Mt. Mabishan (馬比杉山) is an interesting peak because although it is technically a part of the 6 or 7-day loop around the North First Section of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range (北一段), it isn’t technically on the route itself, and actually requires an additional day to complete it as an out-and-back loop hike from Nanhu Valley Cabin (南湖圈谷山屋).
While the thought of saving a day and cutting this peak out might be appealing to some, we strongly discourage this, as the loop to this peak is one of the highlights of the route. Hikers will get to take the Southwest Ridge past Taosai Peak (陶塞峰), which although not a Bai Yue, is one of the most instagrammable peaks in Taiwan, and then returning through a dry riverbed and ancient forest.
While a long side trip for sure, this route is done with light packs which makes it easier, and we strongly recommend including it in your itinerary.
This peak can also be done as part of the a shorter/modified version of the North First Section (北一段), which skips the back half of the loop (and back three Bai Yue) and is typically done as a 4-5 day out-and-back route instead of a full loop.
This is a great option for hikers who want to see the Mt. Nanhu (南湖大山) area without the added time and risk of doing the more technically challenging back half of the route. Please email us and ask about the Nanhu Peaks route (南湖群峰) if you are interested.
Resources for hiking Mt. Mabishan 馬比杉山:
- For more information about the Nanhu Peaks route (南湖群峰), please click here. (Coming Soon)
- For more information about the North First Section (北一段), please click here.(Coming Soon)
