only suitable for the very fit. Single-day ascent, and camping at Yuan-fong Cabin.
Single-day ascent: This nasty option is available again (having been canceled a couple years ago), the daily permit limit increased from 20 to 40, with possible special allowances for foreigners. Hikers must prove experience of hiking above 3000meters (usually in the form of photos on summits). No access past Tataka before 5am, and hikers arriving at Paiyun after 10am (some say 12am) will not be allowed to proceed further uphill. I suggest hikers have porter-carried food prepared at Paiyun.
Camping at Yuan-fong: 15 spaces in the cabin, 21 camping nearby. Again this is only an option for the fitter and experienced. Yuanfong is further away, higher, and colder than Paiyun Lodge.
I’m not 100% sure of some of the practical issues that will come up with applying for these permits, expect surprises.
Taiwan’s national parks are marking this year (year 99 in the official ROC calender) with an activity called ： Taiwan 99 (台灣99) encouraging hikers to climb Taiwan’s other National Park’s highest peaks: Nanren Mountain (南仁山) in Kenting (墾丁) N.P.; Cising (七星山) Mouountain in Yangminshan (陽明山) N.P; Nanhu (南湖大山), (and also Cilai North 奇萊北峰 and Hehuan East 合歡東峰) in Taroko( 太魯閣) N.P.; Snow (Xue, Shei, 雪山主峰) Mountain (and Daba 大霸尖山) in Shei-pa (雪霸) N.P.; Taiwu( 太武山) Mountain in Kinmen (金門).
Note: Shei-pa N.P. announced this month that that they are fining anyone found to have climbed to the top of the Daba's actual peak. For 99.9% of people getting to the foot of the summit (99.9% of the way) is more than satisfactory. The very final climb (yes - real climbing) has been treacherous since the various ropes and via ferratta were removed.
We are busy/on holiday until mid-October. Hope to able to arrange permits (think about Snow Mountain, Jhuilu, Daba, Hehuan) remotely in this time...and then soon after have a new schedule of open hikes/tours available!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)