Acclimatization for Yushan NP

Since there are not any hotels or lodges close to the start of the trail system to Yushan Mt., where does one acclimatize to the altitude? My wife and I have both experienced altitude problems in the past, even at an altitude of only 10,000 feet. Thanks.

Hi,

I recently climbed Yushan (last week actually). If you really have altitude sickness issue, i suggest you take some Diamox (can purchase from pharmacy) just in case. if you actually walk slow the first day and drink plenty of fluid you should be ok. make sure you take panadols though if diamox doesn't kick in properly.

it's beautiful up there. good luck!

I have never hiked this route, but I think because most people complete the climb and descent within two days the risk of developing altitude sickness is low. Of course you should be aware of the symptoms and descend if you feel uncomfortable. If you really want to acclimatise you could spend a couple of days in Alishan which is around 1,800 metres or some other mountain resort.

I would try to find a spot higher than mentioned in # 2 : acclimatization is non-existent below 1500 , and very slow at 2000. Cabin pressure & behavior , i.e. resting at around 2400 meters is what I aim for in my first acclimatization stop.

To Corgicorgi: Did you do the climb in two days? Did you attempt any other of the peaks in the park?

Thanks to all for the input.

Everyone's metabolism is different. To me no medicine or food suplement can cure, treat or prevent altitude sickness. You need time. I get sick even at 7,500 feet in Bogota after a bad night sleep followed by an eight hour flight. I got very sick at 10,000 ft on Hehuanshan when I was younger.

Everyone can climb the Himalayas without suffering ill effect if he stages the climb over a long enough period.

Hi,

Yes, most people do it within 2 days. It's not really that hard really. First day is very simple and flat. You just need to walk slow to gradually adjust to the high altitude.

We didn't get to other peaks. But the only one really feasible for a 2 day climb is the South peak. Which is only 2.5 hours return. Apparently it's really easy too to get there. Most people do it in the afternoon of the first day then the main peak the next day.

If you are really fit, you can climb the front peak (3 hour return) the first day, then get to Paiyun hut at 2pm then climb the South peak in the afternoon then main peak the next day.

South peak is only 150m higher then Paiyun hut.

Or you can try to climb the main peak the first day but bring your torch though. you wont have enough time to get back before dark. and climb the north peak the next morning for sunrise and back then front peak on the way down (if you are really really fit).

Our guide told us North Peak is really beautiful.

Cheers

Thanks for the reply. A couple more questions:
1. Are you a traveler or living in Taiwan?
2. Since there is not a network of hostels that my wife and I can use (I haven't found one), we are looking at lower priced places to stay. Are we setting ourselves up to be disappointed at these places? $30-40 US per night is a reasonable price to pay but are we going to find places that charge this but are still comfortable and clean?
3. Does anyone know of a nice resort area where we can spend about a week just be lazy? I've read about Green Island, but not sure that we want to take a boat out there.
4. If staying at Alishan, what time do we need to leave there to ensure that we get to the Palyun Lodge before dark?