Taiwan is an island, some two-third of the total area of which is covered with mountains of which 219 peaks reach 3,000 meters above sea level. In contrast to similar mountains abroad that are covered with perpetual snow, Taiwan's mountains are thickly forested, and a vertical distribution of a variety of flora, ranging from tropical to Asian tropical, warm temperate, cool temperate, cold temperate, subarctic, and frigid, can be clearly distinguished. Traces of Taiwan's various aboriginal cultures can also be found in these mountainous regions up to an altitude of 2,000 meters. Although most aborigines have moved to the plains and other areas at the foot of the mountains, their tribal traces, hunting grounds, and traditional buildings deep within the mountains have still been preserved to date. Taiwan's mountains therefore form a versatile agglomeration of beautiful scenery, grass plains, lakes, and aboriginal culture, attracting both local and foreign nature explorers.
Some great destinations for mountain climbing in Taiwan are Yushan (Jade Mountain), highest peak in Northeast Asia; Snow Mountain, second-highest peak in Taiwan; Daba Mountain, known as one of the most peculiar peaks in the world; Hehuanshan, one of the few places in Taiwan where snowfall can be expected during winter; and Nenggao Mountain, third-highest peak in Taiwan. Yushan in particular, with its grand beauty and imposing main peak, is a favorite among mountaineers from around the world and is frequently challenged by foreign mountaineering groups. Hiking and mountain climbing are favorite pastimes in Taiwan. Popular trails can be reached by car very easily, while it requires only two to three days to reach altitudes higher than 3,000 meters.

Information for Foreign Mountaineers

Before entering into highly restricted mountain areas, foreign mountaineers are asked to apply for entrance permit. If necessary, the ROC Mountain Association can arrange an English guide for a group of 4 or more members. But for those mountain areas less restricted, the local police stations are responsible for the issue of B Class entrance permit. The applicants have to provide their personal IDs or passports.

What's the procedure to apply for an entrance permit? The applicant has to summit an application form with the attachment of passport or alien residence permit, ID or any approval documents issued by competent authorities, to the Police Affairs Department, local police stations or the police team in the National Parks. But if the foreign visitor applies for the permit in company with a ROC citizen for a same reason, he can follow the same procedures of the ROC people.

Apply for a Foreigner's Mountain Pass

Where to apply : Foreign Affairs Section of your local police bureaus Application procedure : Fill out one application form Present following materials:

1. Passport, visa, or alien resident certificate (for inspection)
2. Certification of reason for entering mountains
3. Processing fee of NT$10

Processing time : Immediate
For further details, please check with National Police Administration at Tel: 2357-7377