Taiwan3 daysGroup 7

Mt. Dabajian: 3-Day Ridge Traverse in Shei-Pa National Park

A 40km+ trek through Taiwan's highest grassland prairie, sleeping at 99 Cabin, with views of the distinctive peak featured on the 500NT banknote

Mt. Dabajian is one of the most famous, popular, and beautiful peaks in Taiwan, with its face on Taiwan's 500NT currency bill and significant aboriginal importance. The peak's barrel-shaped silhouette appears on the country's 500NT currency note, and its significance to the Tayal and Saisiyat peoples who live in the region means that direct ascent is restricted by aboriginal custom—visitors reach a signed marker at the base instead. This three-day trek follows the Dalun Forest Road, a 19-kilometer logging track that traces through mixed montane forest before opening onto Zhongba Prairie, where sunrise and the mountain's profile dominate the view. The route visits four subsidiary peaks—Xiaobajian, Mt. Yize, and Mt. Jiali among them—and returns via the same approaches, making a contained loop through Shei-Pa National Park. Two nights are spent at 99 Cabin, a mountain lodge where Aboriginal staff prepare meals. Day two involves approximately 12 hours on foot with light packs, reversing on day three. The full trek covers roughly 40 kilometers across three days.

Highlights

Watch sunrise over Zhongba Prairie (中霸坪), where Taiwan's 500NT banknote was photographed
View Mt. Dabajian's distinctive barrel-shaped rock formation from the official marker point
Traverse Xiaobajian (小霸尖山) and summits on Mt. Yize and Mt. Jiali across the high ridges
Hike 19 kilometers along the Dalun Forest Road (大鹿林道), a relatively flat logging track through montane forest
Sleep two nights at 99 Cabin (九九山莊), a well-maintained mountain lodge with hot water and communal facilities
Private round-trip transportation from Taipei Main Station, including an experienced English-speaking mountain guide
Meals prepared by Aboriginal staff at 99 Cabin, combining traditional Chinese and local aboriginal cuisine

Day by day

1Taipei to Guanwu National Forest and Dalun Forest RoadDalun Forest Road · Taipei Main Station · Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area · Madara Creek · 99 Cabin

Private transportation collects you from Taipei Main Station for a three-hour drive northwestward to Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area (觀霧國家森林遊樂區). Upon arrival, the guide briefs the group before beginning the trek along the Dalun Forest Road (大鹿林道), a mostly flat former logging track with benches and water refill points. The first section is steady and unhurried. After several hours, you cross an iron bridge over Madara Creek (馬達拉溪) and enter steeper switchbacks that gain elevation gradually. By evening, the group reaches 99 Cabin (九九山棧). Check-in includes orientation to the dorm-style sleeping area, which offers hot water and restrooms. Dinner is served buffet-style in the communal dining area. The evening is yours to rest, socialize, organize gear, and prepare for the following day.

2Ridge Traverse: Mt. Dabajian and the Four-Peak Loopforest · Zhongba Prairie (中雪坪) · Xiaobajian (小雪尖山) · Mt. Yize (伊澤山) · Mt. Jiali (加利山) · the cabin · Mt. Dabajian's base

Wake before dawn—2:00 AM is standard practice. After breakfast, depart in darkness with headlamp through forest, then emerging onto Zhongba Prairie (中雪坪) as dawn breaks. This grassland appears on Taiwan's 500NT banknote, with Mt. Dabajian's barrel-shaped peak ahead. Reach the mountain's base after 45 minutes of steady hiking. Ascend the rope section to Xiaobajian (小雪尖山), the smaller peak. From here, traverse to Mt. Yize (伊澤山) and Mt. Jiali (加利山) before descending back to the cabin. The full circuit covers approximately 20 kilometers over roughly 12 hours of walking, including breaks for rest, photos, and lunch. Expect return around mid-afternoon. Dinner and evening rest follow.

3Dalun Forest Road Return to TaipeiDalun Forest Road · 99 Cabin · trailhead · 99 Cabin to forest road

Wake at 06:00 for breakfast at the cabin before departing at 07:00. The descent takes roughly two hours through switchbacks and steep terrain, dropping from 99 Cabin to the forest road by 09:00. The 19-kilometer Dalun Forest Road walk follows mostly flat, compacted soil through montane forest with water sources and rest points along the way. Meet your driver at the trailhead by 14:00 for the return drive to Taipei Main Station, arriving around 17:30.

Included

Bilingual (Chinese/English) & experienced mountain guide services
4 Meals included – Day 1: Dinner | Day 2: Breakfast, Dinner | Day 3: Breakfast
Private round-trip van service from Taipei (Alternate pick up locations can be arranged)
Two (2) nights accommodation at 99 Cabin (九九山莊)
Shei-Pa National Park & Police Permit
Passenger (on van), Hiking/Mountain & TWD$3,000,000 Travel agency liability insurance
Local support by telephone and private LINE group with guide/staff
Sleeping Bag Rental (provided by National Park Services)

Not included

Flights
Airport transfers (Available upon request. Additional costs apply)
Drinks and meals not included in itinerary (Day One: Lunch | Day Two: Lunch | Day Three: Lunch)
Additional stops at attractions or souvenir shops
Single room supplement(s) for solo occupancy
Additional Personal Travel Insurance

Activities: HIKING