Difficulty Ranking

The hikes you find on Hiking Hong Kong have been ranked by us using our difficulty ranking. Please find a summary of these hikes below sorted by level of difficulty. To learn more about our difficulty ranking visit this page.

Star Ranking

Difficulty

Hiking Trail Summary
Hard Tung Chung Lantau Peak Loop via Big Buddha hiking trail scores maximum stars for both difficulty 

and enjoyment. You will be climbing a total of 1280 metres in height. This is no easy task, especially in the hotter, humid months. Your main challenge however will be hiking on a clear enough day to enjoy everything that this hiking trail has to offer. Taking you up, beneath the Ngong Ping 360 cable cars, the views are equal to that of the cable car views. On a clear day you will see the airport and possibly even Macau. Then there's the Buddha of course, followed by Lantau Peak and Shek Pik Reservoir followed by the many beaches along South Lantau Road.
Difficult Discovery Bay to Sunny Bay ranks in at 4 stars for both enjoyment and difficulty. The hiking trail is very difficult as it passes over several peaks on the way to Sunny Bay. It offers every view possible of Discovery Bay and great views of Disneyland.
Difficult Lantau Trail Stage 5 Reversed gets 4 stars for difficulty as total ascent is about 670 metres. One must also take into consideration that the start of this trail is the end of Lantau Trail Stage 6 Reversed, which adds a further 220 metres to total ascent. It gets 5 stars for enjoyment as it is predominantly off paved trails, offers a good range of various terrain and has great views of Lantau South Country Park, Soko Islands, Lantau Peak, Tai O and Shek Pik Reservoir.
Difficult Lantau Trail Stage 5 hiking trail gets four stars for difficulty as it is rather long and rises and falls over many mountain tops. It gets 5 stars for enjoyment as it is predominantly off paved trails, offers a good range of various terrain and has great views of Lantau South Country Park, Soko Islands, Lantau Peak, Tai O and Shek Pik Reservoir.
Difficult Lantau Trail Stage 3 gets 4 stars for difficulty as the trail is quite short and has a total ascent of less than 1000m. Don't be fooled though, due to the sharp incline and decline you will be stopping for a rest very often, unless you are super fit. Enjoyment ranks in at 5 stars as it is on dirt trails and offers great views of Lantau South Country Park, Soko Islands, Sunset Peak, Shek Pik, Tung Chung and Ngong Ping.
Difficult Lantau Trail Stage 2 Reversed scores 4 stars for difficulty due to the 470 meter ascent, which by the way is completed within the first 2km of this hiking trail. It scores maximum stars for enjoyment as it is 100% off concrete paths, it offers great views (on a clear day) of the Soko Islands, Chi Ma Wan Peninsula & Pui O, Tung Chung & the Airport, and Lantau Peak. It also gets you well away from the otherwise noisy Hong Kong.
Difficult Tung Chung to Discovery Bay gets 4 stars as the hike is quite long and the gentle slope to the maximum height of 465 metres takes quite a while. It ranks 3 stars for enjoyment as most of the trail paved and the views are nothing to rave about until you get to Discovery Bay, where on a very clear day you will be able to see Hong Kong Island and Victoria Harbor, as well as, of course, Discovery Bay.
Difficult Discovery Bay to Tung Chung gets 4 stars for difficulty as the initial climb really takes it out of you. It gets 3 stars for enjoyment due to the fact that a lot of it is on paved trails. Were it not for this, I would give it 4 stars as it offers some fantastic views of Discovery Bay, the Discovery Bay Golf Course, and it passes through some small villages.
Difficult Hong Kong Trail Stage 5 scores 4 stars for both enjoyment and difficulty. Difficulty just manages to get four stars as total ascent is over 400 meters. With total length at 3.7km however, Hong Kong Trail Stage 5 is one of the easier 4 star difficulty hiking trails. This section of Hong Kong Trail is rather short, yet it offers incredible views of Hong Kong Harbor and Tai Tam Reservoir.
Difficult Lantau Trail Stage 7 gets 4 stars for difficulty because although the trail has a maximum ascent of just over 300 meters, it is also very long which can be quite tiring. One must also take into consideration that at the end of this stage, you must continue onto stage 8 of Lantau Trail before reaching Shek Pik Reservoir where you can get on a bus or catch a Taxi. Enjoyment gets 4 stars as the hiking trail is filled with many forms of wildlife and takes you through various different terrains, as well as offering some fantastic views. The only thing holding it back from a 5 star enjoyment rating is that about 50% of the trail is along concrete paths.
Average Hong Kong Trail Stage 8 ranks in at 3 stars for difficulty as total ascent is minimal, although distance is considerable at 7.25km. It ranks in at 5 stars for enjoyment. Views from the Dragon's Back are exceptional of Tai Tam Harbour, Shek O and Big Wave Bay. Terrain is predominantly on dirt trails and takes you through different areas which offer different scenery. Unfortunately wildlife is a little scarce, perhaps due to the fact that this is a popular hiking trail.
Average Lantau Trail Stage 12 Reversed gets 3 stars for difficulty as maximum height reaches only 270 metres and most inclines are quite gentle. Enjoyment ranks in at 4 stars as the majority of it is along natural trails and you are likely to encounter some buffaloes along the way.
Average Tung Chung Loop via Ngong Ping 360 scores 3 stars for difficulty as it consists of some short steep inclines along the predominantly downhill stretch. It gets 3 stars for enjoyment as, although offering good views of Tung Chung and the airport, it consists mainly of paved footpaths, with the only alternative being wood decking, which is actually quite pleasant.
Average The Tung Chung to Mui Wo hiking trail gets 3 stars for difficulty as total ascent is limited to 240 metres. Due to the fact that this hiking trail is almost entirely concreted, it gets 3 stars for enjoyment. It offers some pleasant views along the way and the path is covered well with trees, making it quite peaceful.
Average Discovery Bay to Mui Wo Route 2 hiking trail scores 3 stars for difficulty due to the fact that maximum height is 275 metres. It gets 4 stars for enjoyment as it is a less popular route compared with the usual paved route known to locals of Discovery Bay, and therefore less traveled. It takes you through some lovely greenery and offers superb views when the weather is permitting.
Average Mui Wo to Discovery Bay Route 3. Difficulty ranks in at 3 stars. Although there are some steep sections, overall height is quite low. Enjoyment ranks in at 4 stars for this hike as the second half of the trail over the countryside really makes a difference to the usual concrete path that the traditional trail follows through the Trappist Monastery.
Average Tung Chung to Tai O hiking trail gets 3 stars for both enjoyment and difficulty. In terms of difficulty, the trail itself is quite easy, however it gets 3 stars due to the length - at 13.92km long, this is quite a trek! It passes through some small, interesting villages along a coastal trail, however most of it consists of views of the Airport.
3 stars Average Tai O to Tung Chung gets 3 stars for both enjoyment and difficulty. It passes through some small, interesting villages along a coastal trail, however most of it consists of views of the Airport. In terms of difficulty, the trail itself is quite easy, however it gets 3 stars due to the length - at 14km long, this is quite a trek!
Average Discovery Bay to Mui Wo Route 1 gets 3 stars for difficulty as the long continuous slope can be quite challenging. It also scores 3 stars for enjoyment due to the fact that it is 100% paved. If it were not, it may score 4 stars.
Average Lantau Trail Stage 7 Reversed gets 3 stars for difficulty as total ascent is limited to 180 metres. It gets 4 stars for enjoyment as it makes its way along the southern coast of Lantau Island, offering some great views and trail compositions along the way.
Average Hong Kong Trail Stage 7 ranks 3 stars for both difficulty and enjoyment. Mainly due to the length of this trail, difficulty ranks in at 3 stars. Were it not for the 6km stretch of concreted trail alongside a water catchment, this trail may have scored 4 stars for enjoyment due to the great views of Tai Tam Harbour and the abundance in wildlife.
Average Lantau Trail Stage 9 Reversed difficulty is quite low at 3 stars. Maximum height is limited to 60 metres with total ascent at about 220 metres as the trail snakes it's way over a few hills. The rocky terrain also adds to the difficulty factor a little. It gets a whopping 5 stars for enjoyment though. Even though it consists of 40% paved trails, the parts that are not paved are simply beautiful with spectacular views of Lo Kei Wan and the Soko Islands. Wildlife is abundant with birds, butterflies, lizards, snakes, spiders, frogs, cows; the list is endless!
Average Tennis Courts to Greenfield Court scores 3 stars for difficulty as overall height is quite low. It ranks 4 stars for enjoyment as it offers some great views of Discovery Bay and consists mainly of dirt trails.
Average Greenfield Court to Tennis Courts scores 3 stars for difficulty as overall height is quite low. It ranks 4 stars for enjoyment as it offers some great views of Discovery Bay and consists mainly of dirt trails.
Average Discovery Bay Lookout Loop scores 3 stars for difficulty as the initial climb is quite tough and may take a while. It also gets 3 stars for enjoyment, as although it offers some great views of Discovery Bay, that's about all it offers.
Average Discovery Bay Loop via Trappist Monastery gets 3 stars for difficulty as there is a short steep incline at the beginning which is quite draining. Enjoyment scores 4 stars as the views of Discovery Bay and Hong Kong Island are exceptional on a clear day. It also passes through the Trappist Monastery and several small villages along the way.
Average Discovery Bay Loop via Trappist Monastery Reversed gets 3 stars for difficulty and gets 4 stars for enjoyment as the views of Discovery Bay and Hong Kong Island are exceptional on a clear day.
Average Greenfield Court to Greenbelt Court in Discovery Bay scores 3 stars for both enjoyment and difficulty. Since it is a short trail, difficulty is reduced, even though the height exceeds 300 metres. The trail is rather short, it doesn't offer incredible views and it doesn't get you away from it all; however it does offer a quick trail for a local looking for a workout.
Average Greenbelt to Greenfield Court in Discovery Bay scores 3 stars for both enjoyment and difficulty. The trail is rather short, it doesn't offer incredible views and it doesn't get you away from it all; however it does offer a quick trail for a local looking for a workout. Since it is a short trail, difficulty is reduced, even though the height exceeds 300 metres.
Average Difficulty ranks in at 3 stars due to the 270m ascent for this hiking trail. Trail enjoyment ranks in at a whopping 5 stars for Hong Pak Country Trail Reversed. The trail offers a short hike of about 70 mins, fantastic views of Quarry Bay and surrounds as well as a wide selection of trail compositions, with a different perspective at every turn.
Average Hong Kong Trail Stage 4 ranks in at 3 stars for difficulty since the trail is quite long and quite steep in some sections. It scores 3 stars for enjoyment due to the fact that most of the trail is concreted. Views are however exceptional of Shouson Hill, Ocean Park and Wong Chuk Hang.
Average Hong Kong Trail Stage 3 scores 3 stars for difficulty and 4 stars for enjoyment. Difficulty comes from a total ascent of 240 metres. Enjoyment on this trail comes from the fact that it gets you well away from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong City life and that the trails are mainly composed of dirt and are tree covered. Unfortunately, however views are confined by the trees and therefore you may only get one or two glimpses of anything else.
Average Hong Kong Trail Stage 2 difficulty ranks in at 3 stars as the trail is predominantly flat, apart from the uphill section when heading towards Peel Rise. It is quite mediocre in terms of enjoyment as it is almost entirely on concrete paths and only offers some brief views of Pok Fu Lam near the beginning of the trail. Toward the end, however it does offer some great views of Aberdeen, and for this reason it gets 3 stars for enjoyment, rather than two.
Average Hong Kong Trail Stage 1 gets 3 stars for difficulty and 4 stars for enjoyment. Views are exceptional of Central, Sheung Wan and Pok Fu Lam and the trail itself is very lush leading through some beautiful scenery.
Average Lantau Trail Stage 6 Reversed hiking trail gets 3 stars for difficulty, however this stage could almost warrant 4 stars as it is very steep at most times and doesn't give you much chance for a break. It gets 3 stars for enjoyment mainly due to the views one can see to the left of the trail overlooking the mountainside and Tai O as well as the wildlife in the area.
Average Hong Pak Country Trail difficulty ranks in at 3 stars as ascent is only 140 meters, with total descent at almost twice that amount. It ranks in at a whopping 5 stars for enjoyment and tops our current list of hiking trails for enjoyment as difficulty is quite low at 3 stars. The trail offers a short hike of about 1 hour, fantastic views of Quarry Bay and surrounds as well as a wide selection of trail compositions, with a different perspective at every turn.
Average Lantau Trail Stage 11 Reversed gets 3 stars for difficulty as the maximum ascent is 140 metres. It gets 3 stars for enjoyment purely because 20% of it is enjoyable on dirt tracks.
Easy Difficulty ranks in at 2 stars as the hiking trail is predominantly flat, apart from the initial ascent. Trail enjoyment ranks in at 3 stars for Pottinger Peak Country Trail Reversed as it gets you away from the hustle and bustle, and it also offers some great views of Dragon's Back, Shek O and Big Wave Bay. Concreted paths result in a lower enjoyment ranking.
Easy Lantau Trail Stage 6 hiking trail gets 2 stars for difficulty as the trail is mainly downhill, however some of the downhill's are very steep and may be difficult to traverse if the weather is very humid or if it has recently rained as the rocks and footpaths are covered in moss. It gets 3 stars for enjoyment mainly due to the views one can see to the right of the trail overlooking the mountainside and Tai O as well as the wildlife in the area.
Easy Pottinger Peak Country Trail difficulty ranks in at 2 stars as the hiking trail is predominantly flat, with a significant descent at the end. Enjoyment ranks in at 3 stars as it does get you away from the hustle and bustle, and it also offers some great views of Dragon's Back, Shek O, Big Wave Bay, and Siu Sai Wan. Concreted paths result in a lower enjoyment ranking.
Easy Hong Kong Trail Stage 6 is predominantly downhill and along a paved trail apart from the final 25% of the trail. Difficulty therefore ranks in at a measly 2 stars. Enjoyment doesn't score much higher at 3 stars also due to the fact that a concreted path is not all that enjoyable. Surrounding trees are pleasant as is the 'natural air conditioning'. Views are limited to Tai Tam Reservoir and Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir.
Easy Peng Chau Loop 03 takes you through the local village and then via a cemetery of graves. This is a pleasant hiking trail with difficulty levels rated at easy, making this a quick, enjoyable hike. It lives up to its 3 star enjoyment rating by taking you on a complete tour of the northern side of Peng Chau Island, showing off views of Discovery Bay, Kowloon (on a very clear day), and the Disneyland Hotels.
Easy Peng Chau Loop 04 takes you through the local village and then via a cemetery of graves. This is a pleasant hiking trail with difficulty levels rated at easy, making this a quick, enjoyable hike. It lives up to its 3 star enjoyment rating by taking you on a complete tour of the northern side of Peng Chau Island, showing off views of Discovery Bay, Kowloon (on a very clear day), and the Disneyland Hotels.
Easy Peng Chau Loop 07 scores 2 stars for difficulty as it includes some gentle inclines. It gets 3 

stars for enjoyment as it includes some great views of Discovery Bay and gives you a good tour of the northern side of Peng Chau Island, including the grave site area.
Easy Peng Chau Loop 08 scores 2 stars for difficulty as it includes some gentle inclines. It gets 3 stars for enjoyment as it includes some great views of Discovery Bay and gives you a good tour of the northern side of Peng Chau Island, including the grave site area.
Easy Difficulty is almost non existant as the trail is predominantly flat. Enjoyment ranks in at 4 stars for this short 2.4km hiking trail. Quarry Bay Jogging Trail gets you away from the noise of Hong Kong, offers great views over Quarry Bay and Sai Wan Ho and leaves you with enough energy to return along the same route or to continue onto Hong Pak Country Trail.
Easy Difficulty is almost non existant as the trail is predominantly flat. Enjoyment ranks in at 4 stars for this short 2.4km hiking trail. Quarry Bay Jogging Trail Reversed gets you away from the noise of Hong Kong, offers great views over Quarry Bay and Sai Wan Ho and leaves you with enough energy to return along the same route.
Easy Lantau Trail Stage 8 Reversed difficulty ranks in at 2 stars as the ascent varies along the way. It gets 3 stars for enjoyment as it offers some great views of Tai Long Wan and the Soko Islands, however don't expect too much as the trail is 100% concrete.
Easy Lantau Trail Stage 8 gets 2 stars for both enjoyment and difficulty. Enjoyment can only be had by a glimpse of Soko Islands and some views of Lantau Peak towards the end of this section. Otherwise, wildlife is the only distraction from this catchwater concrete path that can be seen hovering along the catchwater. Some minor ups and downs along the way boost this trail to a two star difficulty.
Basic Difficulty ranks at 1 star for Lantau Trail Stage 10 as 90% of the trail is flat, and the remainder is uphill. Unfortunately, 90% of the trail runs along a catch water which is less than inspiring. Therefore it gets a measly 2 stars for enjoyment. The first 10% of the trail is worth seeing as it ascends through a lovely wooded area.
Basic Peng Chau Loop 01 is completely paved and very flat making it very easy in difficulty. It offers nice views of Hong Kong Island on a (very) clear day, as well as the Disneyland hotels and Discovery Bay. It therefore gets a 3 star rating for enjoyment.
Basic Peng Chau Loop 02 is completely paved and very flat making it very easy in difficulty. It offers nice views of Hong Kong Island on a (very) clear day, as well as the Disneyland hotels and Discovery Bay. It therefore gets a 3 star rating for enjoyment.
Basic Peng Chau Loop 05 is a basic trail that is quick to complete. It scrapes through on a 3 star rating for

enjoyment, purely due to the excellent views offered when walking through the graves at the top of the mountain.
Basic Peng Chau Loop 06 is a basic trail that is quick to complete. It scrapes through on a 3 star rating for 

enjoyment, purely due to the excellent views offered when walking through the graves at the top of the mountain.
Basic Victoria Peak Loop Trail difficulty ranks in at 1 star because the trail is almost totally flat and very short in duration at approximately 45 minutes. Enjoyment ranks in at 3 stars due to the fact that the trail is 100% concrete and is mostly flat. Although it does offer great views of Central and features some beautiful tree lined paths along the way, it is rather short and simple.
Basic Victoria Peak Loop Reversed Trail difficulty ranks in at 1 star because the trail is almost totally flat and very short in duration at approximately 45 minutes. Enjoyment ranks in at 3 stars due to the fact that the trail is 100% concrete and is mostly flat. Although it does offer great views of Central and features some beautiful tree lined paths along the way, it is rather short and simple.
Basic Lantau Trail Stage 10 Reversed is a poor excuse of a hiking trail. Difficulty ranks at 1 star as 90% of the trail is flat, and the remainder is downhill. 90% of the trail runs along a catch water which is less than inspiring. Therefore it gets a measly 2 stars for enjoyment. The last 10% of the trail is worth seeing as it descends through a lovely wooded area toward Shui Hau.
Basic Lantau Trail Stage 1 Reversed scores minimum stars for both enjoyment and difficulty. Walking down a road is less than enjoying especially with the frequent traffic on this road, and in terms of difficulty the road is mainly all downhill.

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