How to Apply for a Permit to Climb Yushan

Xpat Magazine December, 2006

The Rundown
There are two permits you must apply for in Yushan National Park - a park entry permit (which is issued by the park) and a mountain entry permit (which is issued by the police).

First you should apply for the park entry permit. Yushan is a very popular destination, and the number of people the park allows to enter is limited. So, when there are more applications than spaces (which is normal), the park holds a lottery for entry permits. I recommend that you apply for your park entry permit one month in advance so that you will be entered in the lottery.

Only if you win the lottery should you apply for your mountain entry permit. You'll be pretty much guaranteed to get it. It's just a bit of paperwork, but it's a bit of a hassle as the police don't have the application available in English on their website. To obtain the application you will have to contact them (information below).

Accomodations
If you wish to stay in the park you should also make reservations at Paiyun Village. Paiyun Villiage is a hostel inside the park on the trail to Yushan that holds 90 people. If you wish to stay there you must check 'Paiyun Villiage Accommodation' on your Park Entry Application. The cost is NT$220 per person and must be paid in advance.

There's also a campground at Paiyun Villiage that holds 40 people. Reservations and a Park Entry Permit are necessary to stay there. The Paiyun Village Accommodation Services Center can be contacted at (049) 234-8257.

For more information on how to apply, contact the Yushan National Park Headquarters between 9 am and 4:30 pm at:

(049) 277-3121 ext. 242

300, Jungshan Rd., Sec. 2, Shueili Shiang, Nantou

or visit the Yushan National Park applications web page at: http://www.ysnp.gov.tw/en/park_entry/parkentry.html