Hehuanshan (Hehuan Mountain) Nantou Taiwan Tour
The picture of a rising sun over the Hehuanshan or Hehuan mountain ranges sums up the reason for writing a post just about Hehuanshan in Nantou, Taiwan.
Nature created this amazing mountain range in the middle of Taiwan and for years, Hehuanshan has been a popular tourist destination, for families (visiting Cingjing Farm - more information about getting to Cingjing was detailed in an earlier post), nature lovers, and city dwellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan living, and into the warm (chilly at winter) embrace and fresh air, provided by the welcoming Hehuanshan mountains.
About Hehuanshan or Hehuan Mountain
Before arriving at the breathtaking view (can't help but wonder at the picture above again), here's a short introduction about Hehuanshan. Standing tall at 3,400m elevation above sea level, the mountain range is not Taiwan's tallest (which I believe is Yushan or Jade Mountain at 3,900m above sea level) and perhaps because it is not the most daunting of mountains, it has become popular for nature lovers to hike or visit. Travelers not prepared to physically overexert themselves will also be comforted knowing there are good roads heading up the mountain and back to the hotels.
Hehuanshan borders Nantou and Hualien counties and is considered to be within the popular Taroko Gorge National Park.
Interesting Facts about Hehuanshan
Hehuanshan's saddle between two peaks, the Main Peak and the East Peak is called Wuling, and it is Taiwan's tallest location accessible by road. In winter time, there would be snow, and according to Wikipedia, they used to have a ski lift installed but it has been decommissioned.
Hehuanshan Seasons
Winter season is coldest in January where it can be -1.2ºC average temperature (30ºF). Summer is in June but it certainly does not feel like summer in Hehuanshan. Temperature is a cool 5 to 10ºC (average summer temperature is about 6 degrees) and it gets cold at night till early morning.
If the goal is to visit the peak and take a look, do pray for clear skies! Hence, I actually recommend visiting during the summer season and pack warm clothes along your trip to Taiwan.
Treks and Trails
There are tour groups organizing trekking across the Taroko Gorge, including some of these tour operators:
Based in Singapore and operated by 3 experienced climbers, email Joanne, Jack or Vinnie at this email: contact@aceadventure.com.sg.
Conducted by 4 guys, 3 Brits and an American, Taiwan Adventures conduct custom hiking tours and their hehuanshan hikes can be anywhere between 30 minutes to a full day tour.
More reviews of Taiwan Adventures can be found on TripAdvisor here.
3. Jacqtours
Alternatively for the active and for those interested in a longer trip, Jacqtours offer a different experience, cycling up the mountain, and across the Taroko National Park.
Check out more pictures from Jacqtours' Taiwan tours on their Facebook post here.
Incidentally, cycling enthusiasts may also wish to visit Show Taiwan, a cycling tour group which provides various options as well.
Driving Up
Taking the sunrise tour early in the morning is a definite option to consider. Most minsu or hotel near Hehuanshan or Cingjing have contact to book the tours going up the mountain for star gazing and then off to catch the sunrise. I've written about this in my earlier post, so let's try to condense the sunrise tour, for more details do check my earlier post.
Operator: E-Go Bus (website)
Cost: TWD400 per person
Start: Around 4:30AM do check with the hotel staff to firm up timing a day before the tour
Duration: 3 Hours
Contact: 02-2796-5696
The minivan makes its rounds from hotel to hotel, picking up passengers so there might be a chance that it leaves without waiting too long for guests. So do try waking up early, it is well worth the wait.
Taxi Tour Guide from Taichung to Hehuanshan
Taking a taxi to Hehuanshan from Taichung or Taipei would offer convenience to travelers. Point to point traveling within Nantou county and across the Taroko Gorge or towards Sun Moon Lake or the Lushan Hot Springs or just driving towards Puli takes time to commute. The flexibility offered either if you self drive or hire a local taxi guide, would bring out the best in your itinerary planning. Go where you feel like going, and pace it out how you want the trip to be.
If you have already decided on booking a cab to take you wherever you want, then I'd suggest finding someone who speaks your language.
Ownrides.com offers guides that speak English, and you may choose from a selected itinerary or customize your travel.
Hehuanshan Trail Begins
There are four peaks on Hehuanshan and another adjacent Baiyue peak on Shimenshan, of which the west peak has less traffic compared to the others.
Hehuanshan North Peak Trail
Once you've made the arrangements, make your way to Hehuanshan Service Station where there is a carpark. That is usually the starting point for tourists, to start off the trail by having a snack or slurping up hot noodles to soothe the cold tummy.
This is how it looks:
The starting point of the trail is a "37km" marker with a sign saying "To Hehuan North Peak".
Hehuanshan East Peak Trail
This is one short and amazing video on YouTube directing viewers just where to begin the journey, well filmed!
Hehuanshan Information from Blogs
Top on this list is this post by Kirk Beiser: http://theworldisnotthatbig.com/2015/04/08/hehuanshan-taiwan/
Kirk has posted very good information, including his hiking resources (I took the map above of the Hehuan mountain peaks from Kirk) and excellent pictures. Very well written and descriptive.
Information on the North Peak Hike can also be found on EnglishinTaiwan.com who has written a detailed post with clear instructions of where and how to start your hike towards the North Peak.
Ask the Guide
Finally, I'd like to advise travelers who are not part of a tour package to hire taxi driver guides either by asking the hotels, or finding drivers from sites like ownrides.com. Less it gets confusing especially for tourists who do not speak or read Chinese language.
Have fun at mount Hehuan and take more pictures!