Climbing Yushan On Short Notice

Hello, a friend (or two) and I want to try to climb Yushan, or another mountain in the same area, next weekend (6/29) if at all possible (or at least backpack in the area and camp overnight). We have heard there is a lot of red tape in receiving a permit and so I wanted to know if it is at all possible to legally climb the mountain on such short notice. I previously tried to go through a guide service that said it was required of all climbers to have a picture atop a 3,000+ m summit, which I didn't have.

If not, I've had multiple people recommend climbing up the East Face without a permit and risking a fine (which I believe is 500 USD). Is this worth it or at all feasible?

If all else fails, does anyone have any recommendations of great hikes/backpacking area in which we can still break cloud cover, soak in the scenery and potentially see a great sunrise (weather permitting)?

Thanks

Edited by: Pnunes16

Update: we may be able to do it on a Mon/Tues in early July if that makes it easier.

Climbing Yushan requires both a park entry permit from the park authorities and a mountain climbing permit from the police. Online application is available (allows 7-33 processing days). Here are the steps for online application:

Connect to Yushan National Park
For first time application, sign up for personal account.
Check the auto-confirm email to activate personal account.
Use personal account to send online application.
Wait for auto-notification email from Yushan National Park.
If you need assitance in the permit application or trek logistics, Barking Deer Adventures provides the service.

That said, quite a few Westerners have managed to climb the peak with no permits, particularly when using the longer route from Tongpu. This runs the risk of being caught and fined, and if a rescue is required, all costs must be paid by the offender.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Yushan#Fees.2FPermits

Thanks for all of the information - that's the stuff I've been seeing on google, forums, etc. I guess my question is what are your opinions? Do you have any tricks or ways to expedite the process or do you know of any other alternatives to Yushan in the area that do not require the permit (perhaps a summit under 3,000+ m that is still high).

Hey Pnunes16,

Came across your post while doing a spot of research on hiking Yushan. 23yo girl here. I'll be in Taiwan 27/6 - 6/7 and am looking to climb a mountain or two. Familiar with the outdoors, fit enough, but new to Taiwan (first time) and am currently going it solo. I'd be keen to hear if you've managed to scrape together a plan with your mates and perhaps tag on. Can't seem to PM you thus the forum reply. Hit me up if you see this.

Cheers.

Hey mtgirl, just saw this. I haven't figured this out yet, but definitely willing to chat with you and try to coordinate with something. Considering private messaging here isn't working, shoot me a PM on Twitter - my handle is conveniently Pnunes16 there as well.

Unfortunately climbing Yushan is frought with problems at the best of times, and is extra hard now. The mountain is usually done as a two day climb, but the cablin on the way has been closed for several years. It's due to open around July 20th. Climbing without a permit from the east side is far more difficult than the easy usual route from Tatajua in the west, and requires 3 days. Part of the trail on the first day is also in bad nick and closes sometimes due to landslides. You'd also need to camp in tents for 2 nights - it's a bit risky.
Your better chance is to climb the mountain in one day from the west route. Try contacting Taiwan Adventures (run by a British/American quartet), who have lots of experience organising this one day ascent. Good luck!

Alternatively, if you have your own transport (or are prepared to hitch) the five Hohuan Mountain peaks offer breathtaking views, some fantastic hiking, and can be climbed without any permits (police permits are actually required for 2, but aren't generally checked). They're on the border of Nantou and Hualien Counties, just off the Central Cross-island Highway above Taroko Gorge. although it's easier to get there from Puli, in the very center of the island. In case you any more info, I wrote a blog on the two finest peaks here: http://taiwandiscovery.wordpress.com/2012/05/15/hohuan-north-and-west-peaks/

I'm just a casual reader of your post, but I hope you're not seriously considering risking a fine just so you can climb this mountain. There are probably cultural and/or safety reasons why the restrictions are in place. I guess by the time you read this you'll have committed your action (or not, as the case may be).

Thanks for all of the feedback, everyone. I was not seriously considering anything, just throwing out different options that I had heard. But I honestly appreciate all of the information. With that said, I just got cleared for a permit for the one-day ascent up the west side next Tuesday. In the process of researching, getting the appropriate gear together, etc.

For those who have done it before, I do have a few questions:
- How would you recommend getting to/from the Tatajia Visitor Center from Taipei if I do not have a car? How long would you allot for that travel time?
- Just to confirm: I can purchase the police permit once I am at Tatajia, correct? I realize this will be the day before the climb considering the office won't be open yet when we start early morning on the day of.
- Any other tips, recommendations, concerns, etc.?

Thanks again!