Classic Itineraries
Genetically adapted to low oxygen — they’re indispensable for reaching the summit
Climbing Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, is the lifelong dream of many mountaineers. A successful summit earns them endless applause and glory. But in every mountaineering adventure, those who contribute the most, carry the heaviest loads, and take on the highest risks are the Sherpa guides — the true unsung heroes. The Sherpas are scattered across Nepal, India, Bhutan, and China on both sides of the Himalayas, with the largest population — about 500,000 — in Nepal. According to a 1976 study, generations of Sherpas have lived at high altitudes between 2,700 and 4,200 meters, genetically adapting to survive in the mountains with minimal oxygen, making them the best guides. Since the mid-19th century, when the British began surveying the Himalayas, the Sherpas have served as guides.
Taroko Mountain Bike Trail Praised by Australian Writer
∧ustralian cycling columnist Steve Thomas said there are six of the world’s best mountain bike climbing trails, including Taiwan’s Taroko. Thomas has visited Taiwan multiple times and published recommendation articles. This time, he spoke on the Cycling Center of Australia’s SBS News Network, saying that the Taroko trail and five others are outstanding. He explained that this trail starts in Hualien in eastern Taiwan, winds through the impressive Taroko Gorge, and climbs all the way up to Wuling at an altitude of 3,275 meters. The entire section is quite unique. Although reaching the summit is challenging, the breathtaking panoramic mountain views surrounding Taiwan from the top are absolutely stunning. Thomas noted that starting from Taichung, the route follows a gentle slope of about 8 to 10 degrees, making the journey relatively easier with good road conditions.
New Taipei City Fire Department organizes mountain climbing event to pray for the people
To foster camaraderie among firefighters, volunteer firefighters, women’s promotion members, and rescue volunteers, as well as to promote physical fitness, the Fifth Disaster Relief and Rescue Brigade of the New Taipei City Fire Department held a mountain hiking and prayer event on the 19th at the Zihwei Tianhou Temple in Sanxia. The fire department stated that the Zihwei Circular Mountain Trail features wooden sleeper steps. Visiting in early spring to pay respects to the Three Goddesses not only allows one to enjoy a forest bath but also to admire cherry blossoms. In May, one can witness the snow-white tung flowers blooming all over the mountains. Upon reaching the mountaintop observation deck, visitors can relax under the trees and take in views of the nearby 18 townships and cities. Passing by the “Star Legend Tea House,” one can also take a break and enjoy some tea. The fire department noted that this event also supports the government’s mountain-cleaning policy, not only helping participants stay healthy but also leaving the land cleaner.
Avalanche on Mount Everest raises death toll to 15
The death toll from a massive avalanche on Mount Everest yesterday has risen to 15, most of them Nepalese mountain guides and cooks. The Nepal Mountaineering Association described it as the deadliest accident in the history of human expeditions to Everest. The incident occurred early yesterday morning local time, when the group of guides were at a camp around 5,900 meters above sea level, preparing for subsequent climbers, when the avalanche hit. According to data from the Nepalese government, since the first successful ascent of Everest in 1953, more than 4,400 people have reached the summit, while approximately 250 have lost their lives.
Worst Avalanche on Everest Leaves Survivors Shaken
The deadliest avalanche in Mount Everest's history has occurred, with a surviving Nepalese mountaineering guide recounting his harrowing experience, still shaken. Media reports vary on the death toll, with AFP stating that at least 12 Nepalese guides were killed in yesterday’s incident, while NBC News reported the number had risen to 13. The avalanche was so powerful that it left Dawa Tashi Sherpa, 22, with broken ribs and a fractured shoulder blade, buried under snow up to his neck. But he survived and was rescued, then taken to a hospital in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. Doctors said he suffered multiple injuries but was in stable condition. Dawa Tashi Sherpa said: "I don’t know how I survived." He
Avalanche on Mount Everest, 5 climbers feared dead
Nepalese officials said an avalanche occurred on the slopes of Mount Everest, with five climbers feared missing and in danger. Nepal's Tourism Ministry official stated that around 6:30 a.m. local time this morning, an avalanche struck a frequently used climbing route on Mount Everest. Rescue teams and climbers at the base camp have rushed to assist, and authorities have also dispatched a helicopter from the capital, Kathmandu, to help. The Nepal Mountaineering Association noted that four or five climbers may have been buried by the avalanche, with the possibility of more people injured. Mount Everest, standing at 8,850 meters above sea level, is the world’s highest peak and a top destination for climbers worldwide. Currently, hundreds of climbers and Sherpa guides at the base camp are ready and planning to set out for the summit as soon as the weather improves early next month. (Photo sourced from the internet)
12 Nepalese mountaineers die in avalanche
A group of Nepalese mountaineers were hit by an avalanche while climbing the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, resulting in at least 12 deaths and multiple people missing. The incident occurred around 6 a.m. local time when the climbers were at an altitude of approximately 5,800 meters. It is estimated that some of the missing individuals are buried under the snow.
Nepalese climbers hit by avalanche; 6 reported dead, 9 missing
The Nepalese government stated that at least six Nepali climbers died in an avalanche while ascending Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, with around nine others reported missing and several more injured.
An avalanche on Mount Everest may have killed 9 people
Nepali officials said an avalanche occurred on the slopes of Mount Everest, and it is feared that 9 people may have died. They were all local guides who were fixing ropes for climbers at the time. The incident happened around 6:30 a.m., when the snowslide fell onto a path commonly used by mountaineers. Nepal’s Tourism Ministry official said that around 6:30 a.m. local time, an avalanche struck a frequently used climbing route on the slopes of Mount Everest. Rescue personnel and climbers at the base camp have gone to provide assistance. In addition, authorities have also dispatched a helicopter from the capital, Kathmandu, to help. Mount Everest stands at 8,850 meters above sea level and is the world’s highest peak. It is also a top challenge for mountaineers around the globe. Currently, hundreds of climbers and Sherpa guides from various regions are at the base camp, ready to set off for the summit once the weather improves early next month. (Photo sourced from the internet)
Elderly man gets lost while hiking in Pinglin, rescued after phone call
A 68-year-old man surnamed Chen went hiking on Jiuxionggen Mountain in Pinglin District, New Taipei City, on the afternoon of the 13th. After getting lost and being unable to descend, he called the fire department for help at around 5 p.m. The fire department mobilized 30 police, firefighters, and volunteer rescuers to search the mountain. As the elderly man did not have a smartphone and could not provide a GPS location, rescue workers spent 13 hours searching before finally locating the shivering man at 6 a.m. on the 14th. Fortunately, he was not in life-threatening condition. It took another two hours to safely bring him down the mountain by 8 a.m.
Hiker Injured and Stranded at Nantou Tianchi Rescued by Air Force Seagull Helicopter
A female hiker surnamed Lin was injured and stranded in the mountainous area around Nantou’s Tianchi and unable to descend. The Air Force Rescue Squadron received the report and dispatched a Seagull helicopter early this morning (the 11th) to carry out the rescue mission. The injured hiker was successfully airlifted by hoist onto the helicopter and transported to the Air Force’s Chiayi Base before being transferred to a hospital for treatment. The Air Force Rescue Squadron received orders from the National Search and Rescue Center upon learning that a hiker had been injured and stranded. They immediately deployed a Seagull helicopter at 6 a.m. to the Tianchi mountain area in Nantou County to begin the rescue operation. Helicopter pilot Major Gao Ruize stated that the weather conditions in the mountain area were favorable at the time. Upon arriving at the target location and confirming the position of the injured person, they proceeded to hoist the female hiker surnamed Lin aboard the aircraft. After an initial assessment by the onboard medic, the woman appeared fatigued and physically weakened, but her consciousness remained clear.
Hiker Suspected of Head Injury Rescued by Seagull Helicopter
A female hiker surnamed Lin was suspected to have sustained a head injury while climbing Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) in Nantou and required rescue. The Chiayi Air Base of the Air Force dispatched a helicopter today and successfully evacuated the individual down the mountain for medical treatment. The Chiayi Air Base of the Air Force stated that at 5:48 a.m., they received a rescue notification from the National Search and Rescue Center. The woman, surnamed Lin, was climbing Tianchi in Nantou County and was suspected to have suffered a head injury and felt unwell, so she sought help through the Nantou County Fire Bureau to the National Search and Rescue Center. The Chiayi Air Base dispatched a Seagull helicopter for the rescue around 6:00 a.m. When the helicopter arrived at the target area, due to the rugged terrain, it was unable to land, so the injured female hiker was rescued via hoist. After an initial assessment, the woman was conscious and had no obvious external head injuries. The Chiayi Air Base said that the helicopter successfully returned to the Chiayi base around 7:10 a.m., and the injured person was immediately
Hiker falls and gets injured; Air Force rescue team transports patient to hospital
The Ministry of National Defense announced today that the Air Force Rescue Team carried out two patient evacuation missions. One of them involved a female hiker who suffered a head injury at Tianchi Mountain Lodge in Nantou County and was promptly transported to Chiayi Branch of Taichung Veterans General Hospital for treatment. The Ministry of National Defense stated that it received an alert from the National Search and Rescue Center in the morning reporting that a female hiker had fallen from a height at Tianchi Mountain Lodge in Nantou County, sustaining a head injury and requiring immediate medical attention. The Air Force Command in Chiayi was ordered to dispatch a helicopter for the rescue mission. The helicopter landed at the Air Force Base in Chiayi at 7:10 AM, after which the injured hiker was transferred by ambulance from the Chiayi County Fire Department to Chiayi Branch of Taichung Veterans General Hospital. The rescue mission was successfully completed. The other patient evacuation mission also came after an alert from the National Search and Rescue Center. Two hikers at the Lakuyin Creek Mountain Hut in Kaohsiung City were unable to move due to injuries to their lower back and leg respectively. A certain model of helicopter was dispatched by the Air Force Base in Taitung
Hiker falls and gets injured; Air Force rescue team carries out evacuation
The Ministry of National Defense said today that the Air Force rescue team carried out two patient evacuation missions. One of them involved a female hiker who suffered a head injury at Tianchi Mountain Lodge in Nantou County and was promptly transported to Chiayi Branch of Taichung Veterans General Hospital for treatment. The Ministry of National Defense pointed out that in the morning, it received a report from the National Search and Rescue Center stating that a female hiker had fallen from a height and sustained a head injury at Tianchi Mountain Lodge in Nantou County, requiring immediate medical attention. The Air Force Command in Chiayi was ordered to dispatch a helicopter for the rescue mission. The helicopter landed at the Air Force Base in Chiayi at 7:10 a.m., and the injured hiker was subsequently transferred by ambulance from the Chiayi County Fire Department to Chiayi Branch of Taichung Veterans General Hospital, successfully completing the rescue mission. The other patient evacuation mission also came after a report from the National Search and Rescue Center. Two hikers at the Lakuyin Creek Mountain Hut in Kaohsiung City were unable to move due to injuries to their waists and legs respectively. A helicopter was dispatched by the Air Force Base in Taitung to carry out the rescue mission.
Luxury Hiking: Conquer the Zhuilu Old Trail
Spring is the perfect season for hiking trails. Silks Place Taroko has launched a special three-day, two-night Zhuilu Old Trail tour package. From now until June 30, for groups of two or more, the price starts at NT$6,999 per person on weekdays. The package includes: accommodation in a Mountain Mist Room, breakfast, dinner, mountain hiking shuttle service, a thoughtful hiking backpack, and a boxed lunch for the trek. Additionally, based on room type and number of guests, an extra NT$1,000 voucher for the Mulan Spa is included, allowing travelers to book a treatment after the hike to relax and relieve fatigue. This is the most luxurious and comfortable journey available for tackling the Zhuilu Old Trail. The Zhuilu Old Trail stretches 10.3 kilometers and is the only historical preservation area within Taroko National Park. It is also the most well-preserved section of the main route of the Hehuan Crossing Trail, located between Cihmu Bridge and Swallow Grotto. It is a trail that combines culture, history, ecology, and breathtaking mountain scenery. The Zhuilu Old Trail is a hiking path that requires an entry permit and park access approval from Taroko National Park. It is recommended to apply 30 days before your departure date. The daily limit for entry permits is 60 people on weekdays and 96 on holidays. In addition, the hotel also offers guided storytelling services along the trail to explain the history and ecology, charged at NT$3,000 per session. For details, call 03-8691155 or visit www.silksplace-taroko.com.tw.
Two Hikers Get Lost, Rescued by Firefighters
A graduate student surnamed Zheng, enrolled in a master's program at National Taiwan Normal University, and his friend surnamed Lin went hiking at Emperor's Terrace in Shiding District, New Taipei City, around 10 a.m. on the 2nd. After ascending from Xiaocukeng on the East Peak, they got lost near the Left Gendered Sharp Mountain around 1 p.m. They called the fire department for help. Rescue personnel located the pair two hours later using the GPS coordinates sent from their smartphones, then guided them down the mountain. The two were in good health, thanked the rescuers, and took a bus home on their own. The fire department stated that due to the rugged terrain and numerous forks along the Bijia Mountain Trail in Shiding District, hikers often get lost or stranded. To effectively reduce rescue time, the department has installed acrylic "rescue location signboards" along the Emperor's Terrace and Bijia Mountain trails, as well as at paths prone to getting lost and at various ridge-line intersections. The two lost hikers mentioned seeing a "No. 2" signboard nearby, which helped rescuers quickly pinpoint their location.
Smoking is banned in Shoushan Nature Park; inspectors hike up the mountain to check
The no-smoking zone has been expanded today (April 1st) to include parks, green spaces, national parks, and forest recreation areas. The Kaohsiung City Health Bureau dispatched over fifty personnel today (April 1st) to inspect parks across various districts, with inspectors also hiking up Shoushan. Thanks to prior publicity, the public is generally in agreement with the smoking ban, so no violations were found during the morning inspections. Kaohsiung City Health Bureau Section Chief Li Suhua stated that parks and green spaces are recreational areas for the public and children, and the smoking ban aims to protect them from secondhand smoke. Those who smoke in no-smoking areas will be fined between NT$2,000 and NT$10,000 under the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act. The no-smoking zones cover parks and green spaces in Kaohsiung, as well as places like Chengcing Lake, Shoushan, and the Maolin National Scenic Area.
Property insurance industry sells mountaineering insurance, approved by the FSC
The Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) has approved the comprehensive mountaineering insurance product submitted by Fubon Insurance. Going forward, members of the public engaging in mountaineering activities can purchase mountaineering insurance as long as they form a group of five or more people. Generally, when the public participates in mountaineering activities and wishes to purchase insurance to cover accidental injuries during the activity, they are often turned away by insurance companies due to concerns over excessively high risk. Even if an insurer offers coverage under accident insurance, disputes may arise over whether incidents such as altitude sickness, hypothermia, or heatstroke are caused by sudden external accidents or should be classified as medical conditions. Ultimately, apart from suffering physical harm, the insured also have to go through a strenuous process to claim insurance benefits. Fubon Insurance stated that the coverage of mountaineering insurance includes death, disability, and medical expense compensation resulting from mountaineering accidents (such as landslides, falls, altitude sickness, hypothermia, and heatstroke), with maximum coverage of NT$5 million for death or disability and NT$1 million for medical expenses. In addition, insurance payouts of up to NT$100,000 are available for costs arising from medical evacuation or body transport due to mountaineering accidents.
Mountain climbing insurance to go on sale; altitude sickness covered
‘Good news for mountain climbers — your adventures will soon be better protected. The Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) announced yesterday that it has approved comprehensive mountain climbing insurance products submitted by two property insurance companies, including Shin Kong Tokyo Marine. The first domestic mountain climbing insurance will soon be launched, with a requirement for at least five people to be insured initially. The FSC stated that mountain climbing insurance is a type of personal insurance product. Since there has been no prior sales experience with such products in Taiwan, the initial approach is to require a group of five or more people to apply. The main coverage includes protection against mountain climbing accidents and emergency medical care. Among these, the main coverage items of mountain climbing accident insurance include accidental injuries sustained during mountain climbing activities or specific incidents as stipulated in the contract, such as heatstroke and altitude sickness. The death benefit has two maximum limits: NT$5 million and NT$10 million. As for emergency medical expenses insurance, it provides coverage for medical transport costs and body repatriation expenses arising from mountain climbing accidents. The emergency medical expense limit is NT$100,000 per person, and the injury medical expense limit is NT$1 million per person.
Hiker falls into valley, rescued by helicopter
A man in New Taipei City this afternoon fell into a valley off a cliff at the summit of Shisunjian in Pingxi District. As manual rescue was not possible, a helicopter hoist operation has been requested. New Taipei City Government Fire Department stated that the hiker, a man around 60 years old, was sitting by the roadside to rest at around 1:30 p.m. on the summit of Shisunjian in Pingxi District. Suspected slippery conditions due to recent rainfall, he accidentally slipped into a 10-meter-deep valley. Firefighters arrived at the scene and used ropes to rappel down into the valley for the rescue. However, due to the steep, near-vertical 90-degree cliffs, it was determined that manual extraction was not feasible. The fallen hiker’s vital signs were stable. The fire department requested a helicopter for hoisting and dispatched two fire squads and a battalion to assist. 1030510