Solo trekking is on the rise, so are rescue calls and accidents (Chinese)

More people are exploring the countryside during their spare time to get some fresh air, especially when the government is encouraging citizens to stay at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the breathtaking views on top of the mountain, it can still be a dangerous activity if amateur hikers are not well-prepared, lacking enough equipment, food, water and other essentials.

Shek Lok-kiu, 24, was last seen on surveillance camera before she embarked on a journey on Kowloon Peak on April 15. After days of citywide speculation, her body was eventually found on a cliff edge of the infamously steep mountain.

She is not an isolated case as search and rescue requests rose from 242 in 2018 to 602 in 2020, while death toll is on an increasing trend.

Climbing expert Lo Chak-sum, who led the first Hong Kong team to reach the summit of Mount Everest two years ago, said safe country trails can still be deadly if hikers are not careful enough.