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.
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| 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.
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| trek starts here |
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| 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.
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| pines trees all around... |
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| 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.
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| Qika Hut - our accommodation for day 1 |
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| 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.
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| blessed with a stunning sunrise |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| enchanting forest |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
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| 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
