Conquer Dog's Teeth, Lantau: Hong Kong's Most Jaw-Dropping Ridge Walk

Your adrenaline-fuelled journey across sheer drops and scrambling up rocks – from Shek Pik to knife-edge summits

Why Dog's Teeth? Hong Kong's Ultimate Thrill-Seeker Challenge

Razor-sharp ridges, 70-degree scrambles, and heart-stopping exposure – welcome to Dog's Teeth Range (狗牙嶺), Lantau's most technically demanding hike. In 2025, only 15% of hikers attempt this trail, but those who conquer it earn serious bragging rights.

Picture from journeyera.com

Step 1: Getting There – The Shek Pik Reservoir Gateway

📍 Starting Point: Shek Pik Reservoir Main Dam (Remote – plan transport carefully!)🚌 Bus Route: From Tung Chung Terminal, take New Lantao Bus 11 or 23 to Shek Pik (40 mins) Get off at the bus stop just as you enter the resorvoir. It's called Shek Pik Police Station, but there is no police station in sight! .🚖 Alternative: Blue taxi from Tung Chung (HK$120; tell driver "Shek Pik Reservoir trailhead").

🔍 Trail Start: Once you get off the bus, turn back on yourself and the trail start is on the left hand side. Look for the unmarked dirt path 100m past the dam’s restrooms.

Check wind speeds via HK Observatory – gusts >30km/h = instant abort."

Step 2: The Ascent of Dog's Teeth

Route Choice:

• West Dog's Tooth (Beginner-friendly): 45° rock slabs (1.5 hrs to summit)

• Middle Dog's Tooth (Expert-only): Near-vertical 70m chimney climb

• East Dog's Tooth (Most scenic): Exposed ridge with 200m drops

Key Sections:

1. "The Incisors": First 30 mins – loose gravel slope requiring 3-point contact.

2. "Jawbone Ridge": 400m traverse with sheer drops – test every handhold!

3. Summit Push: Rope-assisted 15m climb (community-maintained anchors).

Step 3: Ridge Warfare – Survival Tactics

🌬️ Exposure Reality: Trails narrow to 40cm with 300m drops – never cross legs!⚠️ Critical Danger Zones:

• "The Guillotine" (Middle Tooth): Overhanging rock – bypass left via crevice.

• Wind Tunnels (East Tooth): Sudden gusts – drop to crawling position immediately.

🧭 Navigation:

• Follow faded red/blue ribbons on bushes (replaced monthly by HK Hiking Meetup).

• GPS essential: Download Mapy.cz offline maps – cell signal dies after 20 mins.

  

  Picture by mattsnextsteps.com

Step 4: Summit of Dog's Tooth Lantau & Rewards

🏔️ Triple Crown Views:

• South: Po Toi Islands emerging from sea mist

• North: Ngong Ping cable cars gliding like tiny beads

• West: Ancient Tung Wan Fort ruins on Chi Ma Wan Peninsula

  
  

⛩️ Spiritual Bonus:Find the hidden Tin Hau shrine in a cliffside cave (leave an orange offering for safe passage).

Step 5: The Escape – Descending to Civilization

⬇️ Recommended Route: Exit toward Ngong Ping (3–4 hrs) via:

1. "Dragon's Tail" scree slope – controlled sliding saves knees.

2. Lantau Trail Section 5 – merge near Nei Lak Shan (look for Wisdom Path arrows).

3. Big Buddha Plaza – collapse at Jockey Club McDonald's (closest 24-hour rescue point).

   
   

Emergency:

• Injury Escape: Dial 999 + quote grid "Lantau Trail Marker L055".

  
  
  
  

Non-Negotiable Gear – Your Survival Kit

🎒 Mandatory Equipment:

2025 Trail Updates & Warnings

🚨 New Regulations:

• Fines up to HK$5,000 for solo hiking during Amber Rainstorm warnings.

  
  

☠️ Avoid If:

• Fear of heights (exposure is relentless)

• Rain within 48 hours (granite becomes ice-rink slick)

• Solo hiking (90% of rescues are lone travellers)

  
  

Why This Hike Changes You

"Dog's Teeth doesn't care about your Strava KOMs or Instagram followers. It demands absolute focus – one misstep and you're the dog's dinner."

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