Taiwan – Jia Ming Lake
Taiwan – Jia Ming Lake
Jiaming Lake (3310m) is located in Siangyang (Hsiangyang) Forest Recreation Area near Taitung, in the southern part of Taiwan. It is Taiwan’s second highest lake and popularly known as Angel’s Tear because of its teardrop shape. The lake, which is 120m long, 80m wide and 10m deep is said to be formed some 4–10 thousand years ago by a meteor strike.
There are 2 mountain lodges along the trail to Jia Ming Lake.Siangyang Cabin (向陽工寮, Xiàngyáng Gōngliáo) located at the 4.3km mark of the trail and 2-3 hours hike from the trail head is better maintained, has water and toilets with flowing water. Jiaming Lake Cabin (嘉明湖避難山屋, Jiāmíng Hú Bìnàn Shānwū; 3350m) located at the 8.4km mark of the trail and 5-7 hours hike from the trail head is more rundown and smaller. The water supply here is also unreliable and has no running water in the toilets.
About The Climb
Jia Ming Lake trek is a 13km trail from Siangyang Forest Recreation Area to the lake and covers 2 of the 'top 100' peaks in Taiwan - Mt Siangyang (3602m) and Mt Sancha (3496m). Like Yushan and Xueshan, the Jia Ming Lake's trail is clear and well marked. The route begins in a pine and hemlock forest in the lower terrain. As you ascend beyond Siangyang Cabin, the forested area soon open up to become a ridge line of rolling hills filled with rhododendron bushes and wind-twisted alpine juniper all the way to Jia Ming Lake Cabin. From Jiaming Lake Cabin to the lake, the trail runs along the lower edge of a ridge skirting a chain of rugged peaks. The lake itself is down from Mt Sancha (Sānchā Shān; 3496m) in an open area.
Most trekkers do a 3 days trek to the lake and back to Siangyang Forest Recreation Area. Those who want to take a more leisurely trek can opt for a 4 days trek.
The allocation of slots in both the mountain lodges (Siangyang Cabin and Jia Ming Lake Cabin) are by a ballot system. It is highly possibly to be allocated only either of the lodges for all the nights during the trek. The trek itinerary will be adjusted accordingly, based on the allocation of the mountain lodges.
Experience Required
Previous trekking experience is not required. You will be trekking for three days from the trail head to the summit with a 5-6kg backpack load. At times, when there is a dry spell and water is not available in the mountain huts, you will be expected to carry drinking water for the trek, which can increase the backpack load to 8-10kg. Though hiring of porters is possible, the cost is high (about S$200/day). Therefore, it is more realistic to train and be prepared to carry your own load. Ice and snow can be expected during the winter months till early spring from December to March.
Equipment and Gear
You will need a lightweight base layer, quick dry t-shirt and long trekking pants for the trek. A water and wind proof outershell is essential to protect from the weather elements. When at the mountain lodges and after sundown a fleece or lightweight down jacket are needed to keep warm. A good sleeping bag is also needed and provided.
A packing list will be provided for all our participants. Please refer to our Resource Centre page to read about the layering system to be better prepared and choose the right gear/equipment for your climb.
Group size: 6 - 16 people
Trips with a *Trip Leader* are accompanied by an experienced trek leader from Singapore. The group size for these trips is 10 - 16 people.
You can also form a private group for this trek. For enquiry, send an email to us at contact@aceadventure.com.sg
| Day | Description | Meals | Altitude at Rest Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Taipei. Transfer to Taitung. | -/-/D | 20m-50m |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Jiaminghu Trailhead (2370m) - trek to Jiaminghu Hut (3350m) | B/L/D | 3350m |
| Day 3 | Trek to Mt Sancha Peak (3496m) - Jiaminghu (3310m) - Jiaminghu Hut (3350m). Descend to Siangyang Cabin (2850m). | B/L/D | 2850m |
| Day 4 | Descend to trailhead. Transfer to Taitung - transfer to Taipei. | B/L/D | 10m |
| Day 5 | Depart Taipei (Programme ends here.Next day arrival on flight, if any, not reflected in itinerary ) | B/-/- |
Inclusions
- Return airport transfers in Taipei
- All land transfers as indicated in itinerary
- Meals as indicated in itinerary
- Accommodation: Twin/Triple sharing in Taipei and Taitung, dormitory bunk beds in mountain lodges
- Camping equipment: Sleeping bag
- Trek support: Trekking guide
- Permits & Fees: Conservation, National Park fees and permit
Exclusions
- International air tickets, airline taxes and fuel surcharge
- Visa Fee (if any).
- Single Supplement
- Meals not indicated in itinerary
- All tipping
- Personal porters
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory to cover travel agent insolvency and trekking up to 4000m)
- Personal expenses like shopping, laundry etc
- Personal travel & trekking gear – warm clothing, shoes, backpacks etc
- Compensation for damaged or lost of personal items (eg: climbing/trekking gear and equipment, cameras and any valuable items etc)
- Emergency evacuation and medical expenses
- Any expenses including accommodation, meals & transfer outside the stipulated trek/climb itinerary – i.e. any person leaving the group for personal travel, illness/injury or any form of extension of stay
Support from Ace Adventure Expeditions
We provide pre-trip support to prepare you for the climb:
1. Trip briefing and information kit
2. Gear list and gear discount from selected Singapore outdoor outfitters
3. Training guideline kit
4. Rope skill workshop (For climbs that require rope up and/or fixed rope skill)
We carefully select and establish strong working relationship with our local trek operator to ensure safe participation by everyone. Our local climbing guides have extensive experience in guiding treks in Taiwan, possess intimate knowledge of the local surroundings, conditions and culture and are trained in wilderness 1st aid and emergency rescue.
