At a glance
This beginner hike follows the western section of the historic cross-island Nenggao trail before ascending through alpine meadows toward two of Taiwan's top 100 peaks. With a night at arguably Taiwan's nicest cabin, the Tianchi lodge, this two day trek is one of the most accessible on the island for new hikers.
- Difficulty
Beginner
- Total distance
35 km
- Days required
2
- Top 100 peaks
2
- Locations
Hualien // Nantou // Taroko NP
- Public transport
No
- Permits
National Park and Police
- Cabins
All cabins
Recommended Itinerary
DAY 1
Tunyuan Trailhead to Tianchi
The trail begins at the Tunyuan trailhead (屯原登山口) at the end of highway 14. It's a little more than 13km along well-marked trail climbing from 1900m to 2800m. At around 4.5km you'll reach the Yunhai line station, used for maintaining the old cross-island power lines that run through the area. Continue along the trail past the 13km marker and you'll reach the Tianchi lodge. If time allows, 2.5km more further along the trail is the "spread light across the land" memorial, a memorial for the completion of cross-island electricity lines.
DAY 2
Qilai South, Nanhua, and return
Follow the signs from Tianchi Lodge toward Qilai South and Nanhua peaks. After about 1km you'll reach the junction between the two peaks. You can tackle these in any order. For Qilai South it's about 4km / 2hrs roundtrip back to the junction, and for Nanhua about 3km / 1hr roundtrip. After finishing both peaks head back down the hill to Tianchi Lodge and return to the Tunyuan trailhead along your original route.
Top 100 Peaks
Covered by this route
Qilai South Peak
Nanhua
Cabins and Campgrounds
One of Taiwan's most impressive cabins, featuring solar power, running water, and toilets, as well as optional meal service and sleeping bag rental. A small fee is required per stay for each person. Separate applications for cabin space are required in addition to permits, and early priority reservations are available for foreign visitors between Sunday and Thursday. Regular applications are via lottery draw 30 days in advance.
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88 beds
22 tents | 2860 m | 24.04615°N 121.27983°E |
Permits and Transportation
Permits
A Police Mountain Entry Permit is required for this route and can be applied for online between 3 and 30 days before your date of first entry.
In addition, a Taroko National Park Entry Permit is required only for the day you summit Qilai South Peak as it lies within the national park boundary. This can be applied for online between 5 and 30 days ahead of time.
Transportation
No public transportation is available to the Tunyuan trailhead. If driving there is plenty of parking available at the trailhead.