XUESHAN EAST PEAK HIKE

Conquering Mount Xueshan East Peak hike offers one of kind hiking experience into Taiwan’s stunning alpine adventure. Located within Shei-Pa National Park, Mount Xueshan East Peak is the classic route on the East-Xue route. Rising an elevation of 3,201 meters Xueshan East Peak sits halfway along the trail to the main summit of Mount Xueshan. The trail gives hikers a panoramic ridge views, dramatic sunrises, and alpine grasslands. Hiking East Peak combines steep climbs, mystical forests, and sweeping ridge-lines that promise unforgettable memories. In this blog, we will try to discuss everything you need to know—from trail highlights, essential gear and tips to successfully summit the Xueshan East Peak.

Xueshan East Peak Panoramic View
  1. Where Is Xueshan East Peak
  2. Best Time To Go Xueshan East Peak
  3. Hiking Permit and Application
  4. How To Go Xuesha
  5. Where to go Stay Before Hike
  6. Trail Overview
  7. Xueshan Trailhead Service Station
  8. Xueshan East Peak Itinerary
  9. Qika Cabin
  10. Ku Po or Crying Slope
  11. East Peak Summit
  12. Tips of Hiking Xueshan East Peak
  13. Summary

Where is Xueshan East Peak

Mount Xueshan East Peak is located in Shei-Pa National Park particularly in northern part of Taiwan. The park covers parts of Hsinchu, Miaoli, and Taichung which is known for its rugged high mountains and alpine scenery. The trailhead to hike East Peak starts from Wuling Farm, which is a popular gateway for accessing both East Peak and the main Xueshan summit.

Best Time to go Xueshan East Peak

Alpine Trail Xueshan East Peak

The best time to hike Xueshan East Peak in Taiwan is during the late fall or early spring months.

  • October and April is the recommended time to hike due to it’s with stable weather and clear skies. Hiking during this period is more comfortable with cooler temperature and less humid.
  • December–February are winter season, due to the icy trails hikers are required snow equipment such as crampons and helmet.
  • May–September is the summer period with high humidity, where advise to avoid as it prone to typhoons and thunderstorms

Hiking Permit and Application

To hike Xueshan East Peak, visitors are required to apply for hiking permits.

  • National Park Entry Permit
    Visitors will need to apply through the Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters under Xue Mountain Trail. Applications are open 4 months in advance.

Foreign hikers have a better chance of securing permits by applying for weekday slots (Sunday to Thursday) excluding Public Holidays, in Taiwan. Non-Taiwanese passport holders are allocated with 24 slots per day at Qika Cabin and Saliujiu Cabin (temporary unavailable).

How to go Xueshan

Trail Sign To Xueshan Mountain

Getting to Mount Xueshan trailhead can be quite complicated, specially for visitors taking public transportation. The main trailhead is located near the Wuling Farm which is considered high-altitude mountain located in Heping District, Taichung.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
From Taipei (Train + Bus)

  1. Head to Taipei City Hall Bus Station
  2. Ride bus to Yilan (Bus 1571)
  3. Alight at Yilanzhuanyun Station.
  4. Change Bus, and ride Bus 1751 to Wuling Farm
  5. Alight at Wulingshoufei Station
  6. Head to Wuling Farm Guest House

All tourist visitors traveling to Taiwan are required to present the electronic or Taiwan Online Arrival Card to the custom officer.

Where To Stay Before Hike

Wuling Guesthouse Hotel
  • Wuling Farm Guesthouse
    It is convenient place to stay for the night before the hike. Wuling Farm offers basic rooms with mountain view, bathrooms with free Wi‑Fi in common areas, cable TV, balcony/terrace, and on-site restaurant serving traditional Taiwanese meals.

Trail Overview

East Xue Trail Map Guide

The journey to East Peak begins at Wuling Farm Trailhead, a popular access point to Xueshan’s main summit. From there, the trail winds through beautiful coniferous forests, with moss-covered trees and misty air lending a magical atmosphere.

  • Distance: Approximately 5 km one-way from trailhead to East Peak
  • Elevation Gain of 1,050 m
  • Hike Duration: Estimated 7–8 hours round-trip

Xueshan Trailhead Service Station

Xueshan Trailhead Station

This is the official starting point for hikes to Xueshan (Snow Mountain), Taiwan’s second-highest peak. Entering the Xueshan Trail, hikers must check-in, drop the application permits before proceeding into the protected area. The station is also famous for the “Mirror of the Sky” which is small pool that reflects the sky and surrounding mountains making great photos.

Hiking Mount Xueshan East Peak Suggested Itineraries

Option 1: Day Hike

  • 6AM – Start Wuling Trailhead
  • 7AM – Reach Qika Cabin
  • 11AM – Summit East Peak
  • 12PM – Descent
  • 5PM – Arrive Wuling Trailhead

Option 2: Overnight at Qika Cabin

  • Day 1: Reach Wuling
                Hike to Qika Cabin
                Check-In (Stay Overnight)
  • Day 2: Wake up Early
                Hike To Summit East Peak
                Descent
               Check-out

Qika Cabin

Qika Cabin At Xueshan East Peak Hike

Qika cabin is the first mountain hut on the East Peak Xueshan trail, located around 2 km from Xueshan trailhead service station. The cabin has an elevation of 2,460 meters, which serve as rest stop and often used for acclimatization and overnight stays. It has 106 bunk-bed spaces, with basic amenities like shared cooking area, tables, chairs, toilets and washing area. Hikers will need to book through the Shei‑Pa National Park entry permit system where the stays are allocated on a first-come basis. Foreign visitors are required to book early (up to 4 months ahead) and pay additional fees for meals and sleeping bag rentals.

Ku Po or “Crying Slope”

Xueshan East Peak Ku Po or Crying Slope

Ku Po which is commonly translated as the “Crying Slope”, is a notable section along the Xueshan trail. This stretch is considered a physically demanding ascent with its steep, unrelenting, and long section of the hike. The climb is challenging on this steep uphill section, so hikers who are unprepared will mostly cry, hence it is called as Crying Slope. The terrain consist of loose gravel, uneven switchbacks, and occasional rock scrambles. Once passed the crying slope, hikers can climb to the towards the East Peak of the mountain.

East Peak Summit

East Peak of Xue Mountain

Getting up before the sun, hikers will need to embark in the dark, equipped with a headlamp and determination. The trail steepens and rocks become your steady companions. Reaching the summit just as the sun rises is nothing short of magical. As you near the top, the sky begins to blush with dawn’s first light. The panoramic views of Taiwan’s rugged mountain ranges and valleys stretch endlessly.

Tips On Hiking Xueshan East Peak

  • Dress in layers by using a base layer, mid-layer (fleece/down jacket), and wind / waterproof shell
  • Wear accessories such gloves, beanie, buff or scarf
  • Wear good trekking boots with good traction, mid/high cut for ankle support.
  • Carry 1–2L water, electrolyte gels or tablets
  • Be aware on the altitude sickness, acclimatize or take medicine.
  • Bring a reliable headlamp for early starts

Final Thoughts

Reflection Pool Xueshan Trailhead Station

Mount Xueshan East Peak is the perfect “intro to alpine hiking” in Taiwan—high enough to feel like a true summit, accessible enough for a weekend, and packed with stunning natural beauty every step of the way. While not as physically demanding as the Main Peak, the East Peak still offers a thrilling experience, especially with its panoramic views and the chance to explore Taiwan’s second-highest mountain range. If you time it right—clear weather, early start, and some luck—you’ll stand at 3,200 meters watching the sunrise light up the ridges of Shei-Pa National Park. Proper preparation, acclimatization, and respect for nature are key to have memorable and fulfilling journey.

RELATED POST

Connect with Us
Instagram Facebook-f Youtube
Tags: ,

the gees travel

A wife and a mother of three toddlers | Previously working as customer service executive in a logistics supply chain | working at home mom. But in spite of this added responsibilities I still find time to travel and explore together with my family.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.