Jiaming Lake Trek — 4 Days at Taiwan's Second-Highest Mountain Lake

28 kilometers through Yushan National Park to 3,300 meters, with two nights in mountain refuge

This four-day trek delivers walkers to Jiaming Lake, Taiwan's second-highest mountain lake, set at 3,300 meters within the Central Mountain Range. The route covers 28 kilometers across high-altitude terrain, summiting two of Taiwan's Top 100 peaks and spending two nights in the Jiaming Lake Refuge House, a working mountain lodge where trekkers sleep at altitude and eat communal meals with other climbers. The trek begins in Guanshan, moves through Xiangyang National Scenic Area to the trailhead, and crosses above-treeline ridges dotted with mountain ponds before reaching the refuge. Sunrise hikes and the alpine lake itself—a still body of water ringed by bare rock and low vegetation—form the centerpiece of the experience.

Highlights

Summit two of Taiwan's Top 100 peaks, including pre-dawn departure for high-altitude sunrise
Hike 28 kilometers across above-treeline terrain in Yushan National Park, crossing ridges and mountain ponds
Two nights at Jiaming Lake Refuge House at 3,300 meters, Taiwan's second-highest mountain lake
8-kilometer approach hike from Xiangyang National Scenic Area through open alpine landscape to mountain cabin

Day by day

1Orientation at GuanshanGuanshan · Guanshan Train Station

Meet your guide at Guanshan Train Station for check-in and pre-trek orientation. The session covers route details, daily itinerary, and equipment requirements for the multi-day ascent.

2Xiangyang to Jiaming Lake Refuge HouseJiaming Lake Refuge House · Xiangyang National Scenic Area · trailhead to Jiaming Lake Refuge House

Transfer to Xiangyang National Scenic Area to begin the trek. The 8-kilometer approach climbs from the trailhead through above-treeline terrain, passing mountain ponds and exposed ridges before arriving at the Jiaming Lake Refuge House. The landscape opens gradually as elevation increases, views expanding across the Central Mountain Range.

3High-Altitude Summits and Jiaming LakeJiaming Lake · Taiwan Top 100 peaks · Jiaming Lake Refuge House

An early departure allows ascent of the first of two Taiwan Top 100 peaks, timed to reach the summit before dawn breaks. Morning light reveals the full expanse of Jiaming Lake itself, the alpine water body ringed by bare rock and sparse vegetation. After a trailside lunch, return to the Jiaming Lake Refuge House for the evening.

4Sunrise at 3,000 Meters and Descenta 3,000-meter peak · Xiangyang National Scenic Area · Guanshan Train Station

Another early start positions the group to watch sunrise from a 3,000-meter peak. The return descent follows a leisurely pace down to Xiangyang National Scenic Area. Private transportation returns you to Guanshan Train Station, concluding the trek.

Included

Private return transportation from/to Taitung or elsewhere
Licensed, experienced mountain guide services
3 nights accommodation (1nt in homestay and 2nts in mountain cabins)
5 Meals included
Sleeping Bag Rental and meal service at Jiaming Lake Refuge House
National Park Mountain and Police Permits
Taxes, gratuities and Daily Liability Insurance