Hehuanshan Peaks
Hehuanshan is a four-peak mountain located on the boundaries of Nantou and Hualien Counties at an altitude of almost 3,500 meters. Despite the high altitude, it only takes a three-hour drive from Hualien to reach Wuling, the highest point on the island accessible by public roads. If you don’t have a car, don’t worry. There are other ways to get to Hehuan Mountain.
On the top there are plenty of routes to choose from. They range from relatively easy half-an-hour hikes to more demanding all-day routes. If you want to stay in the area longer than just one day, you can spend a night in a cozy mountain lodge on the top or choose one of the B&B places a bit further out.
ROUTE MAP
ACCOMMODATION
Kuan Yun Youth Hostel
觀雲山莊
972, Hualien County, Xiulin Township, 富世村關原22號
tel. 04 2599 1173
Clean and nice environment, bed in a dorm room costs 500 NTD, breakfast included.
http://kwan.cyh.org.tw/?lang=en
Qing Jing Guest House
清境國民賓館
No.25, Dingyuanxincun, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County 546, Taiwan
546南投縣仁愛鄉定遠新村25號
tel. 049-2802748
Room prices starting from NT$ 3300.
→ There are also some hotels and homestays near Qing Jing Farm area.
Song Syue Lodge 松雪樓
Ski Hostel 滑雪山莊
972, Hualien County, Xiulin Township, 富世村關原33號
tel. 04 9280 2980
Bed in a dorm room costs 1100 NTD, dinner, breakfast included.
Hotel/Hostel located near Hehuanshan East Peak. Very popular, highly recommend to make a reservation as early as possible, preferably 30 days in advance.
http://tsfs.forest.gov.tw/cht/
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
⦁ During typhoon season (July-September) or rainy season (April-May), highway #8 may be temporarily closed due to rock slides. Please think carefully about passing this area under such condition, and make sure to check the website of Taroko National Park for updates one day before your departure. The bus may also stop running in case of snow from December to February.
⦁ Wuling, the highest point of highway #8, is at an altitude of 3,275 meters above sea level. The temperature will be 20 degrees less compared to the cities. Please always bring enough warm clothes with you to keep you warm.
⦁ Since the altitude is over 3,000 meters, there is a possibility of getting altitude sickness. If you feel any kind of dizziness or unusual headache, consider descending.
⦁ Camping on Hehuanshan is officially prohibited.
WHAT TO BRING?
- Water
- Snacks and food
- Sunscreen and hat
- Walking pole
- Hiking boots
- Rain jacket
- Plastic bags
- Warm clothes
- Head light
- Waterproof cover for backpack
Medicine for AMS (acute mountain sickness), like Diamox, Adalat, or Decadron
(Tent, sleeping bag and mattress for camping)
HOW TO GET THERE?
The most comfortable way to reach the top is to take a charter bus. It costs NTD1500 one way and it takes about 4.5 hours to get to Wuling. The last stop of the bus is in Qing Jing Farm, which is a little bit further from Wuling. The charter bus requires a minimum of two passengers so always check if they have enough passengers one day before departure.
As the charter bus might be a bit pricey for a budget traveler, there is still a cheaper option available. You can take Hualien Bus leaving from the bus station at 8:40. It costs NTD326 and it takes 3 hours to get to Dayuling. From Dayuling to the top there is no bus connection available so you have to either hitchhike or walk the remaining 8 kilometers. It is highly recommended to hitchhike as it takes at least three hours to walk to the top on the steep mountain road. From Hehuan Mountain you can continue with Nantou bus all the way to Qing Jing Farm, Puli, and to Sun Moon Lake.
It is also possible to cycle all the way up. Check our blog for more details about King of Mountain Challenge route!
⦁ By charter bus from Hualien to Qing Jing Farm.
Bus fare is NT$ 1500 one way. Bus Schedule as below;
- 08：30 Pick up from Hualien Train Station
- 09：10 Entrance to Taroko National Park (10min toilet break)
- 09：45 Swallow Grotto (10min toilet break)
- 11：25 Bilu Giant Tree (10min toilet break)
- 12：05 Dayuling (10min toilet break)
- 12：50 Wuling (20min toilet break)
- 13：30 Arrival at Qing Jing Guesthouse
The charter bus requires a minimum of 2 passengers; always check if they have space on the bus one day before departure.
• By Public Transportation
Hualien Bus Station 08:40 → Dayuling 大禹嶺11:45
- Only one bus daily leaves from Hualien Bus station at 08:40AM.
- Tel. 03-8322065, 03-8333468
- Bus fare: NT$ 326 / Journey time: 3hours
- Bus Company : Hualien
- Bus Timetable: http://www.hualienbus.com.tw/bus/userfiles/files/151200970989659.pdf
Dayuling 大禹嶺11:45 → Song Syue Lodge 松雪樓
No public transportation, you can hitchhike or walk toward the top of mountains. It’s approximately 8km to arrive at Song Syue Lodge
Song Syue Lodge 松雪樓 15:35 → Qing Jing Farm清境農場 16:45
- Only 3 buses a day, leaves from Song Syue Lodge at 09:45 / 12:15 / 15:35.
- Tel. (049)2984-031
- Bus fare: NT$ 81 / Journey time: 70minutes
- Bus Company : Nantou Bus
- Timetable: http://www.ntbus.com.tw/cj-m.html
Qing Jing Farm 清境農場 17:10 → Puli Town埔里 18:10
- Runs almost hourly from 07:35 to 18:25 every day.
- Tel. (049)2984-031Bus fare: NT$ 122
- Journey time: 60minutesBus Company : Nantou Bus
- Timetable: http://www.ntbus.com.tw/cjfm.html
Puli埔里 19:00 → Sun Moon Lake 日月潭 19:30
- Runs frequently from 06:05 to 21:00 every day.
- Tel. (049)2984-031
- Bus fare: NT$ 59 / Journey time: 30 minutes
- Bus Company : Nantou Bus
- Timetable: http://www.ntbus.com.tw/s01.html