Hiking West Dog’s Teeth to Lantau Peak
Hiking West Dog’s Teeth in Hong Kong is up there as one of the biggest hiking achievements in the region. Billed as the toughest hike in the country, the West Dog’s Teeth trail involves scrambling and a lot of elevation. But despite its difficulty, the ridgeline makes this trail one of my favourites in Hong Kong.
This post will cover everything you need to know about hiking West Dog’s Teeth to Lantau Peak, including different routes, what to expect, when to hike and more!
About West Dog’s Teeth
West Dog’s Teeth, so named because of its jagged edge ridgeline much like a dog’s teeth, is located on Lantau Island. The route is also known as West Kau Nga Ling since it is the westmost hiking trail through the Kau Nga Ling mountain range.
With over 400m of elevation (199m-603m) in less than 1.5km, West Dog’s Teeth is probably the toughest part of any hiking route you include it in. Most routes start from Shek Pik Reservoir, then ascend steeply through the dense forest before reaching West Dog’s Teeth’s narrow ridge. This demanding trail requires hikers to navigate rocky paths and sharp inclines! Then rewards them with views of the South China Sea, Shek Pik Reservoir and surrounding islands.
West Dog’s Teeth Hike Overview
Walk type: One Way
Distance: 9km (of which 1.2km is WDT)
Maximum Elevation: 934m (3064 feet)
Minimum Elevation: 41m (135 feet)
Walk time: 5 hours (3 moving)
Difficulty: Hard
Highlights: Awesome ridge walk, easy scrambling, toughest hike in Hong Kong
Guide Required: No
Where is West Dog’s Teeth?
West Dog’s Teeth is located on Lantau Island in the west of Hong Kong. The hiking route is one of three main routes in Kau Nga Ling (the ‘Dog Teeth’ Range).
It’s the section of the trail joining the Shek Pik Country Trail with Kau Nga Ling (another popular peak standing just below 600m).
How to get to West Dog’s Teeth Hike
There are two ways to reach the trailhead for the West Dog’s Teeth hike.
- If you are not staying on Lantau Island, you will need to get there first. The easiest way would be to take the MTR to the Tung Chung MTR Station. From there you can catch the 11 or 23 bus.
- Alternatively, you could catch the ferry to Mui Wo. From Mui Wo, catch the 1 or 2 bus to the start of the West Dog’s Teeth trail.
NOTE: If you are visiting Lantau Island for only one day, you may want to visit the Tian Tan Buddha as well! You can either hike to Tian Tan Buddha after West Dog’s Teeth. Or you can take the Cable Car there first, before catching the bus to the trailhead.
Whichever bus you take, you will need to get off at Shek Pik Police Station by the reservoir.
West Dog’s Teeth Hiking Route
There are several ways to approach the West Dog’s Teeth Hike. I recommend that you start from the Shek Pik Police Station so you can tackle the ridge going up.
The route tops out at Lantau Peak, the second-tallest peak in Hong Kong (934m).
I followed the gentle Lantau Trail down to the bus stop at Pak Kung Au. According to Strava my total walking distance was 8.76km, but I would round this to approximately 9km. The route via West Dog’s Teeth to Lantau Peak and back down to Pak Kung Au is outlined below.
Of course, since West Dog’s Teeth is one of the toughest hikes in Hong Kong, you may feel like shortening the route or hiking up to Lantau Peak via another route. There are a few alternatives for you to consider.
You could:
- Take the Wisdom Path: Avoid Lantau Peak by splitting off at Tsam Chai Au to walk towards Ngong Ping. This route also opens up the option of starting from Big Buddha instead and hiking West Dog’s Teeth down (though this isn’t recommended).
- Head down from Kau Nga Ling: After WDT, follow the Kau Ma Ridge down from Kau Nga Ling (here).
- Tackle the easier Dog’s Teeth Routes: Mid Dog’s Teeth, East Dog’s Teeth, East East Dog’s Teeth.
What to expect when hiking West Dog’s Teeth?
Starting from the bus stop at Shek Pik Reservoir, follow South Lantau Road until reaching the junction on the lefthand side of the road. This marks the start of the Shek Pik Country Trail.
Follow the path down and cross the bridge over Catchwater and follow the Shek Pik Country Trail sign to the right.
The trail begins with a dirt trail through the woodland with a gradually increasing incline. As the slope gets steeper, it transitions into a series of steep staircases that wind through the forest. It’s a sweaty and relentless start to the hike!
The steps disappear, but the slope continues as you gain more elevation.
Eventually (after around 1km), the plateau begins as the path winds through the forest. Shortly afterward (1.4km) the marked turnoff for Middle Dog’s Teeth splits to the right. Continue on the main trail (Shek Pik Country Trail).
It’s a pleasant woodland walk for the next 2km. Most of this will be in the shade, but after a short while you will pop above the trees and have a beautiful view to your left of the reservoir where you came from.
At around 3.4km, you will find the junction for West Dog’s Teeth. There is a rock with markings to indicate the start of the ridge and a red sign saying ‘Danger’. You turn right and begin the scramble upwards. It’s a thin path with lots of overgrown shrubbery.
This is where the steep scramble through the trees really begins! This is also where I realised, I was much larger than the average person in Hong Kong… Use the colourful tags to help navigate and stay on the overgrown path.
The West Dog’s Teeth Ridge is narrow and rocky, requiring careful navigation. This section offers spectacular views looking back towards the reservoir where you came from.
After approximately 4.7km, you will rejoin with Middle Dog’s Teeth at a section of the hike called Single Lifeline. Looking back down towards the reservoir, Middle Dog’s Teeth is the ridgeline on your left if West Dog’s Teeth is in front of you.
Continue following the trail towards Tsam Chai Au – the hiking junction if you are hiking up from Ngong Ping.
The ridge continues going all the way until Lantau Peak. From here you can choose to descend towards Ngong Ping where the Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car reside, OR you can continue the hike via the Lantau Trail westbound towards Pak Kung Au (Section 3). I did the latter.
The route down to Pak Kung Au is a much gentler slope than the route up West Dog’s Teeth. You are dropping down by around 600m over 2.8km. Plus you don’t have to go all the way down to sea level again!
The route down is a much more obvious path with several wider paved sections. This meant it was significantly quicker than the way up! I completed the hike down in less than an hour.
FAQs
Can you hike West Dog’s Teeth independently?
You can hike the West Dogs Teeth without a guide. The route is simple to navigate and has reference points throughout.
Signal is strong throughout the trail, meaning you can refer to Google Maps, Maps.me or this blog post to help you navigate.
Which direction to hike West Dog’s Teeth?
You can access West Dogs Teeth from both directions – above and below.
As outlined, you can follow the trail up from the Shek Pik Reservoir. Or you can access the trail from above – as a route down from Lantau Peak or forming a loop with one of the other dog’s teeth (e.g Mid Dog’s Teeth).
I strongly recommend hiking West Dog’s Teeth on the way up since it’s steep and much easier to scramble up.
What to pack for hiking West Dog’s Teeth?
For hiking West Dog’s Teeth you should wear your usual, comfortable hiking clothes. This includes shorts (or hiking trousers if preferred), a sweat-wicking top, walking socks, and hiking shoes. Trainers are fine if you don’t have hiking boots.
Sections of the trail can be quite overgrown, making trousers a good protective layer. Similarly, if you want to visit for sunset, bringing an extra layer can be helpful when it gets cooler.
Look at the weather forecast in advance and dress accordingly. If it’s sunny, sunglasses and a hat are highly recommended. If it’s cooler, overcast, or even rainy, then wear something to protect you from the elements.
In addition to the clothes you are wearing, you should also bring:
- Water: Always stay hydrated during your hike.
- Snacks: Gotta keep your energy levels up! Plus, who doesn’t like a scenic snack?
- Sun cream: Once above the tree line, the hike is exposed with minimal protection from the sun.
- Wallet: Holding your Octopus card for the journey home and any cash for lunch.
- Camera (optional): Let’s be honest, with all these incredible views, you will probably want to take a few snaps along the way.
When to hike West Dog’s Teeth?
Best time of day:
Early mornings are generally the best time to hike in Hong Kong since they’re cooler, quieter, and have less air pollution. All of this combines to make the hike more pleasant and enjoyable.
Of all the hikes in Hong Kong, the brutal elevation of West Dog’s Teeth made this the one I wanted to pause to catch my breath the most. Starting earlier in the day means you’ve got more time for breaks.
Whatever time you decide to hike, make sure to check the weather forecast and try to avoid any storms.
Best time of year:
The best time to hike in Hong Kong is during the cooler and drier months, typically from October to early December and from late February to April.
During these months the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with lower humidity and more comfortable temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The air quality also tends to be better in these cooler months.
Hong Kong experiences its rainy season from May to September, with the peak of the typhoon season occurring between July and September. Hiking during this period can be risky due to heavy rains and potential typhoons.
NOTE: Trails can be crowded on weekends and public holidays. Hiking on weekdays can provide a more peaceful experience.
Tips for hiking West Dog’s Teeth
- Fitness Level: Ensure you are in good physical condition; this hike is challenging and strenuous.
- Start Early: Begin your hike early in the morning to maximise daylight hours and avoid the midday heat.
- Be prepared to use your hands: Given the steep sections, scrambling is inevitable in with this hike.
- Weather Check: Always check the weather forecast before heading out; avoid hiking in wet or foggy conditions.
- Hydration and Food: Carry a couple of litres of water for the hike and pack enough snacks to keep your energy levels up during the hike.
- Light Pack: Keep your backpack light as it’s a steep hike. Ensure it still includes essentials like water, food, a first aid kit, suncream (if needed), and a waterproof (if needed).
- Leave no trace: Be considerate of nature by picking up your trash, staying on the marked trails and respecting the wildlife.
More hikes in Hong Kong
There are so many epic hikes in Hong Kong to choose from. Here are a few of my favourites:
- Tai Mo Shan
- Sunset Peak (also on Lantau Island)
- Lion Rock
- Suicide Cliff and Kowloon Peak
- Dragon’s Back Hike
- Twin Peaks Hike
- Victoria Peak Circular Walk
- Lamma Island Walk
Before you go
Thank you for reading my travel guide on hiking West Dog’s Teeth in Hong Kong. If guides, itineraries, and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.
If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out the About Me page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.
Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.
Happy hiking!
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