Crossing a bridge over the fast-flowing Sichihlan River (司界蘭溪), it looked like the home strait, but even then, as one final bit of punishment, everyone had to go up a steep road that led over to the Huanshan village (環山) where our tour bus waited.
Walking through Huanshan felt like a retreat from a war front -- the peaceful rustic scene of orchards and mountainside dwellings contrasting starkly with the savage trail just battled. Back on the bus everyone looked tired, but my friends had all returned in good time and had the drinks ready.
To Snow Mountain and back had been a trial in reverse, and the old cliche about the coming down being more difficult than the going up had once again been confirmed. Nevertheless, all present felt satisfied to have spent some precious time in Taiwan's scenic high mountains, and to have climbed one of the most famous peaks on the island.
For your information
Climbing in Taiwan's high mountains is extremely rewarding and relatively safe. However, you should not attempt to scale any mountain over 3000 metres alone; indeed lower elevations also present dangers such as the possibility of getting lost, and not being able to find drinking water. To climb any mountain over 3000 metres in Taiwan (including Snow Mountain) requires a class A mountain pass. Also, you are required to hire a guide.
Any group two or more in number may hire a guide, and deal with the necessary formalities, through one of the climbing associations listed below. These associations form loose groups of twenty or more, and you may like to join one of these bigger groups to economize on expenses.
Hsinchu Mountain Climbing Association (
Mountaineer, Hiking Association, Republic of China (
Taipei County Mountaineering Association (
Taipei City Climbing Association (
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