FAQ

Q. Am I fit enough?
A. You need to be reasonably fit, with preferably some recent hiking experience in Taiwan’s mountains. This is a proper hike, there are no shortcut escape routes, and hikers must have a ‘sensible’ attitude to what they will have to do to make it a safe and fun experience.

Q.What does Barking Deer provide?
A. Meals (western-style) on Days 1-3, trail snacks, electrolyte (sports) drinks, class A permits, transport to/from Tainan/Hsiang-yang trailhead, accident insurance ($1,000,000), cooking gear/utensils, gloves, tents/sleeping mats, accommodation in hostel on first night if weather foul, emergency first-aid/rations/communications equipment (carried by leader), Barking Deer guide, photo/video record of trip.

Q. What is not included?
A. Dinner on evening prior to hike, personal toiletries/medicines

Q. How much does it cost?
A. $4600 NT. ($2000 deposit payable in advance, $2600 at meet up.) Application for permits, accommodation and insurance can not be started until we have received the deposit and a copy of your ARC/passport (note deadline). Should the trip be cancelled by Barking Deer (due to permit problems, typhoons etc) we will refund the deposit minus costs (approx $500) beyond our control, but offer this as credit for future activities. Deposit not refunded should you – the customer, cancel for any reason. Big discounts for mid-week/non-holiday ascents, contact us if you have a group ready.

Q. What do I need to prepare?
A. Most importantly your body, get in shape and do a bit of hiking in your boots. Read about altitude sickness here, anyone can get it, no matter how fit. Diamox is available in Tainan, ensure in advance it is suitable for you.
Good walking shoes, ideally comfortable broken-in hiking boots. Hat for sun, warm cap/ski mask for cold, light hiking pants, breathable stay-dry inner shirt (not cotton), at least 2 warm layers (fleece best), outer rain/wind jacket/pants (ideally Gore-tex type), medium-large size back-pack (60-80 L, should have waist belt), waterproof pack cover, warm sleeping bag, spare socks/underwear, waterproof bags for clothes, flashlight (headlight better), ID, health insurance card such as Taiwan’s NHI’s. If you are having problems securing any of these things contact us, we may be able to lend/rent you it.
Other things you may want are your camera, mp3 player (for those private anti-social moments, fully charged of course!), and lip balm.

Q. What else do Barking Deer need to know?
A. In addition to giving us a copy of your ARC/passport, tell us if you have any particular dietary (vegetarian, food allergies) or medical issues (confidentiality assured). On the trail do not hesitate to tell us if you are (or see others) feeling unwell/blisters developing etc.

Q. Will you carry my stuff?
A. No, not unless it is an emergency. Each hiker is responsible for carrying their own gear (let us have a look at it before leaving the car to ensure you are not carrying unneeded kitchen sinks), and a proportion of the group’s food.

Q. Do you guarantee to get me to the lake?
A. No guarantees – anyone who suggested so would be lying and/or irresponsible. We give you a very good chance of doing it.

Q. Is the mountain hut nice? Hot showers, TV, internet?
A. Err...practical, with good views…nice...not sure that’s the right word. Everything there has been carried up on porters’ backs. It consists of a couple bunker-like dorm rooms, of double level sleeping platforms. Everyone gets to know each other well, the good –sharing food, and the bad – snoring. Basic solar-powered lighting, no heating, TV, internet, massage chairs etc.

Q. Is the wildlife dangerous?
A. No. We will be looking for wildlife not avoiding it.

Q. Can I bring my dog along?
A. No, the national park will never allow poor Fido/Fifi.

Q. Will there be crowds of people to deal with?
A. No. It’s possible not to meet anyone if hiking during the week, never will it seem crowded.

Q. Will this really be fun?
A. Yes. We’re just getting all this serious info out of the way now.

Disclaimer to be signed before trip.