China is a beautiful country steeped in tradition, history and mythology. For those with a passion for culture and a sense of adventure China leaves an indelible mark on all who go there. During this trip of a lifetime we will trek the Great Wall, visit Beijing and even get the chance to take part in a giant 400ft zip slide!!
Please see our full itinerary below:
Day 1 - Depart London for Beijing.
Quite a long flight with a short stop in Hong Kong.
Day 2 - Beijing
After a chance to settle in and refresh we will have a welcome meeting and a chance for you to ask any questions about the up and coming trek. Then it’s time for a traditional Chinese dinner.
Day 3 - Beijing to Huangyaguan
We make the morning journey out of Beijing and catch our first glimpse of the Great Wall ahead of us. After checking into our hotel and some lunch, we set off to the first section of the trek, giving us a good indication on the challenge ahead. Originally built in 557 AD, the Huangyanguan section of the wall was repaired for the first time in Ming Dynasty with bricks and for the second time in 1985. This section is noted for being particularly stunning because of it’s water towers which have all been restored to their former majestic glory.
Trekking time approx 3 – 4hours
Day 4 - Huangyaguan - Mountain Village
Our hike today leads us out of the hotel as we head up on a restored section. By mid morning we reach the start of “Heavens Ladder", a steep climb of over 200 steps. This is a tough section but we are rewarded with stunning views over the Yanshan Mountains and the region below. After congratulating each other on our achievement we head up again to join the top of the ridge where our path winds around sections of the old wall. In the afternoon we are led down the valley and into a mountain village. Tonight we stay in local family houses, a wonderful opportunity to see what life is like for the people who inhabit this remote area of China, an unforgettable experience.
Trekking time approx 5 - 7 hours
Day 5 - Mountain Village - Simitai
After breakfast, we say goodbye to our hosts and start out to take the steep trail across the farmer's fields up to the wall where Heibei province, Tianjin City and Beijing meet together known as the "Three Bordering Tablet". We then descend and make our way west along the wall until we reach the village of Longmen. We’ll take our lunch here before driving to Simitai in the late afternoon.
Trekking time approx 4 - 5 hours walking
Day 6 - Jinshanling to Simitai
We transfer to the start of the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall and trek east heading to Simatai along a much restored section of the wall. Our trek today can be seen for miles as the Wall runs up and down the spine of the mountain. We will take shelter in one of the many watchtowers on the way - you can bet that Ghengis Khan never had it so good when he broke through the Great wall with his Mongol hordes! At the end of the hike today at the Crystal lake you can walk down from the wall or for those wanting something a little less conventional you can take the zip wire off the wall and over the lake to the bottom. A great end to a spectacular day!.
Trekking time approx 5 – 7 hours
Day 7 - Gueibecko to Mutianyu
If the weather is good we can see Miyun reservoir and the Wangjing Tower rising in the distance as we start our walk today. Jinshanling is one of the best preserved areas of the Great Wall, it was originally made of huge bricks, each of which weighed about 12 kilograms (26 pounds). The section we follow today also had all of its five main passes and 67 watch towers restored making it a truly spectacular hike offering some fantastic photo opportunities. Our awaiting transport will then take us to our home for the night in the town of Mutianyu.
Trekking time approx 5 – 7 hours
Day 8 - Mutianyu to Beijing
Today will be our final morning on the Great Wall! After leaving the hotel and passing a small village we start climbing a steep, wooded track to the top of the Wall for our final breath taking views over the far off mountains. The section we join is known to be one of most beautiful parts of the wild Wall in Beijing, loved by many photographers. After our final hike we come back down to the road to meet our bus and drive back to the hustle and bustle of Beijing. After a chance to freshen up, we’ll regroup and head out to our celebration meal held in downtown Beijing a time to reflect on our achievement.
Trekking time approx 3 – 4 hours
Day 9 - Beijing
Today we take time to explore the capital, jammed packed with its 17 million residence, steeped in history and culture.
Day10 - Beijing to London
Transfer to the airport to fly home, via Hong Kong
