Location: The boarders on Taoyuan District, Kaoshiung/Alishan, Chiayi County/Xinyi, Nantou County, Taiwan
Entry Point: Tataka Anbu or Saddle of Tataka, Yushan National Park, Nantou County, Taiwan
Exit Point: Tataka Anbu or Saddle of Tataka, Yushan National Park, Nantou County, Taiwan
Elevation: 3,952 MASL (13,966 feet)
Days required/ Hours to summit: 2 Days/ 9 - 10 hours
Specs: Major Climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail Class 1-3
Features: The highest mountain in Taiwan with well-established trails consisting of five main vegetation belts, namely: alpine vegetation, fir forests, hemlock and spruce forests, oak forests, and castanopsis. The oak forests are within the mountain areas with plenty of clouds and fogs. The trail towards the summit is steep and massive rocks equipped with metal chains for safety handles for the climbers. During winter, its summit is covered with snow.
Proudly waves the Philippine flag as I successfully reached Yushan summit
Yushan (Mount Jade) Team 2024
March 12, 2024 From Bicol to NAIA Terminal 3
This is the second time, that I booked as a joiner under Ms. Jonah Chavez -Ranchez under their Jonah's Travel Agency. They are very reliable and would see to it that every aspect of the trip is ironed out and it will just go smoothly when the day of the trip comes. My first time with them was my Mount Fuji Climb dated July 25-26, 2023. This climb was dated March 14-15, 2024, the second mountain where I climb for Asian Trilogy. In Taiwan's language, the word "shan" means mountain. Thus, it is wrong to say "Mount Yushan."
While at Bicol International Airport waiting for my Cebupac flight for Manila dated March 12, 2024
Having transferred my residence to Guinobatan, Albay, I need to take either an overnight bus going to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal III or take a flight from Bicol International Airport to NAIA Terminal III which I have chosen the later.
Arrived 6:45 P.M. same day at NAIA Terminal 4 for my connecting flight in NAIA Terminal 3
DAY 0: March 13, 2024
From the NAIA Terminal 4, I boarded a bus going to NAIA Terminal 3 for my Cebupac flight to Taiwan which departed at 10:40 P.M. and arrived at Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 at 1:00 A.M. of the following day, March 13, 2024.
While at Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 of Taiwan at 1:00 A.M. of March 13, 2024
We actually waited at the airport until 8:00 A.M. where our chartered bus picked us up heading to Taichung City. The bus trip took us 2 hours for 145 kilometers. While in Taichung, we bought food supplies for our climb and other personal necessities.
A comfortable 2-hour bus trip to Taichung City
Other than buying food supplies and other essentials in Taichung, we also took our lunch there. Dr. Eric Ranchez, Jonah's husband, who served as our guide for the entire travel, took us to a Filipino restaurant for lunch. For the exchange rate, one Taiwan Dollar is equivalent to P1.85. My Filipino lunch meal there was at 110 Taiwan Dollars which is equivalent to P204, for just one rice and a friend breast chicken.
After our lunch, we had a quick stroll in the vicinity as shown in the pictures below:
Also, while touring around, we spotted this small food shop and found this cheaper food but really delicious and bought some for our breakfast for the following day.
Yushan National Park Headquarters at Nantou County, Taiwan
From Taichung City, we left there are around 10:40 A.M. and dropped by at the Yushan National Park Headquarters and Shueili Visitor Center, where registration and permit applications are processed located at No. 515 Section 1, Zhongshan Road, Shueili Township, Nantou County. We actually paid for our climbing certificates and agreed that we will just send thru email our solo picture at Yushan summit so that by the time we drop by again heading to Taichung, we have just to pick-up our printed certificates.
Our Yushan Climbing Team at Dongpu Lodge
After more than 2 hours drive from Yushan National Park Headquarters, we arrived at Dongpu Lodge where we stayed for an overnight. There was no food provision there, but there is water where climbers can take a bath. The bed is clean and comfortable to sleep with. Its elevation is 2,580 MASL.
Strolling around the chilly and picturesque Dongpu Lodge
We really had a soundly sleep but we were all anticipating of a very tough climb the following day. We repacked our stuff for some of our things will be left behind. So, March 13, 2024 just ended so smoothly.
Our comfortable beds at Dongpu Lodge
DAY 1: March 14, 2024
Leaving Dongpu Lodge heading to Final Registration site
From Dongpu Lodge, we had a short walk of around 10 minutes going to the final registration site. This is the site where they control the intake of climbers for the day.
This is the final checkpoint office
At this point, our passports were verified with the approved climbing permit we had processed from Yushan National Park Headquarters. It took us a while here since, we have to be checked one by one. Of course, the climbing permit and the accommodation were processed six months earlier by our tour provider.
Inside the Final checkpoint office is an exhibit hall all about Yushan
From this point, we boarded a van for 12 minutes to Yushan trailhead or jump-off point. Since, we were in batches, we regrouped there at the jump-off point.
The Tataka Anbu jump-off point
The jump-off point has an elevation of 2,610 meters above sea level. Thus, if the summit is at 3,952 meters high, then, climbers have to climb a remaining of 1,342 meters. Such a big relief saving our energy climbing 2,610 meters. From this point, I started climbing at 7:58 A.M.
The misty mountains seen along our trail
Indeed, the trail here is climber-friendly compared to what Philippine mountains have. Ascents were gradual and the rolling slopes offers a relaxing trek. It is like a walk in the mall.
A proof that the trail is climber-friendly
The trail signs are provided in every 1-kilometer distance
After 29 minutes of "walk in the mall" trek, I completed a 1- kilometer walk. Not bad, we were not really in a hurry. So, from this point, I still have to trek for 7.5 kilometers to Paiyun Lodge where we stayed for overnight. In every half kilometer, there is distance counter marker.
The Monroe Pavilion at 2,792 MASL
We rested at Monroe Pavilion at 8:53 A.M. together with my Mount Fuji batchmates: Ms. Kim M. Desmedt and Nel Opolento after 55 minutes of trek. Around it are trees which bloom during Cherry Blossom. I have seen some different species of birds in this cool temperate coniferous forest, namely: brownish-flanked bus warbler (cettia fortipes), coal tit (parus ater), flare crest (regulus goodfellow) and spotted nutcracker (nucifraga caryocatactes).
The first comfort room in Yushan trail
At 9:14 A.M., I have seen the first comfort room along the trail. There is water supply and climbers can discharge their excesses here. This is just along the trail.
I passed thru this point at 9:48 A.M.
I was here at 9:57 A.M. where I still have 5.8 kilometers to Paiyun Lodge
This trail is equipped with metal chains for safety handles at 10:03 A.M.
A metal bridge connecting deep ravines at 10:08 A.M.
Completed 4.5 kilometer trek at 11:11 A.M.
The second comfort room along the trail after 4.5 Kilometer mark
The White Forest Observation Deck at 3.042 MASL
Arrived at the White Forest Observation Deck at 11:13 A.M. This is a big and wide structure which can accommodate climbers as many as 50, but its balcony can accommodate more pax. This is where I took my lunch. From this point I completed a 5-kilometer trek with remaining 3.5 kilometers to Paiyun Lodge.
The scenic backdrop at the White Forest Observation Deck
The spacious White Forest Observation Deck
The common mammals along this high altitude wildlife trail are: white-faced flying squirrel, Owslon's long-nosed tree squirrel, Formosan macaque, Formosan Sambar, Formosan Serow, and Formosan Reeve's muntiac. At least, I have seen wild macaque along the trail. They do not come close to humans.
At 1:36 P.M. I have already completed 7-kilometer trek
I have completed an 8-kilometer trek at 2:05 P.M.
At last, I reached Paiyun Lodge at 2:16 P.M.
When I arrived at Paiyun Lodge, I just dropped my backpack and proceed alone to Yushan West Peak. This is actually optional. Some of those who reached Paiyun ahead of me decided to rest at the lodge, but pushed for the West Peak which is 2.1 kilometers away. Some of those who arrived late at the lodge decided not to proceed to the West Peak.
Heading to Mount Jade (Yushan) West Peak
The trail to the West Peak is somewhat difficult. Most of it are deep ravines and no wooden ramps or metal bridges are installed.
Extremely deep and steep ravines
Dense but magical forest
I was here at 2:59 P.M. alone. I was a bit scared.
Had I only knew that there was no one at the West Peak, I won't go there. I almost aborted the trek towards West Peak, but I want to accomplish my own personal mark. Thus, even if I was scared, I went on with my trekking.
Reached West Peak at 3:54 P.M.
I started my trek heading to this peak at 2:20 P.M. and reached it at 3:54 P.M. which means that I did it for 94 minutes or 1 hour and 34 minutes. I really got worried of going back since the trail was becoming too misty. At some point, visibility is poor. My thought of seeing a scary figure out of the thick mist was intensified. But I kept my focus and concentration. I want to be back at the lodge.
On my way back, I did not take pictures anymore. I was literally running and my worry was that, I did not bring with me a flashlight. I arrived at the lodge at 5:25 P.M. but it was already dark and I have seen my group having their dinner already.
The dinner was not okey. Yes, all the dishes served were tasteless. But I have to eat for dinner. They do not have a water dispenser for cold water. What they have is hot water in a dispenser and borrowed bowls to cool them for drinking. The comfort rooms were not clean.
Since, it was too cold, I rented a sleeping bag. Literally a very thick sleeping bag but it was not enough to warm my body. I was chilling when I was already in bed but eventually my exhaustion has led me to sleep but not tight.
Day 2: March 15, 2024
While having our breakfast at dawn
By next day, we woke up as early as 2:00 A.M. and had our breakfast at 2:30 A.M. Again, the food were all tasteless. It was not really for Filipino tongue. I forced myself to eat some by swallowing it right away. The drinking water was hot. Oh my God! What kind of breakfast did I have.
The trek started at 2:45 A.M. and we did not see the trail that much. Thus, I did not bother to take pictures and videos.
We reached this point at 4:50 A.M. though, we were advised not to push through to the summit since it was still dark. This point has open metal housing structures where we temporarily hid while waiting but it was cold here since the air was extremely cold and it was partly covered with snow.
The trail towards the summit was steep and some rocks were loose. There were some metal chains installed along the massive rock walls where climbers can hold for safety.
A solo picture at the summit of Yushan at 6:27 A.M.
Though I reached the summit at 6:10 A.M., I waited for my turn to have a picture at the summit marker since there were a number of groups enjoying victory having successfully invaded the summit. I was not really feeling well. I was in a freezing state. Words could hardly come from my mouth. I was completely feeling numb.
The summit packed with climbers taking solo picture
After my solo picture, I decided to start my descent. I wanted to get rid of extreme coldness. I wanted a quick escape to make my body warm and comfortable.
This is a temporary shelter we got caught before we pushed for the summit
This point is what I am referring to that we stayed maybe for an hour waiting for the sunrise as we were advised not to push for summit yet.
The trail descending back to Paiyun Lodge
Reached Paiyun Lodge at 8:34 A.M.
Beds at Paiyun Lodge
The view from Paiyun Lodge
From Paiyun Lodge descending to the jump-off point was such a rush. I for one, did not mind having a buddy. I knew, the trekking down would take long. Thus, I trekked alone. There was no need for guide anyway since the trails are well established. In Filipino lingo, "walang ligaw sa bundok na ito." Good that the trails are not misty though still cold.
So tired, I wasn't in the mood of documenting further. From the jump-off point, the van we boarded drove us back to Dongpu Lodge and took all our things. We waited for some of our companions until 3:00 P.M. Then, we dropped by at Yushan National Park Headquarters to pick-up our certificates where it was already 5:20 P.M. and finally travelled back to Taichung City for an overnight stay at Loosha Hostel with capsule accommodation.
My Climbing Certificate
March 16, 2024: Free day in Taichung City
Before taking our breakfast at Loosha Hostel
The free day in Taichung City was intended to prepare for the next climb in Xueshan (Snow Mountain) Climb with separate blog post.
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