Yushan – Mt Jade
YUSHAN HIKING TOUR – GUIDED JADE MOUNTAIN TRIP IN TAIWAN
Hike Yushan, also known as Jade Mountain, Taiwan’s highest peak at 3,952m / 12,966 ft. Located in Yushan National Park, close to the famous Alishan National Scenic Area, Yushan is the most iconic high mountain hike in Taiwan and one of the country’s most sought-after outdoor adventures.
Although Yushan is one of Taiwan’s more accessible high mountain routes, it is still a serious alpine hike. You need good fitness, proper preparation, and a realistic understanding of altitude, weather, and long hiking days.
Taiwan Adventures offers private guided Yushan hiking trips with English-speaking leaders, permit support, transport, accommodation, meals, and insurance included.
Contact us to plan a private Jade Mountain trip
WHY HIKE YUSHAN WITH TAIWAN ADVENTURES?
- English-speaking mountain leaders
- Mandarin-speaking local support
- Permit application assistance
- Private transport from Taipei or Taoyuan Airport
- Accommodation arranged near the trailhead and at Paiyun Cabin
- Main meals included
- Wilderness First Responder certified leaders
- First aid kits carried on every trip
- Experienced guides familiar with Taiwan’s high mountains, weather, wildlife, and trail conditions
ABOUT JADE MOUNTAIN / YUSHAN
Yushan is Taiwan’s tallest mountain and the highest point in Northeast Asia. From the nearby ocean floor, Yushan Main Peak rises an extraordinary 8,000m in only around 100km, making it one of the most dramatic mountain rises in the region.
For many hikers, reaching the summit of Yushan is the ultimate Taiwan hiking achievement. It is famous, beautiful, and extremely popular, which also means permits are difficult to get.
If you want to hike Yushan, we strongly recommend planning at least 4 months in advance. With enough notice, we can usually give you a good chance of securing a weekday permit.
We do not apply for weekend Yushan permits. Weekend demand is too high and the chances of success are too low. If your preferred hiking dates are less than a month away, Yushan is usually not realistic, but there may still be time to arrange one of Taiwan’s other excellent high mountain hikes.
YUSHAN TRIP OPTIONS
2-Day Yushan Ascent
Difficulty: 3 / 5
Duration: 3 days and 2 nights
Best for: Fit hikers who want the classic Yushan experience
This is the standard and most popular way to climb Yushan. The first hiking day usually takes around 6 hours to reach Paiyun Cabin. The second day is longer, usually around 10 hours, including the summit climb and descent.
There is some exposure to heights and the route reaches high altitude, so a good level of fitness is required. Hikers usually need to carry around 8–10k to Paiyun Lodge.
Single-Day Yushan Ascent
Difficulty: 5 / 5
Duration: 1 day and 1 night
Best for: Very fit hikers with recent high mountain experience
The single-day ascent is a tough and demanding hike, usually taking 10–12 hours. From the trailhead to Yushan Main Peak, there is approximately 1,700m of elevation gain.
This route involves high altitude, long hours, and some exposure to heights. A high level of fitness is essential.
To apply for a single-day Yushan permit, hikers must provide photographic evidence of themselves on the summit of a recognized 3,000m+ mountain anywhere in the world.
ACCOMMODATION
For the 2-day ascent, the first night is spent in a basic but comfortable hotel close to Alishan. Groups have their own rooms usually shared by up to 5 people, with individual beds and a large, clean bathroom.
The second night is spent at Paiyun Cabin, a basic mountain cabin with barrack-style bunks. Paiyun is simple, but it gives hikers the best access to Yushan Main Peak for an early summit attempt.
TRANSPORTATION
Private transport is included from anywhere in Taipei or from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport to the Yushan trailhead area.
Pickups from other locations can usually be arranged. In some cases, there may be a small additional transport fee depending on the route and pickup point.
FOOD
All main meals are included during the hike. Clients only need to bring their own personal snacks.
If you have dietary requirements, allergies, or special food needs, please let us know in advance. We are happy to help where possible, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free requests.
PRICING
2-Day Yushan Ascent
Private Yushan hiking trips start at:
NT$62,000 for 1-2 people
Each additional person: NT$16,800
Single-Day Yushan Ascent
Private single-day Yushan trips start at:
NT$68,800 for 1–3 people
Each additional person: NT$18,800
The single-day ascent costs more than the 2-day ascent because it requires a more demanding schedule, longer guide hours, and stricter fitness and safety planning. We also need a night before and after in a local lodge.
LEADERS AND SAFETY
All Taiwan Adventures leaders are Wilderness First Responder certified and carry first aid kits. They have spent extensive time hiking in Taiwan and have strong experience in the country’s high mountains.
Our leaders are native English speakers and also speak Mandarin. They are knowledgeable about Taiwan’s mountain routes, local culture, plants, wildlife, weather patterns, and safety considerations.
Yushan is achievable for many fit hikers, but it should not be underestimated. Weather can change quickly, altitude can affect performance, and the summit day is long. We plan our trips carefully to give you the best chance of a safe and successful climb.
YUSHAN PERMIT INFORMATION
Yushan permits are competitive and must be arranged well in advance. For the best chance of success, please contact us at least 4 months before your preferred hiking dates.
Important permit notes:
- Short-notice Yushan permits are rarely realistic.
- Single-day ascent permits require proof of previous 3,000m+ hiking experience.
- If Yushan permits are unavailable, we can recommend other excellent Taiwan high mountain hikes.
- Permits can be very hard to get
CONTACT US ABOUT A HIKING TRIP TO YUSHAN
Ready to climb Taiwan’s highest mountain?
Contact us to check possible dates, permit availability, group size, fitness requirements, and private trip options.
