Taiwan's Three Challenges

Jade Mountain is a worldwide tourist attraction so trails are marked clearly in English and is considered to be one of the easier hikes in Taiwan.

Participants should have a moderate level of cardiovascular endurance. Test yourself by going for long walks (about 2-3 hours) to get your heart pumping. We suggest practicing at least a 5 mile (8 km) hike before you arrive.

Please bring a pair of worn-in hiking boots that fit you comfortably. Preferably with a hard toe and high enough to cover your ankles. If you buy a new pair of boots, PLEASE break them in before coming on this trip!

The lodges will provide all bedding - please do NOT bring a sleeping bag.

We will provide all participants with a backpack that contains necessary items such as water, snacks, caloric chocolate, salt candy, mouthwash, tissues, headlamp, poncho, gloves, sunscreen, etc.

On the first night we will be staying at Dongpu Lodge at the foot of Jade Mountain. There are flush toilets and full showers at this facility. We will have dinner and breakfast nearby the lodge and stop for a lunch break during our hike.

On the second night we will be staying at Paiyun Lodge near the summit of Jade Mountain. There are flush toilets but no showers at this facility. The lodge will provide us with dinner, breakfast, and lunch.

Both of these mountain lodges provide guests with single, twin-sized bunkhouse accommodations.

Participants will be provided with a life flotation device which must be kept on at all times. Although proper swimming is not required for this activity, we recommend some experience being in the water.

We suggest practicing by doggy-paddling or wading across the pool with a kickboard.

While wearing a swim cap (provided) is mandatory, it is not a requirement to put your head in the water.

As we will be under the sun for about 2-3 hours, please try to wear long pants (ie: leggings/joggers) to minimize the risk of sunburn.

We will be bringing our shoes with us across the water, so please wear flip flops or crocs or something you don't mind getting wet.

You will be provided with a mandatory life flotation device and swim cap prior to the swim.

We will be staying at a local resort for 2 nights. Dinner and breakfast are provided by the hotel.

On the first day, upon completion of the swim, bento boxes will be provided for lunch. On the second day, before departing Sun Moon Lake, we will enjoy some local cuisine for lunch.

Although cycling paths in Taiwan are mostly flat, there will be areas with slopes both inclining and declining.

We suggest getting comfortable riding a 2-wheel bike for about 50-60 miles (80-100 km).

Practicing back-to-back days will help build up endurance and muscle memory.

We will provide all participants with the necessary equipment such as the bike, helmet, lights, pannier, sunglasses, gloves, etc. You are welcome to bring your own gear if you'd like.

Please wear comfortable athletic shoes (clip-ins are not necessary).

We will spend one night in each county as we bike around the entire island of Taiwan.

Breakfast will be early in the morning before starting our ride for the day. We will take a lunch break in the middle of our daily ride, and end our ride with dinner.

Meals will be special to the local municipality and we will stop for hydration/snack breaks at convenience stores along our path.