Hiking East Asia

Welcome to Taiwan! Upon arrival in Taipei, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Taiwan’s sprawling capital city is an exciting mix of South East Asia, US and Japanese influences. The skyline is dominated by the impressive Taipei 101 Tower, once the tallest in the world, and made more impressive by its backdrop of rolling mountains in the North.  The city is quirky and friendly and one of the safest capitals in Asia. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to get acquainted with the city.

Meals

N/A

Accommodation

3 nights ArTree Hotel or similar

Services

Airport transfer

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before departing to explore Taipei.

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

You will start at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, an impressive local monument with a square with the National Concert Hall and National Theatre on either side. Similar in shape to Beijing’s Tiantan, the building has been designed to invoke the character of the number 8, which represents good fortune and abundance.

Lunghsan Temple and Herb Lane

You will continue to Lunghsan Temple, one of the oldest and largest temples in Taiwan, built in 1738 and housing the statues of hundreds of Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist Deities.  Close by is Herb Lane, a fresh produce market that sells a wide variety of herbs, to be used primarily in traditional healing.  The range of herbs includes rare and specialty herbs such as Japanese Knotweed and saxifrage – learn how they have been used in the past and the present day.  

Taipei 101 Tower

Next, it is time to get an incredible aerial view over Taipei, as you head to the 89^th floor observation deck of Taipei 101 Tower. From 2004 to 2010, this was the tallest building in the world and it is the perfect place to take in a bird’s eye view of the city.

Mt. Elephant and Jinmian Mountain

From here you will continue to Mt. Elephant, where a trail of around 600 stairs will take you to a lookout from where you can get impressive views of the city, but this time the iconic Taipei 101 Tower is included in the skyscape.

For something slightly more challenging, your next stop will be Jinmian Mountain, which will be the first trail walk that you do in Taiwan. This trail is classified as moderate, and in certain areas, you will need both hands to climb, with ropes permanently attached to these areas for you to use to assist you as you walk. The view from Jinmian Mountain is simply breathtaking.

Raohe Night Market

You will continue to Raohe Night Market, one of the oldest traditional markets in Taipei and bustling with street food stalls, carnival games and quaint little shops. You might like to try some of the interesting local specialties as you walk around the eateries (paid locally).  Afterwards, you will return to your hotel and have the evening at leisure.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

ArTree Hotel or similar

Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Sightseeing: Chiang Kae-Shek Memorial Hall, Lunghsan Temple Herb Lane, Taipei 101 Tower, Jinmian Mountain and Raohe Night Market

Travel time and distance

Taipei 101 Tower to Mt. Elephant:Distance: Approx. 1.5 km/ 10 mins drive

Mt. Elephant to Jinmian Mountain: Approx. 6.5 km/ 20 mins drive

Jinmian Mountain to Raohe Night Market: Approx. 9 km/ 25 mins drive

Yangmingshan National Park

After breakfast at your hotel, you will depart to visit Yangmingshan National Park, a stunning National Park that is well known for its sulphur crystals and hot springs. At the western entrance of the park, you will see the Flower Clock, a large garden artwork formed of colourful flowers.  From here you walk to the volcanic landscape of Thermal.

Jinbaoli Path Hike (Yulu Historical Trail)

Your hike today is known as the Jinbaoli Path (Yulu Historical Trail), a century-old path that linked the villages of Daping and Dapu and was used as a trade route to deliver fish, tea and sulphur.  This 6.3km route will take around 3 hours to hike, and you will see wildflowers and tantalising glimpses of the coast as they follow the dirt trails and stone steps that make up the path.

Dunshui Harbour Town

This afternoon, you will visit Dunshui Harbour Town, a laid-back coastal town with a main shopping street full of historic buildings and interesting street vendors. You will explore Fisherman’s Wharf which is full of little cafes and restaurants as well as being a hub for fishing boats. Here, you can walk along Lover’s Bridge, a curved white cable-stayed pedestrian bridge that gets its name from its original opening which was on Valentine’s Day. At night, it is lit up with changing colours and a great place to watch the sunset. After enjoying the Danshi River bank with its interesting variety of wetland plants, you will take a ferry ride to the other side of the river.

At the end of the day, you will return to your hotel in Taipei and have the evening at leisure.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

ArTree Hotel or similar

Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Sightseeing: Yangmingshan National Park, Flower Clock, Thermal Valley, Jinbaoli Path, Dunshui Harbour Town, Fisherman’s Wharf and Lover’s Bridge

Travel time and distance

Yangmingshan National Park to Jinbaoli Path (Yulu Historical Trail): Approx. 10 km/ 20 mins drive

Jinbaoli Path (Yulu Historical Trail) to Danshui Harbour Town: Approx. 30 km/ 45 mins drive

Danshui Harbour Town to Danshui River Bank: Approx. 2 km/ 5 mins drive

Danshui River Bank to Taipei: Approx. 25 km/ 40 mins drive

Yehliu Geo Park

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for Yehliu Geo Park. Located on a strip of land that stretches into the Pacific Ocean, this beautiful park is known for its bizarre rock formations formed by wind and sea abrasion. These include mushroom and honeycomb-shaped rocks, and one particularly regal rock tower known as the Queen’s Head which looks like either Queen Nefertiti or Queen Elizabeth in likeness, depending on which angle you are looking at it from.

Jiufen (Chiufen) Village

You then continue to Jiufen (Chiufen) Village, a quaint and charming small town packed with history.  The word “Chiufen” means nine pieces and refers to when this town was originally so small and isolated that its inhabitants were made up of just nine families. With markets far away, when they needed supplies they would send just one family who would come back and divide the spoils into nine pieces.  For a while in the 1890s, the town swelled to a larger size as it became a site of the gold rush, and there are multiple historic sites to be seen as you explore the narrow alleyways lined with teahouses, giving a glimpse of the past glory of this location. Throughout the town you will find nooks that have beautiful mountain views, as well as vistas that take in the Yingyang Sea.

Caoling Historic Trail

This afternoon, you will trek for around 3.5 hours on the Caoling Historic Trail, which cuts across Sandiao Cape (Sandiaojiao) starting at Yuanwangkeng, and finishing at Dali on the coast. It is the only section that still remains of the old Ching Dynasty Trail, which is over 130 years old. The present trail is approximately 10 kilometres long and beautifully scenic, as you walk over rolling green hills, with stunning ocean views.

Yilan

When you have finished your hike, you will drive to Yilan, where you will check into your hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure. Your unique accommodation includes hot and cold spring water baths in your room, perfect for soaking in as you relax at the end of a long day.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

2 nights Well Springs by Sllks, Lakeshore Suao or similar

*hot springs only at Wellsprings by Silks

Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Sightseeing: Yehliu Geo Park, Jiufen (Chiufen) Village, Yingyang Sea, Caoling Historic Trail and Yilan

Travel time and distance

Yehliu Geo Park to Jiufen (Chiufen) Village: Approx. 38 km/ 1 hr drive

Jiufen (Chiufen) Village to Caoling Historic Trail: Approx. 37 km/ 50 mins drive

Caoling Historic Trail to Yilan: Approx: 30 km/ 40 mins drive

Taipingshan National Forest

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll embark on a journey to Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area, which is about a two-hour drive. Taipingshan, one of Taiwan’s three major national forest recreation areas, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, featuring valuable Taiwan cypress trees and geothermal energy from the Renze Hot Spring. Here, you’ll visit the Bailing Giant Tree and experience the Bong Bong Train.

Next, you’ll explore the Jioujhihze Scenic Area, where Qingshui Geothermal Park, nestled deep in the valley, offers foot soak pools, raised cooking pools, and bathhouse facilities. Enjoy the unique experience of cooking eggs and corn in the hot-spring water using a wicker basket. Following this, a walk along the Jioujhihze Natural Trail awaits, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature along its 1.2-kilometre path.

After a day of exploration, you’ll return to your hotel for a relaxing evening at your leisure. You might choose to unwind in the hotel’s hot springs.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Well Springs by Sllks, Lakeshore Suao or similar

Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Sightseeing: Taipingshan National Forest, Bailing Giant Tree, Bong Bong Train, Jioujhihze Natural Trail

After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to central Taiwan to a famous lake resort.

Sun Moon Lake is the largest body of water in the country. It is renowned for its scenic beauty, with the lake’s eastern side resembling the sun and the western side resembling the moon. Surrounded by lush mountains, the area offers a tranquil setting and is popular for boating, cycling, and hiking. The lake is also home to cultural sites like the Wenwu Temple and Ita Thao Village.

Once you check in to your hotel the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

2 nights Sun Moon Lake Hotel or similar

Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Travel time and distance

Yilan to Sun Moon Lake: 300km / 3 hrs 34 min drive

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and enjoy the beautiful views of Sun Moon Lake. The lake sits at an altitude of 762m in the mountains of Nantou County.

Wen Wu Temple

After breakfast, you will drive around part of the lake to visit Wen Wu Temple. This impressive temple is the only Confucius temple in Taiwan where you will see a statue of Confucius himself, and some of the other bronze statues also represent his disciples. If time permits this morning, you will also visit Tse En Pagoda and Tehua Village.

Mt Moalan Trail

It will then be time for your hike of the day, the Mt Moalan Trail (approx. 3 hours). This is a relaxed scenic walk that takes you to a weather observatory that was built by the Japanese in 1940. From the summit, at 1020m, you can see as far as Puli. The 3km trail is paved, and you will wind through villages, cedar trees, and vast tea plantations, accompanied by the sound of birdsong.  The scenery around you is spectacular, with the view of rolling green hills and silhouetted mountains in the distance.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Sun Moon Lake Hotel or similar

Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Sightseeing: Wen Wu Temple, Mt Moalan Trail, Tse En Pagoda and Tehua Village if time permits.

Mt. Hehuan National Forest Area

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a drive to the Mt. Hehuan National Forest Area, situated 2900-3000 meters above sea level. This region is renowned for its breathtaking high mountain landscapes and diverse wildlife. Depending on the season, you can witness various types of flower blossoms.

Mt. Shimen Trail

Your adventure includes a walk along the Mt. Shimen Trail, which sits at 3,237 meters above sea level. This 0.8-kilometre trail is one of the most accessible high mountain trails in Taiwan, suitable for both young children and the elderly, allowing for a relaxed stroll with stunning views of open grasslands and the surrounding mountains.

Mt. Hehuan Main Peak

Next, continue to Mt. Hehuan Main Peak, which reaches 3,416 meters above sea level. The 1.8-kilometre trail to the summit rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding mountain range. There may even be time to walk to the East Peak of Mt Hehuan if time permits.

Taichung City

Following your hike, you will drive to Taichung City for an overnight stay. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Overnight Millennium Hotel Taichung or similar

Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Sightseeing: Mt Hehuan National Forest Area, Mt Shimen Trail, Mt Hehuan Main Peak.

Travel time and distance

Sun Moon Lake to Taichung City: 77km / 1 hr 30 min by car

Taichung Opera House & Rainbow Village

Begin your day with an external visit to the Taichung Opera House, where you can admire its captivating architecture. Continue your journey to the vibrant Rainbow Village, a once-ordinary community of retired soldiers transformed into a colourful and eye-catching attraction.

Transfer to Seoul

After your morning explorations, you will be transferred to Taichung International Airport for your onward flight to Seoul, South Korea.

Arrival in Seoul

Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. Welcome to Seoul, an exciting metropolis where tradition meets modernity. Surrounded by mountains, Seoul offers a unique blend of futuristic skyscrapers and ancient temples, with dynamic districts showcasing progressive art and cutting-edge fashion. As night falls, the city comes alive with a vibrant food scene, dazzling neon lights, and a variety of social “bangs” (rooms) catering to every interest, from karaoke bars to cosy cafés.

 Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, taking the opportunity to explore the vibrant surroundings of South Korea’s capital.

Meals

N/A

Accommodation

Overnight L7 Myeongdong or similar

Services:

Airport transfer

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Sightseeing: Metropolis surrounded by mountains, skyscrapers with ancient temples, dynamic districts, Seoul’s vibrant nightlife

Travel time and distance

Taichung Opera House to Rainbow Village: Approx.12 km/ 20 mins drive

Rainbow Village to Taichung International Airport: Approx. 23 km/35 mins drive

Incheon International Airport to Seoul Hotel: Approx. 60 km/  1 hour drive

Gyeongbok Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village

Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel before heading to the historic Gyeongbok Palace, the primary royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty, which reigned for over five centuries from 1392. Here, you’ll witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a traditional re-enactment performed exactly as it has been for centuries, complete with traditional instruments and uniforms. Next, explore the National Folk Museum, housed within the palace grounds, featuring over 4,000 historical artefacts and relics. As you continue, you’ll pass by the Blue House, the official residence of South Korea’s Head of State. Your journey then takes you to Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming area with 600 years of history, filled with traditional Korean houses (hanoks), teahouse-lined alleys, and quaint guesthouses, making it a delightful place to explore.

 Jingwansa Temple Stay

Continue to Jingwansa Temple, located at the entrance of Mt. Bukhansan National Park, where you will spend the night. This temple, established by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism in 1011, was created to honour the Buddhist priest Jingwan for saving King Hyeon-jong’s life when he was young. It is the only temple in Seoul that serves ‘Suryukje,’ a Buddhist ceremony providing food and teachings to wandering spirits and starved demons and offers training facilities for biguni (female monks).

Upon arrival, you’ll receive an orientation on basic temple manners and customs, followed by a temple tour and a briefing on the included activities. Dinner will be a traditional temple meal of Balwoo Gongyang, consisting of vegetarian dishes such as rice porridge, delicate salads, dumplings, and fried shiitake mushrooms with mugwort in a sweet and sour sauce. Each meal is different daily, so take your time to savour the subtle flavours and textures.

In the evening, attend the Buddhist ceremonial service, Yebul. This chanting service is offered to pay homage to all Buddhas and bodhisattvas and is practised for self-cultivation. The service begins with the Verse of Tea, followed by the Verse of Five Scents, the Mantra of Incense Offering, and the Ritual of Seven Prostrations.

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation

Overnight Jingwansa Temple or similar

Services

Airport transfer

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Sightseeing: Gyeongbok Palace, royal palace, changing of the guard ceremony, museum, historical artefacts, Blue House, the official residence of South Korea’s Head of State, Bukchon Hanok Village, traditional Korean houses (hanoks), and teahouse-lined alleys, Temples.

Travel time and distance

Gyeongbok Palace to Bukchon Hanok Village: Approx. 3 km/ 10 mins drive or 20 mins walk

Bukchon Hanok Village to Jingwansa Temple: Approx. 15 km/ 30 mins drive

Morning Meditation and Breakfast

Wake up early at 5 am to attend the morning service and participate in meditation. There are two types of chamseon: jwaseon (seated meditation) and haengseon (walking meditation). You will be informed which type will be conducted. Following your meditation, enjoy a traditional monastic breakfast.

Visit to Hermitage

After breakfast, visit a nearby hermitage. Enjoy tea time with a Buddhist monk, known as Dado. Boiling and serving good tea is one of Korea’s oldest customs.

Hike on Bugaksan (Mt Bukak)

Bid farewell to your hosts and continue to Bugaksan (Mt Bukak). The term “san” means mountain in Korean, and Seoul is encircled by several, including Bugaksan, Namsan, Naksan, and Inwangsan. Bugaksan, situated to the north of Seoul, is the highest of these peaks and an offshoot of Bukhansan Mountain. Formerly restricted, this area has allowed nature to thrive. Hike along the fort walls for incredible city views and historical sites, such as bullet holes in a tree from a skirmish between South Korean forces and North Korean commandos. The hike will take approximately 2 hours.

Travel to Sokcho and Check-In

After your hike, travel to Sokcho and check into your hotel in Seorak. Located just 200m from Seoraksan National Park, your accommodation offers stunning views of the Taebaek Mountain Range from its open-air terrace.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Overnight Kensington Hotel Seorak or similar

Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Travel time and distance

Hermitage to Bugaksan (Mt Bukak): Approx. 30 km/ 45 mins drive

Mt. Bukak to Sokcho: Approx. 35 km/ 3.5 hrs drive

Seoraksan National Park

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will depart for a 4-5 hour hike in Seoraksan National Park. You’ll trek the Ulsan Rock Course, which will lead you through picturesque valleys, past ancient temples, and up steep sections and stairs, offering impressive views of the park. Home to over 2000 species of animals, including musk deer and Korea Goral, the park provides ample opportunities for wildlife spotting. Additionally, over 1200 plant species, such as Edelweis, thrive here, and the vibrant colours of the bushland in Spring and Autumn are particularly stunning.

Andong

Following your hike, you will travel to Andong, a city renowned for its ancient sites, wooden masks, mackerel, and strong local vodka (soju). Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and have the evening at leisure.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Overnight Andong Grand Hotel or similar 

Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Travel time and distance

Seoraksan National Park to Andong: Approx. 200 km/ 3-4 hours drive

Angong Hahow Cultural Village

This morning, visit Angong Hahow Cultural Village, a charming and tranquil folk village nestled between rolling green hills and a river. It offers a glimpse into traditional village life and operates as an open-air museum. With its tree-lined streets, thatched-roof houses, and intriguing alleys, the village is a wonderful place to explore.

Guryong Waterfall Course, Mt Jiri to Namwon

Next, transfer to Mt Jiri for a hike along the Guryong Waterfall Course. This 3.1km path features walkways and bridges that meander through the Guryong Valley, home to nine impressive waterfalls. According to local legend, nine dragons descend from the heavens to each waterfall on a specific day of the lunar calendar. The course will take you through dramatic ravines, past ponds and springs, and stunning scenery.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Overnight Namwon Suites Hotel or similar

Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Travel time and distance

Angong Hahow Cultural Village to Guryong Waterfall Course, Mt Jiri: Approx. 80 km/ 1.5 hrs drive

Today will be your longest day of hiking, as you travel to Mt. Naejang. This mountain is one of the best in Korea for viewing Korea’s incredible autumn colours, particularly the red maple leaves. Bright crimson, red and orange leaves blanket the mountain at this time of year and it is a stunning display of nature at its finest.  Your hike today will be for around 6-7 hours as you explore the forest paths and discover lakes and waterfalls.

You will then travel to Gwangju, where you will check into your hotel.  Enjoy dinner then an evening at leisure.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Overnight Holiday Inn Gwangju or similar

Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Travel time and distance

Mt. Naejang to Gwangju: Approx. 80 km/ 1.5 hrs drive

Jeonju

After breakfast this morning, you will travel to Jeonju (approx. 2 hours), a charming city that, in parts, feels like you have stepped back in time. Jeonju was a key city during the Joseon Dynasty, which spanned from the 14th to the 19th century. The traditional architecture still found in the city, along with the continuation of culture and customs from that era, means this city acts as an open-air museum.

Jeonju Hanok Village

You will visit Jeonju Hanok Village, home to over 800 hanoks with their wooden beams and curved tiled roofs. While other parts of the city are modern, this traditional Korean village offers a glimpse into life centuries ago. Strolling through the peaceful lanes, you’ll feel as if you’re in a bubble; on its outskirts, the city’s skyscrapers remind you of the modern world, but within the village, it’s like stepping into the past. Be sure to sample some of the amazing food, including Jeonju bibimbap, a Korean rice dish renowned worldwide, and enjoyed in its special style in this region.

Jaman Mural Village

Next, you’ll explore Jaman Mural Village. This cliffside village is adorned with murals painted by local artists, creating an open-air art gallery.

Traditional Hanok Stay

Tonight, you will experience a traditional Hanok stay. A hanok is a Korean home designed with natural materials and a simple aesthetic. It typically features minimal furniture, futon beds, and an underfloor heating system called ondol. Historically, this system used heated stones from the kitchen to warm the floor, but now it relies on hot water pipes running beneath the wooden floorboards. This heating method maintains a comfortable temperature, particularly during the coldest times of the year. Korean daily life has been shaped by this warm flooring, with people often sitting, eating, and socialising on the floor rather than using chairs. Floor mattresses similar to futons are commonly used for sleeping, making the most of this added warmth.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Overnight Gaeunchae Hanok stay

Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Travel time and distance

Jeonju to Jeoonju Hanok Village: Approx. 5 km/ 15 mins drive

Jeonju Hanok Village to Jaman Mural Village: Approx. 2 km/ 10 mins drive

Enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant, before returning to Seoul by car.   Enjoy some free time in the afternoon before heading out to enjoy a farewell dinner with your group.

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation

Overnight L7 Myeongdong or similar

Services

Private vehicle with English-speaking guide

Travel time and distance

Jeonju to Seoul: Approx. 218 km/ 3.5 hrs drive

Today your South Korea adventure comes to an end. Enjoy breakfast and free time until your transfer to the airport to meet your onward flight.

 Meals

Breakfast

Services

Airport transfer