Conquering Mountain Jade (Yushan) - 2 Days Itinerary & Tips

• LocationMountain Jade, Nantou, Taiwan
• Duration2 days
• Rating★★★★
• Average CostNT$2000

In the realm of Taiwan's natural wonders, one peak reigns supreme – Mountain Jade, or Yushan as it is locally known. Standing tall at over 3,952 meters, it proudly holds the title of the highest mountain in Taiwan. Yushan is more than just a mountain; it's an exhilarating challenge, a journey of self-discovery, and a testament to the raw beauty of the natural world.

I had the privilege of climbing this majestic mountain during the winter of 2023. Over the course of two days, I was immersed in a world of snow-capped peaks, rugged landscapes, and breathtaking panoramas that unveiled the true grandeur of Taiwan.

In this post, I will share my itinerary and packing list for climbing Mountain Jade. If you are curious about how to apply for access to the national park, check out my other post.

Day 0: Preparation and Travel to Yushan National Park

As a foreign traveler, getting there might present a bit of an adventure as it's roughly a 5-hour journey from the hustle and bustle of Taipei City. You have the option of navigating the winding mountain roads yourself, but bear in mind, they can be a tad challenging. Alternatively, you can kick back and enjoy the ride with public transport. (Check out this post)

I highly recommend making the Dongpu Hostel your home base for the night before your climb. It's conveniently located right at the doorstep of the national park, saving you an early morning wake-up call.

In my case, I was fortunate enough to borrow my girlfriend's car, which shortened my travel time to about 3 hours from the city I was staying in. The Dongpu hostel provides a cozy shelter for the night, but keep in mind, you can only book a month in advance, either through their website or a direct phone call.

The hostel charges a pocket-friendly NT$300 per night, excluding meals. So, remember to stock up on dinner and breakfast for the next day before you arrive. Despite its affordability, the hostel offers some decent amenities, including cooking equipment, charging station, hot showers, and chill-out areas - just what you need to recharge before your big climb.

Day 1: Start Day

Rising with the sun at 6:30 a.m., I was all set for the day by 7 a.m. First order of business - submitting the mountain permit to the local police station and registering at the national park counter. To save some time and energy, I hopped on a mini van for a quick 10-minute ride to the climbing entrance, bypassing a 50-minute walk on the road.

The day's journey was set towards Paiyung hostel, nestled at 2000 meters within the national park. Most adventurers reach this spot within a 4-5 hour trek. Unfortunately, the day was shrouded in clouds, obscuring the usually stunning views. We reached the hostel around lunchtime just as the heaven's opened up with a heavy downpour, leading us to abandon our afternoon plans of ascending the West Peak.

Remember, the hostel at Paiyung doesn't offer any shower facilities. However, they do provide a cosy sleeping bag and three wholesome meals (dinner, breakfast and lunch) for only NT$900. I found this to be a worthy deal, especially if you would rather not lug around heavy cooking equipment and food supplies in your backpack. One more thing to note - there are no charging plugs, so be sure to pack your own charger to keep your electronics juiced up!

Day 2: Summit Attack

Many hikers choose to start their day early at 4am, heading off at 5am with the hope of catching the sunrise at the peak. However, after checking the weather forecast predicting cloudiness and cold temperatures until 8am, I opted for a later start at 7:30am. This turned out to be a fortunate decision as many hikers I met along the way reported not being able to reach the peak due to icy and hazardous conditions.

After a two-hour hike, I was rewarded with a sunny day and a clear view of the stunning scenery as I made my way to the main peak despite slippery and frozen paths. Reaching the peak around 10am, I spontaneously decided to take on the North peak as well.

The journey to the North peak proved to be even more challenging than the main peak. With strong winds and slippery rocks, each step required careful consideration. However, the reward was worth every effort as the North peak is the only place to capture the classic picture of Mountain Jade.

After a successful day of hiking, we returned to Paiyung hostel around 1pm. Though we missed the lunchtime, we decided to descend the mountain before 5pm. The afternoon gifted us with clear, sunny weather, allowing us to take in the scenery we had missed the previous day. Reaching the starting point around 5:30pm, we were treated to a breathtaking view of the sunset and a sea of clouds.

Our journey ended with a minivan ride down to the carpark, followed by a drive to Chiayi County at night. Though the drive was challenging due to the foggy conditions, requiring me to occasionally stop and open the car window to see ahead, we safely made it to the City around 9pm.

Packing List

1, Waterproof Poncho: The unpredictable weather conditions in the mountains can often bring rain. A waterproof poncho is a must-have to keep you dry and protect you from potential hypothermia.

2, Waterproof Bag Cover: Protect your gear and essentials from getting wet with a waterproof bag cover. It's vital to keep your supplies dry, especially if they include electronic devices or spare clothes.

3, Warm Jacket: Temperatures in the winter can drop significantly, especially at higher altitudes. A warm, insulated jacket is a necessity to shield you from the cold. Preferably, choose a jacket that is also water and wind-resistant.

4, Thermal Layers: Layer your clothing to manage changing temperatures throughout your climb. This should include thermal base layers, a lightweight fleece mid-layer, and an outer shell jacket.

5, Gloves and Beanie: Protect your extremities from the harsh cold. A pair of insulated gloves and a warm beanie can make a big difference in maintaining your body heat.

6, Headlamp: As you might start your climb in the early morning or finish late in the evening, a headlamp is essential for visibility.

7, Hiking Boots: A sturdy pair of hiking boots will provide the necessary traction and ankle support for the challenging terrains.

8, Food and Waterbottle: Carry ample high-energy snacks and enough water for your climb. Remember, it's crucial to stay hydrated and maintain your energy levels during the strenuous activity.

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For more of my adventures in Taiwan, check out the rest of my posts!