"Tali Tatung Trail" Ta-li by kenmerk

Ta-li Travel Guide: 13 reviews and 14 photos

This challenging trail heads straight uphill from Higway 9 to two small aboriginal villages that are high up in the mountains that overlook Taroko Gorge. (Tali and Tatung)

Although warned by the locals that the villagers up here were once proficient head hunters (Atayal Tribe), we did not encounter any hostile natives. The only hostile encounter that we had was with two rock monkeys that ran across the path about 5 meters in front of us. The monkeys screeched at us from the trees, as it seemed like we were infringing on their turf...

If the weather is clear, there are excellent views along this trail. Just be prepared for a strenuous hike...

Note: If you are making this hike in one day, I would recommend ascending from the Visitor Center side, and descending to Sanchienwu, which is at the end of the Mysterious Valley Trail. You can then follow the Mysterious Valley trail back to it's trailhead, and walk through the new highway tunnel back to the Taroko Visitor Center. This route will allow for a nice long cold soak in the Shakatang river after completing this difficult hike.... (This routing should take about 5-6 hours at a moderate pace.)

Last visit to Ta-li: Aug 2002
Intro Updated Nov 2, 2003
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Reviews (13)

U cant see them, but they can see you... - Ta-li

Monkeys, Monkeys, Monkeys... Favorites (13)

Though I wasn't able to get clear picture this time around, there are definately monkeys up in these here hills...... more travel advice

Heading Downhill... Favorites (13)

Heading back down hill to the Shakatang river, you will likely need at least a walking stick for support, as the trail... more travel advice

Atayal Tribe Favorites (13)

The local tribe that inhabited the rough terrain of this area was the Atayals... They were famous for three things: (1)... more travel advice

Swimming Hole Favorites (13)

Finally something to celebrate, a clear water stream with swimming holes which are perfect for cooling off and washing... more travel advice

Comments (12)

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pepples46 Oct 13, 2004 at 10:14 PM

when you are not in the water, then you're like a mountain goat, up, up, up.......fantastic trail, looks so untouched by the outer world. thanx for sharing Kenny
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Guantanamera Nov 26, 2003 at 10:08 PM

I can live with missing the Taj Mahal, but I can't believe I missed the Big Pine Cone! Great updates, Ken!
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yen_2 Nov 23, 2003 at 10:38 PM

Another interesting to do for a day, Ken! The bamboo trees sure looks very nice..Very great stuff all in all!
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Bwana_Brown Nov 23, 2003 at 5:38 PM

An excellent page - really good stuff and great photos! I would not worry about the head-hunters - they were not all that bad in Papua New Guinea! Oh, by the way I just wanted to say "Gungga gulunga mmmm"!
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Imbi Nov 22, 2003 at 8:33 PM

wonderful place
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Geisha_Girl Nov 18, 2003 at 9:55 PM

Headhunters??!! I grew up with Headhunters! They were carved in mahogany and on display in my parents' Living Room. For years I thought they were part of the family! I thought everyone owned headhunters in their home!
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manuelEB Nov 15, 2003 at 6:31 AM

It sounds like a nice destination. Thanks for sharing
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andal13 Nov 11, 2003 at 8:59 AM

"Actually the one that concerns me the most (Besides running out of beer, of course) are the bees..." Running out of beer or bear? I always mix up these words... ;-)
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tpangelinan Nov 8, 2003 at 7:37 AM

Never heard of piosonous bees! Way tooo many steps for us, we'de be done before the first step! LOL Great job again Ken! :o)
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jenniferchin Nov 5, 2003 at 1:32 AM

Do you think Taiwanese love Led Zep ? :-) Amazing pages (as expected :-p) with pretty pics .. Thank you !