Hiking isn't this hard — just grab a friend and go!

Tripbaa Funbaa | Asia's Free Travel Expert

Life is always spent in the hustle and bustle, and whenever there’s a break, we all think of going somewhere peaceful to relax... Have you ever thought about escaping into nature, relaxing your body and soul through a hiking trip, but then worry about not being able to gather a full group for the hike? Or fear that your fitness level might not be good enough, holding back the team or having to give up because you can’t keep up?

Actually, hiking isn't as difficult as you think. Why not start with a few small-group hiking routes designed for pairs? We guarantee you’ll fall in love with hiking after just one trip — breathing in the fresh air along the mountain ridges!

Taiwan is home to many breathtaking high-mountain landscapes. People often say you’re not truly Taiwanese if you haven’t gone hiking, but when it comes time to actually do it, it’s always “a thousand people respond, but only one shows up.” It’s hard to gather even a small group, and many don’t want to go hiking or camping outdoors with strangers. As a result, the idea of hiking is often given up altogether.

That’s why Funbaa has carefully selected several small-group hiking routes where "just two can go." This allows outdoor enthusiasts who love nature to go hiking without worrying about group size limits, breaking free from the hassle of fixed group sizes and timing. Whether you’re looking for a beginner-friendly two-day-one-night route or a multi-day advanced challenge, these small-group hikes make it all possible!

Small-Group Hiking – Just the Two of You, Go Anytime. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa | Asia's Free Travel Expert)

Although guided hiking groups always have professional guides leading the way, hiking trails are long and the environment is ever-changing, with situations that even novice hikers may not be able to handle arising at any time. That’s when the guide’s expertise and judgment become essential to lead the group safely. But guides have many responsibilities — not only must they know the routes and stay alert, but they also can’t possibly pay attention to every hiker’s needs and conditions at all times.

Therefore, the highlight of small-group hiking is the optimal guide-to-hiker ratio. One guide can focus on leading just 2–5 people, adjusting the pace based on each hiker’s fitness, walking speed, and breathing rhythm. You won’t have to worry about a large crowd waiting for just a few slower hikers. For beginners, this greatly reduces stress and makes it easier to enjoy the beauty of the hike.

Small-Group Hiking – Adjustable Pace. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa | Asia's Free Travel Expert)

You’ve trained for strength, put in all those miles — it’s not just to go up the mountain, take photos for social media bragging rights, but to get closer to nature, learn more about mountain forests, wildlife, and ecology. In a small-group hiking tour, the professional guide can offer more attentive care, as well as more energy and time to explain, answer questions, and discuss the curiosities of the mountains. Everyone can become close friends, both with each other and with the mountains.

Small-Group Hiking – Professional Guide Leading the Way. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa | Asia's Free Travel Expert)

The land of Taitung holds a rare treasure — the Ice Lake (Jiaming Lake), which has never dried up over the years. Bathed in sunlight, it sparkles like a teardrop and truly lives up to its nickname, “Angel’s Tear.” Even experienced hikers can lose their way due to fog, so apart from its dreamlike fairy-tale beauty, the mysterious legends around Jiaming Lake are especially captivating.

To admire the “Angel’s Tear,” you not only need to apply via a lottery system but also undergo physical training beforehand. Therefore, finding a partner who is both available and well-matched in terms of timing and teamwork to go to Jiaming Lake together is incredibly difficult. But if you already have such a friend, don’t hesitate — as long as you have “one” companion, sign up for a small-group hiking tour right away!

■ Flower Season: Xiangyang Trail — November to January of the next year — red foliage; Songjing Trail — March to May — orchids
■ Snow Season: approximately January to end of March
■ Mountain Closure Period: February to end of October (started in recent two years, schedule not yet fixed)

Recommended Small-Group Hiking Route — Jiaming Lake in Taitung. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa | Asia's Free Travel Expert)

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Snow Mountain is not only the second highest peak in Taiwan but also a glacial remnant. These two features make it especially appealing. Therefore, the 11 km route from Xueshan East Peak to the main Snow Mountain Peak is highly recommended by many hikers. To climb Snow Mountain, you must apply for an entry permit. Though Snow Mountain sees many visitors, its difficulty level means it’s still best to go with a small-group hiking tour. Not only will your safety be ensured, but you also won’t need to worry about the permit process.

And of course, when talking about the beauty of Snow Mountain, one must mention the “Black Forest” located behind the switchbacks on the trail. It features Taiwan’s highest-altitude fir trees. Standing in the Black Forest gives off an especially mysterious and cold vibe. Once you exit the forest, you’ll see the “Snow Mountain Cirque No. 1,” a natural treasure left from the Ice Age.

■ Flower Season: starting April — high mountain azalea season, wild lilies
■ Snow Season: approximately January to end of March

Recommended Small-Group Hiking Route — Snow Mountain. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa | Asia's Free Travel Expert)

Climbing Taiwan’s northeastern Asia’s highest peak — Yushan (Jade Mountain) — is a life goal for many. Organizing your own group requires entering a lottery, but Yushan is extremely challenging, so it’s strongly recommended to go with a professional guide and preferably in a small-group hiking tour with a limited number of participants. This ensures pace and rhythm can be adjusted according to everyone’s fitness, allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning views along the way.

Along the hike, you’ll see attractions like Menglu Pavilion, the White Tree Forest, and the Big Cliff. Aside from reaching the main summit of Yushan, taking in the views of the surrounding peaks is a treat in itself. Add Yushan to your life goals list — the feeling of accomplishment is something only those who reach the summit will understand!

■ Flower Season: December to February of the next year — plum, peach, cherry blossoms; March to May — Yushan azaleas, red azaleas
■ Snow Season: December to end of March of the next year
■ Mountain Closure Period: February

Recommended Small Group Hiking Routes - Yushan. (Photo / Tripbaa, Asia’s Free Travel Expert)

The Hehuan Stream Campsite is the most suitable route for beginner hikers. The hike from the trailhead to the campsite is only 3 kilometers, and during the day, the most beautiful sights are Hehuan North Peak and Hehuan East Peak. You can enjoy the panoramic view of Taiwan’s famous peaks while sitting on a vast green meadow, making it an ideal spot for beginner hikers to join a small group tour. Perfect for those who are curious about the mountains but unsure of their own capabilities, this guided small hiking group allows you to challenge your first high-altitude camping dream!

And don’t think that joining a small hiking group means suffering through hardship. As the saying goes, no pain, no gain. After everyone hikes side by side and successfully reaches the Hehuan Stream Campsite, the most magical moment awaits — nightfall. Under the star-filled, light-pollution-free sky, you can admire countless stars and drift off to sleep accompanied by the Milky Way. In the morning, you’ll be woken up by the sunrise. Doesn’t the Hehuan Stream Campsite small group hiking trip sound tempting?

■ Flower Season: April to May – Alpine Azaleas

The Zhuiyu Cliff and Foji Cliff were formed by the erosion of the Liwu River. The marble geology of the Zhuiyu Ancient Trail, along with its indigenous and Japanese colonial-era historical stories, and the breathtaking cliffs, all come together to create the essence of the trail. The Taroko Zhuiyu Ancient Trail is a remaining section of the Hehuan Crossing Ancient Trail, currently only one-third (3.2 km) of the full trail is open to the public. The most thrilling part is the “Zhuiyu Grand Cliff.” Walking along the cliff edge, just a glance downward brings a surge of awe and fear.

However, most travelers simply pass through in a hurry, and few take the time to deeply explore the history and stories or actually walk the trail. It’s quite a pity. Therefore, we recommend that if you plan to visit the Zhuiyu Ancient Trail, you might as well join a small hiking group. With a professional guide leading and explaining, you won’t just go home with beautiful photos — you’ll carry the stories of the entire mountain forest in your heart.

Songluo Lake is known as the “Seventeen-Year-Old Girl” and the “Dream Lake.” Surrounded by ground cover plants, the emerald-green scenery is perfectly reflected in the lake. Due to frequent rain in the Songluo Lake area, the lake is often shrouded in mist, making it appear mysterious and dreamlike, thus earning the comparison to a shy maiden.

To get to Songluo Lake, you need to hike the Songluo Lake Trail. The path near the destination becomes a steep slope with significant elevation changes, requiring careful steps. Therefore, it is recommended that beginner hikers join a small group tour. Not only will you have a professional guide to lead you, but you can also carefully observe and understand the surrounding scenery. Who knows, you might even discover some hidden, unexpected beauty spots around Songluo Lake!

■ High Water Period: October to April
■ Low Water Period: May to September

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Qila South Peak and Hua Mountain, among the most approachable of Taiwan’s Hundred Peaks, are formed by Qila South Peak and Hua Mountain in the Central Mountain Range. To see the beautiful surroundings of Qila South-Hua, there is one essential trail — the Nenggao Crossing Ancient Trail. This is also a great option for a small hiking group, as the trail mostly consists of gentle slopes, suitable for relaxed walking. There are no sudden elevation spikes or drops in the front or back sections, much like the welcoming impression given by the Qila South-Hua scenery.

If you’re looking to become a beginner hiker or start collecting Taiwan’s Hundred Peaks, start with Qila South-Hua. This Qila South-Hua hiking route, surrounded by towering peaks, cloud seas, waterfalls, and fir forests, is full of natural surprises — it definitely won’t disappoint first-time hikers!

■ Snow Season: Mid-December to End of March

[Authorized Repost from Tripbaa] Original article: [Hiking Small Group for Two: Hiking Isn’t That Hard – 3 Reasons & 7 Routes Recommended]

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