Yushan – Jade Mountain

Q. Am I fit enough?
A.You need to be reasonably fit with some recent hiking experience. For many Taiwanese hikers this is the first real hike in their lives.
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Q.What does Barking Deer provide?
A. All meals (including sumptuous portered-up dinner/breakfasts at Paiyun), trail snacks, electrolyte (sports) drinks, permits, transport to and from Kaohsiung Airport/Tainan/Chaiyi HSR to Tataka, Takaka/Trail head shuttle, accident insurance, cooking gear/utensils, accommodation at Tataka hikers hostel and Paiyun lodge, emergency first-aid/rations/communications equipment (carried by leader), Barking Deer guide, photo/video record of trip, etc.

Q. What is not included?
A. Your clothing, personal toiletries/medicines.

Q. How much does it cost?
A. NT$6900 (approx US$ 210) weekdays ($2000 deposit in advance, rest at end of trip), NT$9500 weekend. (Reflects the great difficulty in acquiring weekend permits) Application for permits, accommodation and insurance can not be started until we have received the deposit and your ARC/passport details (note deadlines). Should the trip be canceled by Barking Deer (due to not winning the permit lottery, typhoons etc) we will refund the deposit minus costs (approx $500) beyond our control, but offer this as credit for future activities. Deposit not refunded should you – the customer, cancel for any reason. Discounts for groups. Q. How much does it cost?

Q. What do I need to prepare?
A. Upon booking we will send you a comprehensive packing list, if there is anything you don't have we may be able to lend or rent you it. In the meantime do some hiking - in your hiking boots. Read about altitude sickness here, anyone can get it, no matter how fit. Diamox is available in Taiwan, ensure in advance it is suitable for you.

Q. What else do Barking Deer need to know?
A. In addition to giving us your ARC or passport details on time, tell us if you have any particular dietary (vegetarian, food allergies) or medical issues (confidentiality assured). On the trail do not hesitate to tell us if you are (or see others) feeling unwell/blisters developing etc.

Q. Will you carry my stuff?
A. Well...if you are really struggling - or it's an emergency. Each hiker is responsible for carrying their own gear (let us have a look at it before leaving the car to ensure you are not carrying unneeded kitchen sinks) and if willing, a proportion of the group's shared gear.

Q. Do you guarantee to get me to the top?
A. No guarantee – anyone who suggested so would be lying and/or irresponsible. We give you a very good chance of doing it (all sorts of people, with various disabilities have made it), but sometimes gravity can be cruel…

Q. Does Paiyun Lodge have a 7-11?
A. Er...no! Some websites would make you think it did. Everything there has been carried up on porters' backs. It consists of 4 large, simple - yet clean, dorm rooms. The double level sleeping platforms have a basic layer of insulation on them. Basic solar-powered lighting, no food (other than what we arrange), heating, TV, internet etc.

Q. Are bears a problem?
A. No, the Taiwan variety will not be a danger to you. We have rarely spotted them but they do not linger – especially on this well used trail. Neither do you have to worry about snakes and mosquitoes – too high up for them. We will be looking for the flora and fauna - not avoiding it.

Q. Can I bring my dog along?
A. No, the national park does not allow pets on the trail.

Q. How many people will be in our group?
A. Unlike many Taiwanese groups consisting of sometimes 20-30 people, we usually limit numbers to between 4 and 8 people. Everyone gets to know each other well.

Q. Will this really be fun?
A. Yes. We're just getting all this serious info out of the way now.

Disclaimer to be signed before trip.

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See our range of Yushan hikes
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