Great Wall of China Trek itinerary

This amazing challenge offers the opportunity to see one of the true wonders of the world as we trek along old sections of the Great Wall. Amongst the beautiful hills and mountains in the remote areas north of Beijing, this  challenge offers fabulous scenery and a fascinating insight into a rich culture and history.

Day 1 London to Beijing

Day 2 Beijing

Arrival at our city hotel. If time permits we may take a city tour and visit the fabulous nearby Forbidden City. If not we will make this tour on our free day. There will be a full trip briefing in the evening.
Overnight: hotel

Day 3 Beijing - Huangyaguan

Trekking time approx. 2 - 3 hours.

Morning drive (3.5 - 4.5 hours) to a beautiful valley in the Yanshan Mountains where we see the Great Wall for the first time as it winds along the ridgeline of the mountains. After lunch in the village we start our trek. After some steep sections, we walk predominantly downhill until we reach the small town of Huangyaguan. Here the wall crosses the road that leads to our nearby accommodation.
Overnight: army barracks

Day 4 Huangyaguan - mountain village

Trekking time approx. 7 hours

The walk begins where we left the Wall yesterday. Firstly we tackle the steep steps towards Heaven's Ladder -  climb of over 200 steps which leads us up the cliff face to enjoy fabulous views from the top. Continuing gradually through the forest, we head to the top of the ridge and join the Wall again. We follow it along the contours of the mountain until we clamber down into the valley below where we bed down in the houses of a local village.
Overnight: village house

Day 5 Village - Jinshanlin

Trekking time approx. 4 - 5 hours

Leaving our hospitable hosts, we head up through the farming terraces behind the village. The path is steep,  and the terraces soon give way to rocky hillsides scattered with scrub. Eventually we rejoin the Wall, which is older and crumbling so we follow a path which takes us alongside it, with fabulous views along the ridgeline to the day's highest point. We then drop down the hillside and make our way on winding tracks through trees  back into the valley, where farmers grow maize, and walnut and fruit trees. Back at the main road we pick up our waiting transport and drive through stunning mountain scenery to Jinshanlin.
Overnight: hotel

Day 6 Jinshanlin - Gubeiko - Jinshanlin

Trekking time approx. 7 - 8 hours

A short bus ride takes us to our start point outside the village of Gubeiko. We walk through the village and farmland until our path takes us alongside an unrestored yet well preserved section of the Wall. This part dates back to the Qing Dynasty, the last dynasty to rule over this vast land. We walk down into the valley and skirt a Chinese military post, following dirt tracks through trees and undergrowth before rejoining the Wall. There are some steep sections but the stunning views of the Great Wall snaking along the hilltops keep us going. The final stretch to Jinshanlin is on restored Wall with lots of steps. A short walk through the village with small shops takes us to our accommodation.
Overnight: hotel

Day 7 Jinshanlin - Simatei

Trekking time approx. 6 hours

Walking on a largely restored section of the Wall takes us from Jinshanlin to Simatei. Restarting our trek at the Wall where we left it yesterday, we head up the steps which take us into the mountains one final time. For most of today we walk on good flagstones. The scenery is superb with rolling hills fading into the distance. We leave the Great Wall at Simatei, enjoying the view as it clings precariously to the rock face opposite, dotted with many watchtowers - classic 'scales on a dragon's back' scenery. We cross a pedestrian bridge where the day finishes with the opportunity to zip slide (approx 35 yuan) across the lake and then catch a small boat ride back across to our accommodation. If you prefer not to zip slide it is an easy 30 minute walk down.
Overnight: hotel

Day 8 Simatei - Mutianyu

Trekking time approx. 4 - 5 hours

Our day begins with a bus transfer (approx. 3 hours) from our hotel to Mutianyu Great Wall. The trek continues with a brief walk through a village before we climb for 1 - 2 hours up the hillside. We can see the Wall high on the ridge ahead of us as we wind our way up to it. Our efforts are rewarded by stunning views of the Wall  extending for miles in both directions providing a spectacular end to our trek. There are markets along the route to our hotel at Mutianyu - our final descent, so carry some money with you! We mark the end of the trek with the chance to enjoy a few celebratory drinks in the bar.
Overnight: hotel

Day 9 Mutianyu - Beijing

We transfer to Beijing, home to over 13 million people. There is an opportunity to visit a silk factory en route.  After check-in at our hotel, the afternoon is free for more sightseeing or shopping or simply relaxing. In the evening there is a celebration meal to mark our achievement.
Overnight: hotel

Day 10 Beijing - London

Depending on flight schedules, there is free time until the transfer to the airport for the flight back to London. (Overnight flights arrive back the next morning.) Lunch and dinner are not included on this day.
Overnight: flight