Tai Mo Shan: Hong Kong’s highest peak

With an elevation of 957 metres, Tai Mo Shan is the highest peak in Hong Kong. Together with the Sole Explorer, we started on New Year’s Day early to explore the mountain on the first day in 2022. We walked via Lead Mine Pass down to the Shing Mun Reservoir.

We called it a hike for a cause to support the victims of the devastating typhoon Odette, which hit the Philippines just days before Christmas 2021. Thanks to everyone who was a part of this unforgettable day. We had so many laughers, and I did enjoy every minute of that day! The recap you can see in this video.

How to get there

There are almost endless routes to the top of Tai Mo Shan. Here is first the way we took, which is relatively easy to follow.

• From the MTR station Tsuen Wan West (Exit D), walk to the bus terminal (around 10 minutes, just straight on the left side).
• From there, take bus 51 to the Tai Mo Shan Country Park. There you can start your hike up to Wo Tong Kong and Tai Mo Shan.

Details about the hike

We started our hike at Route Twisk. Once we arrived at Wo Tong Kong, we chose a pretty hidden trail up to Tai Mo Shan. The track is hidden in a silver grass heaven between November and January. For some, this path may be steep. I preferred this way, as it’s more challenging than the usual concrete road up to the peak. You will pass by a few giant rocks. Be aware that the top of Tai Mo Shan is fenced off. We followed the trail to the Lead Mine Pass and down to the Shing Mun Reservoir.

But there are plenty of other options to exit. Our total hike distance was about 14.9 kilometres, with a moving time of around 4 hours. The entire hike incline to the Tai Mo Shan summit was 683 metres only. However, the summit itself is the highest peak in Hong Kong at 957 metres above sea level.

Another option: Ng Tung Chai

You can, of course, also hike via the beautiful Ng Tung Chai waterfalls. But, I would propose to do this in the summertime or rainy season. At that time, the waterfalls are much more impressive. You can find my pictures and route description of the Ng Tung Chai hike here.

Duration and Difficulty

Well, we were hiking for six hours. But we took many pictures and rested more than once. The total moving time was around 4 hours only, down to the Shing Mun Reservoir.

The walk-up through the silver grass is challenging for some, as it is steep. But it’s safe. The hike to the Lead Mine Pass is flat and easy. Once you arrive at the end of the MacLehose Trail, you will walk down a concrete road to the Shing Mun Reservoir. Time to relax. Overall, I would classify the hike with a 3/10.