Beware the Hunchbacks is the daunting cry of local hikers. Ngau Shan is also known as Ngau Ngak Shan. It is called the Hunchbacks. This challenging climb involves glove work. You must navigate overgrown paths under the blazing sun.
Ngau Shan is centrally located among other trails. It is in the beautiful Ma On Shan Country Park. This makes the Hunchbacks a popular hike. Outdoor enthusiasts come hoping to get some reps in. Instagram influencers seek quality shots here. Some people just want a challenge.
The Hunchbacks connect with West Horse Belly. Together, they make up the namesake for Ma On Shan. The entire mountain range resembles a horse’s saddle. So, Ma On Shan means Horse Saddle Mountain.
Ngau Shan is known for its physical challenge to all hikers. It also gives an eagle-eye view of the Tolo Harbour. It looks across the New Territories. You can see Tai Po and Science Park.
Ma On Shan houses one of Hong Kong’s tallest mountains. It was the cornerstone for a booming iron ore industry. But the trade died out in the 1970s. Now, it is a popular spot for day trips. Quick access from Ma On Shan city centre to the mountains makes it ideal. Many trails connect to Sai Kung.
The Hunchbacks trail is ranked as difficult. This is especially true when you include all the small side trails. Hiking groups like to use these to train. The initial ascent has steep climbs. Hikers should bring gloves and sturdy athletic shoes.
The Ngau Shan hike is about 7.2 kilometers. It takes about 6 hours. The total ascent is about 517 meters. It is an advanced hike.
The most popular starting point for the Hunchbacks is at the apex of the Ma On Shan Family Walk. It’s a 10-minute climb up some stairs. The entrance at the top is slightly discreet. It discourages unsuspecting hikers from accidentally meandering up the path.
Climb over the rope fence by the danger sign. Follow the path up, with some nylon rope for guidance. After clambering, you will arrive at a second warning sign. An immediate climb starts here.
Continue to the right until the road splits. The path on the left doubles back to a cliffside viewing point for photos. The bulk of the trail is directly under the sun. Stay hydrated as you feast your eyes. Enjoy the waterfront overlooking Tai Shui Hang and Heng On. Look across the inlet towards Science Park and Tai Po.
The original fork continues to the right. It brings you into some shade and two stretches of upward climbing. Tree branches assist you first. Then, a thick nylon rope dangles down a rock-face directly under the sun. Take a right then a left at the next two junctions. You will arrive at the Hunchbacks.
From here, the path is straightforward. Follow the ridge until you climb back up to the head of the horse. There is a black and white marker. It symbolizes your success in tackling the Hunchbacks. To leave, there will be a litter sign facing your path. Continue on.
An increase in traffic on the trail has made the downwards-sloping road dusty and slippery. Good hiking boots are recommended. Use a hiking stick or a careful shuffle-step. The path evens out not long after. It becomes a comfortable walk on flat grounds. Tall grass surrounds you.
There are a few ways to leave the Hunchbacks. It depends on where you want to end up. It also depends on how much more you want to hike. The trail intersects with Section 4 of the MacLehose Trail.
With your back to where you came from, there are three paths. The path directly in front leads to a viewing platform. It is not a viable exit option. The path to the right will bring you on a 30-minute trek. The first junction will bring you up to Pyramid Hill. The second junction loops you around to a rest pavilion. At the rest pavilion, the path to the right will bring you to Heng On Estate. It will be another 30-minute journey back to your starting point at Ma On Shan Country Park BBQ site.
Heading to the left will bring you on an hour-long descent into Sai Kung. It is downward and shaded. After the initial stretch of stairs, follow the path at the base to the right along the MacLehose Trail. At the next fork in the road, the option to the right will take you to Nam Shan Tsuen. Follow the MacLehose Trail to the left. It is another 20-minute walk through a bamboo forest area. You will come to the main road. Continue to the right up the slope. Another right along Chuk Yeung Road is needed.