Nanhudashan

Nanhudashan Hiking Tour

Nanhudashan, also known as Mt Nanhu or South Lake Mountain, is one of Taiwan’s most impressive high mountain hikes. At 3,742 metres, Nanhudashan is the 8th-highest of Taiwan’s Baiyue, or Top 100 mountains, and is famous for its huge glacial cirque, open alpine scenery, remote ridges and dramatic views across the Central Mountain Range.

Taiwan Adventures can arrange a private 4-day Nanhudashan hiking tour with English-speaking guides, mountain cabin accommodation, meals, transport, permit support, route planning and safety management. This is a serious high mountain trek and is best for fit hikers with previous mountain experience.

The full Nanhudashan route usually covers around 50 kilometres over 3 to 5 days and can include Nanhudashan itself plus several other Baiyue peaks. The trail is generally non-technical, but it is physically demanding, with long hiking days, high altitude, exposed sections, rocky terrain and some scrambling near the summit.

Nanhudashan Trip Details

Location: Northern Central Mountain Range, Taiwan
Elevation: 3,742 metres
Duration: Usually 4 days / 3 nights
Difficulty: 5 out of 5
Accommodation: Basic high mountain cabins
Best for: Experienced hikers, Baiyue peak bagging, remote high mountain scenery, alpine cirques and serious multi-day trekking

Why Hike Nanhudashan?

Nanhudashan is one of Taiwan’s classic high mountain expeditions. It is less crowded than Yushan and offers a bigger wilderness feel, with long ridges, wide mountain views, high-altitude grasslands and one of Taiwan’s most famous glacial landscapes.

The mountain is especially known for the Nanhu Cirque, a huge bowl-shaped alpine basin below the main peak. For many hikers, this area is one of the most beautiful high mountain landscapes in Taiwan.

Nanhudashan is also a rewarding choice for hikers who want to climb multiple Baiyue peaks in one trip. Depending on the exact route, permit conditions and group fitness, the itinerary may include Nanhudashan and several nearby Top 100 mountains.

Sample 4-Day Nanhudashan Itinerary

Day 1: Taipei to the Trailhead and First Cabin

We usually begin with private transport from Taipei, New Taipei or Taoyuan Airport to the Nanhudashan trail area. After a final equipment check and safety briefing, we start the hike and make our way towards the first mountain cabin (Yunleng)

This day introduces the group to the trail, pack weight, altitude and mountain conditions.

Day 2: High Mountain Ridge and Nanhu Area

Day 2 is usually a long mountain day, with steady climbing, high-altitude terrain and wide views across the surrounding mountains. Depending on the route and cabin bookings, we continue towards the Nanhu area and settle into the next mountain cabin, usually Nanhu Cabin.

Day 3: Nanhudashan Summit Day

This is usually the main summit day. We hike through alpine terrain towards Nanhudashan’s main peak at 3,742 metres. The final section is rocky and may require some scrambling, but it is not a technical climb.

If weather, permitting, time and group fitness allow, we may also include nearby Baiyue peaks before returning to the cabin. We pack up and head back down to Yunleng Cabin.

Day 4: Hike Out and Return

On the final day, we leave the high mountains and hike back towards the trailhead. After returning to the vehicle, we transfer back to Taipei or another agreed drop-off point.

The exact itinerary may change depending on permits, cabin availability, weather, trail conditions, road access and group fitness.

Difficulty and Fitness

Nanhudashan is rated 5 out of 5. It is one of the tougher guided high mountain hikes in Taiwan. Hikers should expect 7–10 hours of hiking per day while carrying a pack, with long climbs, high altitude, rough trail conditions and some exposure to heights.

You need a very high level of fitness and previous hiking experience. This is not suitable for beginners or people who are unsure about long mountain days. You should be comfortable hiking uphill and downhill for several hours, sleeping in basic mountain cabins and managing cold, wet or windy conditions.

If you want a less demanding high mountain introduction, we can recommend other Taiwan high mountain hikes such as Yushan, Snow Mountain or Hehuanshan depending on your experience and dates.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in basic barrack-style high mountain cabins. These cabins are simple and shared, but they make it possible to complete the route without carrying full camping equipment.

Water, food and sleeping bags can be arranged. Camping may also be possible in designated areas near the cabins depending on permits, weather and route planning.

Permits and Planning

Nanhudashan is a high mountain route and requires careful planning. Permits, cabin spaces, road access and weather conditions can affect availability, so it is best to contact us well in advance, especially if you have fixed travel dates.

Taiwan Adventures can help with route planning, permit advice, accommodation logistics and realistic trip timing.

Pricing

Private Nanhudashan trips start at NT$72,800 for groups of 1 to 3 people for a 4-day / 3-night itinerary.

Each additional person is NT$16,800.

Transportation

Private transportation is provided from Taipei, New Taipei or Taoyuan Airport to the Nanhudashan trail area. Pickups from other locations can usually be arranged, sometimes for a small extra fee.

Vehicles are insured, drivers are licensed and we follow Taiwan traffic regulations.

Food and Dietary Requirements

All main meals are provided during the hike. You only need to bring your own snacks and personal trail food.

We can usually accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary requirements if you tell us in advance.

Safety and English-Speaking Guides

All Taiwan Adventures leaders are Wilderness First Responder certified and carry first-aid kits. Our guides are native English speakers, speak Mandarin, and have extensive experience hiking in Taiwan’s high mountains.

For Nanhudashan, we pay close attention to altitude, weather, long hiking days, cold conditions, exposed sections, rocky terrain, fatigue, cabin logistics and group pace. If conditions make the planned route unsafe, we may adjust the itinerary.

Plan a Private Nanhudashan Hiking Tour

Contact Taiwan Adventures to plan a private Nanhudashan hiking tour in Taiwan. Tell us your preferred dates, group size, fitness level, hiking experience and travel plans, and we’ll help you decide whether Nanhudashan is the right high mountain trek for your group.