Mt Hehuan, is one of our Start Trekking treks and a hot favourite. This 4-day trip covers two days of trekking, climbing 4 peaks above 3000m with breathtaking scenery. The 4 peaks are Mt Hehuan Main Peak (3417m), Mt Hehuan North Peak (3422m), East Peak (3421m) and Mt Shimen (3237m).
Mt Hehuan or Hehuanshan, 合歡山, (also known as Joy Mountain) is a series of peaks in Central Mountain Range (中央山脈) that makes up the backbone of Taiwan. The peaks lie on the boundaries of Nantou and Hualien counties and is within the Taroko Gorge National Park. The east peak (3421m) and north peak (3422m) of Mt Hehuan are higher than the main peak (3416m). In the past, a military training area was built in the proximity of Mt Hehuan. The mountain range also features the remains of a ski lift, reportedly used by Taiwan’s elite during the martial law period and inaccessible to most people. The unreliability of snowfall has meant that the ski lift was abandoned years ago.
The peaks are among the “Hundred Peaks” (百岳) identified by the Taiwanese as great mountains of Taiwan. Mt Hehuan Main Peak is ranked #37, East Peak #35, North Peak #34, and Mt Shimen #66.
Being one of the most accessible high altitude hiking trails in Taiwan, Mt Hehuan is very popular among the locals. The peaks are also some of the easiest “Hundred Peaks” to climb and suitable for beginners.
The trailheads of the 4 peaks are in close vicinity of the Hehuanshan Visitor Centre and Wuling Pass, the highest point for a vehicle in Taiwan.
Day 1 of the trek covers Mt Hehuan Main Peak (3417m), Mt Shimen (3237m) and East Peak (3421m). The 3 peaks are all short treks, with a short drive apart from one another. The 1st peak, which is Mt Hehuan Main Peak, is a 1.8km (1.5-2 hours) trail mostly on well marked tarred road with viewpoints along the way and a couple of old military watchtowers. Mt Shimen, the 2nd peak and the easiest peak among the 4, is a short trek of about 800m (1 hour ). It starts gentle but soon arrives at a series of irregular steps that lead to the top. The last peak on day 1, is Mt Hehuan East Peak. It is about 1.1km (2-3 hours), with the trail starting on a dirt path that leads to a well-maintained wooden stairs all the way to the top. There is a dilapidated ski lift station along the way and enchanting mountain views.
Being highly accessible allows for the overnight stay in between the 2-day trek to be in a cozy local hotel in the nearby town. There is no need to stay in a mountain hut or camp.
Day 2 trek will be on Mt Hehuan North Peak (3422m), the highest peak of the Hehuanshan mountain range. It is also known to be the most scenic of the range. The trail of around 2.4km (4-5 hours) offer more variation of terrain, compared to the 3 other peaks. It is mainly a dirt path but also includes some rocky sections and stairs. There is a ridge and a sprawling grassy land with panoramic views before the summit.
It is possible to trek in Taiwan all year round. However, it is advisable to avoid the typhoon season (July to September). In winter to early spring (late December to February/March), there can be ice and snow, making the climb more challenging, undesirable or inaccessible.
The popular trekking seasons are:
This trek is graded 1A and part of our Start Trekking programme.
No trekking experience is required. Anyone with an average level of fitness can complete this trek. The trek will bring you to an elevation of slightly above 3000m. You will be trekking on an average of 6-7 hours a day with a 3-5kg backpack load.
You can wear a quick dry t-shirt, trekking shirt or light weight thermal with trekking pants. You will need a fleece jacket and an outer shell jacket. Bring rain gear and waterproof your backpack.
A packing list will be provided to all our participants. Please refer to our Resource Centre page for information on the layering system and how to choose the right gear/equipment for your trek.
| DAY | DESCRIPTION | MEALS |
| 1 |
Arrive in Taipei. Flight arrival before 1pm. Transfer to Lushan. Overnight: Lushan hotel (1200m) |
-/-/D |
| 2 |
Transfer to trailhead (3150m). Trek Mt. Hehuan Main Peak (3417m). Trek Mt. Shimen (3237m). Trek Mt Hehuan East Peak (3421m). Transfer back to Lushan. Overnight: Lushan hotel (1200m) |
B/L/D |
| 3 |
Transfer to trailhead (3150m). Trek Mt. Hehuan North Peak (3422m). Transfer to Taipei. Overnight: Taipei hotel |
B/L/D |
| 4 | Depart Taipei | B/-/- |
| DATES | PRICE |
| — | $690.00 (SGD) / person |
** For trek dates that start on a Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday, there is an additional fee of $25 per person. This additional fee is due to the higher weekend hotel rate.
Group size: 6 – 16 people
Package prices for less than 6 people:
2 people: $1400 (SGD) / person
3 people: $1070 (SGD) / person
4 people: $890 (SGD) / person
5 people: $775 (SGD) / person
You can form a private group for this trek. For enquiry, send an email to us at [email protected].
1. Trip briefing and information kit
2. Gear list and gear discount from selected Singapore outdoor outfitters
3. Complimentary group training sessions
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.
Holders of ordinary passports issued by the following countries do not need a visa to enter Taiwan as long as their trip does not last longer than the visa-free period listed below.
|
Duration |
Countries |
|
90 days |
Andorra, Australia* (effective till December 31, 2020), Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Eswatini*, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras*, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan*, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Island*, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia*(effective till March 31, 2025), Norway, Palau, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tuvalu*, the United Kingdom, the United States of America*,and Vatican City State. |
|
30 days |
Singapore, Malaysia, Belize*, Dominican Republic, Nauru*, St. Kitts and Nevis*, St. Lucia*, St. Vincent and the Grenadines |
|
14 days |
Brunei, Thailand and Philippines (to 31 July 2020) |
For latest updates and details of visa application, please visit http://www.boca.gov.tw.
Moneychangers do not proliferate in Taiwan like they do elsewhere. Hotels will change money for their guests, but banks are the most common option. For conveniences, change your currency at your local moneychangers (if the rates are relatively reasonable) or at the airport, when you arrive in Taiwan. ATMs are widely available at banks and convenience stores using the Plus and Cirrus networks, but may be subjected to daily or per transaction withdrawal limits.
Credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, major retail outlets and mid-range to top-end restaurants/cafes. Small local retail or food stalls, like those in the night markets are highly unlikely to take credit cards.
In Taiwan the standard voltage is 110 V. The standard frequency is 60 Hz. The power sockets that are used are of Type A which has two flat parallel pins or Type B which has two flat parallel pins and a round grounding pin.
The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin. Mandarin is the language of instruction in Taiwan’s schools, and most radio and TV programs are broadcast in the official language as well.
Aside from Mandarin, 70% of the population who are ethnic Hoklo speak the Hokkien dialect of Min Nan (Southern Min) Chinese as their mother tongue. The aboriginal Taiwanese have their own languages too. Some elderly Taiwanese speak Japanese, learned in school during the Japanese occupation (1895-1945).
While majority of Taiwanese speak both their mother tongue and Mandarin fluently, most of them are unable to speak nor understand the English language, except some in the tourism industry or high-end hotels and restaurants.
Water and ice served in restaurants are usually filtered tap water, which is generally safe. Water fountains in Taiwan always incorporate filters, and they can be found in practically every lodge or hotel as well as (for e.g.) larger museums and Taipei MRT stations. You can refill and reuse your bottles at these fountains. If you cannot find one or have a sensitive stomach and have no alternative to boiled water, buying bottled water is the best option. Never drink directly from the tap.
Tipping is generally not practiced in Taiwan. Tipping in hotels is also not expected, with the bellman or porter being the exception. You should plan on tipping the hotel porter US$1 per bag and perhaps a little more at a higher end hotel. Full service restaurants typically impose a service charge and that is usually considered to be sufficient. Tipping is also not expected in taxis and drivers would usually return your change to the last dollar.
With evolving world situations that may occur unexpectedly due to natural disasters, pandemics/epidemics, conflicts and unrests, it is best to read up and keep tabs on news and developments at your destination country and region before the trip. Check on the country’s official website and/or your own foreign ministry website for any travel advisory or safety precautions to be taken while abroad.
As with traveling in anywhere in the world, regardless of the local crime rate, stay vigilant and take care of personal safety. Good to read up on any possible exposure in the country prior to departure.
It is a good practice to register with your respective foreign ministry if there is such a service provided to citizens, to contact you in order to make sure that you are safe and, if need be, assist you should an emergency (e.g. natural disasters, civil unrest, etc.) occur when you are overseas.
For Singaporeans, this is the link to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ eRegister:
https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/eregisterportal/common/preLoginEregisterView.action.
It is highly recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance(s), upon payment of your trip, to cover adverse situations that may occur while you are overseas or even before departure. Ensure that the coverage is suitable for your destination and the activities that you are participating in. Be familiar with the terms and conditions before purchasing and travelling abroad.
There is no compulsory vaccine to be taken to enter Taiwan. You should, however, be up to date on routine vaccinations, especially vaccines against water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (examples: hepatitis, typhoid and tuberculosis) while traveling to any destination. You are encouraged to consider having vaccinations before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart, make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and any implications for your health, particularly if you have an existing medical condition.
Recommended routine vaccinations for travellers in general:
|
Hepatitis A |
Spread through consuming contaminated food and water or person to person through the faecal-oral route. Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation are poor. |
|
Hepatitis B |
Spread through infected blood and blood products, contaminated needles and medical instruments and sexual intercourse. Risk is higher for those at occupational risk, long stays or frequent travel, children (exposed through cuts and scratches) and individuals who may need, or request, surgical procedures abroad. |
|
Rabies
|
Spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite, scratch or lick on broken skin. Particularly dogs and related species, but also bats. Risk is higher for those going to remote areas (who may not be able to promptly access appropriate treatment in the event of a bite), long stays, those at higher risk of contact with animals and bats, and children. Even when pre-exposure vaccine has been received, urgent medical advice should be sought after any animal or bat bite. |
|
Tetanus
|
Spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A primary series of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine is recommended for life. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available. |
|
Typhoid Fever |
Spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is limited. |
|
Influenza |
A vaccine specific for a given year to protect against the highly variable influenza virus. |
For more information and professional advice on travel vaccinations, please consult your doctor or travel clinic.
For people residing in Singapore, you may visit The Travellers’ Health and Vaccination Clinic (THVC) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital:
Travellers’ Health & Vaccination Clinic
Address: Level 4, Clinic 4B, Tan Tock Seng Hospital Medical Centre
Contact number: 6357 2222
Website : https://www.ttsh.com.sg/Patients-and-Visitors/Medical-Services/Travellers-Health-and-Vaccination-Clinic/Pages/default.aspx.
