Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
for a mountain permit (different from park permits). At the trailhead for Snow Mountain
the park's staff will check both permits and afterwards ask you to watch a movie on
safety and acting responsibly in the park.
The best months for hiking in the park are October to December, and March and April.
Winter hiking is becoming more popular, though you need to be prepared for snow and
bitter cold. A good two-day option is simply to hike to the East Peak, staying in Qika
Cabin overnight.
During April and May, seasonal heavy rains, including monsoons, are common, and if
you don't hit any typhoons, July and August are good months to avoid the crowds.
Snow Mountain Main Peak
HIKING
The first recorded climb of Snow Mountain was in 1915 - it was then called Mt Silvia,
and is now also spelled Syueshan, Shueshan and Xueshan. Since then this sublime peak
(Taiwan's second-highest) has attracted teams and solo hikers from all over the world.
The trail (from ranger station trailhead to summit) is 10.9km and takes 8½ to 11½
hours to complete (one-way). Because of the altitude gain, and the fact that most people
are carrying heavy packs, this usually requires two days (with a third for the return).
»
Trailhead to Chika Cabin: 2km, 1½ hours
»
Chika Cabin to 369 Cabin: 5.1km, five to six hours
»
369 Cabin to Main Peak: 3.8km, three to four hours
The trail to the main peak is for the most part broad and clear, and requires mere fit-
ness rather than any technical skill (unless you are going in winter). The first day's itiner-
ary is always a bit tricky. If you have taken a bus and walked (or hitch-hiked) the 7.5km
to the trailhead (2140m) then you aren't likely to get any further than Chika Cabin the
first night. Nor should you, as it's best to acclimatise at this elevation before going fur-
ther.
The second day's hike is a long series of tough switchbacks (one is even called the
Crying Slope
). But the views on a clear day are stunning, and the landscape is ever-
changing: from forested cover to open meadowland and fields of Yushan cane. The
box-
fold cliff faces
of the Holy Ridge are unforgettable.
At 369 Cabin, a sturdy shelter nestled on a slope of Yushan cane, most hikers
overnight, getting up at 2am so that they can reach the summit by daybreak. Unless you
know the path to the top, it's really not advisable to do this.
So, assuming you get a reasonable start you'll soon be in the Black Forest, a moody
stand of Taiwan fir. At the edge of the forest be on the lookout for troops of Formosan
