Jade Mountain (Yushan) was the elusive one of my Asian Trilogy as it’s by lottery. I was a bit scared of this one going over things that could wrong and a lot did actually go wrong except for the my determination to complete the trilogy. Trail conditions were tough with the rain towards Paiyun Lodge and it was freezing cold at Jade Mountain main summit. But, it was all worth it completing the Asian Trilogy.
Asian Trilogy
I started this trilogy as a completely different person as I still couldn’t figure out how I climbed the peak of Mount Kinabalu at 4,095 MASL in shorts and just a Jansport Bag. Mount Kinabalu summit felt like an out-of-this-world experience with the summit being a huge granite structure. I was a bit more prepared with Mount Fuji in terms of gear and the switch back trails felt friendlier ascending to 3,776 MASL. Mount Fuji had the best sunrise view and it will make you realize why it’s called the land of the rising sun. Jade Mountain had as taking on a more challenging trail condition with the rain, the cold and the bouldering trail to the summit at 3,952 MASL.
Relive the experience:
Jade Mountain
Jittery that’s how I felt before the hike. I was like a grade schooler feeling scared on his final exam. It’s my first major hike after the pandemic and Jade Mountain was really elusive, missing the lottery twice and another cancelled hike at the start of the pandemic. It’s a different type of preparation for this one is I had to cram to be fit enough for the hike with runs / hike in Tanay, Baguio, Manila and Hong Kong.
First 2 days was spent in Taipei before heading to our homestay before the hike on Day 3 and 4. It was raining already at the start of the hike at Tataka Trail Head. We were 10 in the Group led by Guido Sarreal of Trail Adventures and our 2 local guides. It’s gonna be a challenging trail ahead. Day 1 was 8.5K assault with almost 900 meters elevation gain to Paiyun Lodge.
Tataka Trail Head to Paiyun Lodge
While the descent is spread over 8.5 kilometer. I consider this part the hardest as we were carrying our hiking bag and mine is over 10 kilos and it was raining all throughout the traverse. Our group went at a fast and steady first at the 1.5 kilometers of steep switch back rocky technical trails which was a challenge because of the rain. The ascent becomes moderate with several descents and a lot of stairs and wooden and steel inclines until kilometer 5 where we had our lunch. I paced with Melba as we were about the same pace.
The rain made our clothes and gear heavier and with a foggy and windy backdrop, it felt extra cold.
After lunch was the last 3.5 kilometers to Paiyun lodge, the next kilometer was the most challenging part – technical rocky surface and steeper climbs before it smooths out a bit after a kilometer. We were a bit slower at this time especially since we were already above 3,000 MASL. At kilometer 7, I can already feel pain in my quads and knees so I had to manage my pace and rest stops. The final 100 meters to Paiyun Lodge was another challenge with a steep final assault to the lodge. Jelly legs and cramping but made it to the tough part.
Upon reaching Paiyun Lodge and when I had to change to drier base layers, I cramped down to my toes so this had me thinking if I would still have legs fit enough for the summit assault. i tried resting my legs and it would be a judgement call based on how I feel when I wake up before the summit assault.
Paiyun Lodge to Jade Main Summit
Up next was a 2.4 kilometer climb to Jade Main Summit with 560 meters elevation gain. We switched to our day pack so it was lighter to hike. When I woke up there was still pain on both side of my thigh and my right knees. Anyway, I decided to go and just be careful with my steps so I don’t injure myself. It was all climbing at this point and I just made sure I was seeing the elevation and the elevation gain on my watch as i would want to count down the climb to the summit.
We went at a steady pace over rocky surfaces that was pure ascent. It was a good easy pace for us. It was a straight climb but we just went consistent with a few rest stops. It was also really cold especially approaching the higher part of the trail. There was a part that we got to appreciate the moon and stars and thought that we would be having some clearing. The trail became tougher as we got higher. It was much colder but we were steady on the climb holding on to chains to pull us through the climb. The last 400 meters was us bouldering and scrambling over huge rocks on our was to the summit and there it was Jade Mountain Summit. Unfortunately, there was no clearing.
That was the moment, Asian Trilogy Complete!!! This was a tough one but felt really good to complete the Asian Trilogy. I would have hope that there was a clearing so we can at least appreciate the view but the feeling of accomplishment was there and it felt that I was indeed ready for anything. I paced with Ting on the descent and took our time as there was a bit of clearing and we were already able to see the mountain range.
Paiyun to Tataka Trailhead
The last part was the easy one as it was pure descent save for a few climbs. There was already clear skies at this part. I paced with Jiggy and took so many photos on the descent because we had no view yesterday. It was really nice to see the ridges and mountain range and a friendlier dry trail. We were down in less than four hours to conclude the Jade Mountain Adventure.