In this blog, I will take you on a journey to one of Taiwan's most captivating natural wondersâHehuanshan, or Mt. Hehuan. Nestled within the heart of this island nation, Hehuanshan offers a remarkable blend of rugged beauty, high-altitude splendor, and breathtaking panoramas that are bound to leave a lasting impression on any adventurer's soul.
Be sure to read all the way to the end of this post to truly grasp the full wonder that this mountain has to offer. đ
I've compiled a collection of captivating videos (turned into gif) and photos from my Hehuanshan hike. I'm thrilled to share them with you, offering a vivid glimpse into this stunning mountain range. Get ready to be wowed!
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Nantou County, Renâai TownshipHehuanshan, also known as Mt. Hehuan, is a prominent mountain range located in central Taiwan. It is part of the Central Mountain Range, which runs down the spine of the island. Specifically, Hehuanshan straddles the border between Nantou County and Hualien County. |
The trail to the North Peak of Hehuanshan extends for about 1.5 kilometers with an ascent to an altitude of around 3,422 meters (11,227 feet). Meanwhile, the trail leading to the West Peak spans roughly 2 kilometers, reaching an elevation of approximately 3,416 meters (11,207 feet). Both trails offer a challenging yet rewarding experience for hikers, showcasing the breathtaking high-altitude terrain of Hehuanshan.
Trail photo grabbed from alltrails.
Up to the North Peak!
We left our camp at 3:00 AM and drove towards the trailhead, which was 30 kilometers away. The bright full moon illuminated the mountain range and the clouds around it, giving us a clear view.
We arrived at 4:00 AM at the trailhead, we saw a bunch of people preparing themselves for the climb. Some are warming up, and drinking coffee, while others are chit-chatting. Our group started right away because we were aiming for the sunrise view at the 1 km mark.
We made a quick stop at the 0.5 Km mark to witness this beautiful red sunrise view. The view was so astonishing.
It was already bright when we were about to reach the 1 km mark. Looking back, we could see the trail extending to the highway from where we came. Hehuanshan is easily accessible by road, with the Central Cross-Island Highway (Provincial Highway 14) passing through the area. This makes it a convenient destination for both day trips and longer hiking expeditions.
And finally, we arrived at the 1 km mark, our chosen sunrise viewing spot. From here, we could clearly witness the sun's ascent, feeling the warm embrace of its light mixed with the crisp mountain breeze.
As I mentioned earlier, it was a full moon. Therefore, looking at the opposite side of the mountain revealed the bright full moon bidding farewell as the sun took its turn for the new day.
While waiting for our groupmates to catch up, I took advantage of the moment to locate a flat area for launching my drone. Ensuring I didn't miss a beat, I captured the serene sunrise over Mt. Hehuan.
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Stunning, ain't it?
Well, it is just the beginning of the day.
We still have another half km to walk to reach the north peak. And so after enjoying the sunrise view, we continued our hike.
From time to time, I like to go wandering off-trail to see interesting features of the mountain(But I won't go too far đŹ). One special feature of Hehuanshan is its stunning alpine landscape. The mountain range is known for its high-altitude grasslands, rugged peaks, and unique flora and fauna.
The North Peak đ
It was 7 AM when I arrived at the north peak before my friends. It wasn't my first time climbing a high-altitude mountain while my friends were. So, while I was waiting for them I made sure to have a strong-looking picture beside the mountain peak plaque. I made friends with other hikers by asking them to take photos of me and doing the same for them.
And while I was waiting for my friends to arrive, I took the time to capture the mesmerizing aerial view of Mt.Hehuan's mountain range. Enjoy these priceless views!
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It is time for the mugshots
"Mountains are best climbed with good company. The bonds forged in their rugged terrain are as unbreakable as the rocks themselves."
I did not come here alone. I was with my friends coming from different countries. #Indonesia, #India and the #Philippines .
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Overall, Hehuanshan is a natural gem in Taiwan, offering a unique and picturesque environment for those looking to explore the island's diverse landscapes.
Annndd.. Let's go to the West Peak!
But wait, this blog is getting longer and so I plan to continue this journey on my next blog post. đ
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I hope you enjoyed this journey of mine to the north peak of Mt.Hehuan. I do all sorts of adventures around Taiwan. If you have any suggestions on where I should go next, please let me know in the comment section below. I will do my best to capture the amazing moments for you.
See my other photo blogs here:
Jiufen Old Street: Unveiling the Real-Life Spirited Away
My gears:
- Canon D200 II
- Insta360 One x2
- DJI Mini 4 Pro
- Xiaomi 11 Lite
All photos are mine