Great Wall Trek
8 Days Starting and ending in Beijing, China
Visiting: Beijing, Gubeikou, Great Wall of China, Jinshanling
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GWE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
5 - 16
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Great Wall Trek, a captivating journey through China's rich history and breathtaking landscapes. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore original sections of the Great Wall, hike through picturesque rural villages in Hebei Province, and camp by remote sections of the Wall, hosted by welcoming local families. Guided by expert local guides, you'll delve into the fascinating history of this iconic structure. The adventure begins and ends in Beijing, where you'll visit the renowned Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, including three nights in a hotel and five nights camping in exclusive rural locations. With meals provided and a bilingual guide to enhance your experience, this small group tour promises an enriching blend of history, culture, and adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Dong Fang Hotel or similar
On arrival in Beijing you will need to make your own way 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 will meet in the hotel lobby at approximately 18:30 (please check with reception to confirm this time) for a group meeting before we head out to enjoy our first meal together.
Overnight: Dong Fang Hotel or similar
Day 2 : Tiananmen Square & The Forbidden City
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Dong Fang Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Today we have a full day in Beijing to explore some of the most majestic and historically significant sites of this immense city. We start with Tiananmen Square and the “Forbidden City” so called as it was off limits to the general public for over 500 years. Its ancient buildings served as the imperial palace for two dynasties, the Ming and Qing. We take a full tour of this marvelous enclave, inspecting the massive courtyards. We also visit a courtyard district at the Bell Tower, Hou Hai, in northern Beijing, for a traditional lunch.
Please note: should the Forbidden City be closed for an official visit (which happens often and suddenly) your tour leader will adjust your daily itinerary accordingly to try to ensure a visitation without losing any listed activities.
Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner of classic Peking duck to celebrate a successful trip.
Overnight: Dong Fang Hotel or similar
Day 3 : Gubeikou Great Wall Trek
Location: Gubeikou
Accommodation Name: Gubeiko tented camp
Meals Included: Lunch
This morning we depart Beijing and travel by bus to Gubeikou at the border of Hebei Province to begin our walk. The Great Wall is one of mankind’s most extensive structures and in total length, including early walls, it totals over 5000km from the Bohai Gulf in eastern China to Gansu Province. After lunch at Gubeikou we explore a section of the wall on a high ridge above the township where several prominent towers afford great views of the terrain. This section of the wall has not been restored and therefore has a wild frontier feel with few visitors. We will walk at a leisurely pace with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery and take photos of this majestic structure.
The highest beacon tower is 670m in elevation.
Ground elevation is 180m.
Hiking distance: 9km.
Total ascent: 515m.
Hiking time ~3/4hrs.
Overnight: Gubeiko tented camp
Day 4 : Trek The Inner Great Wall
Location: Gubeikou
Accommodation Name: Gubeiko tented camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following a hearty cooked local breakfast we venture out from our campsite and climb up onto a spectacular section of the wall above the Gubeikou Valley. Today’s walk will be around the inner circle of the Great Wall which formed the second line of defense in the event that the main wall was breached. This section is again is unrestored and in places is quite overgrown with vegetation. This is a scarcely-visited section offers fantastic views of the surrounding rugged landscape. We climb to the junction of the Ming Dynasty wall where we explore before descending back down on a small trail to our camp from the night before. Like all nights, our crew prepare a meal of fresh local dishes for us to enjoy.
Hiking distance: 11km
Total ascent: 709m
Hiking time: 4/5hrs
Overnight: Gubeiko tented camp
Day 5 : Trek Gubeikou To Jinshanling
Location: Great Wall of China
Accommodation Name: Jinshanling tented camp
Meals Included: Lunch
For today’s hike we return back on to the main outer Great Wall. We are well off the beaten track, walking along sections which are wild and unrestored through beautiful mountain scenery. We'll enjoy a rest and picnic lunch picnic on the wall. In the afternoon we reach to a military restricted zone where we are required to leave the wall for a short detour through a village which provides a great opportunity to witness rural village life. As we return back to the wall, we will be approaching the Jinshanling section, which has been carefully restored and therefore represents the wall as it would have been when originally built.
Hiking distance: 15.4km
Total ascent: 866m
Hiking time: 4/5hrs
Overnight: Jinshanling tented camp
Day 6 : Hike Jinshanling To Lao Dong Po
Location: Jinshanling
Accommodation Name: Lao Dong Po village tented camp
Breaking camp we climb up on to the Great Wall and begin our day's walk towards Lao Dong Po (close to Simatai), along the beautifully restored Jinshanling section. This section of the wall was originally constructed in the 15th century and the restoration has truly returned it to it's former glory. You gain a real sense of the grandeur of this mighty structure and the barrier it would have formed against the raiding Mongol armies. As with each day, we will walk at a comfortable pace allowing ample opportunity to really explore, photograph and enjoy our time on this mighty man-made structure.
Hiking distance: 7.67km
Total ascent: 697m
Hiking time: 3/4hrs
Overnight: Lao Dong Po village tented camp
Day 7 : Hike To Beijing Tower, Return To Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Dong Fang Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Lunch
We head off early this morning to hike to Wang Jing Tower, often referred to as Beijing Tower which is at the summit of Mt Simatai. Today’s walk is challenging with a rugged climb to the summit. Our efforts are well worth it as we are rewarded with stunning vistas and awe inspiring views back across to Hebei. The Great Wall was built by over a million people who were largely soldiers, local villagers or prisoners.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. Following lunch, in the afternoon we transfer back to Beijing.
Hiking distance: 6.24km
Total ascent: 539m
Hiking time: 2/3hrs
Overnight: Dong Fang Hotel or similar
Day 8 : In Beijing, Trip Concludes
Location: Beijing
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast our trip concludes in Beijing.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 nights hotel -
Comfortable hotels on twinshare basis
The tour includes accommodation in comfortable hotels on a twinshare basis.
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Camping equipment during trek (excluding sleeping bag)
Camping equipment is provided during the trek, excluding the sleeping bag.
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Private air conditioned vehicles
Private air-conditioned vehicles are included for transportation during the tour.
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Back up vehicle while trekking
A backup vehicle is available while trekking for support.
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Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary
Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in the itinerary are included.
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Expert bilingual local guide
An expert bilingual local guide is included to enhance your experience.
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Medical kit
A medical kit is provided for safety during the tour.
What's Not Included
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International airfares and departure taxes
International airfares and departure taxes are not included in the tour.
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Visa costs
Visa costs are not covered and must be arranged separately.
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Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Travel insurance is compulsory but not included in the tour package.
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Sleeping bag - available for hire in China (to be paid locally)
Sleeping bags are not included but are available for hire in China at an additional cost.
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Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
Any additional transport required due to emergency situations is not included.
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Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program
Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program are not included.
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Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry and alcohol
Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry, and alcohol are not covered.
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Tips and gratuities
Tips and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
Accommodation
Enjoy 3 nights in a comfortable 3-4 star hotel in Beijing, 1 night in a local hotel in Mutianyu, and five nights camping in spacious two-person tents along the Great Wall and in small villages.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc. The bulk of your luggage will be left in Beijing and the duffle bag containing the gear you require for the trek will be transported for you on trek days.
Grading
The theme behind most of our trips is action holidays and the fitter you are, the more easily you will adjust and enjoy yourself. On a trekking trip such as this you need to be in general good health and moderately fit. The grading overall would be moderate, with some "strenuous" activity. Before departure aerobic-type exercise, which increases your breathing, is an obvious advantage. We recommend that for about two to three months prior to departure you try to exercise most days for 30 - 45 minutes or aerobic type activity.
Mode of Transport
Travel in private air-conditioned vehicles with a backup vehicle available while trekking, ensuring comfort and safety throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Great Wall Trek?
The accommodation includes 3 nights in a comfortable 3-4 star hotel in Beijing, 1 night in a local hotel in Mutianyu, and five nights camping in exclusive rural locations along the Great Wall and in small villages. The tents are spacious two-person tents supplied by World Expeditions.
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What meals are included in the Great Wall Trek?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners. Meals are prepared by the crew during the trek, featuring fresh local dishes.
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What should I carry in my daypack during the trek?
You should carry extra warm clothing, a rain jacket, a water bottle, camera gear, valuables, and personal items such as sunscreen and lip balm. The bulk of your luggage will be left in Beijing, and a duffle bag with gear for the trek will be transported for you on trek days.
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What is the difficulty level of the Great Wall Trek?
The trek is graded as moderate, with some strenuous activity. It is recommended to be in general good health and moderately fit. Engaging in aerobic-type exercise for about two to three months prior to departure is advised to prepare for the trek.
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Is there a backup plan if the Forbidden City is closed during the visit?
Yes, if the Forbidden City is closed for an official visit, the tour leader will adjust the daily itinerary accordingly to try to ensure a visitation without losing any listed activities.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.