Hehuan Mountain North Peak 合歡山北峰Mt. Xiaoqilai (Little Qilai) 小奇萊山 TAIWAN'S 台灣🇹🇼 BEST DAY-HIKE? скачать в хорошем качестве

Hehuan Mountain North Peak 合歡山北峰Mt. Xiaoqilai (Little Qilai) 小奇萊山 TAIWAN'S 台灣🇹🇼 BEST DAY-HIKE?

JC and I again head to the Hehuan Mountains of Taiwan. We had already done the East Peak and two smaller peaks (Hehuanjianshan and Shimenshan) together on a previous trip. It was about a 2.5 hr. drive from Changhua (Highway 1, to the 3, then Route 6, to 14A). We found great roadside parking by the North(&West) Peak trailhead. The North Peak is the highest elevation of the series at 3,422 meters (one meter taller than the East Peak). After summiting, we looped back on lesser used trails on the other side of the telecommunications tower that lead to a creek and then a small pond before linking back up to the North Peak trail. After the 3.5 hour hike we refilled water bottles at the car and drove to the Xiaofengkou Service Station (Information Center) on Route 14. Note: despite the name in English, is not a gas station, but they have a variety of meals available for $NT50 or less. There, we had our own prepared snacks at a picnic table and used the facilities. It was the only parking lot with free parking. We ended up taking an Australian woman and Czech man further back down to the parking lot across from the Songxue Lodge. We said farewell to them, crossed the road and walked down to the old Ski Lodge (being renovated) to go for hike number two: Mt. Xiaoqilai, which does not require a permit. The Xiaoqilai trail is only 1.4 km and suitable for beginner hikers. There is a short ladder section and a few ropes, but mostly fairly easy for able-bodied individuals. After this summit, those who would want to go further would need a permit. Indeed, we met several hikers going for three-day hikes perhaps to Mt. Qilai Main Peak and Qilai North Peak. They will most likely stay at either the Chunggong Cabin or the Tainchi Lodge (if attempting the South Qilai Peak). One of the highlights was seeing a Mikado Pheasant. He didn't seem bothered by the presence of hikers. Both of the summits were expansive and open. Bring sun protection and enough water. Rain gear is highly recommended. It can go from sunny to rainy very quickly, as happened just when we finished. Both peaks also have great views until the fog rolls in. The North Peak is nearly a 360 degree panoramic view and over at Xiaoqilai, you can see Qilai Main and Qilai North Peak. History: In 1913 Hehuan was the site of Tiawan's deadliest mountain disaster when a Japanese survey was being conducted. A storm killed 89 Taiwanese members of the team. The survey was completed and assisted the Japanese suppressing the indigenous (Truku) uprisings and to exploit the area for minerals and wood. Note: My comment when walking past the Hehuan Ski Hostel building as being a "retreat" for Chiang Kai-shek was misleading. It was actually the building next door. Approximately 30 "guesthouses" were built for the former president to have places to stay while traveling about Taiwan including on Penghu. At Hehuan he stayed at the "Pine Snow Guesthouse" or Songsyue (Songxuelou) Lodge which I pointed out in the video, a short walk from where I made the comment. It was completed in 1966 to house the president as he inspected the construction of Highway 14A. It is now a hotel, notoriously difficult to book. Please "like" and subscribe for more adventures in Taiwan! Check out my series, "What a Character!" on traditional Chinese characters if you are interested. It will include some clips from this video. #taiwanmountain #expatlife #taiwantravel #hiking