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Syakaro Historic Trail & Smangus Giant Trees (Overnight)
☀️☀️☀️ Trail Rating: Challenging ☀️☀️☀️
Guests will hike 22km along the entire famed Syakora Historic Trail, an ancient communal road for the local Atayal indigenous tribe. Built by hand during the Qing Dynasty by the local Atayal people, this trail was then modified as a guarded road during the Japanese Occupation Period of 1895-1945. In addition to the fascinating historical significance of the ancient trail, the scenery along the way is even more beautiful. Surrounded by towering cedar trees and a bamboo forest, this trail features suspension bridges, scenic viewpoints, and rich ecology.
This is a bucket-list hiking experience among many hikers in Taiwan. Along the way, hikers will experience a trail rich in historical and cultural significance, as well as the stunning scenery of the surrounding mountains and forests.
After completing this epic hike, guests will be taken by private transportation to the village of Smangus, an Ayatal tribal village deep in the mountains of Hsinchu. At an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level, it is also known as Taiwan's most remote aboriginal village. The guests will check-in to their homestay and enjoy an aboriginal dinner and an evening social after walking Taiwan's most famous National Trail.
The following day will include breakfast and guided walk through one of Taiwan's largest intact ancient tree groves. These natural giants hold significant cultural and spiritual importance to the local Atayal people. The visit to this remote area will truly leave guests in wonder and awe.
Returning to the village, guests will enjoy a warm lunch at an aboriginal restaurant before setting off on the drive back to Taipei.
Note: Note: Guests are expected to prepare their own breakfast, lunch, and snacks on the trail. Guests will also be expected to bring sufficient water for the day, as there are no water sources available along the Syakora Historic Trail. This tour is a scheduled departure on the dates provide and requires a minimum of 5 guests to run. If we are unable to secure 5 guests, Taiwan Outdoors reserves the right to cancel this trip. The maximum group size for this tour is 7 people. If you have groups larger than 7, please contact us directly at [email protected]
Trip Highlights:
- Hike along one of Taiwan's most famous Historic Trails
- Discover unique indigenous and Japanese cultural sites
- Overnight stay in Smangus, the last village in Taiwan to receive road-access
- Experience an Ayatal indigenous village and cuisine
- Hike amongst an ancient cypress tree grove with trees close 3,000 years old
For more information and a detailed guide about this trail, please read our trail guide for the Syakaro Historic Trail for more information - TaiwanOutdoors.com/syakaro-historic-trail
2026/2027 Tour Dates:
- September 19-20, 2026
- January 16-17, 2027
- June 19-20, 2027
- September 4-5, 2027
- Note: Select the specific date on the drop-down calendar option listed on the right side of this page
Daily Itinerary
- 05:30 – Bus Pick Up Taipei Main Station
- 08:30 – Arrive: Syakora Historic Trail Trailhead in Wufeng Township, Hsinchu
- 08:30 – 17:00 – Hike 22km along the famed Syakora Historic Trail ending in Jianshi Township, Hsinchu
- 17:45 – Bus Departure from Syakora Historic Trail
- 18:15 – Estimated Arrival at Accommodation in Smangus
- 18:45 – Dinner at Indigenous Restaurant in Smangus
- 19:45 – Freetime
- 07:00 - 08:30 - Breakfast at B&B (included in tour)
- 08:30 - 13:00 - Guided walk along the Giant Tree Trail in Smangus
- 13:30 - Lunch at a local indigenous restaurant in Smangus
- 14:45 - Depart Smangus
- 17:45 - Estimated Arrival at Taipei Main Station
Cost Description
Price Includes
✅ Private, return transportation service from Taipei Main Station (Alternate pick up locations can be arranged. Additional costs may apply. Please send an email to [email protected])
✅ 1-night double occupancy accommodation in Smangus (Single occupancy rates available upon request)
✅ 3 Meals - Day 1: Dinner | Day 2: Breakfast & Lunch
✅ Passenger transportation insurance
✅ TWD $3,000,000 Travel agency liability insurance
✅ Licensed, bilingual guiding services
✅ Private LINE group with tour guide / Taiwan Outdoors' staff
Price Excludes
❌ Hiking equipment - water bottles, rainjacket, backpack, poles if needed, gloves, etc
❌ 3 Meals - Day One: Breakfast, lunch | Day Two: Dinner
❌ Food or drinks (a stop will be arranged on Day 1, before arriving at trailhead to allow guests to purhase last minute supplies)
❌ Additional stops
❌ Personal travel insurance
Notice
⚠️ PICK UP / DROP OFF LOCATION: Our pick-up / drop-off location for this tour will be Taipei Main Station. To ensure we are able to complete the hike in daylight, the departure time is 5:30am. Guests are required to arrange their own transportation to Taipei Main Station. If you require an alternate pick up location, please send an email to [email protected]. Additional costs may apply.
⚠️ GROUP SIZE: The Syakaro and Smangus Overnight Tour can be booked for groups between 1-6 guests. The maximum group size for this tour is 6. Please send an email to [email protected] if you have a group larger than 6 guests.
⚠️ TOUR AVAILABILITY: This tour can be booked on all scheduled departure dates of the year. If you would like to book this tour on a private departure, some restrictions may apply during holidays or Lunar New Year, as well as availability during Cherry Blossom (February) and Maple Tree fall foliage seasons (December). Priavte Tours must be booked with at least 30 days notice.
⚠️ TOUR SUITABILITY: The tour requires guests to have moderate fitness levels and to be able to hike long distances. This trip is not suitable for guests who require the use of strollers or wheelchairs. This tour is not recommended for children or guests who have difficult with some physical activities, particularly those who experience high blood pressure or seizures.
⚠️ GUIDED EXPERIENCE: This two day experience is a guided tour. Our guides are licensed, bilingual and experienced with hiking in Taiwan. In addition to providing an amazing outdoor experience, our guides also 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: Breakfast and lunch will not be provided on Day 1. On Day 2, dinner will not be provided. Guests will be asked to bring their own. There are no water sources on this trail (that don't require proper water filtration), so please be sure you have enough water for the duration of the hike (minimum of 2 liters). Fresh water can be purchased or bottles can be filled in Smangus at the end of Day 1.
⚠️ PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS: Full payment is required at least 15-days prior to the departure date. This ensures our guests commitment to the tour and allows us to confirm participation.
⚠️ ACCOMMODATION: Prices are based on the following accommodation structure. If adjustments to the below are made, additional costs may apply.
- Solo travelers will stay in a double room (one king bed)
- Two travelers will stay in a double room (one king bed)
- Three travelers will stay in a quadruple room (two queen beds)
- Four travelers will stay in a quadruple room (two queen beds)
- Five travelers will stay in a quadruple room (two queen beds) and one double room (one king bed)
- Six travelers will stay in a quadruple room (two queen beds) and one double room (one king bed)
- Seven travelers will stay in two quadruple room (four queen beds total)
⚠️ CANCELLATION POLICY:
In the event Taiwan Outdoors cancels the event due to an Act of God, adverse weather or any other unforeseen circumstance, a full refund will be provided. Guaranteed.
- 95% refund when the cancellation notice arrives 41 days before the scheduled day of departure.
- 90% refund when the cancellation notice arrives 31 days to 40 days before the scheduled day of departure.
- 70% refund when the cancellation notice arrives two days to 30 days before the scheduled day of departure.
- 20% refund when the cancellation notice arrives one day before the scheduled day of departure.
- No refund when the cancellation notice arrives after the scheduled day of departure.
