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Mt. Nanhuda Adventure Trek - 5-Days / 4-Nights - (2027)
☀️☀️☀️ Trail Rating: Moderate ☀️☀️☀️
Often overlooked by visiting hikers, Mt. Nanhuda is the crown jewel of Taroko National Park, and is widely regarded in Taiwanese mountaineering circles as one of the best hikes on the island.
Steeped heavily in indigenous culture, and standing at 3,741m, Mt. Nanhuda is the fifth highest mountain in Taiwan, its unique shape and stunning scenery have made it come to be called the "Emperor Mountain” of Taiwan.
The unique “cirque” carved out at the base of the peak millions of years ago by glaciers makes it one of the most photogenic high mountain locations in Taiwan, and one of the top 5 “must climb” mountains in Taiwan.
The standard route for Mt. Nanhuda requires two days to ascend to the cabin at the base of the peak, then another two days to descend. In order to get an early start on the first day, hikers will spend a night at a hiker’s hostel located directly next to the trailhead.
The 44km round trip allows hikers to summit three (possibly four) of Taiwan’s top 100 peaks (Bai Yue), as well as numerous other high mountain peaks.
The entire hike is run through mountain cabins, which provide buffet style meals prepared with an aboriginal twist, as well as sleeping bag rentals in bunk-style sleeping arrangements.
Immortalized on the 2,000NT currency note, the trail to the peak involves a combination of shaded pine forest, high alpine prairie trails, and semi-technical rock scrambling. This truly is one of our favorite hikes on the island and is widely regarded in Taiwanese mountaineering circles as one of the best mountain hikes on the island.
Except for a few meals, we take care of all the details; from accommodation reservations, arranging private transportation, insurance booking, sleeping bag rentals, and mountain lodge meal bookings (some meals are to be prepared by guests), to the complicated National Park Permit application process.
We remove the barriers and take care of all the planning. We also offer one of Taiwan's most experienced English-speaking mountain guides for this tour.
Tour Highlights:
- Twin Glacial Cirques at Sunrise – Watch first light sweep across Nanhu’s upper/lower cirques—Taiwan’s most textbook glacial amphitheaters for photographers.
- The “Emperor’s Mountain” Summit (3,742 m) – A big, non-technical high-alpine push to one of Taiwan’s marquee Baiyue—with ocean-to-spine views on a bluebird day.
- Five-Rock Peaks Traverse – A thrilling, secure (fixed ropes) ridge crossing that feels properly alpine without needing technical gear.
- Taiwan's lowest guest-to-guide ratio (6-1) for scheduled, guided group hikes to Mt. Nanhuda.
- Cabin-to-Cabin Comfort in the Wild – Solar-powered Yunleng and Nanhu cabins (water nearby) mean hot food, sleeping bag rentals (lighter packs!), and better recovery between big days.
- Alpine Meadows of Shenmazhen – Broad grasslands and sculpted ridgelines that change character with the seasons—prime for golden-hour shooting.
- Endemic Wildlife & Ancient Junipers – Trek through hardy high-mountain forests and the protected home range of the rare Nanhu salamander—a true Taiwan original
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Permits for Mt. Nanhuda (Nanhudashan) must be applied 2 months in advance. Bookings for tours will close 2 months and 1 week prior to the departure date to ensure we secure, prepare and double check our guests' permit information.
- Our system is set up to allow guests to register and secure their seat on the tour, but you do not have to pay at registration. We will request payment only when our permits have been successfully secured.
- All of our scheduled departures for Mt. Nanhuda run from Saturday-Wednesday. Due to the competitiveness of the high mountain permits, if we are unable to secure permits on the first application, we will attempt to secure permits on the following day, meaning the tour will run Sunday-Thursday.
- We run our tours "rain or shine". However, this doesn't mean we don't take guest safety seriously. We also know that running tours outside means there's a chance to we might get wet. That's all part of the experience. However, in the event there is adverse weather (as defined by a rain warning issued by the Central Weather Administration of Taiwan), the tour will be cancelled and a full refund will be provided. Guaranteed.
- In the event that the minimum group size is not reached, our sales team will inform registered guests up to 3 days prior to the permit application date.
2027 Tour Dates:
- April 9-13, 2027
- May 21-25, 2027
- September 24-28, 2027
- October 11-15, 2027 (Mid-Week)
- November 12-26, 2027
- November 26-30, 2027
- Note: Select the specific date on the drop-down calendar option listed on the right side of this page
The After-Purchase Process:
- Upon receipt of a booking, Taiwan Outdoors' staff will contact the guest to ask for some additional information for permits and insurance purposes.
- If the permits are successful, approximately one month prior to the departure date, Taiwan Outdoors will send guests a pre-trip information email with details regarding their tour, including revised scheduled, pick up and drop off location and details regarding their destination.
- We'll add each group member to a private WhatsApp or LINE Group to allow for any last minute questions to be answered by our staff/guide.
Daily Itinerary
The first day is simply a transportation day, designed to get the group to the trailhead to allow for an early start the next morning. We will meet at Taipei Main Station and drive approximately 4 hours to a local hiker’s hostel next to the trailhead. Along the way we will have time to stop at convenience stores to pick up water, snacks, and any other last minute items. No meals are included on the first day, so dinner is usually bought at the last 7-11 before getting to the hostel.
Day On Total Hiking Distance: N/A
Trail Conditions: N/A
Estimated Time on Trail: N/A
Day One Schedule
- 5:00 pm - Depart From Taipei Main Station on private transportation
- 9:00 pm - Arrive at hiker’s hostel next to the trailhead
(Please note, all times are approximate and will depend on a number of factors including weather, road, and traffic conditions,)
Shared Sleeping Facilities at hikers hostel - shared room with group - sleeping mat, duvet and pillows provided. Washrooms onsite
After breakfast (not included), the hostel owner will kindly drive us up the private farm road, which will save us about 45 minutes of walking.
From the trailhead, it’s roughly one hour to pass up and over Mt. Shengguan before reaching the cut-up point that leads to the ridge.
From the cut-up point, it’s a relatively steep trail that ascends about 400m through shady, pine needle trails. After about two hours, we will reach the main ridgeline.
From the ridgeline, it’s another 4km to the lodge for the night. The entire first first day should take 6-9 hours, depending on group speed, weather, breaks, etc.
Once at the cabin, bathrooms and cooking facilities are available, as are sleeping bag rentals. Dinner will be provided (guests need to bring their own eating utensils). Hot and cold water are available.
Dinner is served downstairs in a buffet-style and the remainder of the evening can be spent socializing, reading, resting before heading off to bed at a good time. We have an early morning the next morning!
Day Two Total Hiking Distance: 12km
Trail Conditions: Moderate & steady inclines, compact soil, slippery pine forest trails, minor muddy sections in heavily shaded bamboo areas.
Estimated Time on Trail: 7.5 hours at a moderate hiking pace
Day Two Estimated Schedule
- 06:00 - Depart Hostel
- 06:30 - Arrive at the end of the Industrial Road
- 07:15 - Arrive at Mt. Shengguang
- 07:45 - Arrive at cut-up junction
- >09:30 - Arrive at 8km marker (cut up point from old trail)
- 09:45 - Arrive at Duogutan Emergency Shelter
- 10:20 - Arrive at Duogatun Front Peak
- 14:00 - Arrive at Yunleng Cabin
- 17:00 - Dinner and Rest/Relax
*Note these times are based purely on walking times. In actuality, it’s more likely that we will take closer to 8 hours for the entire trip, taking into account breaks for resting, snacking, pictures, and lunch. 3:00pm is a more likely arrival time.
This is the big day. We will need to ascend up the ridge to Mt. Nanhubei, then traverse the famous “five rock peaks” section, before making a final descent into the Nanhu Valley cirque.
After breakfast (included) we will pack up and make our way up a section of knotted, bumpy trail, before making a 3 minute side-trip to Mt. Shenmazhen (our first peak of the trip).
After a quick break, we will hike until we leave the forest, and enter a grassy prairie, leading up to the rocky ridgeline.
We will make a quick stop at Mt. Nanhubei, and then traverse the semi-technical scramble across the ridge. The ridge itself is relatively safe and has bolted chains and cables on the more technical parts.
After finishing the rock ridge we will descend down a steep scree sloop to our cabin for the evening. Once at the cabin, dinner and sleeping bags will be provided.
Day Three Total Hiking Distance: 7 km
Trail Conditions: moderate & steady declines, some knobby and uneven trail sections. Technical scrambling across the last several km with fixed cables and chains.
Estimated Time on Trail: 8 hours at a moderate hiking pace
Day Three Estimated Schedule
- 05:00 – Wake up and eat breakfast (included in tour)
- 06:10 – Depart and arrive at fork for water source.
- 09:00 – Arrive at Mt. Shenmazhen
- 09:30 – Arrive at Mt. Shenmazhen Lodge
- 10:15 – Arrive at Mt. Nanhubei
- 11:15 – Arrive at Mt. Nanhu North Peak
- 12:00 – Arrive at Mt. Nanhu Cabin
- 17:00 – Dinner (included in tour) and Relax/Rest
(Please note, all times are approximate and will depend on a number of factors including weather, trail conditions, as well as team condition, and fitness).
After an early breakfast, we will leave most of our items at the cabin and travel lightly up to the peak.
After summiting, we will return to the cabin, and descend back down the way we came up the previous day back to Yunleng cabin. If time permits, we can do a small side trip to Mt. Nanhu East Peak.
Day Four Total Hiking Distance: 11km
Trail Conditions: Moderate & steady declines, some knobby and uneven trail sections. Technical scrambling across the last several km with fixed cables and chains.
Estimated Time on Trail: 8 hours at a moderate hiking pace
Day Four Estimated Schedule
- 03:30 – Wake up and eat breakfast (included in tour)
- 04:00 - Depart the lodge
- 06:00 - Arrive at Mt. Nanhuda
- 09:00 - Arrive at back at Nanhu Valley Cabin.
- 15:30 - Arrive at Yunleng Cabin.
- 17:00 - Dinner (included in tour) / Rest / Relax
(Please note, all times are approximate and will depend on a number of factors including weather, trail conditions, as well as team condition, and fitness).
Day five is simply a mirror image of day two, but in the reverse direction. We will leave early and try to get to the trailhead by lunch and back to Taipei by early evening.
Day Five Total Hiking Distance: 12km
Trail Conditions: Moderate & steady declines, compact soil, slippery pine forest trails, minor muddy sections in heavily shaded bamboo areas.
Estimated Time on Trail: 6 hours at a moderate hiking pace
Day Five Estimated Schedule
- 05:30 – Wake up and eat breakfast (included in tour)
- 06:00 – Depart Yunleng Cabin
- 12:00 – Arrive at the trailhead
- 18:00 – Arrive in Taipei
(Please note, all times are approximate and will depend on a number of factors including weather, trail conditions, as well as team condition, and fitness).
Cost Description
Price Includes
✅ Private round-trip van service from Taipei Main Station
✅ Experienced. English-speaking mountain guide services
✅ One (1) night accommodation at a hikers hostel (shared room - mattress, pillow and duvet provided)
✅ Two (2) nights accommodation at Yunleng Cabin (shared room - barrack style bunk beds / with sleeping bags)
✅ One (1) night accommodation at Mt. Nanhu Cabin (shared room - barrack style bunk beds with sleeping bags)
✅ 6 Meals included - Day Two: Dinner | Day Three: Breakfast, Dinner | Day Four: Breakfast, Dinner | Day Five: Breakfast
✅ National Park and Police Permit
✅ Shuttle from Hostel to Trailhead
✅ Sleeping Bag Rentals on Day 2, Day 3, Day 4 at both Yunleng Cabin and Mt. Nanhu Cabin
✅ Passenger insurance on the van
✅ Hiking/Mountain Insurance
✅ TWD$3,000,000 daily travel agency liability insurance
✅ An experience of a lifetime to climb Taiwan's 5th highest peak!
Price Excludes
❌ Meals not included - Day One: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner | Day Two: Breakfast / Lunch | Day Three: Lunch | Day Four: Lunch | Day Five: Lunch Dinner
❌ Any additional snacks, food, or drinks
❌ Additional stops at other attractions or souvenir shops
❌ Additional Personal travel insurance or items of a personal nature
Cancellation Policy
| Cancellation Request Date | Cancel Fee |
|---|---|
| 41day before | 5% |
| 31day before | 10% |
| 2day before | 30% |
| 1day before | 80% |
- 95% refund when the cancellation notice arrives 41 days before the scheduled day of departure (less the 30% non-refundable administration fee).
- 90% refund when the cancellation notice arrives 31 days to 40 days before the scheduled day of departure(less the 30% non-refundable administration fee).
- 70% refund when the cancellation notice arrives 2 days to 30 days before the scheduled day of departure (less the 30% non-refundable administration fee).
- 20% refund when the cancellation notice arrives one day before the scheduled day of departure (less the 30% non-refundable administration fee).
An example:
If a single guest books a tour (at $19,900ntd) and pays because we successfully secured the permits, but cancels 32 days before the departure date, their booking is subject to both the Non-Refundable Fee and the applied 10% penalty there will be the following penalties:
- $19,900 x 30% = $5,970ntd (Non-refundable fee)
- $13,000 - $5,970 = $13,930ntd (outstanding balance less non-refundable fee)
- 10% of $13,930 = $12,664ntd (refundable amount less 10% cancellation fee applied at 32 days)
- Guest will recieve an $12,664ntd refund in this scenario.
Notice
⚠️ PICK-UP / DROP-OFF LOCATION: Our pick-up location for this tour will be Taipei Main Station. The departure time is 18:00 on Day 1 of the tour. This will allow guests from nearly anywhere on the island to travel using the high-speed train, regular train network, or bus system.
⚠️ GROUP SIZE: This small group hiking tour can be booked for groups between 1-6 guests. This tour is limited to 6 guests. We require a minimum of 5 guests to book for us to confirm each departure. If we are unable to secure 5 guests, we reserve the right to cancel a trip. Four month advanced notification will be provided to those guests who have already booked. Full refunds will be provided. If you have a team of more than 6, please contact us directly at [email protected].
⚠️ TOUR AVAILABILITY: These tours are scheduled group hikes and are available on the dates provided above. If you would like to inquire about a private (re: none public group hike) this tour can be booked online any time between April and December (with sufficient advanced notice). If groups would like to hike Mt. Nanhuda between January and February, please contact us directly. To ensure we can apply and secure the difficult-to-get National Park permit, you need to book this tour, at the latest, 2 months and one week prior to your preferred departure date.
⚠️ GUIDE: In addition to providing an amazing outdoor experience, our guides have the responsibility for guest safety and well-being. Our guides will monitor the group's fitness levels and health throughout the tour. In the event of poor weather conditions or if any guests are struggling from poor fitness or adverse conditions, they reserve the right to alter the tour itinerary and/or cancel the ascent. We thank you for your understanding as we believe guests' safety is of the utmost importance.
⚠️ MEALS: Day One B/L/D are not included in the tour price. Day Two-Four lunches are also not included in the tour price. Guests are responsible for preparing and bringing their own meals on these days. Guests are also responsible for being sure they have enough water for the duration of the tour (we suggest a minimum of 3-4 liters over the four days of hiking). There are no water sources on this trail itself. However, at the mountain lodges, hot water is provided during limited hours. The meals that are included are served as a buffet, with options for chicken, pork and vegatarian to be selected when applying for permits.
⚠️ ACCOMMODATIONS: Day One accommodation is a local hikers hostel in Taichung County. Each guest will potentially share a room with up to three others with seperate sleeping mats. Pillows and duvet are provided. Shared bathrooms are available on site. Day Two-Four will be at Mountain Lodges. These faciliated offers guests shared gender rooms. These are barrack style bunks. Guests will have a rented (and clean) sleeping bag, but no pillow is provided. Shared, seperate gendered washrooms are located onsite.
⚠️ PERMITS: For hikers looking to join this tour, they must understand the following details:
- Hiking Mt. Nanhuda is considered a bucket-list experience and is one of the most iconic high mountain hikes in Taiwan. As such, it's also very popular. Permits are required to hike this trail and can be very competitive to get. That said, with enough advanced notice (~2 months + 1 week), we feel confident we can secure these permits for our guests.
- Permits must be applied between 2 months and 5 days prior to the tour date (To ensure we can secure your permits, guests can only book this trip at least 2 months and 1 week prior to your preferred departure date).
- Taiwan Outdoors will apply for group permits on behalf of our registered and paid guests. This means if you are interested in joining this tour please ensure you register and pay as soon as possible (The earlier we get confirmation and payment, the better odds we have in obtaining the permits).
- Despite when we apply, our group application is not guaranteed.
- These permits are not exchangeable. If guests have changes to the team members after the permits have been submitted, there will be a TWD$1500 fee required. However, many times permits sell out within minutes of becoming available. This process will only be available if permits are available.
- Guests will not be required to pay until we can confirm our application is successful.
⚠️ PACKING LIST AND TOUR QUESTIONS: Upon successful applications, each guest will receive a complete packing list and trip FAQ digital package through email. Taiwan Outdoors' staff will be available to provide additional support to guests between registration and tour dates.
⚠️ HEALTH WAIVER: When guests register for Taiwan Outdoors' Mt. Nanhuda Tour, they will receive a link to a Health & Waiver Form. Each team member is required to complete and agree to this form. We ask, for the safety of all guests, that this form is completed honestly and completely.
⚠️ PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS: Full payment is required at least 15-days prior to the permit application date. This ensures our guests commitment to the tour and allows us to confirm participation.
⚠️ NON-REFUNDABLE ADMINISTRATIVE FEE: When a group registers and pays for Taiwan Outdoors' Mt. Nanhuda Tour, we secure their space on our trip by applying for National Park permits. Because of the work required to complete the permit applications, as well as the money required to secure the services provided on this trip, Taiwan Outdoors' has a non-refundable administration fee our guests should be aware of:
- Each booking will incur a non-refundable administrative fee of 30% of the booking price at the time of booking, in addition to cancellation fee enforced by the domestic law associated with consumer protection in Taiwan. The cancellation policy is outlined below.
- We understand plans can change. However, once permits and trip services have been confirmed, guest-requested transfers to another departure may incur a non-refundable fee, particularly where permits or limited inventory prevent us from reselling the original booking space.
⚠️ CANCELLATION POLICY:
1) In the event we are not successful in acquiring our guests' permits, a full refund will be provided. Guaranteed.
2) In the event Taiwan Outdoors cancels the event due to an Act of God, adverse weather (as defined by a Weather Warning issued by the Central Weather Administration of Taiwan) or any other unforeseen circumstance, a full refund will be provided. Guaranteed.
Do you have any other questions? Please send us an email to [email protected]
