Climbing Taiwan’s highest peak gave me one of the most unforgettable adventures of my life—jaw-dropping views, unexpected surprises, and a spring hike I’ll never forget. Read my blog!
Disclaimer: All views expressed on this blog are my own based on my own experiences and do not represent of any entity with which I have been, are now or will be affiliated
April 02, 2023
Pasay, Philippines
Date of Hike – March 26-27, 2023
Mt. Jade, standing at 3952 meters above sea level (12996ft) is the highest peak of Taiwan and Northeast Asia making it one of the three mountains in the “Asian Trilogy” along with Mt. Kinabalu and Mt. Fuji. We were so lucky to witness the first snowfall in Yushan this year (March 26, Sunday) and the latest first snow in the mountain in 80 years! https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202303260011
Mt Jade is located at Yushan Park and has also a complex process of raffling out permits, making it difficult to even be allowed to hike so I’d like to thank my Mt. Jade team (Ayen, Peng, BG, RaymOnd & Jim) in securing my slot on a month notice and for this shared wonderful experience!
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d try to scale this mountain. In February, I met a group of fellow hikers who invited me to join them on their expedition to the summit of Mt. Jade. I decided to go with them instead of the other group I had planned to go with whose organizer was charging five times as much. This trip was the most exciting adventure I’ve ever had!
Budget Breakdown
For two days and one night, including accommodation, meals, and a sleeping bag at the lodge, my total cost was NTD 3,500 (around PHP 6,200). We also spent NTD 400 for shuttle service to and from Yushan Park and the border, with enough space for all eleven of us. Additionally, we paid NTD 200 per person for transport from the park entrance to the pickup point at the start of the Mount Jade trail. Altogether, the total came to NTD 4,000 (approximately PHP 7,110).
Compared to other hikes I’ve done, this one was surprisingly affordable. I’m looking forward to meeting up with my new friends again and joining them on one of their incredible DIY hikes!
Thing to Bring:
- trekking clothes/trekking poles
- Passport/Valid IDs for registration
- Yushan Park entry permit
- gloves/socks
- jacket, raincoat or rainjacket
- headlamp, bonnet, headbuff or facemask
- fleece jacket
- small backpack for summit assault
- trash bag
- down jacket, windbreaker
- trail foods, water
- pocket money
- crampons (a must if you are going to hike in a snow)
- Body/hand warmer (Daiso or any brand) for the coldness!
*When hiking mountains, the weather can change drastically, therefore it’s wise to take additional socks and gloves.
Visa Requirements
Philippine passport holders could stay up to 14 days “visa free” in Taiwan. But before traveling to Taiwan, make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
Entry to Yushan Park (Mt. Jade)
Mt. Jade is the only mountain in Taiwan with a lottery system due to limited accommodation at the lodge. The lodge is equipped with basic facilities like water supply, toilets, a kitchen, and beds with mattresses, but it can only accommodate around 116 people per day. You can check the availability in this link and can apply here. My friends were the ones who applied for my permit!
There is no need for guides or porters in the mountain. Mt. Jade has a very established trail with signages along the trail.
Weather
As predicted, it rained all the way from Taichung to the trailhead on the morning of the 26th (Sunday). However, to our surprise, it started snowing around 3:30 PM local time! Since we hadn’t packed crampons for a snow ascent, it caught us off guard. The temperature at the peak was a chilling -12°C, while it was slightly warmer at -8°C when we reached the lodge.
Internet Connection
I was so impressed that all through out the hike, there was an internet connection!
Itinerary
March 26 (Sunday)
4:30 AM – We were picked up from our hotel in Taichung City to head to Yushan Park. The drive took about three hours.
8:00 AM – We arrived at the checkpoint where we registered and handed over our permits, which had been issued a week prior to the trek. I was surprised to learn that permits can be printed at any 7-Eleven in Taiwan — they actually offer copying and printing services! Along with the permits, we also showed our passports and other valid IDs, which were returned to us.
8:33 AM – We boarded a shuttle and made our way to the jump-off point at the Mt. Jade trailhead.
8:45 AM – Our ascent began! The trek from the jump-off point to Paiyun Lodge was 8.5 km.
3:35 PM – The snow began to fall! It was unexpected, even though we had spotted snow on the mountains earlier. Experiencing snow for the first time felt like something straight out of a movie. It fell gently and brightly as we hiked — such a magical moment that made the whole journey feel even more special.
4:15 PM – We arrived at Paiyun Lodge, where we were greeted with some chicken (which, unfortunately, was a bit bland for my taste). I couldn’t take a shower because it was -8°C outside and my gloves and socks were soaked. The lodge had no heating system, but we were given sleeping bags to keep warm. I swapped out my socks and gloves (I had used socks as gloves on the way up), and luckily, Ayen had brought warmers from Daison to help us manage the cold.
7:00 PM – As the lights went out, Jim — who had helped us with our permits for hiking Yushan — told us that it was too dangerous to attempt the peak in the snow. The snow and lack of proper gear, especially crampons, made it risky. My team and I had previously agreed that if the weather conditions were too hazardous, we wouldn’t push for the summit. Still, I couldn’t help but think, “If I’ve climbed the highest peak in the Philippines during a storm, I can climb anything!” But the subzero temperatures and icy conditions made this climb uniquely challenging.
March 27 (Monday) – Paiyun Lodge to Summit
5:30 AM – Time to get up and get ready. Breakfast had been served earlier at 2:30 AM, but honestly, I didn’t mind waking up that early because I was completely drained and needed some rest. They woke me up at 5:30, I brushed my teeth, and quickly got my trekking gear ready.
6:00 AM – The ascent to the summit began. The climb to the peak was 2.9 kilometers, and it was no easy feat. I battled freezing temperatures, near-zero visibility, and the thinning air, which made every breath feel like a struggle.
8:41 AM – I finally made it to the summit, braving a bone-chilling -12°C! I was seriously concerned about frostbite because I couldn’t feel my hands or feet while holding onto the rails along the mountain trails. Even before we reached the peak, I was praying for the sun to come out and give us some warmth. Thankfully, the wind wasn’t too strong, or it would’ve made everything much harder.
9:00 AM – We began our descent. But I reminded myself that the challenge wasn’t over until we were back at the starting point. The way down was just as tough due to the slippery surface. I had to be extra cautious, holding onto the rails and taking each step carefully. At times, I had to sit down and slide down the snowy stairs to avoid slipping.
11:00 AM – Finally made it back to Paiyun Lodge, the base camp.
12:00 PM – We started the descent back to the trailhead. The lodge closes at noon every day to accommodate hikers who are heading up to the summit.
3:45 PM – Reached the trailhead — the jump-off point for our descent.
3:50 PM – Took the shuttle to the checkpoint.
4:20 PM – Boarded the shuttle back to Taipei.
11:20 PM – Arrived at my hostel, Meander.
12:00 AM – Showered, then finally crashed into bed.
It was insane to go hiking in 5 cm of snow. It’s extremely difficult with less oxygen, subzero temperatures, near-zero visibility, and no porter (it’s the first time I’ve carried my own load). The North Face never lets me down when it comes to my hiking equipment, which I am grateful for. This was without a doubt the greatest adventure of my life to date. Mount Fuji is the last mountain to climb to complete the Asian mountain trilogy. Japan, I’m certainly coming for you!
to many more peaks to climb,
Maria, sometimes, Niskie
Finding Maria 
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