Zhuilu Old Trail
Zhuilu Old Trail
4.5
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Blurer
Hamburg, Germany487 contributions
Dec 2019
I registered on their website about 8 hours after registration process was released for our tour date. That was already to late, so we only made it to number 8 on the waiting list.
Several groups canceled their hike, so we got our confirmation just two day before the tour date we applied for.
Actually you have to submit a emergency contact within taiwan, but I just gave them the name and phone number of my family abroad, which wasn't a problem at all.
We stayed in the Taroko Village Hotel, which isn't far from the entrance of this tour. We paid for the shuttle, which was just 200 TWD. For this amount they drove us to the entrance at a specific time and picked us up after we finished the tour and gave them a call. We had our own car, but only about 5 cars can be parked at the entrace.
You have to start the tour between 7am and 10am, otherwise they will not let you cross the first bridge.
We paid 200 TWD/each for the entrance fee.
After crossing the first bridge your have to climb up many steps. All local people wear serious mountain gear, we just had sneakers with us. Finished the tour after 4 hours. Saw some monkeys and bird on the way.
Taiwanese groups made many photo stops on the way, even on the windy part up on the cliff where signs advice you to move fast and don't stop.
After finishing the tour you have to give your name to the guy at the exit, so they can be sure nobody is missing on the trail.
From my personal view, this hike wasn't really spectacular but I already hiked many mountain paths in my life. Only the last few hundred meters have a nice view and aren't suitable for people with acrophobia as there is often no barrier which prevent you from falling down the cliff.
Taroko Gorge wasn't as beautiful as expected. If you don't get a permission to hike, you can only drive the narrow road by car/motorbike, which often let you stuck in traffic. Parking lots are rare. So don't expect to much if you come here.
Several groups canceled their hike, so we got our confirmation just two day before the tour date we applied for.
Actually you have to submit a emergency contact within taiwan, but I just gave them the name and phone number of my family abroad, which wasn't a problem at all.
We stayed in the Taroko Village Hotel, which isn't far from the entrance of this tour. We paid for the shuttle, which was just 200 TWD. For this amount they drove us to the entrance at a specific time and picked us up after we finished the tour and gave them a call. We had our own car, but only about 5 cars can be parked at the entrace.
You have to start the tour between 7am and 10am, otherwise they will not let you cross the first bridge.
We paid 200 TWD/each for the entrance fee.
After crossing the first bridge your have to climb up many steps. All local people wear serious mountain gear, we just had sneakers with us. Finished the tour after 4 hours. Saw some monkeys and bird on the way.
Taiwanese groups made many photo stops on the way, even on the windy part up on the cliff where signs advice you to move fast and don't stop.
After finishing the tour you have to give your name to the guy at the exit, so they can be sure nobody is missing on the trail.
From my personal view, this hike wasn't really spectacular but I already hiked many mountain paths in my life. Only the last few hundred meters have a nice view and aren't suitable for people with acrophobia as there is often no barrier which prevent you from falling down the cliff.
Taroko Gorge wasn't as beautiful as expected. If you don't get a permission to hike, you can only drive the narrow road by car/motorbike, which often let you stuck in traffic. Parking lots are rare. So don't expect to much if you come here.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katrin A
Schwabach, Germany220 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Nothing spectacular (If you already hiked in European Alps or Rocky Mountains) , long way up through forrest, about 600 m of height within 2.6 km (consider temperaturen and humidity, so bring enough to drink).
Last 500 meters crossing the cliff to final rest area - this part is the most interesting of the entire tour .
Summarized hike ist no really difficult and good to handle. A lot of ropes (attached to the mountain side ) ready to help, if you are a little bit afraid about the hight.
It took us about 3.5 hours for both ways, taking lots of photos of local birds.
Last 500 meters crossing the cliff to final rest area - this part is the most interesting of the entire tour .
Summarized hike ist no really difficult and good to handle. A lot of ropes (attached to the mountain side ) ready to help, if you are a little bit afraid about the hight.
It took us about 3.5 hours for both ways, taking lots of photos of local birds.
Written October 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ondrej
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia226 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
The beginning is not that special, just hiking up the hill often through the woods. But the section with the cliff at the end of the first section (second section is/was closed) is the main attraction. Just wow! It's stunning to look down (ca. 550m) and standing on the edge of the trail. If you like hiking and/or adventure you must go, highly recommended! Don't forget to register yourself (passport needed!) and every other in your group in the police station at the Taroko National Park gate/entrance before you go to the trail entrance. At the trail entrance they will check your registration - no permit, no hiking! And go in the morning, after 10am no entry.
Written January 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Will C
Santa Monica, California, United States6 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
So- i gave it a 3 star rating because we actually didn't get to do the hike and we wanted to give whoever else reads this blog a heads up on the instructions to do this hike. First of all, you can apply for the permit online now. There is a english version as well as chinese version. The staff that answers these emails are english proficient so don't be afraid to ask questions in english. Secondly, when you arrive- you need to make sure you have lined up a driver that can take you to this hike. You need to check in sometime between 7am-10am. We actually got there at 11am and couldn't do this hike because we were late :'( . If youre coming from international, i suggest you call your hotel and tell them you need a driver to the Zhuilu old trail. Make sure you mention this specfic hike to them because this is the only one that requires a permit and limited access. The park WILL verify the information you gave them on the permit form so make sure its accurate. Also- you need a cell phone that works locally on this hike. Either have an international cell phone or have the hotel issue you one. good luck - we just wanted to make sure others didn't get dissapointed like we did because we weren't very prepared and couldn't do the hike. (by the way, rental helmets are free... no need to bring helmets unless you want to)
Written October 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wfsd
Düsseldorf, Germany124 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
The hike itself is great and everything has been said about it. Additionally I'd like to add some information on the above mentioned topics.
Timing: Once you got your permit online you have to start the hike between 7 and 10 am on the selected day. You have to pay in cash at the entrance and there is no ATM around, keep that in mind. If you are late, you will not be granted access by the staff at the bridge/entrance point.
While there is a limited amount of permits everyday, it can get busy and you don't want to have crowds at the top for numerous reasons, safety being the obvious one.
Therefore I'd recommend anyone to start early. We stayed the night in nearby Hualien (35 minutes drive by car) and started at 7.20 am on a weekday. In that case only two groups were in front of us and at the top we were pretty much by ourselves.
Parking: There are roughly 25 parking spots available about 400 meters from the start of the trail. Just drive past the entrance point/bridge, through the swallow grotto and in/behind the bend after the little store/toilet on your right you can park by the side of the road (everywhere where there is white marking). You are also allowed to park on that bridge after the bend. When we arrived there were only two cars, when we left (around 10.30 am) all parking spots were gone and it was chaotic. Many also park here for the swallow grotto, keep that in mind.
Safety & helmets: While you drive through Taroko gorge you will read that it is necessary to wear helmets and there are locations where they hand out helmets. For the described hike you don't need a helmet and the staff will actually decline to give you one. So don't bother to stop for it.
Timing: Once you got your permit online you have to start the hike between 7 and 10 am on the selected day. You have to pay in cash at the entrance and there is no ATM around, keep that in mind. If you are late, you will not be granted access by the staff at the bridge/entrance point.
While there is a limited amount of permits everyday, it can get busy and you don't want to have crowds at the top for numerous reasons, safety being the obvious one.
Therefore I'd recommend anyone to start early. We stayed the night in nearby Hualien (35 minutes drive by car) and started at 7.20 am on a weekday. In that case only two groups were in front of us and at the top we were pretty much by ourselves.
Parking: There are roughly 25 parking spots available about 400 meters from the start of the trail. Just drive past the entrance point/bridge, through the swallow grotto and in/behind the bend after the little store/toilet on your right you can park by the side of the road (everywhere where there is white marking). You are also allowed to park on that bridge after the bend. When we arrived there were only two cars, when we left (around 10.30 am) all parking spots were gone and it was chaotic. Many also park here for the swallow grotto, keep that in mind.
Safety & helmets: While you drive through Taroko gorge you will read that it is necessary to wear helmets and there are locations where they hand out helmets. For the described hike you don't need a helmet and the staff will actually decline to give you one. So don't bother to stop for it.
Written December 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fugustar
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia2 contributions
Mar 2014 • Solo
I reckon no trip to Hualien would be completed without a visit to Taroko Gorge National Park.. and rather than going on the normal (or rather boring) tourists way, why not you try this Zhuilu Old Trail Hiking! And yess.. i was so glad that i did it! It was absolutely fantastic and breathtaking view on top.
I contacted Will Ho, an independent tour guide provided in Hualien area, and from the get-go he was so accomodating and helpful. Everything was pre-arranged by him (in terms of permit, equipments etc), and on 11/3 morning, i went on this amazing hiking experience. It was not the most difficult trail in the world, but i believe some hiking and physical strengths are required. I was so glad to have Will Ho as my guide during this tour, as he was very knowledgeable, always keen on motivated me to reach the top, and smart enough to ensure you complete the trail at your own pace.
The little struggle from the trail head to the top & narrow trail was indeed worhtwhile, when i witnessed the breathtaking view! Immediately all the exhaustion went away. Trust me.. you will feel like you have conquered something! Overall it was about 6 hts hiking from start to end.
After the amazing hiking experience, we went on short visit to the scenic Qingshui Cliff. Definitely theraputic to have relaxing moment overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean..Perfect way to wind up a long enjoyable day!
I would definitely recommend for you to engage the superb service from Will Ho who is currently running an independent tour service/guide. You can reach him via email: superwei86@gmail.com or whatsapp: +886988862600.
All in all, i had such wonderful time..and definitely one of the main highlight of my trip in Taiwan! :)
I contacted Will Ho, an independent tour guide provided in Hualien area, and from the get-go he was so accomodating and helpful. Everything was pre-arranged by him (in terms of permit, equipments etc), and on 11/3 morning, i went on this amazing hiking experience. It was not the most difficult trail in the world, but i believe some hiking and physical strengths are required. I was so glad to have Will Ho as my guide during this tour, as he was very knowledgeable, always keen on motivated me to reach the top, and smart enough to ensure you complete the trail at your own pace.
The little struggle from the trail head to the top & narrow trail was indeed worhtwhile, when i witnessed the breathtaking view! Immediately all the exhaustion went away. Trust me.. you will feel like you have conquered something! Overall it was about 6 hts hiking from start to end.
After the amazing hiking experience, we went on short visit to the scenic Qingshui Cliff. Definitely theraputic to have relaxing moment overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean..Perfect way to wind up a long enjoyable day!
I would definitely recommend for you to engage the superb service from Will Ho who is currently running an independent tour service/guide. You can reach him via email: superwei86@gmail.com or whatsapp: +886988862600.
All in all, i had such wonderful time..and definitely one of the main highlight of my trip in Taiwan! :)
Written March 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chom L
91 contributions
Apr 2017 • Solo
Definitely a must visit if you like to do some hiking into the hills area away from the highway. There is an admission fees of 200TWD to enter the Zhuilu old trail starting from March 2017 and the admission fees booth is bout 20mins ahead of the trail head, if you are taking the shuttle bus/cab to the Swallow Grotto which is the entrance of the Zhuilu Old trail, REMEMBER to ask the driver to drop you at the admission fees booth to save you a 20mins walk. You can also borrow the safety helmet at the admission fees booth should you wish to continue trailing into Swallow Grotto after Zhuilu Old Trail, although it is not compulsory to wear safety helmet.
Written April 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SakshiChadha
38 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
It takes a bit of planning to go here but it is worth it. 2 things:
one fill up the online form, from the website of taiwan national parks, this can be filled in english as well.
The problem is that you will need to put the Taiwanese ID no. of someone you know in Taiwan in the form. This person need not travel with you, but the Taiwanese authorities will call that person up and check if that person knows you..
once you fill the form, you can relax..
they will reply, if it is a weekday, you should be able to easily get it..
once you get the approval, take 2 copies..
Now in Taroko whenever you find time, go to a police station and get it verified. It will be done in ten minutes and we did it one day before the hike, so it may not be necessarily done on the day of the hike.
you need to reach the point, beginning of swallow grotto trail before 10 am.. this is important, start as early as possible. The earlier the better...
one fill up the online form, from the website of taiwan national parks, this can be filled in english as well.
The problem is that you will need to put the Taiwanese ID no. of someone you know in Taiwan in the form. This person need not travel with you, but the Taiwanese authorities will call that person up and check if that person knows you..
once you fill the form, you can relax..
they will reply, if it is a weekday, you should be able to easily get it..
once you get the approval, take 2 copies..
Now in Taroko whenever you find time, go to a police station and get it verified. It will be done in ten minutes and we did it one day before the hike, so it may not be necessarily done on the day of the hike.
you need to reach the point, beginning of swallow grotto trail before 10 am.. this is important, start as early as possible. The earlier the better...
Written August 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andrea2359
Asia305 contributions
Jun 2016 • Friends
It was a hassle to have to apply for a permit on my own just to trek this trail, but I guess it's due to safety reasons and it carries with it its own dangers. Nevertheless, this was the highlight of my experience in Taroko National Park. Did the trek (3.1 km, round trip) in 3 hours. The entrance to the trail is from Swallow Grotto trailhead - look for the staff at the tent near the Swallow Grotto bus station, pass him your approved permit, and he will unlock the gate that opens to the Zhuilu Old Trail. Go past the bridge, and it'll be a pretty steep incline for the first part of the trek. Once you see the white rocks you're nearing the last part of the opened trail which is relatively flat but super narrow, with room just for one person at a time. The view from the cliff is stunning! It is however, not for the faint-hearted or if you have a fear of heights, because there are no barriers on the left during the last 500 metres, so hold on to the ropes for safety. The last part of the opened trail is a clearing called the cliff outpost where we had a little rest stop to eat some snacks that we brought. Thereafter we headed back down the same way we came.
On approaching the staff to pass him the approved permit, the first thing we were told was that someone fell off the cliff just the day before. He kept telling us not to take photos when we were up on the cliff. This trail has its risks, not just the narrow trail at the top, but also the rockfalls. Never, never attempt on a rainy day. The trail is only open in the morning for safety reasons. Wear good hiking shoes. Children are not allowed on this trail.
Nevertheless, it was a great trek! Just be very careful, stay close to the ropes, but take time to enjoy the scenery.
On approaching the staff to pass him the approved permit, the first thing we were told was that someone fell off the cliff just the day before. He kept telling us not to take photos when we were up on the cliff. This trail has its risks, not just the narrow trail at the top, but also the rockfalls. Never, never attempt on a rainy day. The trail is only open in the morning for safety reasons. Wear good hiking shoes. Children are not allowed on this trail.
Nevertheless, it was a great trek! Just be very careful, stay close to the ropes, but take time to enjoy the scenery.
Written June 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rasmus T
Tallinn, Estonia25 contributions
Feb 2016 • Solo
Went there on a rainy & cloudy day and still got so satisfied. During my visit only up to 3km out of 10km total was open for visitors. But still made it to that point there was only me on narrow path next to the cliff & great view over the Taroko Gorge. During my hike I met a family & local older couple so I do believe it's for everyone. I didnt find it that hard it might take time to get up but once you there you will have some most amazing views in Taiwan.
I applied for my permit thru people in my hostel, they all are very helpful and might only charge around 100 local NTs. First I was told I need to apply at least a week in advance to get permit but i guess it's different when its low-season or just bad weather, I got it in 2 days
Def worth to visit!
I applied for my permit thru people in my hostel, they all are very helpful and might only charge around 100 local NTs. First I was told I need to apply at least a week in advance to get permit but i guess it's different when its low-season or just bad weather, I got it in 2 days
Def worth to visit!
Written February 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hi all.
i was checking the status of my permit application and the site reads “Zhuilu Old Road no need to apply Park Permit”.
has the permit been lifted or am i missing something here?
cheers,
jerry
Written November 8, 2019
you only need to purchase the park permit(like a entry ticket) but no more mountain permit. The national park authority changed the policy.
Written February 2, 2020
Athens_Khant
Taichung, Taiwan
Hi,
I want to go Zhuilu Old Trail for hiking. How can I contact with the guide name William. Thanks
Written April 1, 2018
Sorry, read your message today, you must came back from the trip, hope you had a great time.
We visited Zhuilu by ourselves so we don't know any tour guide.
Written April 30, 2018
I've read much of the trail is currently closed due to damage. Is the trail currently a loop or an "out and back" hike?
Written January 4, 2017
out and back for the first 3.1 km of the overall 10km hike.
Written January 4, 2017
到太魯閣的官網申請 還要去警政署還是什麼的申請入山證 附近不好停車 不過有時候會看到有人違停
Written December 1, 2016
kitti S
Thailand
Hi,
Is the trail fully open? or we have to return the way back? Still can't start from Cimu Bridge?
Thank you,
Written September 20, 2015
When I was there in April 2015 the trail was Not fully open you return to your starting point. The guard at the starting point keeps track of your departure and arrival. I
Written September 21, 2015
My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Hualien at the end of March for a couple of nites. We would like to do the Zhuilu Old Trail. We're both in relatively good shape, but wondering if we need to have a tour guide? Does anyone know if it's beneficial or mandatory to have one? Thanks!
Written February 27, 2015
Hi!!
No need to have a guide and it is not mandatory. It is not as difficult as they, being the main issue the narrow path in a small part of the trail. it may be a problem for the ones who really suffer of serious vertigo.
Enjoy the trail!! :)))
Written February 28, 2015
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