16th March 2024
-Uknown
Lantau Peak is the next highest peak to Tai Mo Shan, but my journey to reach this peak via West Dog Teeth Ridge was the most difficult. It involved scrambling over rocks and boulders and cautiously avoiding tumbling off cliffs. A true journey that yields the greatest rewards. My body felt pain only temporarily, but the experiences and memories will always be there.
After conquering the treacherous ridge of West Dog Teeth, I embarked on a new journey from this lifeline — a border between West Dog Teeth and Lantau Peak.
There were two more hills I needed to climb, the highest of which is Lantau Peak. I may arrive by seven o'clock in the evening, according to the Filipinos I spoke with. I wasn't concerned about that, but I was returning to the base alone. All I can hope is that there'll be people at the summit who will accompany me down the mountain.
While this trail is not as steep as West Dog Teeth Ridge, it still requires scrambling due to its rocky and sandy terrain. I had to grasp onto the rocks and boulders to prevent myself from rolling back to the bottom. It was harder for me to increase my pace to reach the peak before seven because of the strong wind. I was able to set down my tripod for the last time here. I was afraid that the wind would smash my phone or blow my tripod off course. There's a cliff to the right, I should take caution.
Looking back to the most treacherous ridge that consumed most of the hiking time.
From a distance, the trail appears simple, but as I ascended, it became quite challenging. The wind was really strong, and as I reached higher, my limbs became weaker, so it was a difficult battle. My body wanted to give up on this hike, but it was only my determination that kept me going.
Isn't it beautiful to see a mountain in brown grass instead of green? Lantau Peak and neighboring mountains turn brown in the fall and winter seasons. Brown mountains are beautiful to look at from a distance. Soon, they'll turn into a tapestry of green again.
The sunset, which can be seen from Lantau Peak, is another stunning sight to behold before dusk falls. Its neighbor is a mountain known as Sunset Peak, which is well-known for being a perfect location for sunset photography. That's one on my bucket list too.
This reminded me to scramble quicker before it gets totally dark on the trail. Yet, watching the sunset is a profound experience that I couldn't just ignore. I like it when the sky becomes a canvas painted with sunset hues. A serene beauty that reminded us of the passage of time.
I took a moment to pause and capture the surrounding beauty while it was visible. I always take a deep appreciation of the present moments and natural beauty around me. Being on the mountain somehow allows me to forget the stress and worries that life throws at me. That's how nature heals me.
The Big Buddha and Ngong Ping village are on the left. It was where I intended to go down after this hike because the trail is shorter compared to the opposite one.
I saw this rock formation on my way up. What can you imagine from it?
It was such a relief when I reached this part at 6:21 in the evening, and I became hopeful that I could finally reach the summit soon. People from the summit were already going down, and the surrounding area was gradually getting darker.
I reached this intersection, and a man asked me if I was sure to continue since it was already getting darker and I had no torch.
"I made it this far, why would I give up?" My mind answered.
Ngong Ping is just thirty minutes from this point. So those who want to visit the 2nd highest point in Hong Kong but don't like taking the treacherous West Dog Teeth Ridge would go this way, as it is shorter and easier. It's not thrilling, though.
Finally, the last stretch! While I just started the final stretch, people were already leaving. There were some old Chinese, and I commend them for still having the strength to climb a high mountain.
Albeit exhausted, I continued my slow pace on these quite steep, long stairs. I just wanted to drag myself up, if only I could. It seemed like my body had only ten percent energy left.
I arrived at Lantau Peak, Hong Kong's second-highest peak, at precisely 6:41 p.m. Upon seeing people at the summit, I let out a huge sigh of relief because I had assumed that I would have company returning to the base via Ngong Ping. However, I felt disappointed upon knowing that they'll be having an overnight stay on the summit.
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Some Filipinas set up their tent, and I felt guilty not considering camping that day, especially since I was alone at home, and it would have been the ideal time for me to spend an overnight camping adventure on the top of the mountain, which I've been yearning for since then. However, I wasn't prepared, and I have a monthly period. Such a waste of opportunity—I sighed.
Standing at 934 meters above sea level, the 2nd highest point in Hong Kong. Another bucket list has been marked.
I felt relaxed watching the glowing cityscapes from above. A serene moment to watch, in which I always look forward when hiking a mountain. The bustling city looks peaceful from above. The Hong Kong airport is visible on the left side, and Tung Chung city is on the right.
A sea of clouds was forming on the opposite side, and I only wished to get a better camera next time.
When I noticed two foreign ladies returning via Ngong Ping around seven o'clock in the evening, I made the decision to descend. It took me about an hour to get to the village, longer than I had anticipated. The trail's descent was a strenuous series of stairs.
My journey to Lantau Peak via West Dog Teeth Ridge was the most unforgettable and exciting climb I ever had here in Hong Kong. I'm back to studying, so I'll take a few months off from traveling. I can honestly say that it was well worth it to complete my last winter climb. I do have some long-overdue travel stories that I haven't yet posted. I'll see you there.
Thanks for your time.
Jane is a Filipina wanderer in a foreign land who finds comfort in nature and freedom in writing. She loves watching raw picturesque landscapes, listening to the symphony of nature, breathing in drops of sunshine, walking through scenic trails and cityscapes, tasting new culinary flavors, capturing pretty little things, venturing into hidden gems, and dancing with the flow of life.
Her new experiences, adventures, challenges, lessons, small successes, and joys are colorful paints that fill up her canvas of life. She hopes to see it beautifully painted while she can. Join her on her quest for self-discovery and wanderlust. If you like her content, don't hesitate to upvote, drop a comment, reblog, and follow for more wonderful adventures.
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