Points for attention when climbing Mt.Cilai

The weather on Taroko National Park’s Mt. Cilai is unpredictable and the mountain trails pass along precipitous cliffs. The many fatal accidents that have occurred on the mountain have even led to it being called "Black Cilai”!

To make climbing Mt.Cilai safer for mountain climbing enthusiasts and to also protect the eco-protection area from damage, Taroko National Park Headquarters would like to specially remind people of points for attention when climbing Mt. Cilai.

1. Mt. Cilai lies in one of the Park’s eco-protection areas. Entry requires a mountain entry permit from the police and also a park entry permit from Taroko National Park’s Conservation & Research Section. People should not enter the restricted areas if they do not have these permits.
2. The weather on Mt. Cilai is very changeable and it is common for the mountain to be shrouded in mist and for rain to fall before noon. The resulting rapid falls in temperature at high altitudes on the mountain can easily cause hypothermia to set in, therefore climbers should carry the correct equipment and have warm clothing. When a typhoon or earthquake strikes or the weather is bad, do not enter the mountain area.
3. The mountain trails are rugged and difficult. Please keep contact with other team members at all times. Do not walk alone. If you do, you run the risk of not being rescued in time if you have an accident.
4. Please carry your refuse and leftover food down from the mountain. Bury faeces properly to prevent pollution of the mountain’s natural environment.
5. Take care of the mountain area’s public facilities. If you find damaged public facilities, please inform the Taroko National Park HQ.
6. When you enter the mountain area, please leave your mountain entry permit and park entry permit in the trail head box so that, in the event of an emergency, park staff know how many people remain in the mountain area, and who they are, for reference in making follow-up decisions.

Taroko National Park Headquarters would like remind you that a little bit more preparation before climbing the mountain will reduce the chance of an unfortunate life-threatening situation occurring. While loving mountains, respect them too and get more from them. For any questions relating to mountain climbing in Taroko National Park, please contact Taroko National Park HQ’s Conservation & Research Section. Park entry permit applications can be made and inquiries made about climbing groups in the Park’s various mountain areas on any particular day through the Park website: http://permits.taroko.gov.tw/new/all.asp -Chinese website
http://www.taroko.gov.tw/TarokoPortalEng/5_4_0/Default.aspx -English website /Announcements and Regulations/ Fees and Permits

Translated by Kevin Lax
Source: Taroko National Park Headquarters