Chasing Clouds and Peaks: A Two-Day Hike in Taiwan’s Snow Mountain

Coming from the Philippines, we’re no strangers to hiking trails, but Taiwan’s Snow Mountain (Xueshan) was something else entirely. Towering at 3,886 meters, it’s the second-highest peak in the country — and our two-day climb was a beautiful blend of challenge, camaraderie, and mountain magic. 

me feeling the snow mountain experience...

Together with my friends Adz, Rosalyn, Terry, and Minie, we embarked on this hike not just for the summit, but for the experience — one that took us deep into high-altitude forests, through layers of cloud, and to one of the most breathtaking views we’ve ever witnessed.

Day 1: Wuling Farm to Qika Hut — An Afternoon Ascent

We arrived at Wuling Farm and began our hike in the early afternoon of May 15. The weather was cool and comfortable, and the trail welcomed us with shaded forests and the calming scent of pine. Though the sun was already past its peak, the light still filtered beautifully through the trees, adding a quiet charm to our steady ascent.

trek starts here

 Park Entry Permit Check-in Counter

Our destination was Qika Hut (七卡山莊) — a modest mountain cabin where we would spend the night before our summit push. The hike wasn’t too difficult, but the change in altitude and unfamiliar terrain made us extra mindful of our pace.

pines trees all around...

a beautiful bloom along the trail...

As we gained elevation, we passed moss-covered logs, wooden bridges, and the occasional clearing that offered glimpses of the ridgelines. By late afternoon, we reached Qika Hut, tucked peacefully into the mountain landscape.

Qika Hut - our accommodation for day 1

Terry, Minie, Rosalyn and Adrian having early dinner

We settled in as the evening chill rolled in. Over warm meals and shared laughter, we took a moment to soak in the quiet — far from the noise of city life, under a sky slowly turning into a blanket of stars.

Day 2: Qika Hut to Snow Mountain Main Summit — Above the Clouds

Our alarms went off before dawn. With our headlamps on and light packs ready, we began the long ascent to the summit. The first part of the trail led us into the Black Forest, a hauntingly beautiful section of towering hemlocks that felt mystical in the early morning light.

blessed with a stunning sunrise

in one of the viewdecks

As we climbed higher, the trail grew steeper, the air thinner, and the scenery more dramatic. At one point, we found ourselves walking above the clouds, with peaks stretching out like islands in a sea of white.

a beautiful mountainscape

After hours of effort, we reached the summit of Snow Mountain. Standing at nearly 3,900 meters, with the wind in our faces and the world spread out below us, we each took a quiet moment — to reflect, to breathe, and to appreciate the journey that brought us there.

enchanting forest

The Taiwan White Fir forest

Why It Was Worth It

This hike wasn’t just about bagging a summit — it was about the journey, the teamwork, and the shared sense of wonder. Adz’s calm presence, Rosalyn’s steady determination, Terry’s unstoppable energy, and Minie’s ever-positive vibe made every step meaningful.

wild blooms at the xueshan cirques 

Coming from the Philippines, where tropical forests and humid climbs are the norm, this hike gave us a whole new perspective — cooler climate, higher altitudes, and terrain that pushed us in fresh ways.

a formosan serow at the main peak 

In just two days, we gained sore legs, clearer minds, and unforgettable memories.

Snow Mountain gave us more than a summit — it gave us connection, clarity, and the thrill of discovering new heights, together

we made it all to the summit! yeah!

Hiking Notes

1.  We made an advance application of park permit online     via https://hike.taiwan.gov.tw/en/apply_1.aspx

2.   Our park permit is for [ (Level 3) Snow Mountain Main Peak (multi-day trip) - Secondary route : Snow Mountain Main Peak Line

3.   Day 1: Trailhead to Qika hut - is a 2 kms. easy trek under a forest cover with elevation gain of approximately 375 meters.  

4.  Day 2: Qika hut to main peak to trailhead - is more a more challenging 17 kms. trek with total elevation gain of approximately 1,786 meters. 

5.   Park permit is free but there was an entrance fee to Wuling 

6.  Weather is unpredictable and it can be chilly at night. 

7.  Cellphone signal is present in most part of the trail.

8.  We rented a car so it was hazzle free going in and out of the park.

9. For FAQs about application and admission visit this site https://hike.taiwan.gov.tw/news_7.aspx

 

Board of Accountancy (BOA) Accreditation Renewal

This is another work/profession related topic I felt worth sharing. As a cerified public accountant in public practice, I must have a BOA accreditation. This accreditation is valid for three years and mine has just expired January of this year. I needed to renew and I am sharing here the renewal process that I went through and all the requirements that I needed to comply. This is my second time to apply for renewal of my BOA accreditation. Before going to PRC, I made sure that I had all the requirements listed below. 

1. Duly accomplished Application Form (2 copies); 

2. Photocopy of the expired Certificate of Accreditation; 

3. Photocopy of valid Professional Identification Card (PIC); 

4. Certificates for CPD credit units earned; 

5. Picture of the principal office; 

6. Duly accomplished Quality Accreditation Checklist prescribed in Board Resolution No. 2016-05 

7. Payment of accreditation fee. (In cash, postal money order, manager’s check or bank draft payable to the Professional Regulation Commission); 

8. Short brown envelope for the Certificate of Accreditation and 

9. Two (2) pcs. documentary stamps. 

My accreditation already expired before I was able to complete the requirements. I was able to apply for renewal few days after expiration. In my first renewal, I made the application a month before expiration. This time, I had a hard time accumulating the 120 CPD units requirements. There were no face to face seminars and so most of it I took online or webinars. I was not also able to observed the at least 20 cpd units per year as mandated by BoA Resolution 2017-254. PRC was not strict on this though. Majority of my seminars I took on the third and fourth quarters of 2022 or 3rd year. Also, all my CPD certificates were not certified thru copies but were all accepted. However, the minimum required units per competence area should still be observed. 

Competence Area A (Technical Competence) - 30 CPD Units 

Competence Area B (Professional Skills) - 5 CPD Units Competence Area 

C (Professional Values, Ethics and Attitudes) - 5 CPD Units 

With complete requirements, I headed to PRC central office in Sampaloc Manila. Yes, processing of BOA accreditation is back to PRC central office. I process my first renewal in PRC-PICC. The renewal process was actually quick and smooth. 

1. Registration Section (Window 35 & 36) for verification of license/s; 

2. Legal Service (2nd floor) - Hearing and Investigation Division for clearance of no derogatory record 3. Registration Section (Window 8) for approval 

4. Cashier (Window 34) for payment of the Php1,500 accreditation fee 

5. Registration Section (Window 35 & 36) to submit the complete set of requirements together with a photocopy of the official receipt of the accreditation fee and two pcs. documentary stamps which is available inside PRC building. 

I was told to follow-up after a month but actually my certificate of accreditation was already available as early as 2nd week after my application. It was that fast!