Syakaro, Giant Trees and Smangus Indigenous Village – 2 Day / 1 Night (Guided)
Syakaro and Smangus are synonymous with Taiwan’s Atayal peoples. 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.
Upon finishing this epic hike, guests will be transferred to Taiwan’s most remote indigenous community, Smangus. Guests will spend the evening and the next day exploring this Atayal community and the local giant cypress tree grove.
The Syakaro and Smangus Overnight Tour is a guided experience.
- Duration: 2 days
__________________________________________ - Trip level: Moderate to Challenging
__________________________________________ - Availability: Year Round
__________________________________________ - Type: Guided
__________________________________________ - Price: (TWD)
– Solo Traveler: $55,000
– 2 Guests: $28,500pp
– 3 Guests: $21,000pp
– 4 Guests: $16,500pp
– 5 Guests: $14,500pp
– 6 Guests: $12,500pp
– 7 Guests: $12,000pp
__________________________________________
Highlights
- Hike one of Taiwan’s most iconic historic trails
- Visit several abandoned Japanese-era police stations along a 22km hike
- Experienced, English-speaking Mountain Guide
- Includes Private Door-to-Door Transportation and everything except personal gear & two meals
- Overnight in Smangus, a unique Atayal village in remote Hsinchu
- Explore one of Taiwan’s last remaining ancient cypress tree groves with trees dating back 2,000 years.
Syakaro & Smangus 2-Day Tour –Overview
Find the perfect blend of stunning, remote hiking and indigenous cultural experiences on our 2-day small group adventure with Taiwan Outdoors.
Guests will hike 22km along the entire famed Syakora Historic Trail, an ancient communal road for the local Atayal indigenous tribe. In addition to the fascinating historical significance of the ancient trail, the scenery along the way is even more beautiful. Surrounded by towering trees and a bamboo forest, this trail features suspension bridges, scenic viewpoints, and rich ecology.
Stay overnight in Smangus, the last Aboriginal village in Taiwan to get a road linkage to the outside world and the only community in all of Taiwan that successfully operates as a cooperative. During the stay in this remote village, guests will enjoy local Atayal cuisine and hospitality, as well as have a chance to hike the picturesque Giant Trees Trail that meanders beneath the cool green canopy of the ancient trees that date back several 1,000 years.
This Syakaro and Smangus Overnight Guided Tour is completed over 2 days and 1 night 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).
What is included
 | Bilingual (Chinese/English) & experienced mountain guide services |
 | 3 Meals included – Day 1: Dinner | Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch |
 | Private round-trip van service from Taipei (Alternate pick up locations can be arranged) |
 | One (1) night accommodation (double occupancy) at an indigenous homestay in Smangus (Single occupancy rates may be available upon request) |
 | Passenger insurance (on van) & TWD$3,000,000 Travel agency liability insurance |
 | Local support by telephone and private LINE group with guide/staff |
What is not included
 | Flights |
 | Airport transfers (Available upon request. Additional costs may apply) |
 | Drinks and meals not included in itinerary (Day One: Breakfast, Lunch | Day Two: Dinner |
 | Additional stops at attractions or souvenir shops |
 | Single room supplement(s) for solo occupancy |
 | Additional Personal Travel Insurance |
Syakaro and Smangus Overnight Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Itinerary
Day one will almost entirely consist of hiking the famous Syakora Historic Trail. The Syakora Historic Trail straddles Jianshi Township and Wufeng Township in Hsinchu County. 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.
From the pick-up location, guests will take private transportation to the trailhead of Syakora Historic Trail. Starting off from Wufeng Township, guests will hike as a group and pass through unique historical sites and abandoned buildings from a bygone era. Guests will cross over suspension bridges in the midst of beautiful and dense forested valleys. The Syakora Historic Trail, meaning "black heart stone" in the Atayal language, has been designated a National Trail in Taiwan and is a remote thru-hike.
Guests are expected to prepare their own breakfast and lunch 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.
Upon completing the trail, our private transportation will pick up guests and transfer the group to the Atayal community of Smangus, nestled in the mountains of northern Taiwan. After checking into our accommodation, we'll cap off our lovely day in nature with a locally prepared dinner.
Day One Schedule
- 05:30 – Guest Pick Up
- 08:30 – Arrive: Syakora Historic Trail Trailhead in Wufeng Township, Hsinchu
- 09:30 – 17:30 – 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
Trail Details
- Trail Type: Moderate to Challenging Mountain Trail
- Day One Trail Distance: 24km
- Altitude: 1247~1507m
- Estimated Hiking Time: 7.5 hours
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Rating of Day 1: 3/5
This trail is considered an “Moderate to Challenging” route. This trail is not overly technical and only features a total of 260m but does cover a significant distance and is remote. There are a few sections that require guests who are comfortable climbing down/up a ladder with a steep descent. There are some other sections that require scrambling across uneven terrain, but generally, this is a well-maintained trail. Guests should be in moderate to good physical fitness and be comfortable hiking on uneven terrain for extended periods of time. Please consider your own abilities before joining this trip.
Day 2 Itinerary
Day two will begin with a leisurely morning in the mountain community of Smangus. Perched within the rugged mountains, this indigenous village sits at 1,500m elevation, providing visitors with fresh, crisp air and stunning views. There is something even more remarkable about Smangus than just the natural beauty (which is pretty remarkable!). It was the last Aboriginal village in Taiwan to get a road linkage to the outside world (1995), Smangus is the only village community in all of Taiwan that successfully operates as a cooperative. This is truly a special community where residents divide and share workloads, and practice cooperative approaches to various industries from agriculture to tourism.
After a locally prepared breakfast (including in the tour), guests and guide will set off to discover one of the highlights of this remote mountain region, its trees! Smangus is famous for its giant Cypress tree grove, some of which date back 2,700 years! Guests will begin hiking the Giant Tree Trail shortly after breakfast. Meandering along a relatively flat trail, guests will pass a viewpoint that overlooks the mountains and valley below. The group will set off by entering a bamboo forest and on to explore the spiritually significant forest filled with smells, sounds, and sights sure to impress. The hike itself to the ancient trees is about 5km and the group will spend time on their own or following the guide as we all embrace the wonders of these ancient giants.
We do encourage guests to take some time for themselves and to really connect with these divine giants.
The group will walk back to the community of Smangus for a locally prepared lunch. After lunch, guests will take private transportation back to Hsinchu High-Speed Train Station, where we'll say our goodbyes until next time.
Day Two Schedule
- 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（離開司馬庫斯
- 17:45 – Estimated Arrival at Hsinchu High-Speed Rail Station
IMPORTANT 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 YourTaiwanOutdoors@gmail.com. Additional costs may apply.
⚠️ GROUP SIZE: The Syakaro and Smangus Overnight Tour can be booked for groups between 1-7 guests. The maximum group size for this tour is 7. Please send an email to YourTaiwanOutdoors@gmail.com if you have a group larger than 7 guests.
⚠️ TOUR AVAILABILITY: This tour can be booked on all dates of the year. 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). Tours must be booked with at least 5 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 arrive back in Taipei in time for dinner. There are no water sources on the Syakaro Historic 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 3-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.
- 80% refund when the cancellation notice arrives 21 days to 30 days before the scheduled day of departure.
- 70% refund when the cancellation notice arrives two days to 20 days before the scheduled day of departure.
- 50% 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.
Contact Us About Syakaro & Smangus 2-Day Tour
Adventure Awaits
It’s time to discover Taiwan’s remote indigenous past.
