Classic Itineraries
His handsome face tanned, he transforms into a Nepali photographer — Okada Junichi teased as a stalker
As one of the members of the idol boy band V6, Junichi Okada is one of Japan’s most acclaimed acting idols. With a personal interest in mountaineering and photography, he described taking on the role in “Everest: The Ridge of the Gods” as almost predestined. Like his co-star Hiroshi Abe, Okada agreed to join the project because of the opportunity to film on-location at Mount Everest — both actors wanted to face their truest selves at the roof of the world. Alongside Hiroshi Abe and Machiko Ono, 35-year-old Okada also had to deliver numerous lines in the Newar language. He didn’t disappoint audiences — tanning his chiseled features into a deep bronze and adopting a spot-on accent, he fully embodied the persona of a Nepali local. Playing a mountain photographer intent on capturing Hiroshi Abe’s climb, Okada brought his own camera and joined the crew on location shoots deep into Kathmandu. Even when the cameras weren’t rolling, he kept snapping photos of Abe along the way —
Whether Mallory Reached the Summit: A Century-Old Mystery
British mountaineers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine disappeared in 1924 while attempting to climb Mount Everest, leaving behind the question of whether they successfully reached the summit. In 1999, an American expedition discovered Mallory’s body but failed to find his Kodak camera. Had the camera contained photos of their ascent, Mallory and Irvine would be recognized as the first humans to conquer Everest, altering history. In the film "Everest: The Mountain of the Gods," this camera is fictionalized as having passed through markets over the years. Mallory’s family inferred from his belongings that he likely succeeded in reaching the summit, but without direct evidence, whether Mallory and Irvine truly conquered Everest remains open to interpretation. This story has also inspired novels and films, with Mallory’s famous quote about Everest—“Because it’s there”—becoming a creed among climbers. This history inspired writer Baku Yumemakura, and also...
Hualien's Zhui Lu Ancient Trail: Hiker Falls into Valley, Rescue Teams Rush to Scene
At 11:39 AM today, the Hualien County Fire Department received a report stating that a hiker had fallen into a valley at the 2.7 to 2.8 km section of the Zhui Lu Ancient Trail in Xiulin Township. Rescue teams from police and fire services are currently en route to the site. Due to the remote location, it is estimated to take about two hours to reach the scene.
Picking Up Trash While Hiking – Yellow Backpack Volunteers Build a Brand
“People used to laugh at us for being fools, but now more and more young people are starting to see this as something admirable!” At Jiulonghu Scenic Area in Zhenhai, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, a group of yellow backpack volunteers quietly clean up the mountains. Qin Hongbo, the executive leader of the Yellow Backpack initiative, recently said that mainland China needs public-mindedness and charitable activities done without expecting anything in return. Although promotion is difficult, actions speak louder than words. Local attitudes are gradually changing, and they hope one day to match Taiwan’s volunteer culture.
Stay cool and healthy this summer with Liu Kelang’s recommended hiking trail tour in New Taipei
New Taipei City boasts the most beautiful skyline in the Taipei Basin. Its surrounding green mountain network highlights it as one of the most picturesque cities. This year, the city focuses on “Mountain Closeness & Light Travel,” combining hiking, trail ecology, and historical-cultural tours through packaged group tours to offer an in-depth hiking experience. By exploring historical sites and observing the natural environment, participants can gain unique insights and discover the importance of culture, industry, and the natural surroundings. Through these elements, hiking becomes more than just physical exercise—it transforms into a rich cultural and ecological journey. Additionally, there will be a series of events including celebrity lectures and free trail guided tours.
Climbing without permission? Even with mountaineering insurance, you won’t be covered.
Recently, the Taichung City Government passed the Taichung City Mountain Activities Management Self-Government Ordinance. In the future, aside from requiring mountaineering insurance for climbing, if a mountain accident occurs, the city government may charge citizens for search and rescue expenses beyond what the insurance covers. However, property insurance providers noted that there are exceptions to the claims criteria—climbing without permission means no payout, even if you have mountaineering insurance. Mountain insurance has been on sale since May 2014. Since the law does not mandate that climbers must purchase such insurance, sales have remained modest. Currently, about seven property insurance companies offer mountain insurance. The Insurance Association of Taiwan stated that Fubon Insurance likely sells the most mountain insurance policies, while other insurers sell very few. Fubon Insurance said that through risk awareness campaigns, the sales of mountain insurance have shown a year-on-year growth trend. In the first five months of this year, the cumulative number of policies sold was...
New Taipei City Mountain Climbing Festival: An In-Depth Mountain-Hugging Light Travel Experience
This year’s New Taipei City Mountain Climbing Festival centers around the theme of "mountain-hugging light travel," combining hiking and trail ecology with historical and cultural guided tours. It offers packaged tour packages for an in-depth mountain exploration that includes visiting historical sites and observing the natural environment, aiming to deliver a unique and moving experience. The city government’s Tourism and Travel Bureau stated that the “Mountain-Hugging Group Tour” features five carefully selected trail tour packages to offer distinctive hiking adventures. The packages include: First, the Northern Taiwan Alps-to-Niigata Trail Tour, which connects the Beishi Creek Ancient Trail and the Wantan Ancient Trail. Along the clear and beautiful streams, you can explore the charm of the ancient trails. Lush greenery provides shade along the way, accompanied by the sound of flowing water. Just around a bend, you’ll suddenly come upon a pristine, jade-green pond. Second, the Seeking the God of Wealth Tour, where the Hupao Pond Trail is built along a clear and enticing stream, with a gentle slope that’s perfect for family trips. After passing by an ancient temple dedicated to the God of Wealth, Hupao Pond comes into view.
A fight over walking dogs on Four Beasts Mountain turns deadly: 18-year-old man kills elderly morning exerciser in rage
(23:12 – Suspect’s motive for killing) Police and firefighters this morning found an 88-year-old man surnamed Li dead at a hiking shelter on Taipei’s Four Beasts Mountain, with multiple stab wounds. The Shinyi Precinct arrested the suspect, a man surnamed Zhou, in the evening. He confessed to the killing but claimed it was because the elderly man had argued with him over their dogs while both were out walking them, and that the old man had initiated the physical altercation by hitting him, which enraged him and led him to fatally stab the victim. Police are conducting overnight interrogations to further investigate the case. The 18-year-old Zhou has a violent temperament and has previously attacked strangers without provocation. He does not have a disability certificate. He lives in a metal shack within Four Beasts Mountain. Two days ago at dawn, while walking his dog, he encountered the elderly man who was out for his morning exercise. Zhou claimed that the old man complained that his dog was dirty and smelly, leading to an argument. The old man allegedly struck him first, and in anger, Zhou went home, retrieved a kitchen knife, returned to the shelter, and fatally stabbed the man. In the evening, a special task force from the Shinyi Precinct arrested Zhou at a fast food restaurant in front of his mother, and seized the murder weapon and his clothes. He remains under police interrogation.
Venturing into the mountains despite bad weather: 3 hikers reported missing as police and firefighters launch search and rescue mission
The Central Weather Bureau has issued a heavy rain warning for several days, yet a 30-person hiking team from New Taipei City still ventured out on Dragon Boat Festival to trek the Nenggao-Antongjun traverse of Nenggao Mountain. Today (the 12th), three members of the group fell behind and got lost, urgently contacting relatives who then reported the incident to police and firefighters. Due to poor signal in the mountainous area, they have been unable to reach their teammates. However, search and rescue personnel are still mobilizing to head up the mountain. Rescue efforts are currently on standby due to dangerously swollen rivers that are impassable. Police and firefighters revealed that today, while the hiking team was traveling toward Nenggao South Peak, three individuals—Mr. Yang and Ms. Huang and Ms. Chen—reportedly got separated and lost around the saddle area of South Peak and the southern saddle grassland near Peak 3159. Mr. Yang managed to contact his relatives early this morning, who then called police and firefighters for help. It is known that the three are not injured but may be running short of water. Police and firefighters, upon receiving the report,
Corpses everywhere: The brutal reality of climbing the highest peak
According to foreign media reports, as of October 2015, the number of people who have died on Mount Everest (Qomolangma): 6 died en route; 36 in rest areas; 120 during preparation; 11 during retreat; 90 on the descent; and 20 while attempting to reach the summit. A report by the BBC pointed out that climbers aiming to conquer Mount Everest must face a terrifying fact: if something goes wrong, their bodies often remain on the mountain for a long time. The report states that there are currently more than 200 deceased bodies that have remained on Mount Everest permanently, because once a climber unfortunately dies, it is often very difficult to recover the body. Moreover, the summit area is so littered with corpses that in some cases, climbers even have to step over them. The report also notes that within just four days, three more climbers lost their lives, as Mount Everest has been climbed so many times that people can easily forget the deadly dangers involved.
Alleviate altitude sickness: descend, descend, and descend again
The Shei-Pa National Park Administration said today that, given the increasing number of hikers registering to enter the park each year and the frequent occurrence of accidents, it urges mountaineers to remember the 3D—Down, Down and Down—mantra when experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, and descend immediately to avoid tragic incidents. Shei-Pa National Park is home to towering peaks and stunning scenery, attracting numerous hikers for trekking every year. However, it was recently reported that an elementary school in Changhua County organized a trip to Snow Mountain, during which one student reportedly showed signs of altitude sickness with multiple episodes of vomiting. Instead of descending immediately, the accompanying staff continued toward the summit. Although no accident occurred, the incident left the administration deeply concerned. The administration pointed out that the Taiwan Wilderness Emergency Medical Service Association, a foundation, has placed portable hyperbaric bags at Shei-Pa mountain huts, primarily to help alleviate symptoms in severe cases of altitude sickness.
Climbing to Lake Jiamei: Same-day round-trip visits now require pre-registration starting July
The Jiamei Lake Trail has become a popular hiking route. The Taitung Forest District Office urges hikers to carefully choose guides and team leaders. Additionally, starting in July, applications for same-day round-trip hikes will switch to an appointment system. The Taitung Forest District Office under the Forestry Bureau stated that recently, they have received complaints from the public about hiking operators promoting all-inclusive (meals and lodging) package tours to climb Jiamei Lake. After hikers register and pay, the operators often delay providing detailed itineraries and sometimes even withhold information about the route and mountain hut accommodations. As a result, many hikers only find out on the day of entry that the operator did not apply for mountain hut beds for them. They are then brought into the trail entrance on-site under the pretense of applying for a same-day round-trip permit, unknowingly staying in the mountain huts in violation of regulations. The Taitung Forest District Office explained that mountain hut administrators, prioritizing hiking safety, have been using the expedient measure of offering emergency refuge public beds. However, these hikers not only have to pay the bed fees afterward but also face suspension penalties.
British man missing in Vietnam mountain climb found dead
A British man, Aiden Webb, went missing while hiking in Vietnam for six days and was found dead yesterday afternoon. Authorities conducted a forensic autopsy and are actively assisting the family with the aftermath.
Unstable weather during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday; hikers should take precautions
During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, influenced by the southwest monsoon, heavy rain and torrential rain are possible in western Taiwan. The Nantou Forest District Office urges the public to assess weather conditions and gear before heading into the mountains due to unstable weather. The Central Weather Bureau upgraded its forecast on the 8th from southwest winds to the influence of the southwest monsoon, warning that especially on the 10th and 11th of the holiday period, western Taiwan can expect heavy to torrential rainfall. Coastal low-lying areas should be wary of flooding, while mountainous regions should be particularly cautious about the potential for sudden rising river levels. The Nantou Forest District Office stated today that the West Section of the Nenggao Transmountain National Trail passes through several fault zones, making it prone to landslides and extremely geologically unstable. Sections at 0K+700, 5.5K to 6K, and 10K to 10.3K are especially susceptible to landslides and falling rocks, which may occur again due to weather or seismic activity.
Taichung City Government Enacts "Mountain Hiking Activity Self-Governance Ordinance" to Promote Hiking Safety
To enhance hiking safety, the Taichung City Government has pioneered the "Taichung City Mountain Hiking Activity Management Self-Governance Ordinance," which mandates that hikers carry positioning devices and emergency communication equipment. Those entering specially regulated mountain areas must also purchase comprehensive mountain hiking insurance, with penalties set for violations. Mayor Lin Chia-lung stated that the mountain hiking self-governance ordinance starts in Taichung, and in the future, through the Central Taiwan Governance Platform (comprising Taichung, Changhua, Nantou, Yunlin, and Miaoli), they will invite neighboring counties and cities bordering Taichung’s high mountains to jointly establish similar ordinances. He also called on the central government to take the lead in integration efforts to jointly safeguard the safety of hikers and rescue personnel. The "Taichung City Mountain Hiking Activity Management Self-Governance Ordinance" was passed yesterday (6th) at the municipal government meeting and will be submitted to the city council for review. It stipulates that Taichung City will be divided into generally regulated and specially regulated mountain areas. When engaging in hiking activities in these areas, the public should carry positioning-capable devices, including satellite positioning instruments or GPS-enabled smartphones, as well as emergency communication tools such as satellite phones, mobile phones, or radios. Violators may be fined between NT$3,000 and NT$15,000.
British man missing in Vietnamese mountain climb, police launch search
A British man has been missing for five days while hiking in Vietnam. Local authorities and police have dispatched over 100 personnel for a full-scale search and rescue operation, but there has been no progress so far. Vietnam News Today reports that Aiden Shaw Webb, a 23-year-old British man, was traveling in Vietnam with his girlfriend. On the 3rd, he decided to conquer Fansipan, the highest peak in the region, but unfortunately went missing. The report states that Webb’s girlfriend had initially wanted to join him on the climb but backed out due to safety concerns. Webb went hiking alone on the 3rd and remained in contact with his girlfriend via Facebook and text messages during the climb. Unexpectedly, in the evening of the same day, he sent a text message telling his girlfriend that he had fallen into a valley and injured himself, and also used his phone's GPS to share his location. His girlfriend immediately called the police for help.
Taichung becomes Taiwan’s first city to pass a ‘Mountain Hiking Autonomous Ordinance’
The municipal government passed Taiwan’s first “Taichung City Mountain Hiking Activity Management Autonomous Ordinance” on the 6th. The ordinance stipulates that when the Central Weather Bureau issues a sea typhoon warning, the city government can announce restricted areas. Citizens who forcibly enter the mountains or delay evacuation may be fined between NT$10,000 and NT$50,000. In the event of an accident requiring a city-led rescue operation, the rescued individuals may be charged for necessary expenses such as dispatch mobilization, rental of rescue equipment, and vehicles, exceeding the amount covered by insurance.
Central Taiwan’s First Mountain Hiking Self-Governance Ordinance; Nantou Considers Following Suit
Mountainous areas within Taichung City’s administrative jurisdiction have seen 160 accident cases over the past five years since 2011, including falls into valleys, getting lost or missing, altitude sickness, illnesses, or injuries. The Taichung City Government has pioneered the “Taichung City Mountain Hiking Activity Management Self-Governance Ordinance,” which has received an enthusiastic response from the public. Mayor Lin Chia-lung said today (the 7th) that he will invite surrounding counties and cities such as Changhua, Nantou, and Miaoli to jointly establish a self-governance ordinance. Currently, Nantou has expressed its intention to join, and he also called on the central government to step in and integrate efforts to jointly ensure the safety of hikers and rescue personnel. The “Taichung City Mountain Hiking Activity Management Self-Governance Ordinance,” the first of its kind in Taiwan, has been passed by the municipal government meeting and will be submitted to the city council for review. It stipulates that Taichung City will be divided into generally regulated and specially regulated mountainous areas. When engaging in hiking activities in these areas, the public should carry positioning devices.
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Revitalizing Fuling: 7 Hikers Stung by Bees
In the Fuling mountain area of Taoyuan City’s Fuxing District, an incident was reported today where hikers were stung by a swarm of bees. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, and a total of seven people were injured by bee stings. They were sent to the Hualing Medical Station for treatment, fortunately with stable vital signs. This morning at 10:20 a.m., at the 59-kilometer mark of Provincial Highway 7 in Fuxing District, the public called to report that hikers had been stung by bees and requested ambulance assistance. The fourth brigade of the Fire Department’s Fuling branch dispatched six firefighters to the scene. They subsequently found the hikers, with seven people sustaining bee stings. The injured were transported to the Hualing Medical Station via the Fuling 91 and Fuling 92 routes. Among them, six individuals had 2 to 3 bee stings, were conscious, and had stable vital signs. Another woman surnamed Li (aged 50) sustained approximately 10 bee stings, experienced limb weakness and swelling in her left eye, but was also conscious with stable vital signs.