Taiwan's Central Mountain Range

 

5?Peaks over?3000 Meters

Abseiling Pintien Cliffs

Traversing the Dragon’s Spine. The Holy Ridge Trail

Summiting Xue (Snow) Mountain, 2nd Highest Peak in Taiwan (3886m)

This exciting trek takes place over 6 days within the Shei-Pa National Park in Taichung, Taiwan. This is an?exciting exploration hike across stunning landscape, abseiling down sheer rock faces and traversing at altitudes of?over 3,800m! This is an excellent trek for the experienced trekker to start the transition to alpine style trekking. Ropes and harnesses are required for this trek.

Shengleng Trail, also known as The Holy Ridge Trail, is a razorback ridgeline connecting the Main Peak of Xue Mountain and Dabajian Mountain, with the highest points?between Main Peak and North Peak of Xue Mountain. This trail has earned the nickname, the “Dragon’s Spine!”

There are many jagged, rugged rocks and steep, cliffy escarpments along the trail. Those who love mountain climbing will be challenged and rewarded?in completing this significant ridge. As an old saying in the mountain climbing realm goes, ?those who finish Shengleng Trail (Holy Ridge Trail) are qualified to get married.?

It means only when a young man breaks through all difficulties along this trail can he shoulder the responsibility of having a family.

While seasonal changes have a tendency to bring about dramatic, unpredictable weather, this is also a special time to be on the mountain. The route will take us from forests and waterfalls to narrow, heart stopping ridgelines to majestic summits. If weather permits, the 6 days will be a visual treat unlike any other.

Participants are required to have a high level of physical fitness and be prepared for the unpredictable.? The average trekking day will be between 8 to 10 hours, with longer days potentially taking up to 14 hours.? There is the possibility that walking time may be longer due to weather or terrain conditions.

 

INCLUDED

Ground Transportation To/From Taipei to Trail Head

Accommodation at Wuling Farm (Dormitory Style)

Group Technical? Equipment

All Meals on the Trail D1-D5, and dinner at Wuling Farm Night Before Trek

Park Entrance Fees

Technical Mountaineering Guide

Pre Trip Training

Hut Permits
NOT INCLUDED

International flights & airport taxes

Personal Equipment Rental

Meals Not Specified

Travel Insurance

? Cost of bottled water
EXPERIENCE LEVEL

?(3-D) Experience Trekking: Maximum Guides to participants ratio 1:3

CUSTOM DATES/TRIPS

We can run this trip on dates other than Specified.? We can run this with less than minimum required for Private Booking.? Email for Dates and Costs
1

Arrival to Wuling Farm

Arrival into Taipei Main Rail Station, and 4 hour drive to Shei-pa National Park entrance by shuttle van. Evening meal and sleeping accommodation at Wuling Farm.

Last minute equipment check and weight check of the backpacks.

2

Xinda Cabin

5am wake-up and 6am start. We will start from Wuling Recreation Area Taoshan Waterfall and trek to Mt Chihyou, (3303 Mtrs) and then onward to?Xinda Cabin. Today is all about elevation gain. We will trek from 1700 meters to 3300 meters today, and get an idea of the group’s pace. (Estimated Trekking Time 8 ? 10 hours)
3

Pintien Cliffs

This is the day where we practice mountaineering skills. After summiting the Pintien cliffs, we move to the rock face where multipitch abseiling is required to get to the next section of the trail. 4 pitches of abseiling with backpacks totalling 80 meters will be the challenge of the day! If the weather is on our side, we will stop and camp on the ridge, to give us an amazing view of the stars and enjoy the breathtaking sunrise.(Estimated Trekking Time – 10 hours )
4

Sumida Cliffs

Today we continue on toward Sumida Mountain (3524 Mtrs) and down the backside of this mountain with continuation of the mountaineering skills. An Abseil, a traverse and another abseil will bring us to the base of the cliffs. We will continue on to have lunch at Sumida hut. From here we start the ascent to the Dragon’s spine! The section of the trail which is marked by steep ridgeline, sheer drop-offs and amazing scenery. We plan to be on this section 2 hours before sunset, in order to enjoy a great sunset view while making it to the next hut before dark. Syubei hut. (Estimated Trekking Time – 10 hours )
5

Summit Xue Mountain

Today we will start at dawn to give us the best chance of summiting Xue (Snow) mountain (3886m), the second highest peak in Taiwan! This is a ridgeline walk with steep sections on either side. This peak is weather dependent and for the safety of the group will be attempted in only ideal weather conditions. Once reaching the peak, we will make our way down to the last hut on the trail, Qika hut. From here, we can have dinner and relax for the last days’ walk out.(Estimated Trekking Time – 12 hours )
6

Walk out

An easy day where, after breakfast, it’s an hours walk to the trail head. From here our driver will pick us up and take us to the local campground where we can take a quick shower before heading back to Taipei. Driving time to Taipei is around 4 to 5 hours.? Return?to Taipei around 3:00pm

Shei-pa National Park

Additional information

Duration6 Days
Minimum Participants3 People
Trek DifficultyChallenging+
DatesMarch – May
TransportationIf you are flying in to Taoyun International Airport, we can arrange for transportation from Taoyan International Airport to Taipei Main Station. (Meeting Point for the trek) . There is an additional cost involved.
Physicality4 out of 5

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Cancellation Policy😕 Due to the booking of government and operator permits, Wildfire Expeditions has the following refund policy

  • Each deposit, includes a $100.00 non-refundable registration fee.
  • Full refunds, less registration fee, will be provided 90 days prior to the trek or dive date.
  • 50% refunds will be provided 60-89 days prior to course, trek or dive date.
  • 25% refunds will be provided 45-59 days prior to course, trek or dive date.
  • No refunds will be provided 45 days prior to course, trek and/or expedition date.
  • All refund requests must be made in writing? within the deadlines stated above.
  • All balances are due 60 days prior to departure date unless otherwise specified.

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