How to hike the Lantau Trail
Overview
Length: 70 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 3059m
Difficulty: 4/5
Recommended Hike Plan
Day one will have you climbing two peaks in succession, so be sure you're stocked with plenty of water and prepare by reading our recommended Hike plan below, beforehand!
Day 1
13.5km - 7.5 hours
Stage 1 - 2.5km (1 hour)
Mui Wo - Nam Shan
Markers L000 - L005
You might look at this section and scoff at the fact that it’s mostly along the road and only one hour long, but this is just the warm up, as you will be required to tackle the second and third tallest peaks in Hong Kong (Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak) in succession, across stages 2 and 3 after this. Those in need of the toilets better take advantage of the facilities at the end of this trail, as there won’t be any until you get to Ngong Ping 360 at the end of stage 3.
Stage 2 - 6.5km (3.5 hours)
Nam Shan - Pak Kung Au
Markers L005 - L018
The climb up Sunset Peak, also known as Tai Tung Shan, is not too steep, however, there is little to no shade on the way up, so be sure to have plenty of water and sun protection on you, as there are no points to refill your bottles along this stage. Once at the top, you are rewarded with stunning views across the silver grass valleys and neighbouring peaks, and like the name suggests, it’s a great spot to catch the sunset.
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Stage 3 - 4.5km (3 hours)
Pak Kung Au - Ngong Ping 360
Markers L018 - L027
Almost as quickly as you make the steep descent down from Sunset Peak, you will start to make the climb up to Lantau Peak - the highest publicly accessible summit in Hong Kong, also known as Fung Wong Shan.
The initial climb is relatively gentle, but has several steeper climbs, made easier thanks to well laid paths and steps. A majority of the path is unshaded, meaning you’re exposed to the elements - whether that’s the gruelling heat from the sun or chilling winds! Be sure to pack and dress accordingly.
Take a a quick pitstop at the top of Lantau Peak, and enjoy the views of Big Buddha and Wisdom Path down below. Just be sure you have enough energy to get yourself down the hill, as you make yet another steep descent, this time towards Ngong Ping 360.
Here you can top up on refreshments from the many tuck shops and kiosks, and hail a taxi home.
Day 2
14km - 5 hours
Stage 4 - 4km (1 hour)
Ngong Ping 360 - Sham Wat Road
Markers L027 - L035
This section is relatively short and is considered an interim trail between stages 3 and 5 of the Lantau Trail.
Aside from a few steps, a majority of the trail heads downhill, and takes you around the Big Buddha where you will get unobstructed views of the bronze statue.
Hit the stores and facilities before you head down Ngong Ping Road, and join Sham Wan Road for the start of section 5.
Stage 5 - 7.5km (3 hours)
Sham Wat Road - Man Cheung Po
Markers L035 - L050
The walk climbs up and around Kwun Yam Shan, though doesn’t take you up to the peak. It then traces the tops of the main Lantau ridge, as you snake up and down peaks.
The trail has very little coverage, but you are treated to rolling views of thick, luscious vegetation across both sides of the island, before descending down towards Man Cheung Po Campsite.
Stage 6 - 2.5km (1 hour)
Man Cheung Po - Tai O
Markers L050 - L055
The last section of this trail is down a steep, concrete path and leads you to the outskirts of Tai O, also known as “Venice of Hong Kong” for its stilt houses built over waterways, and is worth the detour just to soak up the history and culture of this remote fishing village.
Though remote, there are plenty of transportation options in Tai O with a bus terminus, taxi line and ferry pier to take you back to Mui Wo or Tung Chung, thus concluding day two of our recommended hike plan.
Day 3
22.5km - 7.5 hrs
Stage 7 - 10.5km (4 hours)
Tai O - Kau Ling Chung
Markers L055 - L076
Day three kickstarts with a walk along the south west of Lantau. Although the longest section of the Lantau trail, this stage is a relatively easy and flat walk, passing several secluded beaches and viewing spots.
As you reach Fan Lau Tsuen about three-quarters of the way in, you will have the opportunity to stop for some light bites and drinks at the local store and use the facilities before you make your way towards the Southwest Lantau Marine Park at the end of this trail.
Stage 8 - 5.5km (1.5 hours)
Kau Ling Chung - Shek Pik
Markers L076 - L087
This whole section follows a concrete path along a water catchment, and although not the most exciting in terms of terrain and views, the path is relatively shaded and well-maintained, making it easy to tackle.
It eventually comes out at the Lantau Country Parks Board in Shek Pik, where you will have access to toilets before you continue on to stage 9.
Stage 9 - 6.5km (2 hours)
Shek Pik - Shui Hau
Markers L087 - L100
This part of Lantau trail is relatively easy and flat, first following Shek Pik reservoir, before turning out onto the peninsula, offering views of the coast. You will pass two campsites, Shek Lam Chau and Lo Kei Wan, each with their own beaches, and the latter offering a final toilet stop before, before you head inland towards Shui Hau Village. Here, you will have access to the Shui Hau Inn Store, where you can grab some snacks and refill your water bottles, before continuing onto section 10.
Day 4
20km - 7 hours
Stage 10 - 6.5km (2.5 hours)
Shui Hau - Tung Chung Road
Markers L100 - L113
You will be glad to know that this section, similar to section 8, is a relatively easy walk and follows a catch water along a concrete path.
The only catch is you have to climb uphill from Shui Ha to start, and the trail its also used as a biking trail, so watch out for bikers!
Stage 11 - 4.5km (1 hour)
Tung Chung Road - Pui O
Markers L113 - L122
Section 11 is a continuation along Old Tung Chung Road, following the concrete path along the catch water. It is mostly a gentle hike, until you make the steep descent down to Pui O, where you will have a selection of stores and cafes at the village and near the beach, to top up on water and use the facilities.
Stage 12 - 9km (3.5 hours)
Pui O - Mui Wo
Markers L122 - L140
This final section will have you traipsing through a mostly shaded and well-maintained trail, with pleasant views over Pui O to start.
Though challenging at times with climbs over a couple peaks, including Radio Hill, this final section is manageable, with plenty of bars and restaurants to greet you at the end for a celebratory meal and drink, before the ferry ride home.
You’ve also just completed the third longest trail in Hong Kong, which is worthy of a medal!
Start the challenge!
Earn a Real Medal!
If you have read this far it means you are ready to start trekking!
At Trail Challenger we believe that no matter how long it takes you, completing the Lantau trail is an epic achievement, and you should be rewarded with a real medal. The challenge is designed to help you hit your fitness and adventure goal.
It's very simple. Download the app and start the challenge. The app will track your progress and, in a very satisfying way, change the trail from purple to green and show your percentage progress as you hike. When you hit that elusive 100%, we will send you a medal in the post to signify your achievement.
