4ever Discovering
HIKING THE GORGE-OUS TAROKO
The Taroko Gorge got me feeling like a lost boy- never wanting to go home !
We woke up in our hostel and slowly made our way down to get some breakfast. The hostel we stayed at had this cute little panda toaster with peanut butter and jelly! It was only a 7 minute walk from the train station and 10 minute walk from the bus stop. I know this isn’t a hostel review- but it was a good place, with nice restrooms and WiFi. I only wish the staff was a little more helpful with how to get places and stuff to do. We stayed at "On my Way".
We went to the bus station and bought a day pass. It was 250 NT, and lets you get on and off the shuttle bus (a coach bus) all day. It circles from Hualien to the Gorge and runs every 1 hour. The last bus is around 5 PM, do not miss it or you will have to take a taxi back to the city. The bus took about 1 hour to get to the opening gate of the Gorge.There are a total of 12 stops on the bus. We got on at the Hualien Bus station. The Gorge entry stop is Taroko Visitor Center. We didn’t get off until the 7th stop- which is the Shakadang Trail. We didn’t get out- well if we did, we got right back on because most of the trails were closed due to the typhoon that recently hit. That didn’t stop off from experience many views and walking along great paths!
The bus stops!
We started with the Shakadang Trail- it was at low level and you felt completely emerged in the Gorge, surrounded by walls of rocks mixed with marble. One of friends joked that if it was in North America it would have all been mined by now…. Everything was still damp and the air was thick which have it a mystical vibe, like something magical lives here. Since the water level was still high, there were tons of waterfalls, big and tiny ones. On the trail you get to walk along the side of the river, you witness amazing scenery. There are plenty of spots to get that perfect photo. Half way through, there was a sign and the rest of the trail was closed off, but on a nice day with no previous typhoon, you could have walk farther. It was an easy trail, suitable for most people. We were all dressed in hiking gear but there were people in all types of clothing, even heels and platforms. Whatever is comfortable for you!
The next trail we went to was Lushui. This trail was the opposite of the last, we got to see a high view of the Gorge. We got the views from the bottom and the top, it gives you a whole different feeling. When you’re in the Gorge at the same level, you feel apart of it, being higher, you feel like you are witnessing nature at it’s most amazing part. You can see trees, waterfalls, and mountains for miles. You feel so small. You start by going up these stairs and then you cross a few little bridges, then you get on some rocky road and you continue. Don’t worry, you’re going the right way. The real trail starts after you go through a really long dark tunnel. OK, I’m being a little over dramatic, but it was scary so I took out my Iphone flashlight…
Once you get out, you are walking along the cliff of the Gorge. There are waterfalls coming down the side. If you’re lucky like us, you get to walk right under one! Don’t worry, you were already stoked in sweat//water. You keep walking and you get amazing panoramic views. We all took a deep breath and screamed at the top of lungs- feeling so alive, so refreshed in this place. I’m so happy I got to share this moment with such amazing women!
The gorge made me feel like I was Tinkerbell in Neverland- countless waterfalls, the sound of the water rushing through the river. These are the moments when I knew coming to Taiwan was worth it.
This beautiful place is almost untouched by humans. It is well worth the trip to the east coast, even with the busy and crazy train/bus ride there.
I would recommend this place to EVERYONE, there are so many trails left to do, some of them you need permits. I will be going back very very soon.
Advice: Get to the Hualien Bus Station, buy a day pass from the grumpy clerk, bring some snacks and lunch and escape to Taroko Gorge!
