Hehuanshan (Mt. Hehuan)
Hike Central Taiwan's Misty Mountains
Welcome to beautiful Hehuanshan!
Here, I'll help you escape above and beyond the smog and chaos of the city... and show you some of the most accessible high altitude hiking trails in Taiwan. Are you ready? Strap on your boots... or make sure your scooter has good brakes and a full tank... You're off for a memorable experience!
Introduction
At over 3000m, Hehuanshan is located in central Taiwan, on the western edge of Taroko National Park. The area is characterized by rolling green hills that often disappear in a sea of clouds. The weather here is much cooler and provides a nice break from the heat on the coast. It's also the best place to see snow in winter, and for that reason, it really gets crowded on weekends between December and February.
By the way, there is Hehuanshan the area, and Hehuanshan the mountain. This page is dedicated to the entire area, and I will specify it when I talk about the peak.
Things To Do In Hehuanshan
Most Taiwanese come here on weekends to enjoy the spectacular views from the comfort of their cars and to snap some pictures from the parking lot by Hehuan Cottage. But you will not satisfy yourself with mere glances at the mountains from highway stopping points... You're here to walk! Let's go!
Hike 1: Hehuan Jian Shan, 3217m
Duration: 45 minutes round-trip
If you're pressed by time or if hiking is not your thing, but you still want to "get high" then this short and easy (but steep) walk is for you. As you can see on the picture below, the trail starts just behind Hehuan Cottage. The summit is a great spot to have your coffee in the morning or to watch the sunset. The parking lot in front of the lodge is a convenient camping spot.
Hike 2: Hehuan East Peak, 3421m
Duration: 2 hours round-trip
By far the busiest peak in the region and for good reasons... It's right by Hohuan Cottage, it's not too hard, nor too long, and the views from the top are simply stunning!
The main trail begins right across from the cottage and ascends the north slope of the mountain. There are some steep sections where you have to use your hands, or where hiking poles might come in handy.
Two alternative routes exist. Here's how to get to the first one... Looking southeast from Hehuan Cottage, you can see a big grey building behind the public toilets. The trailhead is 25m past that building. Halfway up is the old, dismantled ski lift. Yes, there used to be skiing here!
The other alternative route starts at Wuling, 1km southwest from the cottage. This one ascends the exposed west ridge and is not for the faint hearted. Go up this way, and down one of the two other trails if you want to make it a nice round-trip. Walk back or hitch a ride from the cottage. Allow 3 hours if you hike the entire loop.
Hike 3: Hehuan North Peak, 3422m
Duration: 3.5 hours round-trip
The trailhead of this scenic hike is about 3.5km north of the cottage off the road to Taroko. The mountain seems to be a favorite choice for hiking groups from Taipei and it gets pretty busy on weekends. The trail ascends the southeast ridge and presents no real difficult challenge except a short exposed section right at the beginning. From the summit, you can continue on to Hehuan West Peak... which is a different story! (read on...)
Hike 4: Hehuan West Peak, 3145m
Duration: 8 hours round-trip
Are you ready for a challenge? You better be! The west peak is a very long trail and you should only attempt it if you're in good shape. The first time my friends and I went there, we underestimated it and got fooled by the numbers. Yes, it's only 3145m high, (lower than most peaks in the area) but the ridge is like a camel back with 5 BIG bumps. Click here for the complete trail description...
Sleeping and Eating
Hehuan Cottage is the only option there is if you're not going to bring your own tent. It's an extremely clean and comfortable mountain lodge where you can exchange stories with Taiwanese hikers. Camping: If you do have a tent, you can pitch it on the parking lot in front of the lodge and.. it's free!
A Triple room with private bathroom is 2350NT$ from Sunday to Thursday and 2950NT$ Friday-Saturday. Dinner and breakfast included. Dorm (tatami room) with shared bathroom is 580NT$ per person. 100NT$ extra for breakfast and 150NT$ for lunch and dinner. Bring your own sleeping bag and toiletries as well as extra warm clothes - it really gets cold up there at night.
The lodge only sells instant noodles, so you'll have to bring your own food. Drinkable water is available at the lodge.
Booking ahead is a must! Call this number: (04)2522-9797
Getting To Hehuanshan
By Car/Motorcycle (highly recommended!)
From Taichung, drive south on road 63 to Caotun. In Caotun, switch to road 14 to get to Wushe, Ching Jing Farm, and finally, Hehuanshan. Drive with caution on the stretch between Caotun and Puli. It's a mean road with lots of potholes, trucks, dogs and beetle nut stands.
By Bus
From Taichung Feng Yuan Bus Company: Their office is located by Taichung train station. One bus departs at 8am for Hehuanshan. 4 to 5 hours, 393NT$.
From Taichung HSR Station: The Nantou Bus Company has 2 buses that depart at 9:30 and 12:30 respectively, and make it as far as Chui Feng, a spot lost in the sticks between Ching Jing Farm and Hehuanshan. The schedule says it takes 3 hours... but it will most likely be more like 4. It's around 300NT$.
From Puli: The Nantou Bus Company (by Puli bus station) has 3 buses that will take you to Chui Feng. Buses leave at 7:10, 10:20, and 13:40. 2 hours, 150NT$
From Chui Feng... It's only a couple of kilometres to your destination. Get in the middle of the road, stop a blue truck, and jump at the back. Welcome to the Wild East!
Check out Wushe, a small mountain community close to Mt. Hehuan.
Return from Hehuanshan to Taiwan Hiking.
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