Hotels near Ma On Shan and the Hunch Backs

Ma On Shan is the hike people remember from Hong Kong, and the one that generates the most rescue calls. From the Ma On Shan Country Park barbecue site the route climbs to Tiu Shau Ngam at 589 m, crosses the Hunch Backs at 677 m, reaches the 702 m Ma On Shan summit, then descends over Pyramid Hill at 536 m to the Ngong Ping plateau and out towards Sai Kung town.

Reckon on 7.5 km and 4.5 to 6 hours for roughly 800 m of ascent. Difficulty: very hard. About 3 km of that distance is unmaintained rock with steep loose ground and real exposure on the Hunch Backs traverse, where a slip has consequences. Gloves help; hiking poles help more on the descent. Do not attempt it in rain or strong wind, and do not start after 1pm in winter, because the ridge offers no escape route once you are committed to it.

Pro Tip: Finish at Sai Kung town rather than doubling back, then ride green minibus 1 from the Sai Kung Pier terminus to Choi Hung MTR. It runs late, costs about HK$11 and takes 30 minutes, which is exactly the safety margin this route demands.