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Reaching out for something beyond us
By Leo R. Maliksi /Taiwan news, Staff Writer

Yushan National Park is home to many of Taiwan¡¦s tallest mountains and lies 70 kilometers east of Chiayi. If you¡¦re fit enough, you could hike half a day from the Alishan village toll gate to the park boundary. The most common ways of getting to Yushan are by car or tour bus. Neither is it difficult to go by public transportation.

Jade Mountain Itinerary

Day 1: Taipei (or Kaohsiung)-Chiayi-Alishan
Take a train to Chiayi, and from there ride a narrow gauge railroad or take the New Central Cross-Island Highway to Alishan. The afternoon and night can be spent exploring the Alishan Forest Recreation Area, which offers numerous hotels and restaurants. The water supply is regular.

Day 2: Alishan (on the New Central Cross-Island Highway)-Tatachia-Paiyun Hostel
From Alishan, walk or go by vehicle along the New Central Cross-Island Highway, passing Zihchung, Sinkao-kou, and Lulin Villa to Tatachia Saddle. From there climb to Paiyun Hostel for the night.

Day 3: Paiyun Hostel-Jade Mountain Main Peak-Dongpu (or back to Alishan and on to Sun Moon Lake or Sitou)
Arise as early as possible to make the peak (after a two-hour climb) in time to see the sunrise. From the peak descend the east face of the mountain to Jhupei Saddle and hike the Batongguan Trail to Dongpu.
National park offers many attractions ... if you're fit
A rest stop before the final ascent.
/ Tourism Bureau


Day 4: Dongpu (or Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, or Sitou)-Taipei (or Kaohsiung)

Trekking Time Chart

Alishan to Tatachia Saddle: 5 hours 20 min.
Tatachia Saddle to Paiyun Hostel: 5 hours
Paiyun Hostel to Main Peak of Jade Mountain: 2 hours
Main Peak of Jade Mountain to Paiyun Hostel: 50 min.
Paiyun Hostel over Tatachia Saddle back to Alishan: 7 hours 30 min.
Alternate Route over the Jhupei Saddle to Dongpu: 10 hours

Accommodations

Paiyun Hostel is in a beautiful setting with a view on Jade Mountain:
Sleeps 100, self-catering, regular water supply.
Please pre-book in high seasons. Tel: (05) 267-9917

Points to note

An ascent to Jade Mountain requires a Class A mountain permit (at a local police station within the vicinity of the mountain to be climbed) and a qualified guide. You'll need good equipment (shoes, backpack, sleeping bag, etc.) and warm clothes.