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Snow Mountain Trek - 3 Day / 2 Night (2027)
☀️☀️☀️ Trail Rating: Moderate ☀️☀️☀️
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Our Snow Mountain Trek is a safe, convenient, and affordable way to climb two of Taiwan’s famous Bai Yue (or Top 100 Peaks).
At 3,886m, Snow Mountain is the second tallest mountain in Taiwan, and one of the most popular hiking destinations on the island.
Although the distance from the trailhead to the peak is only 11km (roughly the same as Jade), the elevation gain and overall trail conditions are slightly steeper and more tiring than those on Jade Mountain. In the winter, some of the deepest snow in Taiwan can be found on Snow Mountain, transforming the peak and surrounding area into a winder wonderscape, where even snowmen and igloos can sometimes be seen.
As a three day trip, hikers will spend their first day hiking approximately 7km (past Qika Cabin and Snow Mountain’s East Peak) to the former site of the famous 369 Villa (三六九山莊).
Unfortunately, as of 2024, the cabin is in the process of being demolished and rebuilt, but luckily, the National Park has set up a temporary campsite next to the old mountain house, complete with wood frame platforms for setting up tents. Local aboriginal companies permanently occupy the campsite and provide tents, sleeping bags, and meal services for commercial teams.
The next day is an early morning, with breakfast and a short hike up to glacial cirque/valley at the bottom of Snow Mountain with light packs, before making a final push to the peak at sunrise. The sunrise view from Snow Mountain is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is difficult to put into words. On a clear morning, hikers will be able to have sweeping, panoramic views of the National Park, with views extending as far as the Pacific Ocean, Taipei, and even Jade Mountain.
After summiting, the team will return to base camp at 369 for a relaxing second day, before packing up and descending all the way back down to the trailhead on the third day. Except for a few meals, we take care of all the details; from accommodation (tent) 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've also added a stop at a local hot spring, where guests will have a private bath to soak away the km's before descending down to Taipei for the end of the tour!
We remove the barriers and takes care of all the planning. We also offer some of Taiwan's most experienced English-speaking mountain guides for this tour.
Tour Highlights:
- Watch the sunrise from the ceiling of Taiwan by summiting Taiwan's 2nd Tallest Mountain at dawn
- Taiwan's lowest guest-to-guide ratio (6-1) for scheduled and guided group hikes to Snow Mountain
- Stay overnight in tents near 369 Cabin at above 3,000m elevation
- Take in the views of a beautiful basin hollowed out by glaciers thousands of years ago
- Spot some of the famous, landlocked Salmon an endemic species to Taiwan and the highest inhabited Salmon species on Earth
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- To ensure we can apply and secure the difficult-to-get National Park permit, you need to book this tour two months and one week prior to your preferred departure date.
- Permits for Snow Mountain 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 Snow Mountain run from Saturday-Monday. Our permit application is for the Sunday. Due to the competitiveness of the permits, if we are unable to secure permits on the Sunday, we will attempt to secure permits on the Monday, meaning the tour will run Sunday-Tuesday.
- 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 24-26, 2027
- May 29-31, 2027
- July 3-5, 2027
- July 31-August 2, 2027
- September 11-13, 2027
- October 2-4, 2027
- November 6-8, 2027
- December 18-20, 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.
- Once permits have been applied and confirmed, our team will send you a request for payment.
- 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
Guests will meet our guide and be picked up in private transportation from Taipei Main Station and driven in comfort to Snow Mountain’s Trailhead (雪山登山口). Last-minute provisions can be purchased at a convenience store along the way. Upon arrival at the trailhead and before setting off, our group will check equipment, and have a short briefing. Bathrooms and water will be available at the trailhead, along with some basic provisions and a souvenir shop.
Pictured: The trailhead for Snow Mountain.
After a short 1km section of forested switchback trailheads, hikers will arrive at a small viewing platform. Here they will have their first view of the rail car the National Park uses to shuttle materials up the mountain to rebuild the lodge.
From here it’s another 1.2km to Qika Lodge (七卡山莊), a second, popular mountain lodge for people hiking Snow Mountain. Here, the team will take a quick break and have a chance to fill up on water before hiking another 2.5km of switchbacks to the famous “Crying Slope” 哭坡 (viewing platform).
Pictured: The newly renovated Qika Cabin.
From the platform it’s another 1km to Snow Mountain’s East Peak (雪山東峰), with it’s large helicopter pad directly next to the peak.
Pictured: The (in)famous(ly) steep “crying slope, located just before the ridge leading up to East Peak.
From the east peak, it’s a beautiful hike down through the forest, to the grassland prairie of the 369 campsite.
Pictured: From the East Peak, Snow Mountain’s Main peak can be seen on the left, as well as the 369 Cabin/campsite in the grassy valley in the middle.
Once at the cabin our team will be assigned our tents and will have free time to relax and chat with the locals, before dinner and bed. If lucky, Taiwanese Mountain goats are often seen in the area.
Day One Hiking Overview:
- Total Hiking Distance: 7km
- Trail Conditions: Pine needle forests and short arrow bamboo, with some sections of semi-steep trails with moderate & steady inclines.
- Estimated Time on Trail: 6 hours at a moderate hiking pace
Day One Schedule
- 7:00am - Depart From Taipei Main Station on private transportation
- 10:00am - Arrive at Snow Mountain Trailhead
- 12:00pm - Arrive at Qika Lodge Cabin
- 5:00pm - Arrive at 369 Campsite
- 7:00pm - Bedtime
Please note, all times are approximate and will depend on a number of factors including weather, road, and traffic conditions. Shared Sleeping Facilities (tents) at 369 Campsite (三六九赛事).
It will be an early morning with a pre-dawn wake up. Please note, it’s very common in the Taiwanese hiking community to wake up extremely early, so expect people to be waking up and making noise early. We will wake up and eat breakfast at the cabin, provided at the campsite, (included in tour), check our equipment and have a short briefing of the day’s schedule.
We will be departing before sunrise, so please make sure you have sufficient layers to stay warm, rain pants and jacket, your headlamp (with extra batteries), and plenty of water and snacks. Today’s trip will be done with “light packs”, so you can leave the majority of your belongings at the cabin.
The team will set off and try to reach Snow Mountain’s Main Peak by sunrise, so it’s important we get an early start. Shortly after leaving the campsite, we will enter the famous “black forest” which is one of the most famous and beautiful forests in Taiwan. Hidden among the moss and fallen trees, hikers may be lucky enough to see monkeys, goats, and other endemic animals of Taiwan.
Pictured: A section of trail along the black forest, en route to the peak.
Around 3km past the campsite we will exit the forest and arrive at the base of the rocky glacial cirque (valley), where we will loop around a last additional kilometer of rocky trails, arriving at the main peak of Snow Mountain in time for sunrise.
Pictured: The Main Peak of Snow Mountain, with it’s “North Corner” peak in the background.
Pictured: View from the main peak, looking down to the glacial cirque below. Wuling Sixiu route/ridge can be see in the background on the left.
Pictured: View from Snow Mountain’s Main Peak, with the iconic Mt. Dabajianshan in the background.
As the sun rises over the east side of Taiwan, the team will have the opportunity to bask in the morning glow of one of Taiwan’s most famous and beautiful peaks. Without a doubt, one of the most spectacular and stunning views available in the high mountains of Taiwan.
After finishing on the peak, the team will have some free time to explore the North Corner Peak of Snow Mountain, or take a leisurely stroll back down through the black forest to 369 Camp for relaxing, socializing, or photography.
Day Two Hiking Overview:
- Total Hiking Distance: 13km
- Trail Conditions: Shaded Pine forests and rocky, windswept trails. Steady and gradual trail conditions, with no technical obstacles.
- Estimated Time on Trail: 9-10 hours at a moderate hiking pace
Day Two Schedule
- 2:00am - Wake up, eat breakfast.
- 2:30am - Depart
- 5:30am - Arrive at Snow Mountain (雪山) for sunrise.
- 6:30am - Depart
- 9:30am - Arrive back at camp
- 10:00am - Depart
- 1:00pm - Arrive back at Qika Lodge.
- 5:00pm - Dinner (provided by National Park services)
*Please Note: hiking times are approximate and may vary depending on the team, weather, and other factors. Shared Sleeping Facilities at 369 Campsite (三六九赛事).
The schedule for day 3 is designed to be short and easy. After breakfast, from Qika Lodge (七卡山莊), it's only a short 2.2km hike back down to the trailhead, which should take no more than 2 hours. We will meet our driver and transfer to a local hot spring bath, where guests will have a private bath to soak away the km's before we depart back to Taipei, arriving back in the early afternoon.
Day Three Hiking Overview:
- Total Hiking Distance: 2.2km
- Trail Conditions: Pine needle forests and short arrow bamboo, with some sections of semi-steep trails with moderate & steady inclines.
- Estimated Time on Trail: 2 hours at a moderate hiking pace
Day Three Schedule
- 7:00am - Wake up, eat breakfast.
- 8:00am - Depart
- 10:00am - Snow Mountain Trailhead
- 11:00am - Arrive at hot spring
- 12:00pm - Depart hot spring
- 3:00pm - Arrive back in Taipei.
*Please note: all times are approximate and will depend on a number of factors including weather, road, and traffic conditions, etc.
Cost Description
Price Includes
✅ Private round-trip van service from Taipei
✅ Experienced, English-speaking guiding services
✅ Two (2) nights accommodation - 1 night at 369 Campsite (三六九營地) in tents and 1 night at Qika Cabin (barrack style bunks)
✅ 4 Meals included - Day 1: Dinner | Day 2: Breakfast, Dinner | Day 3: Breakfast
✅ Snow Mountain National Park Permit
✅ Tent and Sleeping Bag Rental at 369 Campsite (三六九營地)
✅ Admission into Local Hot Spring post-hike
✅ Passenger insurance on the van
✅ Hiking/Mountain Insurance
✅ $3,000,000ntd Travel Agency Liability Insurance
✅ Bagging two of Taiwan’s Top 100 Mountains!
Price Excludes
❌ Meals not included - Day 1: Breakfast, Lunch | Day 2: Lunch | Day 3: Lunch
❌ Any additional snacks, food, or drinks
❌ Additional stops at other attractions or souvenir shops
❌ Additional personal travel insurance
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 $12,900ntd) 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:
$12,900 x 30% = $3,870ntd (Non-refundable fee) $12,900 - $3,870 = $9,030ntd (outstanding balance less non-refundable fee) $9,030*10% = $903 (10% cancellation fee applied at 32 days)
$9,030-$903 = $8,127ntd (refundable amount)
Guest will recieve an $8,127ntd 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 7:00 am. If you require an alternate pick-up location, please contact us directly at [email protected]. Additional costs may apply.
⚠️ 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 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 1 Breakfast and Lunch are not included in the tour price. Day Two Lunch is not included in the tour price. Guests are responsible for preparing and bringing their own meals on these days. Guests are also responsible to be sure they have enough water for the duration of the tour (we suggest a minimum of 2 liters). There will be water at the trailhead, as well as Qika Cabin. No filtering required We recommend carrying at least 2L. At the campsite, hot water is provided during limited hours.
⚠️ ACCOMMODATIONS: The two overnights featured on this tour are in shared tents. Sleeping bags rentals are provided, however no pillows are available. Guests can prepare clothes or inflatable pillows if desired. Tents will be shared with one other guest. Public washrooms are available on site, however showers are not available.
⚠️ 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. Approximately 2 months advanced notification will be provided to those guests who have already booked. Guests' don't have to pay until we secure the permits. If you have a team of more than 6, please contact us directly at [email protected]. Thank you for understanding.
⚠️ PERMITS: For hikers looking to join this tour, they must understand the following details:
- Hiking Snow Mountain is an experience that is in demand by both international visitors and local residents. Permits are required to hike this trail and can be very competitive to get. That said, with enough advanced notice (~2 months), 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 (the earlier the better). With limited space at the campsite, permits often get completely booked very early, and very quickly.
- We 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 can have getting permits.
- Despite when we apply, our group application is not guaranteed.
- If our application is not successful, guests will not have to pay.
- Guests permits are not transferable, so if you book, pay, and are unable to attend on that day, we will provide refunds based on the domestic tourism laws, less a non-refundable administration fee.
⚠️ PACKING LIST AND TOUR QUESTIONS: When a guest registers for this tour, they 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 a guest registers for this tour, they will receive a digital package with a complete packing list and a detailed trip FAQ through email. Taiwan Outdoors' staff will be available to provide additional support to guests between registration and tour dates.
⚠️ NON-REFUNDABLE ADMINISTRATIVE FEE: When a group registers and pays for Taiwan Outdoors' Snow Mountain Tour, we secure their space on our trip by applying for National Park permits. For a range of reasons, we apply a non-refundable administrative fee. As the permits are competitive and non-transferrable, we are unable to fill the cancelled space with another guest. Also due to 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 one non-refundable administration fees 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 payment, 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]
