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Victoria Peak Circle Walk In Hong Kong: Ultimate Guide

Victoria Peak Circle Walk In Hong Kong: Ultimate Guide

The Victoria Peak Circle Walk is one of the simplest hikes in Hong Kong but offers some of the most spectacular views. For that reason, it is up there as one of the most popular hikes in Hong Kong and is accessible for all levels of hikers including children, elderly and even dogs!

a person sitting on a rock overlooking a city.

VICTORIA PEAK HIKING GUIDE

In this blog post, I’ll share everything you need to know about the Victoria Peak Hike including where it is, how to get there, and when it’s best to visit.

VICTORIA PEAK HIKE CIRCLE DETAILS

  • Hike Distance: Once you take the tram to the top, the Victoria Peak Circle Walk is just 4km in total.
  • Hike Duration: The 4km circular loop took me one hour but it will depend on how long you stop at all of the many beautiful viewpoints.
  • Hike Difficulty: Very low difficulty. There were children, elderly and people walking dogs. The trail was paved the whole way, had railings and very little incline.
  • Hike Incline: The Victoria Peak Circle Walk Loop had just 55m of incline. However, you gain all the incline on the tram-ride on the way up so you are still up high with a great view.

BOOK A VICTORIA PEAK TRAM TICKET ONLINE

You can book your ticket on the tram or take a bus up to the peak and then do a full lap of the circle-walk, which is 3km in total. If you are keen on the workout, you can walk all the way up through Long Fu Shan Country Park. I did both ways and enjoyed it twice.

a view of a city from the top of a mountain.

Victoria Peak Tram

  • Skip the line!
  • Includes Sky Terrace
  • Iconic Hong Kong view

WHERE IS THE VICTORIA PEAK CIRCLE WALK, IN HONG KONG

The Victoria Peak Circle Walk is a viewpoint that towers over Hong Kong Central. The circle-walk is a loop trail so it can be started at a variety of points and walked in either direction. Most people catch the Peak Tram or transport to the Sky Terrace or Peak Galleria to begin the walk.

The Sky Terrace and Peak Galleria are huge malls, which are at the summit. Sky Terrace has a rooftop viewpoint and is a great point to start and finish the Victoria Peak Circle Walk. I’ve marked that on the map below with a pin so you can plan how to get there, but I’ll give you more tips on how to get there in the section below.

 

You NEED the Octopus Card

TRAVEL TIP: In Hong Kong you NEED the Octopus Card to use public transport and ferries, which is how everyone gets around. Pre-Book your Octopus Card with a Pre-Loaded balance of 50HKD so you can pick it up at the airport (very easy) and then catch public transport straight to your hotel.

  • Conveniently ride the MTR, bus, ferry, coach, and tram with just a tap of your Hong Kong Tourist Octopus Card
  • Conveniently pick up your card with a preloaded credit of HKD50-100 at the Hong Kong International Airport

HOW TO GET TO THE VICTORIA PEAK CIRCLE WALK, IN HONG KONG CENTRAL

The Victoria Peak Circle Walk is connected to all modes of transport and is very easily accessible. The options below are common routes to reaching the Peak Circle Walk:

  • Ride up on the scenic Peak Tram
  • Take a taxi, bus or drive up and park in the Peak Galleria parking lot.
  • Hike up through Long Fu Shan

Riding the Peak Tram is the quickest and most scenic way to reach The Peak. This is the mode of transport I chose as it seemed to be all part of the experience. The tickets can be purchased at the Peak Tram Lower Terminus (33 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong). The tickets cost just 52 HKD as of 2019, which was about $7 USD.

Do note, at the sales counter they will try and upsell you to purchase a ticket for the wax museum and other attractions, which were a few hundred HKD. All you need for the hike is the return ticket for 52 HKD

You can actually purchase the return ticket online at Klook in advance and save 7 HKD for a total of 45 HKD per person. To book your discounted ticket online now you can Click Here.

You may want to consider purchasing a ticket for 99 HKD total including your return Peak Tram ticket. This one is more expensive because it give you entry into the Sky Terrace. I decided to wait till I reached the top, knowing I would be able to decide there once I saw the viewpoint and if it was worth it.

Turns out it is a good viewpoint, but there are many other great spots for free along the Lugard Road section of the trail. These are free, of course, and you can see from my photos I had a pretty good view of the city as it was without paying more to be at a crowded viewpoint. It depends on your preference.

You can purchase the return ticket online INCLUDING the Sky Terrace at Klook in advance and save 12 HKD for a total of 87 HKD, which is probably the best value pick. To book your discounted ticket online now you can Click Here.

MY 4 FAVORITE HONG KONG TOURS

Click the orange button below to view all of the top-rated tours on Klook

Klook.com

MY EXPERIENCE HIKING THE VICTORIA PEAK CIRCLE WALK, IN HONG KONG CENTRAL

I caught the train to the station near the Lower Peak Terminus and made my way to the sales counter. As I mentioned below, they tried to sell me tickets to the wax museum and a whole bunch of other stuff. I had to be firm that I just wanted a return tram ticket so be sure of what you want before you get into the sales counter and get pressured into looking at wax figures when all you wanted to do was enjoy a walk in nature.

I purchased the return tram ticket for 52 HKD, which ended up being pretty convenient and good value I thought. There are a few little views on the ride up but nothing compared to what you get on the Victora Peak Circle Walk loop.

When we arrived I was a bit shocked. There were two huge malls. I mean absolutely massive with fashion stores. I’m not sure who comes all the way up here to go shopping when there are unlimited shops at a ground level pretty much everywhere in Hong Kong.

After navigating my way out of the mall, I made it to the corner of Lugard and Harlech Road after asking someone where the Victoria Peak Circle Walk started. It’s not hard to find but it’s always good to double-check with a local.

You can head off in any direction but I highly suggest heading down left towards Harlech Road first. I visited in the late afternoon on purpose. This means you will finish along Lugard Road in the golden hour of sunset. I wanted to be looking out over Hong Kong Island and Kowloon during the golden hour.

So off I headed, my first hike in Hong Kong was off to a relaxing start. That was until I heard some rustling in the bushes. I didn’t expect to find much wildlife in Hong Kong, especially not within reaching-distance of a Gucci Store at the Peak Galleria.

Below and behold a huge wild boar was wandering around in the bushes. I would not have predicted that and managed to snap a few photos as proof. Can you spot his eyes through the leaves?

There were lots of people on the trail. A lot of them seemed like locals looking for an escape from the metropolis below. However, lots of tourists frequent this trail as well because of its accessibility and great views. It wasn’t overflowing but there were a few times I was alone on the trail.

The first half of the trail didn’t provide many wide-open views but the lush greenery was beautiful. Lots of small birds fluttered about, too quick for me. The trees were an odd combination of tropical, strong bush-style trunked trees and a bamboo forest.

After a couple of kilometers, I turned the corner onto Lugard Road and this is one I began to get glimpses of the city. This is why I had come to Hong Kong to explore the trails. I wanted to see the huge city, from behind the branches of trees and from mountain tops.

I continued along the trail of Lugard Road as I continually peaked through the gaps, admiring the city below. Often wide-open viewpoints with benches made it hard to continue walking. You need to stop many times along the way to appreciate the views.

As you can see below, the sun was slowly coming down over Hong Kong Island and Kowloon making it a bit tricky to shoot. However, my plan was to do a full lap of the Victoria Peak Circle Walk and then, because it’s so short, I would return to the best vantage point for sunset and night shots of the city lights.

After completing the loop, I looked up at the Sky Terrace and decided that the view from the Sky Terrace was no better than the views I had seen along Lugard Road. I also didn’t know how I would go launching my drone from up there with the crowds and security so I walked back a kilometer down Lugard Road. Below is a photo of the Sky Terrace.

At one of the viewpoints along the Victoria Peak hiking trail, I found a few rocks up in the trees and climbed up, perching myself in the forest as I waited it out until the sunset started to burn the city to a golden crisp. It was from up here that I flew my drone, shot my sunset city shots and also did my little timelapse setup to get a shot of the city lights. These are the results.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT VICTORIA PEAK

  1. Stunning Skyline Views: Victoria Peak offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Hong Kong’s skyline, Victoria Harbour, and the surrounding landscapes. The vantage point from the Peak allows you to marvel at the city’s glittering skyscrapers and the contrasting beauty of the natural surroundings.
  2. Peak Tram: The iconic Peak Tram is a popular mode of transportation to reach Victoria Peak. It provides a unique and memorable experience as it ascends the steep slopes, offering passengers scenic views along the way. Be prepared for queues during peak hours and consider purchasing tickets in advance.
  3. Peak Tower and Sky Terrace: At the top of Victoria Peak, you’ll find the Peak Tower, a distinctive architectural landmark. Within the tower, the Sky Terrace offers a 360-degree viewing platform that provides unparalleled views of the city. It’s a must-visit spot to capture stunning photos and appreciate the cityscape.
  4. Nature Walks and Hiking Trails: Victoria Peak is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a network of nature walks and hiking trails. These trails allow you to explore the tranquil side of the Peak, escape the city bustle, and discover hidden gems of nature within Hong Kong’s urban jungle.
  5. Peak Galleria and Dining Options: The Peak Galleria is a shopping complex located near the Peak Tower. It offers a range of dining options, including both international and local cuisine, where you can enjoy a meal while admiring the stunning views. It’s a great place to relax, shop for souvenirs, or indulge in a delicious meal.

By keeping these key points in mind, you can make the most of your visit to Victoria Peak, enjoying the unforgettable views, exploring the nature trails, and immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere that makes it a must-see destination in Hong Kong.

HAVE YOU READ MY OTHER HONG KONG ARTICLES?

a person standing on top of a cliff overlooking a city.

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN HONG KONG

  • Best Value Hotel: Metropark Hotel Causeway Bay4-star hotel for less than $100
  • Best Value Luxury Hotel: Hotel ICON$150 for a 5-star hotel with an epic pool
  • Best Hiking/Adventure Base: Hotel Stage –  Located in Kowloon and right next to lots of epic hikes.

Check out my full guide here: BEST AREAS TO STAY HONG KONG

a large swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas.

5 BEST HIKES IN HONG KONG

I wrote a massive guide about the 21 Best Hikes in Hong Kong, but if you are only in Hong Kong for a week or less here are the five most epic routes.

a man standing on top of a large rock.