Hiking Victoria Peak is a fantastic experience, since you suddenly transport yourself from an uproar-filled metropolis to a tropical silence. On the way to the top, you’ll be able to capture incredible landscapes of Hong Kong Island, enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city and its surrounding areas.
What really makes a difference is the lack of any noise during the Victoria Peak hike. It’s a steep but beautiful walk up to the peak, located 396 above sea level (and 428 with Sky Terrace). Victoria Peak is also known as Mount Austin. Here is everything you need to know before embarking on this hiking adventure.
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Starting point for hiking Victoria Peak.
Victoria Peak is located on the Hong Kong Island, which is easily accessible by MTR from the mainland.
STARTING POINT: The most common starting point for the Victoria Peak hike is at the Peak Tram Lower Terminus, located in Central MTR station – firebrick red line. Arriving by subway (MTR), get off at Central Station. The Peak Tram Lower Terminus is easily reachable on foot from the MTR Central Station or by public transportation.
You can visit Central Market before starting your hike to grab coffee and some snacks. This is also a popular place to get some nice souvenirs. From there follow the signs for elevator – I know it sounds funny – but you’ve got to do it – it’s probably the longest elevator you’ve seen (there’s one longer in China..!).
Once you’re done with riding the stairs, you are ready to hike up. It’s a pleasant walk at the start, turning into a very steep road in the upper section among the skyscrapers.
Victoria Peak trail.
The main trail to Victoria Peak is known as the Peak Circle Walk. It is a well-maintained and marked path that takes you around the circumference of Victoria Peak. It is one of the easiest hikes in Hong Kong leading along an asphalt road. It still requires some level of physical fitness, but it is suitable for most hikers, including families with children. It’s advisable to wear comfortable light clothing.
The trail is approximately 3.5 kilometers long, and hiking Victoria Peak takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the time you spend admiring the views. There are no shops on the way, so I advise taking water with you as it gets humid among the beautiful lush tropical forest (it was humid even in winter month of February). There are toilets on the way to the top.
Hiking via the Old Park Road.
To get to Victoria Peak, follow the Old Park Road. During the first half of the hike, you’ll see a lot of locals who stick to a more active lifestyle – hiking, running or walking the dog. It is actually very interesting to see the districts on the way to the top.
The higher the skyscrapers are located, the more expensive the apartments are for two reasons: the view and the silence.
During the second half of the trail, you will be able to admire the amazing Hong Kong skyline. Shortly, the tram upper station is visible from the trail. Last few sections of stairs and you are at the buzzing top again!
How to get to Victoria Peak?
There are 3 ways to get to Victoria Peak:
- HIKING Victoria Peak via Peak Circle Walk,
- TAKING HONG KONG VICTORIA PEAK TRAM, the historic funicular railway that takes you up to Victoria Peak from the Peak Tram Lower Terminus in Central. You can choose between a single or round trip on the Peak Tram,
- GETTING A BUS or TAXI: Alternatively, you can also reach it by taking a taxi or bus to the Peak Galleria, which is located near the entrance. You can book your transportation in advance at very affordable prices with gettransfer.com.
Sky Terrace 428 - the highest viewing platform in HK.
Once you reach the top, there are many hiking trails from Victoria Peak:
- You can continue the Peak Circle Walk
- Lung Fu Shan Country Park is 45 minutes from the Peak Point.
- Sky Terrace 428, short walk from the Peak sign.
Hong Kong view from Victoria Peak.
The most popular hiking trail from the top of the mountain leads to the Sky Terrace at the level of 428 metres above sea level, which is the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong and one of the highest outdoor observation decks in the world, revealing a breathtaking view of the Hong Kong skyline.
If you are going by tram, it takes only several minutes to get to the top; however, there are often long queues to get to the tram.
The Sky Terrace 428 is a must-visit attraction. The best option is a combined ticket Victoria Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Ticket in Hong Kong, which can be booked on Klook. Klook dominates with best offers on major attraction in Hong Kong, since its HQ is based there. If you are planning to visit other attractions in Hong Kong – Klook Pass Hong Kong is a great saving choice – one pass for multiple experiences.
Hong Kong off beaten path.
Once you’ve done hiking Victoria Peak, you can continue discovering Hong Kong off beaten paths – check my Unique Hong Kong travel guide for first-timers for real adventure. My highest tour recommendations for Hong-Kong:
- Luxury Yacht Experience from Victoria Harbour HK Night Cruise (Unlimited snacks and drinks + Victoria Harbor photography) – my no ONE! Loved it.
- Tiket Hong Kong Disneyland Park
- Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket in Hong Kong
- Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck Ticket
- Hong Kong Day Trip – Landmarks Visit (2024)
- Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
Bus to Victoria Peak.
To get to Victoria Peak by bus from Central Hong Kong, bus no 15 is a great option. It departs from the Central Ferry Piers (Pier 5) and takes you directly to the Peak.
Going back from the Victoria Peak.
After hiking Victoria Peak you can visit the huge shopping Gallery located at the top, hosting many restaurants and souvenir shops. Again there are several ways to get back from Victoria Peak.
GREEN BUS: A small green Bus no 1 (running every 15-20 minutes) or big bus no 15 will take you back to the Central MTR Station, unless you choose to hike back. The bus ticket is very cheap, costs around 11 HKD. All buses depart from the bus station located below the gallery building. You can also take the tram back, if you really want to experience it.
Continue your adventure in Hong Kong:
Incredible Kowloon Peak hike – the Suicide Cliff over Hong Kong.
I have to say this hike was one of the greatest adventures I’ve had in Southeast Asia, but read this
Hong Kong 3-day itinerary for adventurous travelers.
Hong Kong is one of the busiest and most populated cities in the world but it’s an amazing bustling metropolis.
Chasing the best view of the Hong Kong skyline.
Hong Kong skyline amazes, at day and night time, with a magnificent display of modern architecture, soaring skyscrapers, and stunning
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