Dabajianshan Adventure Hike – 3-Days / 2-Nights
Dabajianshan Adventure Hike is a 3-day / 2-night adventure to one of Taiwan’s most distinctive mountains. Located in the heart of Shei-Pa National Park, this trip features two overnights in one of Taiwan’s unique mountain cabins with most meals and sleeping rental service provided. This allows guests will explore a remote area of Taiwan’s famous National Park without full gear.
We recognize the importance of this land and mountain peak to the local indigenous peoples. The Atayal 泰雅族 and Saisiyat 賽夏族 indigenous tribes of Taiwan continue play a significant role in stewarding this land and hold this mountain to have spiritual significance. We are honored to be able to have the opportunity to host guests in an area of such importance.
- Duration: 3 days
__________________________________________ - Trip level: Challenging
__________________________________________ - Availability: Recommended from March to December
__________________________________________ - Type: Guided
__________________________________________ - Priced from $14,500 TWD for seven guests
*contact for custom pricing
__________________________________________
Highlights
- Watch sunrise over the famous Zhongba Prairie (中霸坪)
- Hike 40km+ in Taiwan’s spectacular Shei-Pa National Park
- Experienced, English-speaking Mountain Guide
- Includes Private Door-to-Door Transportation and everything except personal gear & two meals
- Overnight in 99 Cabin one of Taiwan’s famous mountain lodges
Dabajianshan Adventure Hike – Overview
Without a doubt, Mt. Dabajian (大霸尖山) is one of the most famous, popular, and beautiful peaks in Taiwan, and it’s not hard to see why.
With its face on Taiwan’s 500NT currency bill, its distinctive barrel shape, and its significant aboriginal importance, many people have and will continue to rank this as their favorite Bai Yue.
As many hikers traditionally do, this tour will occur over the course of three days.
Four peaks on the route will be submitted on the second day with light packs, before returning back to camp. While hikers are no longer allowed to climb to the top of this peak itself (aboriginal law prohibits it), there is no shortage of epic photo shots along this incredible route. Aboriginal interaction and meal services are available to save weight at base camp, making this one of the most popular routes in Taiwan, and one we highly recommend.
This tour is completed over three days and two nights and provides return transportation from Taipei Main Station (alternate pick up locations can be arranged. Additional costs may apply. Please send us an email at YourTaiwanOutdoors@gmail.com.
Except for two meals, Taiwan Outdoors takes care of all the details; from accommodation reservations, arranging private transportation, insurance booking, sleeping bag rentals, and mountain lodge meal bookings (two meals are to be prepared by guests), to the complicated National Park Permit application process. Taiwan Outdoors removes the barriers and takes care of all the planning.
What is included
 | Bilingual (Chinese/English) & experienced mountain guide services |
 | 4 Meals included – Day 1: Dinner | Day 2: Breakfast, Dinner | Day 3: Breakfast |
 | Private round-trip van service from Taipei (Alternate pick up locations can be arranged) |
 | Two (2) nights accommodation at 99 Cabin (九九山莊) |
 | Shei-Pa National Park & Police Permit |
 | Passenger (on van), Hiking/Mountain & TWD$3,000,000 Travel agency liability insurance |
 | Local support by telephone and private LINE group with guide/staff |
 | Sleeping Bag Rental (provided by National Park Services) |
What is not included
 | Flights |
 | Airport transfers (Available upon request. Additional costs apply) |
 | Drinks and meals not included in itinerary (Day One: Lunch | Day Two: Lunch | Day Three: Lunch) |
 | Additional stops at attractions or souvenir shops |
 | Single room supplement(s) for solo occupancy |
 | Additional Personal Travel Insurance |
Dabajianshan Adventure Hike – Itinerary
Day 1 Itinerary
Guests will meet our guide and be picked up in private transportation from Taipei Main Station and driven in comfort to Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area (觀霧國家森林遊樂區). From Taipei Main Station, guests can expect a 3-hour drive to Guanwu National Forest. Last-minute provisions can be purchased at a convenience store along the way.
Upon arrival at the national forest, our group will check equipment, fill water bottles and have a short briefing.
Guests and guide will set off from the visitor center to the trailhead for the Dalun Forest Road (大鹿林道). The group begin a 19km hike across the relatively flat Dalun Forest Road (大鹿林道). There are several tables and benches along the way for periodic rest breaks, as well as several freshwater sources to refill water at. We will have time along the way to have a short picnic surrounded by the forest along the way.
After hiking for about 5 hours along the 19km forest the Dalun Forest Road, our team will take a short rest at the abandoned Forestry Bureau Office before crossing an iron bridge over Madara Creek (馬達拉溪) to begin our actual “hike”.
Once off the forest road, we will need to ascend up a series of semi-steep switchbacks before making it to the main trail. After about 3 hours (~4 kilometers) we will arrive at the famous “JiuJiu (99) Cabin” (九九山莊).
Here we will check in, pick up our rented sleeping bags, and get settled into our dorm-style sleeping area for the night. The cabin area is very large, with hot water, restrooms, and a communal dining area.
Our delicious dinner for the evening will be prepared for us by the local Aboriginals who maintain this cabin. The food will be served buffet style and is a mixture of traditional Chinese dishes, as well as local aboriginal specialties. The rest of the evening until bedtime can be spent relaxing, socializing, reading, organizing equipment, and preparing for the next day’s adventure.
Day One Totals
– Hiking Distance: 23km
– Trail Conditions: 19km along mostly flat, unobstructed forest road (compact soil), followed by 4km of moderate & steady incline, compact soil, some man-made structures
– Estimated Time on Trail: 5 hours hiking along the forest road / 4 hours at a moderate hiking pace
Day One Schedule*
– 06:00 – Depart From Taipei Main Station on private transportation
– 09:00 – Arrive at Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area (觀霧國家森林遊樂區)
– 09:30 – Depart Guanwu National Forest and begin hiking along Dalun Forest Road (大鹿林道)
– 14:30 – Arrive at end of Dalun Forest Road (大鹿林道)
– 17:30 – Arrive at “JiuJiu (99) Cabin” (九九山莊)
– 17:30 – 19:00 – Dinner, relax, pack and socialize
– 19:00 – Bedtime
*We ask guests to please be respectful and try not to be too loud. It’s common for hikers in Taiwan to go to bed as early as 7:00 pm. Please note, all times are approximate and will depend on a number of factors including weather, road, and traffic conditions.
Day 2 Itinerary
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 by the local Aboriginals (included in the 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.
After about an hour of hiking in the dark, we will arrive at a trail intersection. To the right is Mt. Jiali (加利山), a peak we will be submitting on our way back at the end of the day, so we will press on. Once past the fork, the trail levels out and hikers will be able to walk along one of the most stunning grassland prairies in Taiwan. Just before dawn, our team will arrive at Zhongba Cabin, a tiny cabin often reserved when 99 Cabin is full and used as an emergency shelter.
Just as the sun will be rising, we will arrive at the stunning Zhongba Prairie (中霸坪). This location is famous because it is where the image on Taiwan’s 500NT note was captured and is maybe the most popular photo spot of the trip.
After another 45 minutes of hiking with frequent views of the impressive peak, we will arrive at the base of Mt. Dabajian (大霸尖山). Climbing to the peak itself is no longer allowed, so the sign at the base of the mountain is considered an official summit.
After climbing up a small set of rope sections, we will arrive at Xiaobajian (小霸尖山), the smaller, but equally impressive barrel-shaped rock formation and mountain peak. We will double back the way we came and spend short hikes to climb up Mt. Yize (伊澤山) and Mt. Jiali (加利山) before we arrive back at “JiuJiu (99) Cabin” (九九山莊)
Day Two Totals
– Hiking Distance: 20km
– Trail Conditions: Moderate & steady inclines, compact soil, some man-made structures
– Estimated Time on Trail: 12 hours at a moderate hiking pace
Day Two Schedule*
– 02:00 – Wake up
– 02:30 – Eat Breakfast
– 03:00 – Depart from “JiuJiu (99) Cabin”
– 07:00 – Arrive at the base of Mt. Dabajian (Dabajianshan)
– 08:00 – Arrive at Xiaobajian Mountain
– 10:00 – Arrive at Mt. Yize
– 12:00 – Arrive at Mt. Jiali
– 13:30 – Arrive back at “JiuJiu (99) Cabin”
– 17:00 – Dinner is served
– 18:00 – 20:00 – Socialize, read, relax and pack
– 20:00 – Bedtime
*Note these times are based purely on walking times. In actuality, it’s more likely that we will take closer to 12 hours for the entire trip, taking into account breaks for resting, snacking, pictures, and lunch. 3:00pm-4:00pm is a more likely return time.
Breakfast: Yes / Lunch: No / Dinner: Yes
Day 3 Itinerary
On the third day of this tour, our team will begin our hike back to the forest road trailhead in Guanwu National Forest. Essentially, this is a reverse day of our Day 1. We will wake up a little later to avoid departing in the dark. Let’s call it a little sleep-in!
We will depart from Jiu Jiu Cabin and begin our descent for approximately 2 hours before arriving at the forest road. Guests will hike back along the forest road for 19km section to arrive back at Guanwu National Forest just before lunch.
Once we arrive at the forest road trailhead, we will jump on board our private transportation and begin our drive back to Taipei. A much-deserved celebratory (late) lunch will be arranged on our return trip. We aim to arrive back in Taipei mid-afternoon.
Day Three Totals
– Hiking Distance:23km
– Trail Conditions: 4km of moderate declines, followed by 19km along mostly flat, unobstructed forest road (compact soil).
– Estimated Time on Trail: 7 hours at a moderate hiking pace
Day Three Schedule*
– 06:00 – Wake up & Eat Breakfast
– 07:00 – Depart from “JiuJiu (99) Cabin”
– 09:00 – Arrive at Forest Road
– 14:00 – Arrive back at the trailhead/end of the forest road and meet our driver
– 17:30 – Arrive back in Taipei Main Station
*Please note, all times are approximate and will depend on a number of factors including weather, road, and traffic conditions.
Breakfast: Yes / Lunch: No / Dinner: No
IMPORTANT NOTICE
⚠️ PICK-UP / DROP-OFF LOCATION: Our pick-up location for this tour will be Taipei Main Station. The departure time is 11:00 am on Day 1 of the tour. This will allow guests from nearly anywhere on the island to travel using the high-speed train, regular train network, or bus system. If you require an alternate pick-up location, please contact us directly at YourTaiwanOutdoors@gmail.com. Additional costs may apply.
⚠️ GROUP SIZE Our Dabajianshan Adventure Hike can be booked for groups between 1-7 guests. This tour is limited to 7 guests. If you have a team of more than 7, please contact us directly at YourTaiwanOutdoors@gmail.com
⚠️ 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 One Breakfast & Lunch are not included in the tour price. Day Two and Three Lunches are also not included in the tour price. Guests are responsible for preparing and bringing their own meals on these days. Guests are also responsible for being sure they have enough water for the duration of the tour (we suggest a minimum of 3 liters). There are a few fresh water sources on this route and hot water is provided at “99 Cabin” during limited hours..
⚠️ PERMITS: For hikers looking to join this tour, they must understand the following details:
- Hiking Dabajianshan is considered a bucket-list experience and is one of, if not the most famous high mountain hikes in Taiwan. As such, it's also very popular. Permits are required to hike this trail and can be very competitive to get. That said, with enough advanced notice (~4 months), we feel confident we can secure these permits for our guests.
- Permits must be applied between 4 months and 35 days prior to the tour date (To ensure we can secure your permits, please guests can only book this trip at least 4 months and 1 week prior to your preferred departure date).
Despite when we apply, our group application is not guaranteed. - These permits are not exchangeable. If guests have changes to the team members after the permits have been submitted, there will be a TWD$1500 fee required. However, many times permits sell out within minutes of becoming available. This process will only be available if permits are available.
- If our application is not successful, guests will be provided a full refund.
⚠️ PACKING LIST AND TOUR QUESTIONS: When a group registers and pays for Taiwan Outdoors' Dabajianshan Adventure Hike, 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 guests register for Taiwan Outdoors' Dabajianshan Adventure Hike, they will receive a link to a Health & Waiver Form. Each team member is required to complete and agree to this form. We ask, for the safety of all guests, that this form is completed honestly and completely.
⚠️ TOUR AVAILABILITY: This tour can be booked throughout March to December. For those looking to book this tour between January-February, please contact us directly. To ensure we can apply and secure the difficult-to-get National Park permit, you need to book this tour at least 45 prior to your preferred departure date. Due to permit restrictions, no bookings can be made where the overnights (Day 1 or Day 2) at 99 Lodge fall on Fridays or Saturdays. Therefore, when booking, guests can only select departure dates Sunday-Wednesday of the week.
⚠️ PAYMENT REQUIREMENT: Full payment is required at least 40-days prior to the departure date. This ensures our guests commitment to the tour and allows us to confirm participation.
⚠️ NON-REFUNDABLE ADMINISTRATIVE FEE: When a group registers and pays for Taiwan Outdoors' Dabajianshan Adventure Hike, we secure their space on our trip by applying for National Park permits. Because of 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 two 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.
⚠️ CANCELLATION POLICY:
- 95% refund when the cancellation notice arrives 41 days before the scheduled day of departure (less the 30% non-refundable fee).
- 90% refund when the cancellation notice arrives 31 days to 40 days before the scheduled day of departure (less the 30% non-refundable fee).
- 70% refund when the cancellation notice arrives 2 days to 30 days before the scheduled day of departure (less the 30% non-refundable fee).
- 20% refund when the cancellation notice arrives one day before the scheduled day of departure (less the 30% non-refundable fee).
- No refund when the cancellation notice arrives after the scheduled day of departure.
Do you have any other questions? Please send us an email to YourTaiwanOutdoors@gmail.com
Contact Us – Dabajianshan Adventure Hike
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