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Hehuan Summit Peak

Hehuan Summit Peak is in front of Song Syue Lodge. It's the shortest trail in Hehuanshan, but not the easiest one. Sometimes, you have to use two full hands to grab a rope or support your body to move. Before sunset, it's a good spot to see sea of clouds on the east side, along Highway 14.

Phone

Address

Renhe Rd., Ren’ai Township, Nantou County 546, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

Business hours

24:00 - 23:59

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Formosa Footsteps: Island Travels in Taiwan

Nearby

Hehuan Wuling

Located within Hehuanshan National Forest Area, Hehuan Wuling with an altitude of 3,275 meters is the highest point in the Taiwanese highway system. When the sky in clear, this highly raved spot becomes the perfect location to appreciate the sea of clouds, the sunset and the Milky Way that spread out before you in all its glory. Crux can even be seen in the sky from April to June.

Hehuan Wuling sits between the Main Peak and the East Peak. Due to its high altitude, no matter the season, you can expect a crisp 15⁰C to set the perfect wintertime mood for your visit, which is a pleasant change from the tropical climate down below. In winter, the mountain top will be capped with snow, and crowds of tourists flock to this white winter paradise. To the east, there is a lookout that allows visitors to take in the magnificent views of Hehuanshan, Qilaishan and Nanhu Mountain. When the night falls, many photography enthusiasts will be spotted geared up to capture incredible Milky Way photographs. Forget about Alishan as the sunrise up on Hehuan Wuling is unbeatable. The golden hued rays of sunrise softly caress the horizon with the mountains bathed in the glow of the rising sun. Every single second is a marvel itself, but you have to see it for yourself.

Attractions

Hehuan Main Peak

Hehuan Main Peak, located in the Hehuan Mountain Range, is one of Taiwan's 100 peaks. It can be completed in about 2 hours (depending on individual fitness), making it a great choice for beginners. The view from the top is unobstructed, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The transportation to Hehuan is also relatively convenient, with the trailhead located next to a public road. Even if you don't drive yourself or take a chartered tour, you can still visit this beautiful mountain of 3,417 meters by taking a bus.

In addition to Hehuan Main Peak, the Hehuan Mountain Range includes Shihmen Mountain, Hehuan East Peak, Hehuan North Peak, and Hehuan West Peak. Shihmen Mountain and Hehuan East Peak are also relatively easy to climb, and both are included in the 100 peaks. It is usually possible to complete the three peaks of Hehuan Main Peak, Shihmen Mountain, and Hehuan East Peak in one day, which is very cost-effective! The other two peaks, Hehuan North Peak and Hehuan West Peak, are longer, so you may need two days and one night to complete them, and camp on the mountain.

Attractions

Shimenshan

You might have heard of a list of the 100 iconic peaks soaring over 3,000 meters in Taiwan, and many local enthusiasts spend their whole lives trying to climb over every one of them. Known to be the easiest one to climb among them, Shimenshan is suitable for people of all experience levels.

The entrance to Shimenshan is within a twenty-minute walk of Song Syue Lodge (松雪樓). Even with an altitude of 3,237 meters, Shimenshan can be easily explored without special hiking equipment. If in good health, everyone could reach the summit in forty minutes. It is a place worth visiting all year round, but not on a foggy day. Many hikers come for the beautiful sunrise. During the day, the visibility can be up to 30 kilometers where high ridges are spotted from far off. Before sunset, you might even see a vast sea of clouds spreading out right before you. When the night fall, Shimenshan draws in a significant number of stargazers and photography enthusiasts who hope to capture the awe-inspiring enchantment of the starry night sky in motion.

Notice:

For those who come for the sunrise, be sure to bring warm clothing and a flashlight.

If you plan to drive here, please turn off your headlamps when arriving at the parking lot. A bit of light pollution will ruin the night of those who hope to capture the motion of stars.

The entrance is located at the 33.5km mark of Highway 14.

Attractions

Hehuan North Peak

With an altitude of 3,422 meters, Hehuan North Peak is the highest among all the other peaks of Hehuanshan, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a spectacular view of the heart-thumping sunrise and the golden sunset from the top of Hehuanshan. As a matter of fact, Hehuan North Peak is an individual mountain of its own and does not appear to be part of the range. The trail that leads you to Hehuan North Peak runs through a lush growth of arrow bamboo, and the huge metal communication screen on top is the primary landmark here, commonly known as a “microflector.” The flatland in front of the microflector looks like a vast grassy field from far off and is a great location to see snow in winter.

If you are lucky enough, you might be amazed by a beautiful sea of clouds in autumn. However, this trail is not an easy one, so be prepared that it might take up to 4 to 6 hours for a round trip. If you are a seasoned hiker who enjoy fantastic panoramic views and plan on conquering the 100 iconic peaks soaring over 3,000 meters in Taiwan, why not start from the relatively friendly Hehuan North Peak?

Notice:

For current trail conditions, please check Taroko National Park Official Website.

The entrance is located at the 37.1km mark of Provincial Highway 14.

Permits are required to enter Hehuan North peak. Please click here to find out what documents you need to apply for a permit.

ActivityAttractions

Hehuan East Peak

Surrounded by Hehuan Summit Peak (合歡尖山) and Shimenshan (石門山) to the north, Hehuan Main Peak (合歡主峰) to the west as well as Chilaishan (奇萊山) to the east, Hehuan East Peak is the center mountain among the rest. Continuing to hike upwards, you will encounter the old cable car station that was used for military training during the winter. Once you reach there, it means that the summit is not far off and with a bit more work, you would be on top of Hehuan East Peak.

The top of Hehuan East Peak is also a prime location for sunrise. Waking up early can be a real pain, but when the vast sea of clouds presents itself in a range of cotton candy and the sun starts to brighten the horizon, you will understand it is all worth the efforts. Besides, many photography enthusiasts also come here to watch the sun go down. After sunset, a long exposure facing the west will get you some amazing photos of the purple starry night sky in motion, and the traffic trails will no doubt create a dramatic impression for your photograph.

Every May, the sight of azaleas blooming serves as a sign that spring is here. Hordes of hikers and tourists flood to Hehuan East Peak to appreciate these bunches of red, white and pink gems – for sure it is a scene that flower lovers should not miss out on.

Notice:

For current trail conditions, please check Taroko National Park Official Website.

The entrance is located at the 33km mark of Provincial Highway 14 (near Ski Villa).

Allow sufficient time to complete the hike before 2pm as the mist tends to roll in during the afternoon.

Attractions

Little Chilai

With a total length of 1.3 kilometers, Little Chilai Trail is a mild, family-friendly hike as well as good source of exercise for children of all ages. The entrance is right in front of Ski Villa (滑雪山莊), and a return hike will only take approximately four hours. After proceeding through a fir forest and a lush growth of arrow bamboo, you will see a dramatic skyline of mountains that float above forested wildernesses. Once you reach the highest point of the trail at 3,150 meters, Hehuan Main Peak (合歡主峰) – one of the 100 iconic peaks soaring over 3,000 meters in Taiwan – will be in sight. When the sky is clear, you might even spot the highest peak in Taiwan: Yushan (玉山). Continue to make your way up along Little Chilai Trail and you will reach the notoriously challenging Chilaishan (奇萊山) at the altitude of 3,605 meters above sea level.

As the mist tends to roll in during the afternoon, be sure to allow sufficient time to complete the hike before noontime. Little Chilai Trail can be easily explored without special hiking equipment, but senior citizens are advised to bring a trekking pole and to wear hiking boots for foot and ankle support. This trail is very safe, so you can rest assured that it is going to be a great hike. To ensure effective communication during the hike, Taroko National Park management has even set up signboards indicating where you might probably get the most signal bars on your phone. For those who have completed Little Chilai Trail and would like to go further, please note that experience and equipment are essential for a safe trip.

Notice:

For current trail conditions, please check Taroko National Park Official Website.

The entrance is located at the 33km mark of Provincial Highway 14 (near Ski Villa).

Permits are required to enter Little Chilai. Please click here to find out what documents you need to apply for a permit.

Attractions