Great Wall of China Trek

Overview

This innovative itinerary takes in a remote section of the Great Wall outside Beijing in Hebei Province. Hosted by local families, we camp in comfort in exclusive locations and explore the Great Wall over seven days, trekking between villages. The scenery is vast and diverse as we trek our way through tall swaying corn cropped fields to distant green river valleys with one of the great wonders of the world as our backdrop. Host families provide us with true rural hospitality in the ‘real China’ and allow us rare interaction, including visits to family homes. In Beijing we visit the capital’s major historic sites such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the lakeside Summer Palace. We also indulge in the culinary delight that Chinese cuisine is so famous for. The Beijing food experiences will no doubt compete with the trek itself as one of the highlights of this entirely unique adventure.

Our guides are the best available and to ensure the smooth operation of all trips our partners in China continually work with us to improve our itineraries to ensure we are taking the ‘paths less traveled’. The rapidly developing and ever-changing face of China makes this an ongoing challenge. Our visits to rural villages close to remote sections of the Great Wall make this one of our most innovative trips.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart UK. Fly to Beijing

Day 2 Arrive Beijing, transfer to hotel

On arrival in Beijing you will be met at the airport and transferred by mini bus to the group hotel. The afternoon is free time for sightseeing in the central city district. Perhaps barter for a bargain in the colorful silk markets or do as the locals do and hire a bike for a spin through the bustling back roads of this vibrant city. This evening we’ll enjoy our first meal together. Accommodation is on twin-share basis. (D)

Day 3 Transfer to the Great Wall at Gubeikou, camp. 3 – 4 hrs trekking

This morning we depart Beijing and travel by bus for around three hours to the Great Wall at Gubeikou. The Great Wall is one of mankind’s most extensive structures stretching over 6000km from the eastern coast of China all the way to the mountain ridges north of Beijing. Dating back 2000 years, the original sections of the wall were built as a key to protect the agricultural lands from invasion and to keep the nations people from vacating the empire. We’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before joining the trail to ascend a spectacular section of the Great wall on a high ridge. We will walk at a leisurely pace with plenty of time to stop and take photos of this majestic structure. Following our 3-4 hour walk, we’ll settle in for our first night of camping at our campsite at Gubeikou. (B/L/D)

Day 4 Trek near Gubeikou (about 10kms steep terrain; 8-9 hrs trekking)

From our campsite we will ascend and explore a spectacular section of the wall above the Gubeikou valley. Distant 2000m mountains frame the walk along this little visited section of the Ming Dynasty wall. We will explore the terrain and descend by via a local trail to our camp, where our crew will be waiting to welcome us. Like all nights our local crew prepare a delicious meal of fresh local dishes for us to enjoy under a clear nights sky at the Gubeikou campsite. (B/L/D)

Day 5 Trek from Gubeikou to Jinshanling 7-8 hrs trekking

Today we set off early to trek through cornfields and farm land for a true taste of rural China, before exploring this classic section of the wall. Here we are well off the beaten track, experiencing every day village life as we pass along the way. The Chinese are known for their poetic way of observing the world so it is only natural that this section of the wall is known affectionately as, ‘dragon standing on the beautiful golden mountain’. With broad sweeping views, it is easy to see how the wall resembles a dragon’s back weaving its way across this beautiful golden land. This evening we will camp near a local village at Jinshanling. (B/L/D)

Day 6 Walk from Jinshanling towards Simatai 7-8 hrs trekking

Breaking camp we climb on to the Great wall and begin a morning’s walk towards Simatai, passing through Jinshanling, a restored section. This section of the wall was built in the 15th century. There is time on the walk, as elsewhere, to explore and photograph this section of the original wall. We will note the wall’s intriguing design features that gave the defenders a military advantage against the nomads. We descend on a winding trail into the Miyun county of Beijing to a campsite at the village of Daweihao. (B/L/D)

Day 7 Transfer to Simatai, walk near Mt Simatai 4-5 hrs trekking

After a breakfast prepared by our local crew, we set off for a near Mt Simatai. We head off around 8am for a half-day walk near Mt Simatai, in a circuit that takes in two villages. Our efforts are well worth it as we are rewarded with stunning vistas and awe inspiring views back across to Hebei Province. The Great Wall was built by over 1 million people who largely were soldiers, peasants, prisoners and soldiers. Thousands of them died in the process. Today as we trek this ancient section of crumbling wall, we can imagine the hard work and structural genius that went into creating what is now a national treasure in modern day China. Unlike other sections of the wall that have been reconstructed, this section has seen little restorative attention. This historic section of the wall has been included in the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage sites and labelled as ‘Primitive Great Wall’. After the walk we meet again with our transport vehicle and return to Beijing. (B/L/D)

Day 8 A Day in Beijing

Today we have a full day in Beijing which allows us time to visit Tiananmen Square and the Imperial Palace (“Forbidden City”), one of the world’s most imposing edifices. We take a full tour of this marvellous building, inspecting the massive courtyards. After the tour we will go by bus to an old region of Beijing, the hutong (alleyways) district. There is an opportunity for a rickshaw ride through this old district. After lunch there is a chance to do some shopping, and you will be taken to areas where there is a wide range ofbargains – artwork, clothing, silk, porcelain to name just a few of the things available to purchase. In the evening a farewell dinner will be held at a local restaurant. (B/L/D)

Day 9 Trip concludes. Fly back to UK

After breakfast at the hotel the trip concludes with a transfer to the airport. (B)

Dates & Prices

Date	Prices	Book
03 Sep - 11 Sep 2011	£1,120	How to book
05 May - 13 May 2012	£1120	How to book
15 Sep - 23 Sep 2012	£1120	How to book
01 Jan - 31 Dec 2012	more dates available	How to book

How to book

For more information about this trip or to book your place please email trailblazers@rockuk.org or call us on 0844 8000 222.

Photos

Important Information

Cost includes:

All accommodation/camping in China on a twin-share basis
Meals as indicated on itinerary
All group transport
Services of Western tour leader & Chinese crew
Organised sightseeing as outlined in itinerary
Group camping gear

Cost excludes:

Items of a personal nature such as laundry and postage
Alcoholic beverages, other than limited provision at evening meals
Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
Sleeping Bag, sleeping mat and personal kit
Services of Western Doctor

Climate

Beijing and Hebei provinces experience a rather broad temperature range throughout the year. In late summer, early autumn trips (August to September) expect warm to hot days with temperatures up to 25-30C (77-86F) and a slight chance of rain. You must pack a waterproof jacket with hood for all departures.

The Country and Its People

China never fails to conjure up myriad feelings, images and a sense of mystery. Its history cannot be summed up here in a few paragraphs and to fully appreciate the currents that have shaped the country and its people, you must take the time to read at least one of the many excellent books available.

Within the almost ten thousand square kilometres of China’s vast territory live more than 1.2 billion people, which makes it the most populated nation on Earth. For centuries, outsiders have yearned to visit China and it’s only since 1976 that tourism really started. Initially, foreign visitors were only allowed to see a fraction of what the country had to offer; however, today it is possible to visit as many as 60 different areas. An increasing number of historical sites are also being restored and opened up to viewing for foreign tourists.

As much as China is keen to display its stunning scenery, historical sites and impressive cities, it is also dedicated to conveying something about how their society works. Although its political system has set it apart from the West, China is now moving forward in leaps and bounds, especially in the areas of trade and commerce.

As in the days of Marco Polo, travellers are still regarded as honoured guests and the locals delight in watching you watching them. Within the relatively short time that China’s doors have been open to the West, few tourists have the opportunity to visit and camp in the rural parts of the country. Covering a land area approximately the same size as Belgium and home to nine million inhabitants, Beijing is the focal point for the rest of the nation. Even cities as far away as Urumqi and Kashgar run on Beijing time and the city is able to provide the best of everything Chinese. Its monuments are massive and startlingly impressive and although deceptively appearing sprawling and chaotic, it is actually very orderly in its design and fairly easy for a visitor. The heart of the city is laid out in a checkerboard design of cross streets as it was once within walls. The Forbidden City, so called because it was off limits for 500 years, is the largest and best-preserved complex of ancient buildings in China. Beijing is also the cultural Mecca of China and home to the famous Chinese acrobats and Opera.

Challenge Routine

In Miyun County of Beijing the Si Ma Tai section of the Great Wall is on a series of ridges. The challenge from Gu Bei Kou to Si Ma Tai makes a gradual ascent to the apex of this 40km-long ridge. The walk along this section is framed by distant 3,000m mountains.

Tents and all camping equipment are provided and this gear is transported on each section by a local family, meeting the group each evening at the camping areas. The only thing you need to carry is your day pack with all the things you will need for the day. The trekking is challenging with frequent sections of uneven steps on steep inclines and descents.

On all sections there is flexibility in movement, and progress can be adjusted to satisfy consensus (if the group wishes to stop to inspect something, or spend longer at a nearby community, such can be achieved within the schedule). In the late afternoon the Chinese guides and local family will set up camp at a village. They will cook all meals and attend to general camp duties (mornings and on arrival at camp after trekking you will be provided with a bowl of warm water for washing). A dining tent with a long table and stools will become the meeting and eating area for the group. The sleeping tents are two-person, supplied by the adventure provider. For sleeping, you will need to provide a sleeping bag and mat (foam closed-cell / Thermarest). A long-drop toilet tent is provided for the evening camps.

At the end of the challenge the party will be met by bus for the transfer back to Beijing. Your main clothing and other items for the city should be left at our Beijing hotel, if you have brought extra luggage. Please ensure your luggage can be locked and is clearly labelled. These items will be available on return to our hotel.

On trekking days you will carry a day pack (should be minimum 35 litres with a comfortable harness so that a majority of the weight rests on your hips rather than shoulders) in order to carry your waterproofs, appropriate warm clothes, packed lunch, small first aid kit, drink-powder and water bottles, sunglasses, hat, toilet paper, camera gear, and other personal items (surplus to be carried by local family in vehicles). We recommend that you reduce your luggage to one small duffel bag or rucksack, and a daypack for trekking. Most people would find a light bushwalking boot or rugged trail shoe/boot suitable footwear.

Each day at the end of the challenge we have time to explore the villages near the campsites, located near the wall, chat with other members of the group or catch up on your reading or postcard writing. There will be plenty of time for us to browse through villages and mix as much as possible with the locals and host families. A Chinese buffet style dinner is served at approximately 19:00.

We will also have the opportunity at Gu Bei Kou for visits to markets and the town – a veritable feast of culture, education, relaxation and physical challenge. During the stay in Beijing we will have the opportunity to see the main sights of this huge capital city. If you want to explore parts of the city independently during free time you are absolutely free to do so. There will also be the opportunity for some shopping and leisure time. Please be aware of the fact, however, that Beijing is a major tourist area and the guides and scheduling in this portion of the program is a little more regimented. The order of our activities is dependent on the arrangements made by our hosts and may differ from those outlined in the itinerary.

Fitness

The theme behind most of our challenges is the fitter you are, the more easily you will adjust and enjoy yourself. Resistance to cold and illness is also increased. On a trekking challenge such as this you need to be in general good health and moderately fit. The grading overall would be reasonably “strenuous” activity. Before departure aerobic-type exercise, which increases your breathing, is essential and swimming is a great way to improve all your muscle tone. Fitness is a total concept of good health and must be planned and maintained and we recommend that for about four to five months prior to departure you try to exercise most days for 45-60 minutes of aerobic type activity.

Adventure Travel Challenges

By its very nature an adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most from your adventure it is important to be flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise.

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The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. Our travel operator received a Highly Commended Award for the Best in a Mountain Environment category in the 2006 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards.

“Our adventure travel company has over 30 years experience around the planet. Their Nepal trekking operation, run by Nepalis, is notable for its pioneering Porter Protection program that has set the industry benchmark which many companies are starting to follow. All porters are provided with generous insurance, all the protective clothing and footwear needed, all camping and cooking facilities, as well as food” First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards, 2006

In 2008 our travel operator was awarded the inaugural ‘Leadership Award’ in the Responsible Travel and Tourism Forum (RTTF) in Toronto, Canada and in 2000 they were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry’s Environmental Achievement award for their Responsible Travel Guidebook.

Vaccinations

Please consult a doctor or travel vaccination specialist for up to date information on the advised vaccinations for the country you are visiting.

Important Note

These trip notes represent the most current information available for this itinerary. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise.

Great Wall of China Trek