CENTRAL MOUNTAIN RANGE

CLIMBER’S FEAST

RIDE THE TAIWAN KOM ROUTE + THE MIGHTY TATAKA + DESCEND ALISHAN

May 24th - 30th 2026

5 STAGES / 372km / 12,540m

7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS

$2520 per person / + $275 Single Supplement

LIMITED to 14 RIDERS

ORGANISED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TAIWAN CYCLIST FEDERATION

We created this route because so many friends and other people who contact us want to do the Taiwan KOM route, but do not necessarily want to do the race itself.

Also, with the local authorities being wary of allowing mass participation events on the route in 2025 (cycling and running events were held there each year until recently), we simply do not know when the next KOM Challenge will be held here again.

However, you will be pleased to know that the entire route is open and that we, and many others we know, have ridden it recently and it has proven perfectly rideable and safe.

Then we started thinking… what about cramming a load more climbing into this route? So we added in Sun Moon Lake, then also the mighty Tataka and the high road over the saddle and onto the peak of Alishan, the third of this trio of fabled mountains.

This is the result. A challenging tour that still allows some rest and recuperation, yet is no doubt tough, and also extremely rewarding to those who come along.

12,540 meters over 5 days - an average of 2,508 meters per day.

Two support vans will be on hand at all times, and an absolute max of 16 riders, with one experienced guide per 8 riders. We have a lot of experience in managing groups and each day’s riding brings us to the door of the hotel, so those who wish to push ahead can do so.

COST: $2520 US per person ($275 single supplement)

6 nights / 5 days

RIDE DATA :

Days Cycling:  5

Distance:  372km

Elevation: 12,540m

What’s included:

• Airport Pick Up

• Transport

• 6 Nights Hotel

• 5 Days Breakfast & 5 Evening Meals

• Van Support

• 1 Guide per 8 guests

• Transport from Taipei to Hualien (D1) & from Taichung to Taoyuan Airport or Taipei (D6)

• Local Insurance

What’s not included:

• Alcohol

• Bike Rental

• Personal Insurance (a necessity)

ITINERARY:

DAY 0 (Night 1) / Arrive Taipei

May 24th /  Monday

Hotel Location: Taipei

No organised ride but we will be happy to advise on suitable routes in the area

Evening: Welcome Dinner

DAY 1  /  Stage 1: Transfer to HUALIEN & TAROKO GORGE

May 25th /  Tuesday

Hotel Location: Taroko Gorge

Distance & Elevation: 40km / 1000m

Estimated Duration: 3 hours 

Route: Taroko Gate - Taroko Gorge

Grading: Moderate

Meeting Point: Departure: Hotel Lobby 8am

Post-Ride: Free Time & Hotel Buffet Dinner

Ride Info: Mindful that the next day, we will be taking on the giant that is the traditional Taiwan KOM route, we will jump out of the vans at the bottom of the Gorge, and meander along up the first few KM of the route. This section, the first 20-35km of the climb, is almost unnaturally beautiful! Take your time, get some selfies, have a look at a temple or two, and really take in the uniqueness of Taroko Gorge,with is 1,000m cliffs and cobalt blue river that rages below. Those feeling frisky can ride more, but do be sure to some some gas for tomorrow, and the early start.

DAY 2 / Stage 2: TAROKO GATE - WULING

May 26th  /  Wednesday

Hotel Location: Ren’ai

Distance & Elevation: 84 km / 4200m / 5 - 8 hours

Route: Taroko Gate - Wuling

Grading: Moderate: Challenging / HC 

Meeting Point: Departure: Hotel Lobby 6:00am  

Post-Ride: Hotel Dinner

Ride Info: Early start here, so we will prepare breakfast individually to be eaten in our rooms. We look to start climbing at 6:30am. An immense day, a incredible one too, unforgettable. Accommodation is 25km down the other side of Wuling just above the township of Ren’ai. Those feeling sprightly are free to ride down. The vans will be along the roads at strategic points to hand out water, babanas, coffee, and you can pick up your gels there too. Hugs, needless to say, are also available and free!

Note that the elevation stated here is different than on Komoot and several other apps - we do not know exactly why, but this is the case. The top of the mountain is at 3,275m, but the two significant descents on the ascent leave us with around 4150m or so total elevation.

DAY 3 / Stage 3 / TAROKO GATE & GORGE 

May 27th  /  Thursday

Hotel Location: Hualien

Distance: Elevation: 60km / 1500m (pls note: Strava map shows incorrect elevation, it is 1500m not 3000m).

Estimated Duration: 5 hours inc. lunch stop

Route: Taroko Gorge

Grading: Easy / Careful on the descent

Meeting Point: Departure Time: Hotel Lobby 7:30am

Post-Ride: Dinner at an Aboriginal restaurant

Ride Info: We will transfer by van to Taroko Gorge and then ride up the KOM route, and descend afterwards. Enjoy the spectacular views of Taroko Gorge as you coast down the mountain to Taroko Gate, the entrance to the Gorge. This ride will familiarise you with the start of the climb and allow you to really take in the wonder of the Gorge. Those who wish to can ride along the beach road to the hotel afterwards, another 20km.

DAY 4 / Stage 4: HUALIEN - LIYU LAKE - HUALIEN / Or OFF

May 28th  /  Friday

Hotel Location: Hualien

Distance: Elevation: 62 km / 614m / 3.5 hours

Route: Hualien - Liyu Tan - Hualien

 Grading: Easy 

Meeting Point: Departure Time: Hotel Lobby 8am

Post-Ride: Free Time

Ride Info: For those who want to ride, a relaxed ride that takes in the biggest lake on the east coast, Liyu Tan, and a gorgeous rolling road on the way back, followed by a beachside bicycle path cruise. Note: a day off is also an option, in preparation for the following day’s KOM event.

DAY 5  / Stage 5:  The TAIWAN KOM CHALLENGE

May 29th  /  Saturday

Hotel Location: Taipei

Distance: 85 km (+20km for neutral zone)

Elevation: 3275 m

Estimated Duration: 5-9 hrs

Grading: Challenging / Hard (last 8km)

Meeting Point: Departure Time: Hualien hotel lobby 5am

Ride Info: The Big One! This is the must-do ride in Taiwan. The first 75km are a not-too-bad 4%, the last 8km though are where the effort really kicks in. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime event! We then drive to Taipei to check in and have out celebratory dinner. 

DAY 6 /  DEPARTURE DAY

May 30th /  Sunday

Info: The last day of the tour, where we will arrange transport to the airport. Please inform us of your departure times and flight numbers. For anyone thinking to stay on a few days in Taiwan, please let us know and we will assist you in any way we can.