Yushan National Park & Western Taiwan - Taiwan - page 386

immense valley below Tatajia, carrying every little winged creature upwards. Hundreds
of butterflies can pass the saddle per minute, and even in late June we have watched awe-
struck as dozens were blown up overhead every minute, spun around in the turbulence
and then carried away.
About 100 species can be spotted, including a good number of migratory purple
crows, who have either got caught in the wrong winds (they should be following the cur-
rents north) or have taken a detour to look for food. Mid-May mornings are the best time
to see this phenomenon, though it continues until late June.
IF YOU CAN'T CLIMB YUSHAN, TRY…
With over a thousand people applying for the 90 permits to climb Yushan each day,
you need some options if you want to climb a 3000m-plus mountain in Taiwan.
Here are a few worthy alternatives that are easier to secure permits for.
» Snow Mountain ( Click here ) Taiwan's second-highest peak. Amazing geology
and vistas.
» Wuling-Quadruple ( Click here ) Climb four peaks in two days, with superb views
over the Holy Ridge.
» Beidawushan ( Click here ) Most southerly 3000m-plus peak. Long, sweeping
ridgeline walk to the summit. Only a police permit needed.
» Hehuanshan Peaks ( Click here ) Series of short hikes starting above the treeline.
No permits needed.
» Dabajianshan ( Click here ) The holy peak of the Atayal, with a magical landscape.
» Jiaming Lake ( Click here ) Sublime high-alpine scenery at a young meteor lake.
Only a police permit needed.
» Nenggaoshan North Peak & Chilai South Peak ( Click here ) In the heart of the
central mountains. Big views. Only a police permit needed.
» Holy Ridge ( Click here ) Five-day adventure on a thin ridgeline that never dips be-
low 3300m.
» Nenggao-Andongjun Trail ( Click here ) Six days through alpine lake country. Un-
likely to see another person after the first day. Only a police permit needed.
Tours