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Yushan (Jade Mountain) Main Peak Trail

Taiwan's classic route to the summit of Yushan, the highest peak in Northeast Asia, requiring a dual-permit system and an overnight stay at a mountain lodge.

Distance21.0 km
Recommended time2 day(s)
Best seasonAutumn through spring (October to April); avoid the summer typhoon and rainy season
Getting to the startTataka trailhead is reachable by car or arranged transport from Alishan or Chiayi; there is no public bus directly to the trailhead.
Getting back from the endSame trailhead — the route is an out-and-back, so descent ends back at Tataka.

Route Overview

The standard route to Yushan's Main Peak (3,952m) begins at the Tataka trailhead, climbs to Paiyun Lodge for an overnight stay, then continues to the summit for sunrise before descending the same way. Both a national park entry permit and a mountain area entry permit are required, and Paiyun Lodge bunks must be reserved in advance through a lottery system due to high demand. The trail is well-maintained but exposed in sections, and altitude sickness is a real consideration given the elevation gain.

Stage by Stage

1

Tataka Trailhead

0.0 km from start

Starting point at roughly 2,610m elevation, where both permits are checked before entry. A police checkpoint here verifies your national park and mountain area permits.

2

Paiyun Lodge

8.5 km from start

The only overnight lodge on the route, at about 3,402m elevation. Bunks must be reserved months in advance through the park's lottery system — this is usually the hardest part of planning the trip, not the hike itself.

🛏️ Suggested overnight stop
3

Yushan Main Peak

10.5 km from start

The summit at 3,952m, the highest point in Northeast Asia. Most hikers leave Paiyun Lodge around 2-3am to reach the peak for sunrise, then retrace the same trail back down to Tataka.

Read the full guide →