Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trail Conditions
In general, high-mountain trails are well made and clear to follow. Solid metal or wood
bridges will be in place where needed. Almost all trails require a great deal of steep up-
hill climbing, often more than 1000m of elevation gain a day. Many trails require at least
some rope or chain climbs (these will be fixed in place and are generally not especially
demanding).
Water
Most high-altitude trails will have water sources, which are available from streams or
rainwater-collecting tanks at cabins. Maps show water sources, but always ask at the na-
tional park headquarters for the latest; sources do sometimes dry up in winter. Water
should be filtered or chemically treated.
Sleeping
Cabins and campgrounds are available on most trails. Cabins can range from boxy ce-
ment structures to stylish wood A-frames offering bunk beds with thick foam mattreses,
solar lighting and ecotoilets. Water sources are usually available at the cabin or nearby.
With the exception of Paiyun Cabin on Yushan, cabins are usually unmanned and do not
provide sleeping bags, meals or snacks. Campgrounds are flat clearings in forest (some-
times the sites of former police outposts). Water sources are sometimes available.
Transport
There are public buses to Sheipa, Yushan, and Taroko National Parks, as well as Hehuan-
shan. For most other hiking areas you will need your own vehicle or to arrange transport.
HIGH-MOUNTAIN PERMITS
Permits are largely a holdover from martial-law days, but they do prevent over-
crowding on the trails, and let authorities know who is in the mountains in case of
an emergency (such as an approaching typhoon). Restrictions have eased in re-
cent years (for example, you no longer need a guide and solo hikers can apply), but
if you are caught without a permit you will be fined. If a rescue is required you will
have to pay the full costs. Note that everything mentioned here is subject to
change.
First off, permits are required to hike the high mountains. Anyone can apply (for-
eigners, locals, groups or individuals) but the process is complicated and many
people pay to have the permits done for them. Permits are nontransferable and
