A few tips for unsupported Eastern Taroko Gorge/Wu Ling Climb for October 2026

Sharing my experience climbing the gorge for other riders who would like to attempt.

There was an earthquake that hit the region in April 2024 which damaged much of the roads which required much repair work.
As of October 2026 the roads are open with restrictions and things a solo rider should prepare for.

Information online might not directly match what you will see on the ground on the day, but these are the general tips from my experience.

1. The route is either 88km(from the start of the gorge) or an addition 20km(from Qixingtan beach in Hualien, the OG Taiwan KOM start point)
2. The average gradient gradually gets steeper the higher up you go (total about 3500m of elevation gain), prepare your best gear ratio.
3. Temperatures fall ~0.6°C every 100m of elevation, resulting in almost 20 degrees drop when you reach the higher parts of the mountain (bring lightweight cold weather gear).
4. Many of the stores are closed due to the lack of business after the earthquake, so restock and carry the supplies you need from the last 7/11 at start of the gorge.
5. Careful of monkeys, you might get your food stolen like I did.
6. I did find an elderly couple selling canned drinks and instant noodles though which saved my life at this location https://maps.app.goo.gl/BpumyUvCNsq1XoTe9
7. There will be checkpoints at various parts of the mountain that have opening timings, when I was there it was 1.5h between openings for the various sections of the mountains https://www.taroko.gov.tw/en/titlelist/news(n)/4588.
8. Because of these checkpoints, if you want to attempt reaching the summit you should be at the first checkpoint as early as possible (opens at 6.30am) to make it to the next checkpoint at Tianxiang before the window closes at 8am as the next opening will be at 9.45am which I had to wait for.
9. The checkpoints might not be at their advertised spots depending on what works need to be done, so expect at minimum 17km and 460m of elevation before the Tianxiang checkpoint.
10. These checkpoints also have closing times on the way down, so reference the website before you go and ask the marshals on the way up so you can plan your uturn timing.
11. There was heavy traffic at about 3pm when I made my way down, so be wary of that. I was also caught at one of the checkpoints on the way down.
12. I turned around at the Bilu Giant Tree 1.30pm and made it to the bottom at 3.15pm, but this involved drafting cars on the way down so cater a bit more time. And you might get arm pump during the descent.
13. Bilu Giant Tree is closed, the CPC station should be open so you can use that as the next resupply point.
14. Public toilets are open which you can use.

Godspeed and best of luck!