Hiking Victoria Peak is a fantastic way to experience the natural landscape of Hong Kong Island, enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city and its surrounding areas. What really makes a difference is a lack of any noise – you suddenly transport yourself from uproar metropoly to a tropical silence.
It’s a steap but beautiful walk up to the peak, located 396 above the 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 easy accessible by MTR from the mainland. The most common starting point for the hike is at the Peak Tram Lower Terminus, located in Central MTR station – firebrick red line. Arriving by subway (MTR) get off at Cetral 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 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.
The road to Victoria Peak.
The main trail to the peak is known as the Peak Circle Walk. It is a well-maintained and clearly 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, hiking Victoria Peak takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, depending 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 really humid among beautiful lush tropical forest (it was humid even in winter month February). There are toilets an the way to the top.
The Old Park Road.
During first half you’ll see a lot of locals who stick to 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 more higher skyscrapers are located the more expensive the apartments are for two reasons: the view and the silence.
During second half of the trail you will be able to admire 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 reach Victoria Peak?
There are 3 ways to reach Victoria Peak:
- HIKING the Victoria Peak via Peak Circle Walk,
- 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,
- 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 that point:
- 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.
Most popular trail 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 breathtaking view of the Kong Kong skyline. If you are goig by tram, it takes only several minutes to get you 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.
Check my Unique Kong Kong travel guide for first-timers for real adventure. My highest tour recommendations for Hong-Kong:
Going back from the Victoria Peak.
There is a huge shopping Gallery at the top of Victoria Peak with lots of restaurants. Again there are several ways to get back from the Victoria Peak.
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.
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Continue your adventure in Hong Kong:
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