Hiking in Taiwan - the 523 Mountaineering Association

[Alfalfa]

If you can't get with an organized hike, you can still get some great walking done in Taiwan. There are books available on local day hikes. The Saunders book on day hikes 2 should still be available at any Eslite Bookstore - I like the one across from National Taiwan University. That book has directions to Bei Cha Tian Shan (north piercing sky mountain). Of all the walks I've done in the Taipei area this was the biggest kick in the ass. I really liked it and didn it several times. Don't bother with the peak itself unless you like tripping a lot; just hike to the old forest. The people you meet along the way will not be great in number but they are the best. Take food and water. If you have a stove you can cook up some tea at the top. That's more important in winter.

For extended hikes, you're going to have to get a response from someone or rely on whatever the national parks provide. I've done extended hikes and have camped out recently over the hill from Neiwan. The nice fellow there said he could take me up further in the hills when I get back next time and there is a Japanese era stone trail that was used to pacify the mountain areas by getting police in from Daxi (Daxi) quickly. The hikes and trails are there and you have to give them a little respect if you go up very far. Take a stick for keeping from falling and for defending yourself from the poor dogs that have been released in the hills. A bitch with a pup will attack you and think nothing of it - literally.

Otherwise, it is really really beautiful.

[Volviic]

I will be putting in an application this weekend for a hike of Yushan on July 16-17th (meet up 15th evening, back in Taipei 17th night). If you're interested in making up numbers, get your ARC number, nationality, name, and date of birth to me before this Sunday (June 1st). Further details, as usual, can be found at http://barking-deer.com/yushan.htm

Putting together Yushan trips for August 21-22, and August 26-28 (a harder 3-day traverse via Batongguan/Dungpu)

I hope this doesn't run afoul of any cross posting rules/stepping on other's turf. Apologies etc if necessary!

Richard A.K.A. Barking Deer

[azmanukm]

Hi

any hiking trip after february?

azman

[Darwin]

Hello. My name is Darwin Roos. I live in Bloomington, IN, USA. I lived in Taipei from 6/95-5/03 and still really miss it. Taiwan still feels more like home to me than the US does. I'm very open to possibly moving back to Taiwan. Since I'm into hiking and backpacking, I'm interested in finding out more about hiking and backpacking in Taiwan. I have a couple questions:

1) Are there any long distance trails (160 Km or more) in Taiwan? If so, where could I get information about them?
2) Are there any hiking/backpacking clubs in Taiwan? If so, is there an e-mail address I could reach them at?

Thank you for your time. Take care and have a great day.

Sincerely,
Darwin
daroos@indiana.edu

[Volviic]

Hi guys.

Sorry for the last minute warning/announcement!

I will likely guide a small group up Yushan on March 31st/April 1st (Tuesday/Wednesday, meet up March 30th evening, can be back in the city late on the 1st). I probably have space for a couple more people. The problem is, I will be applying for the permit this Friday afternoon (February 27th) and will need names, passport or ARC number, and your date of birth before then.

[Dater]

Hello from Germany,

I am trying to plan my vacation in Taiwan. Is there any Yushan trip planned for June already? Not sure if my Taiwanese wife will acompany me onto Yushan...

Thanks in advance...

[Volviic]

Hi Dater

I will have an Yushan hike sometime in June - not sure when exactly yet. Send me an email barkingdeerinfo@gmail.com and perhaps I can arrange a trip around your dates. If our times don't work out I can sort out all the permits, maps, and info you need to do it yourself - a very feasible option.

Look kids, that's rain outside!

[kdk]

Hi Dater

I will have an Yushan hike sometime in June - not sure when exactly yet. Send me an email barkingdeerinfo@gmail.com and perhaps I can arrange a trip around your dates. If our times don't work out I can sort out all the permits, maps, and info you need to do it yourself - a very feasible option.

Look kids, that's rain outside!

You have mail!

[Dater]

Hello kdk,

did Volviic reply to you already?

I really would love to climb Yushan

[Volviic]

Hi Dater & KDK

I did/have.

I have a group going up Yushan June 15 and 16th (permit issued, meet up Sunday the 14th, return the 16th evening), and may be in a position to change a couple of the names. Contact me asap, Yushan Main Peak permits are still as rare as teeth on a hen with a betel nut habit. barkingdeerinfo@gmail.com

That reminds me, in a few days I will be posting a schedule for the rest of the year's hikes. Some exciting stuff to look forward to...