Tai Mo Shan hike: 5 ways to go up the Highest peak in Hong Kong

drone shot Wo Tong Kong to tai mo shan country park hong kong - laugh travel eat
  1. Dazzling… Dazzling Cafe
  2. 5 reasons why I ditched London and move back to Hong Kong
  3. Wine and dine at Stone Nullah Tavern
  4. Sai Kung rock pools: the 4 consecutive pools and falls
  5. The Ultimate Guide to a Sai Kung Boat trip
  6. 5 transportations to take in Hong Kong
  7. Top 5 dessert place of Hong Kong (as of Sept 2016)
  8. 5+ amazing Sai Kung beaches in Hong Kong
  9. The Ultimate First Timer’s info guide to Hong Kong
  10. The Ultimate Guide to visiting the Peak, Hong Kong
  11. Best Egg Waffle Hong Kong: tried and tested
  12. Best brunch Hong Kong: my top 5 western restaurant
  13. Night Hike in Hong Kong: Suicide Cliff, Kowloon Peak
  14. The Best Time to Visit Hong Kong
  15. Pineapple Mountain: a visit to the Hong Kong Grand Canyon
  16. Top things to do in Admiralty and Central Hong Kong
  17. The Best Place to Stay in Hong Kong for First Timers
  18. Alternative places to stay in Hong Kong
  19. The Ultimate Guide to Temples of Hong Kong (ALL free entry!)  
  20. Moreish and Malt Afternoon tea: a review
  21. West High Hill – an adventurous alternative to the Peak
  22. Ham and Sherry Brunch Review – Tapas in Hong Kong
  23. My top restaurants in Hong Kong
  24. Hiking Tsz Wan Shan: the most underrated view of Kowloon
  25. Bubble tea Hong Kong: a Laugh Travel Eat guide
  26. A Shop and Eat Guide to Mongkok Hong Kong:
  27. Tung Ping Chau Day trip: hidden Hong Kong
  28. Ninepin Island: the hidden hexagonal column paradise of Hong Kong
  29. Tai Tun Shan – the thousand islands view of Sai Kung
  30. 15+ most instagrammed place in Hong Kong that’s not the Peak and how to get there
  31. My 1 Day Itinerary in Hong Kong
  32. Best of Sai Kung’s nature: Lai Chi Chong, Sham Chung, and Yung Shue O hike
  33. MacLehose Trail Stage 4 – Shui Long Wo
  34. Wu Gau Tang to Tiu Tang Lung hike: Hong Kong’s mountain and bays
  35. Easy hikes in Hong Kong that aren’t Dragon’s Back
  36. Needle Hill Hong Kong – conquering the third sharpest peak
  37. High Junk Peak: hike the second sharpest peak of Hong Kong
  38. Lung Ha Wan Country Trail: a hike up Tai Tun Leng Hong Kong
  39. Sham Shui Po local guide: fabric, electronics, and food galore
  40. A local’s guide to Sai Kung Hong Kong
  41. Iris Hong Kong review: the annual yoga and wellness weekend festival
  42. A hike up Ma On Shan via Tiu Shau Ngam, Hong Kong
  43. Lion Rock Hike: how to hike up the iconic Hong Kong mountain
  44. Tai To Yan: a Hong Kong razor ridge hike
  45. Buffalo Hills: hike up rocky outcrops and silver grass in Hong Kong
  46. Robin’s Nest: hike between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
  47. Devil’s Peak: fortifications and urban views galore
  48. Qipao rental in Hong Kong: experience old Hong Kong charm
  49. Kai Kung Leng: the velvet trail of Yuen Long
  50. Tai O Hong Kong: a day trip from the city
  51. Hung Heung Lo Fung: shortest hike in Hong Kong with a view
  52. Top things to do in Lantau Island on a day trip (or two)
  53. Wo Yang Shan hike: frolic under Tai Mo Shan
  54. Things to do in Sheung Wan Hong Kong
  55. Things to do in Hong Kong at night
  56. Sheung Wan Restaurants: best eateries and cafes
  57. Cheung Chau Island: a Hong Kong day trip
  58. What to do in Hong Kong in 4 days – advice from a local
  59. Nui Po Shan: finding the phallic rock hike in Hong Kong
  60. Sharp Peak: conquering one of Hong Kong’s toughest trails
  61. Lui Ta Shek hike: a quiet hike in Sai Kung
  62. Hiking Middle Hill – a fly by from Kowloon Peak
  63. Kayaking in Sai Kung: where to rent and paddle to
  64. Green Egg Island – an unusual oasis in Sai Kung, Hong Kong
  65. Seeking Kam Kui Shek Teng, Sai Kung Hong Kong
  66. Ping Nam Stream: hidden waterfall in Hong Kong
  67. Madai Stream: chasing waterfalls in Ma On Shan
  68. Grass Island Tap Mun- a Sai Kung getaway
  69. Pak Lung Stream: a Lantau stream hike
  70. Top Hong Kong Staycation deals
  71. Ap Lei Pai adventure via Yuk Kwai Shan
  72. Po Kwu Wan: a hidden Sai Kung bay
  73. Wang Chung Stream: the most scenic waterfall hike
  74. Tai Shing Stream – seeking birds and dragons
  75. Basalt Island: an adventure in Sai Kung Geo Park
  76. Jin Island: a day trip to Tiu Chung Chau
  77. Rhino Rock Stanley: a short hike with a view
  78. Tsing Tam Reservoir and Ho Pui Reservoir: an easy hike
  79. Lantau Peak from Ngong Ping: the easy route
  80. Bluff Island: an island adventure in Sai Kung
  81. Lo Fu Tau Country Trail: a Lantau Island hike
  82. Wilson Trail Stage 4: Tung Yeung Shan – an unexpected silver grass heaven
  83. Middle Dog Teeth Ridge – Mid Kau Nga Ling up Lantau Peak
  84. Kau To Shan: the hidden hike in Fo Tan
  85. Lau Shui Heung Reservoir to Hok Tau Reservoir: a Fanling easy day hike
  86. Tai Mo Shan hike: 5 ways to go up the Highest peak in Hong Kong
  87. 10 best hikes Hong Kong
  88. Devil’s Fist – a Plover Cove Reservoir hike out Wong Chuk Kok Tsui
  89. Cape d’Aguilar Hike Hong Kong: a complete guide
  90. Violet Hill hike + Twins Peak
  91. Sham Shui Po Food: a tried and tested guide
  92. Thousand Islands: Reservoir Island viewpoint in Tai Lam Country Park
  93. Tai Tong: Hong Kong’s red leaves haven
  94. Mau Ping Ancient Trail: seeking the Vine King and Bamboo Tunnels
  95. Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden: a sustainable and education day trip
  96. Pat Sin Leng hike: conquering the 8 immortals peak
  97. Shek Uk Shan: highest peak in Sai Kung
  98. Nam Sang Wai: cycling to the Yuen Long scenic wetland
  99. Tsang Pang Kok Tsui: the hidden headline
  100. Seeking Devil’s Claw along Chung Hom Kok
  101. Things to do in Aberdeen Hong Kong
  102. Sok Kwu Wan: hidden Lamma Island
  103. Best Burgers in Hong Kong
  104. Wang Chau: Sai Kung’s hidden tombolo
  105. Yim Tin Tsai: the salt farming island of Sai Kung
  106. Top things to do in Tsim Sha Tsui
  107. Checkerboard Hill: a Hidden Kowloon hike
  108. Hidden Hindu Temple Fanling: low level urban exploration
  109. Shark Rock Hong Kong: a hidden Kowloon hike
  110. Cloudy Hill: the easy way to hike Wilson Trail Section 8
  111. Ngau Wu Reservoir hike: a quick trip to the forgotten Ma On Shan reservoir
  112. 134 hike Sai Kung: Sharp Peak-3 Peninsula-4 beaches
  113. Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls hike: Bali vibes in Hong Kong
  114. Little Hawaii Trail: easy waterfall hike with tropical vibes
  115. Maclehose Trail Section 3: Ka Kung Shan hike
  116. MacLehose Trail Section 2: Sai Wan, Ham Tin Beach, and Chek Keng
  117. Po Toi Island Guide: hikes, attractions, and where to eat
  118. Tsz Sha Ancient Trail: an easy hike between Shatin and Kowloon
  119. Easter Island Rock Hike: Sunny Bay to Discovery Bay on Lantau Island
  120. Fan Lau Trail: the southwestern most part of Lantau Island
  121. Shek Nga Tau: the hidden hill of Sai Kung

Tai Mo Shan is the highest mountain in Hong Kong and there are many ways to do a Tai Mo Shan hike. It stands at 957m, straddling Tsuen Wan, Tai Po, and Yuen Lo area with a spectacular view both north and southward. It literally translates as ‘big hat mountain’, but also phonetically close to ‘cloudy mountain’ which is a reference to the peak being shrouded by clouds.
There are many hikes in the whole of Tai Mo Shan country park, which means there are many ways of hiking Tai Mo Shan. I’m also going to cover how to go to Tai Mo Shan and five different Tai Mo Shan hiking trails in this Tai Mo Shan hiking guide.

Tai Mo Shan Hong Kong Essential Information

tai mo shan tai mo shan country park hong kong - laugh travel eat

Tai Mo Shan itself refers to the mountain but Tai Mo Shan Country Park consists of 1440 hectares that include several sub-peaks, one of which is Wo Yang Shan which is a great hike itself that starts all the way back in Tsuen Wan. Tai Mo Shan was once a volcano in the Jurassic era and the geology of the park are all igneous rocks.

rock-outcrop-heading-towards-tai-mo-shan-lookout-wo-yang-shan-hong-kong-laugh-travel-eat

Here are some frequently asked questions:

How High is Tai Mo Shan?

The Tai Mo Shan height is 957m, making it the highest mountain in Hong Kong.

Where is Tai Mo Shan?

The Hong Kong Tai Mo Shan is in Tsuen Wan, but the whole country park extends to Tai Po, too.

Can you drive to Tai Mo Shan?

Yes, there is a Tai Mo Shan Road that links to Road Twist. Near the junction is a visitor center where you can learn more about the park’s history and ecology, and there’s a car park next to it. They also run guided tours, but you should check their website for information regarding it under COVID-19.

Opening times: Weds – Mon 9:30 – 16:30

Address: near the entrance of Tai Mo Shan Country Park by Route Twisk

Can I get food at Tai Mo Shan?

There is a snack stand run by Aunt Lin by the Tai Mo Shan visitor center. If you end the hike this side, you can eat a bowl of her famous Tofu Fa as a treat.

They also sell other standard snack stand fares like fish siu mai and various drinks. She also has her own Facebook page.

Opening times: daily 8:00 – 18:00 (though it might be different under COVID)

Address: Hong Kong, Tai Mo Shan, 香港大帽山荃錦公路大帽山道

How to go to Tai Mo Shan from Tsuen Wan

Take the bus 51 which stops by the Tai Mo Shan visitor center. More on how to get to Tai Mo Shan below.

Where is the Tai Mo Shan hike starting point?

While there are many Tai Mon Shan hike route, a lot of them connects to McLehose Trail Stage 5, which is a concrete road. It leads to Road Twist, where there is a visitor center as well as the snack stand, and a bus stop. It’s a great place to start or end the hike – personally, I think it’s a better ending point.

Is hiking Tai Mo Shan difficult?

If you are looking for the Tai Mo Shan easy hike, 1 and 2 are both good choices, but it’s far easier to drive up there, park, and walk to the summit.

How to Get to Tai Mo Shan

The various Tai Mo Shan trails all have different starting and ending points, but since they converge on Tai Mo Shan, you can go up and down any of them as you like.

In general, you would start from either Tsuen Wan or Tai Po. The bus 51 that runs between Tsuen Wan and Sheung Tsuen going past the Tai Mo Shan Country Park bus stop on Route Twisk being the easiest way out. 

The Tai Mo Shan hike difficulty depends on which route you take – I’m going to start from easy to hard. The first two is very suited for a Tai Mo Shan drive!

1. Hidden Tai Mo Shan Hike

Note: you CAN’t go to the weather station at the top with this hike, but it’s gorgeous to hike between November – January.

drone shot Wo Tong Kong to tai mo shan country park hong kong - laugh travel eat
On the western slopes of Tai Mo Shan

While most hikes to Tai Mo Shan aim to arrive on MacLeHose Trail stage 8, which is a concrete trail, there’s a hidden hike that’s perfect for silver grass lovers. To hike this route, it’s fastest to go up from Route Twisk until you reach Wo Tong Kong (702m).

As you go past the bend from Wo Tong Kong, there’s a small hill that’s almost like a platform to the right where people can admire the view.

Right across from it is an obscure path that leads up to Tai Mo Shan on the western side. It’s a bit hidden and a silver grass heaven from November to almost January.

This trail is pretty steep, first going up in shrubbery then a narrow path marked by a few lone trees in the middle. There are ribbons to follow and pretty quickly it would emerge into a sea of silver grass.

There are a few giant rocks that act as an interesting landmark and after the last one, the peak is in view and you can see towards the western part of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island clearly, as well as all the way to Shenzhen behind.

panorama from the top Wo Tong Kong to tai mo shan country park hong kong - laugh travel eat

As mentioned before, the top of Tai Mo Shan is fenced off.

final stretch Wo Tong Kong to tai mo shan country park hong kong - laugh travel eat-4

There seemed to be a trail that can loop back to the front, where you can probably join up to MacLehose Trail Stage 8, but we opted to go back down as it is faster and easier.

How to get there: you can take the bus 51 to Tai Mo Shan Country Park and hike up, or drive all the way up. Do note that parking space is limited, and it’s best to get there early. Alternatively, there’s also a parking lot just past the Tai Mo Shan Lookout entrance to the right as you drive in that’s easily missed.

Time taken: 2 hours to and from Wo Tong Kong, add 1.5-2 hours from the bus stop

Difficulty: 3/5 as long as you wear proper hiking shoes

Pros: exceptional density of silver grass and relatively crowd-free

Cons: the trail is overgrown and you have to retreat the same way

2. MacLehose Trail Stage 8 Tai Mo Shan hike

The MacLehose Trail Stage 8 refers to the stretch between Lead Mine Pass in the east to Route Twist on the west, and is another popular way to hike Tai Mo Shan. It’s also the Tai Mo Shan sunrise hike route since it’s easy to hike in semi darkness.

You can hike it in either direction, it actually starts with the Wilson Trail stage 7, going up from the Tai Po side to Lead Mine Pass.

kowloon and hong kong island from the top Wo Tong Kong to tai mo shan country park hong kong - laugh travel eat

The MacLehose Trail stage 8 starts from there, going past Sze Fong Shan to Sze Fong Shan Au and up Tai Mo Shan.

How to get there: take the minibus 23K from Tai Po Market station to end stop San Uk Ka, then hike south along Wun Yiu Road until you find W087 which marks the start of Wilson Trail that goes up to the Lead Mine Pass, where it joins the MacLehose Trail Stage 8.

3. Ng Tong Chai Waterfalls Tai Mo Shan Hike

The Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls starts at Tai Po and goes up to Tai Mo Shan via Sze Fong Shan Au, approaching the Tai Mo Shan from the east side.

It’s a scenic hike that leads you past four waterfalls along a jungle-like trail with a stone-paved path mostly in the shade. The four waterfalls are Bottom, Middle, Main, and Scatter, although there are a few others along the stream, too.

From the junction at the top of the hike, you can continue up to Tai Mo Shan. It’s a long hike up to the Sze Fong Shan Au, which joins the Tai Mo Shan Forest Track. You can take a break at the pavilion first before continuing up on the tarmac road.

The Needle-Grass-Tai Mo Shan trail also comes up this side, and when you’re at Sze Fong Shan Au, you can see Needle Hill and the Shing Mun Reservoir.

The fastest way to get out from Tai Mo Shan is to go down to the visitor’s center along the tarmac road which is also part of the MacLehose Trail.

It leads down to the Tai Mo Shan Country Park Visitor Center by Route Twisk, where there is a snack stand.

How to get to Ng Tong Chau Stream:

Take the 64K bus from Tai Po Market East Rail station to Ng Tung Chai Bus Stop. From the bus stop, go back the way you came on the Lam Kam Road until you see the second road to the right.

Time taken: this is a longer route and would take about 5 hours. I recommend going down to Route Twisk to get bus 51 out.

Difficulties: 3.5/5 mostly for the steepness. Stairs can be slippery during the wet season 

Pros: hit two birds with one stone with waterfalls and Tai Mo Shan

Cons: longer than some of the other trails

4. Tai Shing Stream Tai Mo Shan hike

third stretch of tai shing stream hong kong - laugh travel eat

The Tai Shing Stream ends pretty close to Tai Mo Shan at Fat Mak Rock, where you can hike up to Sze Fong Shan Au that joins the MacLehose Trail Stage 8 route to Tai Mo Shan.

dragon waterfall stream tai shing stream hong kong - laugh travel eat
Last time we were close to the endpoint but ran into sudden rain when we reached this waterfall

Our hike up Tai Shing Stream last time ended abruptly due to sudden rain, so we didn’t make it all the way up to see.

As always, I recommend downloading an offline map for your hikes – I use OSMAnd. 

5. Needle-Grass-Mo Hike

me on needle hill hong kong - Laugh Travel Eat

This is the most challenging Tai Mo Shan hiking trail. It combines the MacLehose Trail Stage 7 and 8, starting at Shing Mun Reservoir and going up to Needle Hill, then to Grass Hill, before turning to Lead Mine Pass.

Instead of going down to Shatin, you can carry on the concrete trail and go up the Grass Hill path when you reach a junction. Most people tend to skip Grass Hill because it’s just a concrete trail up and not that fun.

You don’t have to go to Grass Peak to go down to Lead Mine Pass, which leads to Sze Fong Shan and then Tai Mo Shan. But it’s nice to hike up if you’ve never been before.

This is a popular trail for trail runners and it can be done in under four hours, if you run, that is. This is the Needle-Grass-Tai Mo Shan map from my sister’s hike. Although it usually takes a lot longer if you don’t run. So beginners shouldn’t attempt this together!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ad Blocker Detected!

Advertisements fund this website. Please disable your adblocking software or whitelist our website.
Thank You!
Want an off-line guide for Cinque Terre?
Including exclusive photo spots and tips Plus more travel tips in my FREE resource library
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download THE travel planning spreadsheet
Get THE travel planning spreadsheet I use to plan your trip and track your finance!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get a free travel plan & finance spreadsheet!
And get access to my exclusive resource library with map itineraries, travel checklist and more
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download a one-page price list for reference on your trip to Chiang Mai!
Have it handy so you know what price you should pay when you haggle!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Ljubljana
Get a copy of the map for your trip to the Slovenia captial! You can probably do everything in 1 day
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for the Lake Bohinj region
Lake Bohinj region is big - so get a map of my favourite spots to make the most of your trip!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Lake Bled
Get a free map of best viewpoints, sights and restaurants in Bled for your trip!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Milan
Get your map of what to see in Milan in 48 hours - including tips and tricks
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Taormina
Know where the best spots in Taormina is with this Google My Map
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for the Lake Bohinj region
Get this comprehensive map with transport stops and routes clearly marked for your trip to Bohinj!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for your trip to the Peak!
Get this comprehensive map with transport stops and routes clearly marked for your trip to The Peak
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Prague!
Get this all-in-one map for the best viewpoints, top 5 and restaurants pick in Prague!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get free destination maps for your travels
Join my exclusive resource library with map itineraries, travel checklist and more. Currently most popular: Milan, Lake Bled and Hong Kong maps
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download the free 1 day Itinerary for Hong Kong!
Make it easy to find all the spots and follow with the infographic
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Eze and Monaco
the all-in-one day trip map with bus stops, sights and viewpoints labeled for you
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your 3 day map itinerary for Danang
Enjoy a 3 day trip that you don't need to plan!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Do you want to know all my blogging secret?
Sign up to hear first about my Ultimate blogging beginners course
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Hoi AN!
Get this all-in-one map for the Hoi An old town and best restaurants
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Hue!
See Hue in 2-3 days with this guide!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Phong Nha!
Where the caves are, what there's to do and where to eat in Phong Nha!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Padua!
It include my entire day's itinerary, not just the top 5!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Sirmione
This might be a small town, but knowing where to go will still help your day!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Sirmione
This might be a small town, but knowing where to go will still help your day!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Verona!
My all in one guide to Veona including secret spots, restaurants and top sights!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Chiang Mai
Get the exact map hat I prepped for the trip with restaurants, sights and spa locations marked on!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Nara!
Get the itinerary for food, temples and deer spotting in Nara!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Macau!
Get my 48 hours itinerary for Macau
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Macau!
From how to get there to what to eat after in Yuen Long
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Central & Admiralty
get your half day itinerary to the heart of Hong Kong!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your Shui Long Wo Hiking Map
It isn't hard - but better safe than sorry ;)
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get all 9 spots with 1 map!
For the hiking views, you'll need to read their respective articles for transport options!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Let's hike West High Hill!
Let's get you from the Peak to some stunning vista!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get a map of my favourite restaurants in Hong Kong
This map would be updated as I add more!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get my Angkor + Siem Reap Itinerary
Restaurants, markets and more
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get my 7 days Tokyo Itinerary!
Including all the spots in the post and more!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get your FREE Nusa Penida Map
Including all the spots in the post and more!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get my Singapore map!
Including all the spots in the post!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.