XUESHAN (SNOW MOUNTAIN) CLIMB AT 3,886 MASL IN TAIWAN

Location:  Shei-Pa National Park, Heping District, Taichung, Taiwan
Entry Point: Xueshan Park Entry Check-in Counter, Wuling Farm, Heping District, Taichung, Taiwan

Exit Point: Xueshan Park Entry Check-in Counter, Wuling Farm, Heping District, Taichung, Taiwan

Elevation: 3,886 MASL (12,749 feet)

Days Required/Hours to summit: 2 Days/ 8- 10 hours

Specs: Major Climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail Class 1-3

Features:  It is also known as Snow Mountain, the second highest mountain in Taiwan with well-established trails and the highest point of the Xueshan Range.  It offers diverse ecosystems, ranging from subtropical forests to alpine shrubland, and is known for its winter snow cover.  Mountain Ash trees decorates its forest with beautiful red colors.  These trees are endemic species of Taiwan, a deciduous tree of Rosaceae family.

Victoriously reaching the summit at 3,886 MASL alone

Xueshan or Snow Mountain climb is a part of my packaged tour dated March 12-20, 2024 provided by most trusted travel organizers, the couple Dr. Eric R. Ranchez and Jonah Chavez-Ranchez under their brand, Jonah's Travel offering the lowest rate compared to their counterparts. This tour starts with the Yushan (Jade Mountain) Climb and specifically, this climb was dated March 17-19, 2024.  Do not be confused if this mountain is also called Mount Syue or Hsueshan, both still refer to Xueshan.

The Xueshan 2024 Team

We were originally 10 for this climb.  However, Madame Aileen di not make it after successfully completing the first climb in Yushan, while Marco did not make it to Taiwan for some pressing appointment at home.

Day 1:  March 17, 2024

Overlooking these mountain slopes while heading to Wuling Farm

This specifically starts leaving Taichung City at 9:00 A.M. on March 17, 2024 traveling to Wuling Farm for a distance of 167.1 kilometers for four hours, but due to side trips, it took us 3:20 P.M. to reach the Xueshan Park Entry Check-in Counter in Wuling Farm, the trailhead of Xueshan.

Xueshan Park Entry Check-in Counter at 2,140 MASL

This Park Entry Check-in Counter in Wuling which serves as the trailhead of the Xueshan, serves as the Gateway to 100 Peaks.  Nearby mountains in Yushan are Mount Pintian (3,524 MASL), Mount Chiyou (3,303 MASL), Mount Taoshan (3, 325 MASL) and Mount Kalaye (3,133 MASL) and they are called Wuling Quadruple Mountains.

Our climbing team ready to rumble

Our team was also a part of the 26 Yushan climbers except for Crisol Pacursa who already finished climbing Yushan ahead of our team. Of course, the organizer, Dr. Eric Ranchez is our Expedition Leader and we climbed without a guide.

Water Reservoir at Xueshan Trailhead

We stayed around 30 minutes at the Park Entry Check-in Counter to prepare for an hour trek to our accommodation for overnight. At the Park Entry, climbers can buy food and other essentials and some souvenir items.  Some of those who were there  are not really climbers but purely tourists who stayed or toured at the nearby Wuling Farm.

The well-established trail heading to Qika Cabin

From the trailhead which is the Park Entry Check-in Counter is a 2-kilometer trek towards Qika Cabin where we stayed for an overnight.  This first 2-kilometer distance is an easy to hike paved with many stairs.  The assault is so gradual.

Qika Cabin for overnight accommodation

Qika Cabin is big enough which can accommodate 106 hikers.  It has bunk beds, a kitchen and dining area, flushed toilets, and a drying room.  The management here does not sell food and other essentials.  This is purely for sleeping quarters of the climbers.  There were no comforters nor sleeping bags for rent, thus, climbers has to provide their own sleeping bag.

Day 2:  March 18, 2024

A fresh start for an intended Day Climb

Our call time was 5:30 A.M. for the preparation of our breakfast and body clean up.  It was too cold then but bathing was not even encouraged here.  We cook and took for our breakfast together at the dining hall separate from the sleeping quarters.  Climbers are encouraged to bring their butane if they want to cook at the kitchen area.

Highly energized to push for a day climb

We started the trek at around 7:00 A.M. from Qika Cabin.  It was a chilling morning and more or less we were trailing a well-established trail of gradual ascents.  Honestly, it was such a relaxing trek being mesmerized by the good weather and scenic trails.

At 7:41 A.M. with my Beshie Christian Palacio

A part of the 100 Peaks scenery

Taiwan is indeed blessed with dramatic mountainous region.  The view above proves that Snow Mountain is indeed surrounded with 100 peaks.  Every step of mine excites me.  I was really thinking that the climb is just enough for a day.  I was so excited with the thought that for the first time I will be trekking a mountain with snow.

Long ascending open trail at 8:32 A.M.

I was looking for a signage where I can identify my location but there was none to find  and so I just kept on scaling lightly and happily.  The good thing was, even if they are open trails, it was not hot.

Ascent to Ku Po (Ku Slope)

Entering the forest at 8:35 A.M. after a long ascent to Ku Po

The forest is not so dense covered with pine trees of variants like Pinus morrisonicola (Taiwan white pine) and Pinus kesiya (Khasi pine).  In other trails, there is also a presence of Pinus hwangshanensis (Huangshan pine).

Reaching this magical view at 9:04 A.M.

Indeed, it has a magical scenery

The open trails offers a warmer temperature at 9:26 A.M.

I reached this point at 9:28 A.M.

Passing thru the Sanliujiu Hut at 10:01 A.M.

I reached the junction of the Old Sanliujiu Cabin.   I can see other structures under renovation, since Shei-pa National Park is renovating a ndw cabin, so, hikers stay at the temporary campground set up by the national park.  We did not stay here since we spent overnight at Qika Cabin,

Entering Mount Syue

Taiwan Mountain Ash forest

After a long and cardiac assault from the junction of Sanliujiu Hut, is a dense forest of Taiwan Mountain Ash (Sorbus Randalensi).  These trees usually grow in subtropical forest and this is a sight to behold during autumn where its foliage decorates the forest with red color.

Deep into the Mountain Ash forest alone at 10:46 A.M.

So overwhelmed of this magical forest

Wandering around Black Forest and Crown Shyness trees 11:25 A.M.

The enchanting black forest 11:25 A.M.

Still exploring the black forest alone

Black forest is a well-known Taiwan Fir forest.  These trees at least one or two hundred years of age.  Even in bright sunlight, it remains dim and  cool in the forest.  Black forest gets its name because of its density, more than 60 percent of the sky are covered by a canopy of trees. If you look up and observe closely, you may notice "crown shyness" phenomenon.  The crown of each tree do not touch each other, as if it is a way of communication between trees, giving sufficient sunlight to every branch as possibly as they can.

Approaching the Glacial Cirque No. 1 at 12:19 Noon

At the foot of Glacial Cirque No. 1

While at the base of Glacial Cirque No. 1

This point is at 3,500 MASL.  It is a feature of glacial topography.  The name indicates a circular hollow situated where the head of a mountain glacier was, hollowed out by the action of the ice, snow and the glacier, and shaped like a green basin, with every steep cliffs on the upper side.   

Pushing for the summit at 12:42 Noon

Completed 10.2 kilometer trek at 12:55 Noon

Going higher at 1:07 P.M. (Thanks to my photographer Boi Palaboi) pabalik na siya

Look at my face at 1:31 P.M. completing 10.6 kilometer trek

It is so difficult to trek on the snow even with crampons

Reached the summit at 2:12 P.M. Too late to descend.  I was the last one to reach it

I cried with joy when I reached the summit at 3,886 MASL, not because of joy, because I knew that it was too late to descend back to Qika Cabin.

The Main Peak of Xue Mountain connects six popular hiking trails - Shengleng Trail (Holy Ridge Trail), Wuling Quadruple Trail, East Xue Trail, Zhijiayang Trail, Xuejian Trail, and West Xue Trail. There are two other extended routes, Shengling Y-shaped Trail starts from Wuling Quadruple Mountains which climbers should keep walking along Takejin Creek to pass Banan, go to Daba Peaks and back with a light pack, and follow the traditional route of Shengleng Trail to Main Peak of Xue Mountain.

At 2:32 P.M. battling my way towards my descent

In my descent, it was already 4:03 P.M. and I was still at the Black forest 

At 4:35 P.M. I was just heading to Sanliujiu Hut junction

The view after passing Sanliujiu Hut junction at 5:06 P.M.

I reached Ku Slope at 5:56 P.M. but it was already dark.  Since, I was rattled, I did not have the chance to look for my head lamp.  I was trekking in darkness and around 6:20 P.M. I heard voices calling me and they were Doc Eric R. Ranchez and Boi Palaboi.  They rescued me from the dark.  When I was reunited with them, I searched for my head lamp and it was in my backpack.  We still had a very long trek back to Qika Cabin and reached there at 7:48 P.M.  After taking dinner, we rested in our extremely freezing bed.  since I did not bring with me a sleeping bag.

Day 3: March 19, 2024

Early in the morning we woke up at 6:00 A.M. to cook for our breakfast and eventually ate our meal. Then we left at Qika Cabin at 7:00 A.M. with  our complete descent to the Park Entry Check-in Counter in Wuling Farm where we reached it 7:52 A.M.

The Water Reservoir at the Park Entry Check-in Counter

While at the Park Entry Check-in Counter

From the Trail Head of the Park Entry Check-in Counter, we drove down to Wuling Farm which can be partly watched on this video.  Then, we returned back to Taichung City to our Loosha accommodation and March 20, 2024 was our return flight to Manila.  Thank you Xueshan for this great mountaineering experience.  Thank you also to my climbing buddies and most especially to the travel organizer Jonah's Travel.  This is my third problem-free international climb with them, the other two were Mount Fuji in Japan and Yushan (Jade Mountain) of Taiwan..  Watch also for my Mount Kinabalu Climb which completed my quest for Asia Trilogy, still with Jonah's Travel.

MY SECOND TAIWAN TOUR 2024

While at Wuling Farm in Heping District of Taichung City

This is my second visit to the fascinating country of Taiwan.  May first visit was dated May 14-17, 2019.  I was with four travel buddies, two of them are my frequent buddies in Japan and Korea and some local tours.  That first visit was more on touring around some famous spots of Taiwan.  We were based in Ximending and we had explored it From the airport to Ximending.   For tone day, we booked our tour thru Klook and visited Yeuliu Geological Park Rock Formations, Shifen for its water falls and lantern flying and the bustling but charming village of Jiufen.   The other days, we had DIY tours at the Taipei 101 and National Shiang Kai Shek Memorial Site.

On this second visit of mine dated March 12-20, 2024, it took longer as this trip was really intended to climb Yushan (Jade Mountain) and Xueshan (Snow Mountain) Climb and the remaining couple of days were only for side trips.  This package tour has been catered of course by the most reliable and dependable Ms. Jonah Chavez-Ranchez and husband Dr. Eric R. Ranchez under their brand service name Jonah's Travel.  Don't hesitate to contact them, they can offer travels ranging from local, and international tours and climbs in Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealan and even the STAN Countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

For this post, I am sharing the places I had toured nearby Taichung City.  From Taoyuan Internationa Airport, we drove right to Taichung City for our Yushan climb and we did not have the opportunity to tour around Taipei City,

The accommodating receptionist at Loosha Hostel

Loosha Hostel is located in the middle of Taichung City.  Right after our Yushan climb, we drove back to Taichung to spend an overnight.  This hostel is very affordable and offers a comfortable and clean accommodation with their capsule-type beds.

This is my comfortable hostel accommodation

It was already early in the evening when we arrived Taichung City from our Yushan climb.  And after checking in at Loosha Hostel, we had a sumptuous dinner together.

Comfortable rest at the city after the Yushan climb

Of the 26 Yushang climbing team members, we six left at the hostel.  Some had already flown back to Manila as they are not joining us for our Snow Mountain (Xueshan) climb.

The dining hall of the hostel where free breakfast is served

Since, the following day was a rest day, we did not wake-up early but still we have a city tour and we need to buy our essentials for the next climb as well as mountaineering gears that we might need in scaling the mountain.

This is a train store inside

Inside the Train Souvenir Store

From the vicinity of our accommodation, we took a bus going to Green Point Outdoor Shop to buy mountaineering gears and essentials.   Of course, we enjoyed the ride.

The bus travel to Green Point Outdoor Shop

Our photographer here is the owner of Green Point Outdoor Shop

To take advantage of cheaper prices, I bough a Vibram goretex shoes.  What so special about this shoes is that, it is designed to withstand the challenges of the most demanding terrain, this innovative technology offers a perfect combination of water resistance, breathability and lightness.  I also bought two trekking poles which I was advised I would need in the snow-covered Xueshan mountain.

A variety of sporting shoes

Cheaper down jacket or puffer jacket

Taking a walk in search of lunch

I got a problem in looking for my lunch because I really wanted to have rice.  However, my group insisted that we have to try their original noodles.  So, when we lifted the bus near our accommodation, we just had a long walk going to that destination.

My noodles lunch at the Original Store of Chun Shui Tang

I was not happy with my lunch.  I really do not like noodles.  I thought that at the bottom of all those meat slices is rice, because I did not see noodles in the menu picture only meat slices on top of it.  Of course, this store is mor expensive.  There are some small food corners, serving rice and chicken just a block away from our accommodation.

A long walk back to the accommodation

After a long walk, we dropped by at a convenience store to buy our climbing essentials which will be good for 2 days.  Then, we rested in our comfortable beds.  I had the chance also to have my clothes for laundry at the hostel.

One of the two stores I passed thru.  Parang Filipino store

Just after my dinner fronting our accommodation

To be sure that I will have the rice for dinner, I went out with my Beshie Chris Palacio where we have the same choice of food.  I got a soundly and tight sleep.  I also had packed my things and we are living our things at the hostel, those stuff which are not needed in the climb.

Stopover for refreshment

The Old England

Old England is one of our side trips on our way to the jump-off point of Snow Mountain.  It was such a long trip coming from Taichung City.  This manor is located in Ren'al Township, Nantou County which is nestled in scenic Nantou County.  It is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World which offers a unique blend of English Tudor architecture and diverse period furnishings.  Below are some other pictures of the place.

From this point, we still had a long drive going to the jump-off point of the Snow Mountain.   We've witnessed a very dramatic mountainous region with lots of parks on it.  There are some locals and tourists enjoying this mountain parks.

Stopover for lunch

The scenic mountain slopes heading to Xueshan jump-off point

The jump-off point of Xueshan at 2,140 MASL

Xueshan or Snow Mountain that we climb has an elevation of 3,886 MASL (12,749 feet) and from this point of the jump-off point of 2,140 MASL, we only have to scale another 1,746 MASL.  This mountain is the second highest mountain in Taiwan and East Asia.

Our Xueshan (Snow Mountain) Climbing Team

This registration site is in itself a good place to stay with for it is overlooking the scenic Wuling Farm.  There is a souvenir shop here.  Some essentials can be bought here.

Qika Cabin overnight accommodation

From the jump-off point to Qika Cabin is just barely an hour trek with an elevation of 2,460 MASL.  It is advisable that climbers spend a night here for acclimatization due to the high altitude. 

After the Xueshan Day climb the following day, we spent another night at the Qika Cabin and proceed back to the jump off point in the morning.

Cherry blossoms at the Wuling Farm

Wuling Farm is just barely an hour drive from the jump off point of Xueshan.  This can be best visited when Cherry Blossom is on its full bloom.  This has a charming scenery in all four seasons.  In spring, the fruit trees are in full bloom, and the pear and peach blossoms are in full bloom, as beautiful as a painting; in summer, the mountains are full of green, and the sound of waterfalls and streams is cool and refreshing.

Still at Wuling Farm

During winter at Wuling Farm, guests have the chance to see the silvery white snow, as if you have entered a fairy tale world.  No matter what the season, strolling the farm trails, enjoying the fresh air and stunning mountain view, can make you completely relaxed and full of energy.

Wuling farm at a wide angle

Guests can book thru Klook for this exciting experience.  To make the most of your experience, you can avail accommodations ranging from hotel, guest house and camping options.  But guests can also avail hotels and resorts in the surrounding areas of Lishan or lodging accommodations.

The Rape (Brassica napus) flower field in Wuling Farm

Playing with Rape (Brassica napus) flowers 

Stopover in a family mart while heading to Taichung City

In Taiwan, convenience stores really offers the best services and food are of varied choices.  The best thing is it offers a truly comfortable space where motorists and guests can relax.  It is not just a small convenience store.

Lishan Guesthouse

Lishan Guesthouse

The imposing Lisan Guesthouse

From the looks of it, I thought Lishan is a palace.  We spent ample time taking pictures and videos just to learn that this is just a guesthouse.  It is located at No. 91 Zhongzheng Road, Heping District, Taichung City.  This accommodation can be an option if guests prefer not to stay in Wuling Farm.  At the backdrop of it or overlooking are stunning mountain views and hot springs.  It's an ideal base for nature and adventure.   It is just 1.3 km from Fushoushan farm.

Dropping by at a historic tunnel

They also honor their native ancestors

Checking in at the airport

We still had an overnight at the Loosha hostel and the following day, we had our early flight heading to Manila.  It was such a great experience.  Climbing two major mountains of Taiwan: Yushan (Jade Mountain) at 3,952 MASL - Taiwan's highest mountain and Xueshan (Snow Mountain at 3,886 MASL - second highest mountain of Taiwan and a number of side trips worth sharing.

Chocolate shop at Taoyuan International Airport Duty Free Shops

While at the boarding gate of Taoyuan International Airport bound for Manila

For the record, Taiwan is the 12th country that I have visited and two Special Administrative Regions (SAR) of China such as Hongkong and Macau.  Other countries are: (1) Thailand, (2) United Arab Emirates in Dubai, (3) Uganda, (4) Rwanda, (5) Kenya, (6) Singapore, (7) Indonesia twice, (8) Malaysia twice, (9) Brunei, (10) Japan five times, (11) South Korea twice, (12) Taiwan.