Are you ready to hike the Peak? Then here’s everything you need to know to walk up Victoria Peak.
Victoria Peak is the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island and home to some of the most expensive real estate on the planet. It’s got unbelievable views of ocean, mountain, islands, and a hell of a lot of city.
Hiking Victoria Peak
If you’ve got the time and a good pair of sports shoes, you can boast that you climbed Hong Kong’s most famous mountain. Plus, it’s a great way to save money at the Peak.
This Victoria Peak hiking guide also takes you on two of the coolest forms of transportation in Hong Kong (the Escalator and the tram), just to throw in a little history and culture too. This route takes about 1.5 hours on the way up and 1 hour on the way down.
Pro tip: If you’re only interested in hiking one way, you can easily buy a one-way tram ticket via Klook.
How to get to Victoria Peak
Not keen on hiking? No worries. Most people actually get to this famous lookout spot via the historical Peak Tram, which has taken passengers uphill since 1888. There is also the Number 15 double-decker bus from Central which has also become somewhat iconic for its slow but scenic route.
Going up: The Central–Mid-Levels Escalator and the Morning Trail
A fun way to get to the top of Victoria Peak is via the Morning Trail. It starts with a ride on the longest outdoor escalator system in the world, followed by a 1km long hike with stunning views the whole way.
The Central-Mid-Levels Escalator
FreeApproximately 20 minutes
Your first stop is the Central–Mid-Levels Escalator. The escalator goes downhill from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., and then switches direction to go uphill from 10:30 a.m. to midnight. So aim to get to the Escalator at 10:30 a.m. or later, unless you want to climb hundreds of steps (speaking from experience).
You can join the Escalator at any point if you’d prefer to explore the streets below it first, but the start of it can be located next to the famous Don Don Donki store on Queens Road Central, a 5-minute walk from the Central MTR Station.
Pro tip: Alternatively, if you don’t have much time, you could pick up a taxi from the Central MTR Station and ask it to take you to 55 Conduit Road (a housing complex about 5-minutes walking distance from the start of the trail). Then you can start the hike from there.
The Morning Trail
Enjoy the ride up until you reach the very end which brings you out on Conduit Road. Turn right on Conduit, and walk about 15 minutes until you reach Hatton Road. Turn left onto Hatton, and you’ll soon reach the Lung Fu Shan Morning Trail entrance which follows Hatton Road (and, shortly after, a public toilet).
Pro tip: Don’t miss the chance to pick up a coffee and egg tart from the famous Bakehouse — it’s right next to the Escalator on Staunton Street.
Just after passing the Victoria City Boundary Stone, you’ll reach a small junction. Turn left to stay on Hatton Road. Once you reach the top of the mountain, Hatton Road meets Harlech Road and Lugard Road. Turn left onto Lugard Road and you’ll be rewarded with amazing views from the Lugard Road Lookout, as well as lovely shady paths lined with Indian rubber trees. Continue on Lugard, and you’ll reach the Peak Tower.
It’s not an overly strenuous walk but it is a constant incline. That being said, there are stunning views for almost the whole way up so there are lots of excuses to stop and catch your breath if you need to. If you’re keen to get more steps in, the path circles round the whole of the Peak so you can loop all the way round and enjoy the 360 degree views.
Getting back down: Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road
Approximately 45 minutesOne easy and beautiful hike down from the Peak is via Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, which is just off the Peak Galleria. This route goes down the western side of the mountain and deposits you in Pok Fu Lam.
The Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road is pretty easy to follow, once you find the entrance by the Peak Galleria. As you go downhill, you will come across a sign for Hong Kong Trail Section 1, but do not go on it — just stay on Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road.
Eventually the path meets up with the Pok Fu Lam Family Walk, which goes alongside the lovely reservoir, past a horse riding school, and down to Pok Fu Lam Road. Once on the road, cross the street and either flag down a taxi or take any bus heading downhill, such as the 7, 71, or 91. If you’re ready to go home and need to get on the MTR, get off at HKU Station and carry on home.
You can also easily go back down the Morning Trail and then jump on the MTR or a bus from Central.
Where to eat near Victoria Peak
Still got some energy? Hungry, or in desperate need of a cold Tsing Tao after all that sweating? Then get off the bus at HKU Station, and walk down Hill Road to the Shek Tong Tsui Cooked Food Market on Queen’s Road West. With awesome cheap eats (think round tables with plastic stools), this is a good place to rest your weary legs and recharge.
When you’re ready to go again, walk one block over to Des Voeux Road, where you can catch the tram, fondly called the “ding ding” by locals, due to its adorable bell. The tram may not be the fastest way to get around, but it sure is the most scenic.
Congratulations! You’ve now ridden the Escalator, conquered the Peak, and rode the tram, all in one day. Not bad!
Frequently asked questions about hiking Victoria Peak
When is the best time to hike Victoria Peak?
Not in the summer — the heat and humidity will destroy even the most seasoned of hikers. The path also gets very slippery when wet and HK gets a lot of rain in summer. The cool winter and spring months are ideal.
What should I bring when hiking Victoria Peak?
Lots of water, a hat, sunblock, mosquito repellent, and wet wipes.
What to wear when hiking Victoria Peak?
Sports shoes are fine; the path is all paved so hiking boots are not required.
What are other ways to get down from the peak?
If you reach the top and are too tired to hike down, you can take the Peak Tram down, or take the Minibus 1 or Bus 15 from the Bus Terminal at the Peak Galleria down to Central.
How long does it take to walk up to Victoria Peak?
Including the Mid-levels escalator, allow for about 1.5 hours. If you’re skipping the escalator, allow for 1 hour.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in May 2019. Last updated May 2024 by Holly Booth.
