Taiwan — Chiayi City
Ascend Taiwan's Yushan Main Peak on this demanding 25.8km route, a pilgrimage through diverse ecological zones. Traverse lush temperate forests to stark alpine tundra, reaching 3,952 metres. This 2-3 day Yushan National Park hike offers unparalleled mountain panoramas and a true test of endurance.
Distance: 25.8 km
Elevation Gain: 2400 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 2-3 days
The Yushan Trail is the definitive high-altitude pilgrimage of East Asia, leading trekkers to the summit of Yushan Main Peak, which stands at a commanding 3,952 metres above sea level. Located within the rugged heart of Yushan National Park, this 25.8-kilometre return journey is more than just a mountain climb; it is a transition through distinct ecological zones, from the lush hemlock and cedar forests of the temperate mid-altitudes to the stark, wind-swept alpine tundra of the summit ridge. As the highest point in Taiwan and the entire North-East Asian region—surpassing even Japan’s Mount Fuji—Yushan holds a sacred place in the national identity of Taiwan and remains the ultimate goal for local and international hikers alike. The trail is meticulously maintained, featuring the famous "Iron Tunnel" and a series of reinforced cliff-side paths, yet it demands respect for its significant elevation gain and the unpredictable alpine weather that can transform the landscape in minutes.
Yushan, or Jade Mountain, earns its name from the way its quartz-rich peaks are said to shimmer like precious jade when covered in winter snow or bathed in the silver light of a full moon. The trek to the summit is a masterclass in vertical biodiversity. Starting at the Tataka Trailhead (2,610 m), hikers begin their ascent through dense forests of Taiwan Hemlock and Japanese Blue Oak. As the trail winds upward, the air thins and the vegetation shifts to the iconic Yushan Cane and hardy alpine shrubs. The path is a feat of engineering, clinging to the side of precipitous cliffs with wooden boardwalks and stone-reinforced steps that provide safe passage through otherwise impassable terrain.
The journey is typically divided into two distinct phases. The first phase is the 8.5-kilometre trek from the trailhead to Paiyun Lodge (3,402 m). This section is a steady, manageable incline that allows for gradual acclimatisation. The second phase is the summit push—a 2.4-kilometre ascent from the lodge to the peak. This final stretch is where the "Challenging" rating is truly earned. The trail becomes a series of steep zigzags across scree slopes, culminating in the "Iron Tunnel"—a section of the ridge encased in metal cages to protect hikers from falling rocks and extreme winds. The final 200 metres require a hands-on scramble using fixed chains, leading to a summit that offers a 360-degree panorama of the Central Mountain Range, often rising above a sea of clouds (Unkai).
Because Yushan is a protected National Park and a site of immense ecological value, access is strictly controlled. The number of hikers permitted to stay at Paiyun Lodge is capped at approximately 116 per night, and the lottery system is notoriously competitive. This regulation ensures that the trail never feels overcrowded, preserving the sense of wilderness and solitude that makes the "Roof of Taiwan" so special. Whether you are standing at the Great Precipice watching the morning mist roll through the valleys or touching the summit stone as the sun rises over the Pacific, the Yushan Trail provides an emotional and physical experience that stays with a traveller for a lifetime.
The history of Yushan is as layered as the geological strata of the mountain itself. To the indigenous Bunun people, the mountain is known as Tongku Saveq, a sacred place believed to be the ancestral home of their spirits and a sanctuary during a great primordial flood. The Bunun have lived in the shadow of these peaks for centuries, and their deep spiritual connection to the land is still felt today. For the Tsou people to the west, the mountain also holds significant cultural importance, marking the boundary of their traditional hunting grounds and ancestral territories.
During the Japanese colonial period (1895–1945), the mountain took on a new political and symbolic significance. Upon discovering that Yushan was higher than Mount Fuji, the Japanese renamed it Niitakayama, meaning "New High Mountain." It became a symbol of the expanding Japanese Empire, and a Shinto shrine was even established near the summit. The mountain gained international notoriety during World War II, as "Mount Niitaka" was used in the coded signal "Niitakayama Nobore" (Climb Mount Niitaka) to initiate the attack on Pearl Harbor. Following the return of Taiwan to Chinese rule, the mountain was renamed Yushan, reflecting its traditional Chinese name and its shimmering, jade-like appearance.
In the modern era, Yushan has become a symbol of Taiwan’s burgeoning environmental consciousness. Established in 1985, Yushan National Park was one of the first national parks in Taiwan, created to protect the unique alpine ecosystems and the diverse wildlife that calls the mountain home, including the Formosan Black Bear and the Formosan Serow. Today, the trail is a point of pride for the Taiwanese people, many of whom consider reaching the summit a "rite of passage." The transition from a colonial symbol to a protected natural treasure reflects Taiwan's own journey toward self-identity and environmental stewardship.
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The weather on Yushan is the most critical factor in determining the success and safety of a trek. Due to its height and position, the mountain experiences a wide range of microclimates, and conditions can shift from clear blue skies to dense fog and torrential rain within thirty minutes.
Autumn (October to November): This is widely considered the "Golden Season" for Yushan. The weather is at its most stable, with the highest probability of clear skies and the famous "sea of clouds" phenomenon. Temperatures are cool but manageable, and the autumn colours of the alpine flora provide a stunning backdrop for photography. This is also the most competitive time for permit applications.
Winter (January to March): During these months, Yushan becomes a true alpine environment. Snow is common, and the final scramble to the summit often requires crampons and ice axes. The National Park administration frequently implements "Snow Season" regulations, requiring hikers to prove they have alpine experience and proper equipment. While the snow-capped peaks are breathtaking, this is a period for experienced mountaineers only.
Spring (April to June): This is the season of renewal, as the Yushan Rhododendrons bloom in vibrant pinks and whites across the lower slopes. However, this period also coincides with the "Plum Rain" season, which can bring prolonged periods of dampness and fog, making the trail slippery and obscuring the views.
Summer (July to September): While temperatures are warm, summer is typhoon season in Taiwan. Heavy rains can lead to landslides and trail closures. If a typhoon warning is issued, the park is evacuated and all permits are cancelled. Hikers during this season should plan for afternoon thunderstorms and keep a close eye on the Central Weather Administration (CWA) reports.
Day 1: Tataka Trailhead to Paiyun Lodge
Day 2: Paiyun Lodge to Summit and Return to Trailhead
Optional 3-Day Itinerary:
Important Notes:
The most significant hurdle for the Yushan Trail is not the physical climb, but the administrative process. Because the trail is located within a National Park and requires a stay at the limited-capacity Paiyun Lodge, planning must begin months in advance. Hikers must coordinate three things: the National Park Entry Permit, the Paiyun Lodge bed reservation, and the Police Mountain Permit. For international visitors, there is a specific "Foreigner Quota" that allows for easier booking on weekdays (Sunday to Thursday), but weekend spots are subject to the general lottery, which can have odds as low as 1 in 100 during peak season.
Physical preparation is equally vital. While the trail is well-maintained, the thin air at 3,900 metres makes every step feel twice as hard. Cardiovascular training, such as running or cycling, combined with weighted stair climbing, is highly recommended. If possible, spend a night at a mid-altitude location like Alishan (2,200 m) before starting the trek to help your body adjust to the elevation. Chiayi City is the primary gateway; ensure you have your transport to the Tataka Visitor Centre organised, as public buses are infrequent and private shuttles must be booked ahead of time.
Accommodation on the Yushan Trail is centralised at Paiyun Lodge, a modern, two-storey facility managed by the National Park. There is no camping allowed anywhere on the main trail to the summit.
Paiyun Lodge Facilities:
What is NOT Provided:
Booking and Costs:
Securing permits for Yushan is often described as the most difficult part of the trek. There are two separate permits required: the National Park Entry Permit (which includes your lodge booking) and the Police Mountain Permit. The system is designed to prevent overcrowding and ensure hiker safety in the high-altitude environment.
The Lottery System:
International Hiker Quota:
Police Mountain Permit:
Cancellations and "Last Minute" Spots: If you miss the lottery, check the "Cancellations" section of the official website daily. When someone cancels, their spot is released back into the system. You must be quick to grab these, as they disappear within seconds.
Precisely traced GPX for the Yushan Trail, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The region surrounding Yushan National Park offers a wealth of cultural and natural attractions that are perfect for pre-hike acclimatisation or post-hike relaxation:
Altitude Sickness (AMS): Acute Mountain Sickness is the primary safety concern on Yushan. Because the trail starts at 2,600 m and reaches nearly 4,000 m, many hikers experience symptoms such as headache, nausea, and dizziness. The key to prevention is "climbing high, sleeping low" (though difficult with the lodge's fixed location) and staying hydrated. If symptoms persist or worsen at Paiyun Lodge, the only cure is descent. Do not attempt the summit push if you are feeling unwell.
The Final Scramble: The last 200 metres to the summit are very steep and exposed. While there are chains to hold onto, the wind can be fierce. If you suffer from severe vertigo, this section may be challenging. In winter, this section is often covered in "verglas" (clear ice), making it extremely treacherous without crampons.
Weather Hazards: Hypothermia is a genuine risk, even in summer. Temperatures at the summit can be 20 degrees Celsius lower than at the trailhead, and wind chill can drop the perceived temperature below freezing. Always carry a dry set of clothes in a waterproof bag inside your pack. Lightning is also a concern during summer afternoon storms; if you hear thunder while on the exposed ridge, descend immediately.
Wildlife Encounters: While Formosan Black Bears are shy and rarely seen, they do inhabit the park. Store your food securely and never leave scraps near the trail. More common are the Formosan Macaques, which can be aggressive if they think you have food. Do not feed them or keep food in external mesh pockets of your backpack.
Emergency Services: There is limited mobile signal on the trail (mostly at specific "signal spots" marked with signs). In an emergency, dial 112. The park wardens at Paiyun Lodge are trained in mountain rescue, but a helicopter evacuation is dependent on clear weather and is not guaranteed.
Yushan North Peak: For many photographers, the North Peak (3,858 m) is more important than the Main Peak. It offers the iconic "thousand-dollar view" of Yushan Main Peak (the view featured on the NT$1,000 note). It is also home to the highest weather station in Taiwan. The side trip adds about 4–5 hours to your Day 2 but is highly rewarding.
Yushan West Peak: A relatively easy 4-kilometre return trip from Paiyun Lodge. The trail is mostly through beautiful forest and leads to a small, well-preserved Japanese-era mountain shrine (Yamato-jinja). It is a peaceful alternative if the Main Peak is too crowded or if you have an extra afternoon at the lodge.
The Great Precipice: Located at the 6.7 km mark on the way to the lodge, this massive cliff face is a geological marvel. It consists of sedimentary rock that was once at the bottom of the ocean, now thrust nearly 3,500 metres into the air by the collision of the Eurasian and Philippine Sea plates. Look closely to see the ripple marks of ancient waves frozen in the stone.
Monroe Pavilion: Named after a Chinese tax official who tragically fell to his death nearby in the early 20th century, this pavilion is now a safe and scenic rest stop. It marks the transition into the higher-altitude forest and is a great place to spot the endemic Taiwan Flamecrest or the Spotted Nutcracker.
Yushan National Park is a sanctuary for rare and endangered species, and its high-altitude environment is extremely slow to recover from human impact. Adhering to Leave No Trace (LNT) principles is not just a suggestion; it is a requirement for all permit holders.
Key LNT Practices for Yushan:
