The beauty of Taiwan’s Sacred Ridge Line goes global. Next year (2020) is the "Spine Mountain Range Tourism Year," aiming to showcase the diverse mountain landscapes of Taiwan. Discovery host Ryan Pyle visited Taiwan and trekked along the high-altitude route from Dabajian Mountain to the Snow Mountain range — the "Sacred Ridge Line of Snow Mountain." This route is widely recognized as the most challenging, demanding, and breathtaking in Taiwan, involving a seven-day traverse along ridgelines over 3,000 meters above sea level. Discovery Channel's "Ryan Pyle’s Asian Adventure" will air on Monday, December 23 at 10 PM, taking you through thrilling highs and lows shaped by the dramatic terrain.
Japanese mountaineer Numata Tetsutaro once described this ridge line in his article “Investigation and Attempt on Climbing Dabajian Mountain”: “...To traverse this rocky ridge, one needs preparation comparable to the first ascent of Dabajian Mountain... O sacred ridge, who can truly complete the traverse from Dabajian Mountain to Snow Mountain, wear the crown of victory, and recount the truth and beauty of being the first to finish such a traverse...”.
Embarking on this epic mountaineering journey requires a strong heart, as the route features breathtaking cliffs and precipices along the way. This high-altitude path from Dabajian Mountain to the Snow Mountain range boasts incredibly diverse terrain, and is also recognized as the most challenging, demanding, and visually stunning route in Taiwan. Following in Ryan Pyle’s footsteps, audiences across Asia will be able to gaze upon Taiwan’s most awe-inspiring alpine scenery, propelling Taiwan’s mountain tourism onto the global stage.
Taiwan is located at a tectonic plate boundary, making it a young and mountainous island. Nearly 80% of its land is mountainous, with over 2,300 peaks in total, including 269 that rise above 3,000 meters. Such diverse topography not only creates unparalleled scenic beauty but also nurtures countless endemic species of flora and fauna, making it Taiwan’s most competitive tourism resource.
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On his first visit to Taiwan, Bryce Whitfield chose the highly iconic "Holy Ridge Line." This mountain ridge connects the main peak of Snow Mountain in the Snow Mountain Range and Mount Dabajian, with altitudes all above 3,000 meters. The rugged terrain makes it a highly difficult hiking route.
Along the way, hikers must face the unpredictable challenges of alpine weather—one moment bitterly cold winds, thick fog, and visibility of just 30 feet; the next, rappelling down jagged cliffs, traversing steep and uneven gravel ridges, and climbing up and down over mountains. Every step tests the limits of hiking skills and physical endurance, with the constant fear of losing focus and plunging into a bottomless valley. After seven days and six nights of extreme challenges and overcoming numerous obstacles, the team finally reached the main peak to enjoy the unique and magnificent scenery of Snow Mountain.