Five of Taiwan’s most accessible top 100 peaks lie in Central Mountain Range of Taiwan. The Central Mountain Range lies on the border of Nantou and Hualien counties. Due to it’s unique position, Hehuanshan is a gorgeous location to hike the high mountains, camp, and view some of Taiwan’s history. There was once an operating ski lift on the East Peak, which the remnants are still visible.
DAY 1
I would recommend leaving Taipei at 6:30am due to the 4 hour drive down south, towards Nantou County. On the way you will drive through Puli and into the mountains of Hehuanshan. The highway is the only paved road across the Central Mountains, connecting Taichung to Hualien via Taroko Gorge.
On arrival there is ample parking near the North Peak trailhead. However if you want to first ascend the three easier peaks, all above 3,000 meters, you can park next to the 3158 Cafe. The East peak (3,421m), Shimenshan (3,237), and Main peak (3,417m) all lie within reach of the parking lot. East Peak being the longest hike at roughly 2 hours round trip, Shimenshan being the shortest at 20 minutes.
After bagging these easier peaks, grab your gear and trek roughly 2 hours to the campsite near North Peak. The campsite is just below North Peak. You will come to a junction, and take the path down the mountain to the right. Other campers and their tents will be in sight from there. After setting up camp, cook up some dinner and take in the beautiful sunset from high in the mountains.
DAY 2
Wake up early for sunrise over the mountain peaks. After taking in the view take your day pack and conquer North peak (3,422m) and West peak (3,145m). This is a strenuous day, totaling roughly 8 hours of hiking. The hike traverses over the the mountain ridge, with plenty of cliffs, ups and downs, and beautiful forested areas along the way. Upon conquering the North and West peaks, you will have topped 5 of Taiwan’s Top 100 mountain peaks above 3,000 meters!
It’s a long drive back to Taipei, so there are options to spend the night in a hotel nearby, or if you have your own vehicle you can continue driving to Hualien and Taroko Gorge.