Great Wall of China Trek
35km
Approx. distance
Challenging (1)
Challenge Grading
9 days
Challenge Duration
China
Challenge Location
Challenge Highlights
Trek along one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Climb the Heavenly Ladder at Mutianyu
Explore remote sections of the wall
Experience fascinating traditional Chinese culture
The Challenge
Join us on a majestic 9 day trekking adventure and conquer the twists, turns, steps and slopes of this formidable fortification – the famous Great Wall. As we trek along this iconic Wonder of the World, we’ll cross ancient watchtowers and battlement stations to witness magnificent panoramas of luscious, rolling green hills as far as the eye can see! We’ll climb the incredible Heavenly Ladder, and immerse ourselves in stunning scenery and Chinese culture. We’ll also have the opportunity to explore Beijing, where we can visit iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and the famous Tiananmen Square!
Challenge Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart UK
We depart the UK for our overnight flight to Beijing.
Day 2 - Arrive Beijing
We arrive in Beijing and then transfer to our hotel near Huangyaguan to freshen up and have some free time before dinner.
Day 3 - Huangyaguan
Following breakfast we start our warm up trek, as we trek along the Taipingzhai section and return along the Wall to Huangyaguan. This section is very popular as it used to be an army barracks 600 years ago and was a highly strategic point for entering into Beijing – you can still see the links of the barracks to the Great Wall.
Even though it is a warm up day there will still be plenty of ups and downs as you get used to the Great Wall steps! Once we get to the bottom, we stop for something to eat before transferring to our overnight accommodation.
Trekking distance – approx. 4 – 5km/3 hours
Day 4 - Gubeikou to Jinshanling
Following breakfast we commence trekking along the beautiful Gubeikou section of the wall to Jinshanling. Our main challenge today will be to cover the 27 watchtowers over old brick-made steps! Step back in time here and drink in the history of this remote and beautiful section of the Great Wall. In the afternoon we come off the Wall down to the valley and trek through remote villages and farms. Towards the end of the day we re-join the Wall and trek through the last 8 watchtowers to the Jinshanling section.
Trekking distance – approx. 13km/8 hours
Day 5 - Jinshanling
Today we trek from our lodge at Jinshanling to a remote section of the Wall which will give you a flavour of the immensity of the task undertaken in building this incredible structure. It is a truly beautiful area and the vista of the Wall disappearing over the mountains is a memorable sight. Today is a tough day with lots of steps going up and down but it is a truly amazing day you’ll remember forever.
After reaching the highest point of the day we come off the Wall and walk down to meet our coach and take the transfer to our overnight accommodation.
Trekking distance – approx. 7.5km/5 – 6 hours
Day 6 - Mutianyu
After breakfast we take a short transfer to the Mutianyu section and climb the awesome 1,000 steps up to the Wall. We then trek through 11 watchtowers to the Heavenly Ladder, which ascends at a 45 degree angle and covers another 460 steps! The view from the top is stunning – the Great Wall pitches up and dives down across the rolling green hillsides disappearing and then reappearing amongst the forested slopes. After we’ve taken all our photos we will head back down following the route we have just climbed. As we get closer to the bottom we have three choices of how to get off the Wall: follow the 1,000 steps we tackled on the way up, descend in a cable car or take a toboggan slide!
Trekking distance – approx. 7km/6 hours
Day 7 - Juyongguan and Badaling
The first part of the day is spent at the Juyongguan section of the Wall, which is very similar to our first day at Huangyaguan with an important barracks situated at the bottom. This section gives you a clear idea of how the Wall would have looked originally. Following this, we will transfer back to Beijing, where we have the opportunity to go on an optional Hutong rickshaw tour. It is one of the most popular tours in Beijing and the best way to explore the old way of life over the last 200 years!
Trekking distance – approx. 3km/3 hours
Day 8 - Beijing
Free day to enjoy the hustle and bustle of Beijing and all it has to offer, both modern and ancient. There will be an optional full day excursion organised that explores the highlights of Beijing which includes a visit to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and thebe autiful Temple of Heaven! In the evening we will have our farewell dinner at Beijing’s premier Duck restaurant. We indulge in a real Chinese dining experience and celebrate our achievements!
Day 9 - Depart Beijing
We transfer back to Beijing Airport for our flight back to the UK, arriving the same day.
Please note this is a complex itinerary and subject to change, including the timings and distances detailed. Weather conditions, the group’s ability and any other factors outside our control can impact on the schedule set out in this brochure.
Challenge Inclusions
What's Included
- Return flights from a London Airport to Beijing and transfers
- All accommodation
- All meals and celebratory dinner (except lunch on Day 2 and 8)
- Bottled water
- Challenge Medal
- Global Adventure Challenges Leader from the UK to accompany group
- Challenge medic
- Local guides
What's Not Included
- Airport Tax and Fuel Surcharge Contribution – Please refer to Dates and Costs tab. These are approximately £250 and payable 12 weeks prior to departure
- Personal trekking kit (trekking boots, poles, etc)
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Chinese Visa
- Please note that for bespoke challenges, inclusions and exclusions may differ
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m interested... What do I do now?
You can register online below – payment of the registration fee is due at time of booking. All payment options and costs are explained below.
Once your registration is received we will get in touch with further information on what to expect from this awesome adventure! Your charity will also be in contact to discuss your fundraising.
Is this trip for me?
Absolutely! The trek is suitable for all abilities with the correct training. The minimum age for this trek is 18 years old (if you are aged between 14 – 17 years you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure and the desire to help a charity. Whether you are taking part as an individual or as a team with friends, team spirit will be flying high on the challenge.
How fit do I need to be?
This challenge has been graded as Challenging (1) on our challenge grading scheme meaning the trek has been designed to be challenging but achievable as long as you train beforehand. You will be trekking for 5 consecutive days and in varied temperatures, a good cardiovascular fitness is required – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the challenge! We will provide you with a full training guide once you register, this is also available to download via our website. Why not join one of our challenge training weekends – it’s a great opportunity for you to meet our team and other challengers, and train together prior to the event!
Our policy is to encourage and support as many people as possible to take part in our challenges. But they may not be suitable for all people due to restriction posed by limitation in mobility, physical or cognitive disability, pregnancy or other various medical conditions. If you have any doubts regarding your suitability for your challenge please contact our office to speak to one of the team.
What is the challenge grading scheme?
All our challenges are graded on a scale from 1 to 3 to indicate the level of difficulty, 1 being the lowest challenge grade and 3 being the most challenging. (1 = Challenging, 2 = Tough and 3 = Extreme).
Do I need specialist kit?
We will supply you with a kit list of what to take once you register to take part. Apart from some broken in trekking boots and some waterproofs you do not need any specialist kit.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
No. Participants will only have to carry a day pack (for items such as sunscreen, water, sun hat, camera, etc.). Your main piece of luggage will be transported from accommodation to accommodation in the support vehicle.
Food Matters...
All meals will be provided from dinner on Day 2 through to breakfast on Day 9 except for lunch on Day 8. Bottled water will be supplied and free of charge. We can cater for most dietary requirements as long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form. Chinese food contains lots of rice and noodles – very similar to what you can obtain at home actually!
What support is there on the challenge?
There will be a strong support team with a professional Global Adventure Challenges leader from the UK, as well as local guides. Full, comprehensive first aid kits will be taken and satellite/mobile telephones will be used to ensure your safety and security at all times. A local medic will also be joining the trek.
Can I stay in China after the challenge?
Yes you can, but this is subject to us being able to amend your booking from our flights inclusive package to our ground only package. For further information on how our ground only packages work, please visit our guide to ground only challenges.
If you have already registered and would like to request a change to our ground only package, please contact customer.care@globaladventurechallenges.com.
What happens if I get tired?
There will be regular rest stops for drinks and snacks – there is no problem with you taking more rest stops should you need them. A guide will be bringing up the rear of the group ensuring no one is left alone. Remember this is not a race!
How do I go about raising the sponsorship?
Once you have signed up you will receive a fundraising pack from your charity in order to make your fundraising as easy as possible. You will also receive a few tips and ideas from Global Adventure Challenges to help you on your way.
Request a Call Back
We understand that booking your challenge is a big step, and you may have some questions before you take the plunge! If you'd like to talk to our Customer Care team before you book your space, just click the button below to request a call.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
dates and costs
Payment Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. This is used to administer the challenge, and to secure relevant permits. You then commit to raising the minimum sponsorship and send it to your chosen charity as you raise it - 80% of the minimum sponsorship MUST be received by the charity no later than 12 weeks* before departure. Failure to do so may mean non-participation in the challenge. Your chosen charity will decide when the remaining 20% should be received - this is a normally a couple of weeks after your return to the UK - proof of pledges may be required. The Challenge Costs will be paid for you by your charity out of the sponsorship raised. Do try and raise as much as you can, as every penny you raise over the minimum sponsorship will be retained by your charity too!
*For the challenges listed below, 80% of your minimum sponsorship must be received by your charity no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
Payment Option B - Self-Funding
This option enables you to fund the entire challenge yourself, which means you do not have to commit to raising a set sponsorship. You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. You will then be required to pay the challenge balance no later than 12* weeks before the challenge date. Although no fundraising is required, we do strongly encourage you to support a charity of your choice and raise as much as you possibly can.
*For the challenges listed below, the challenge balance invoice is to be paid no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
2024
Registration Fee
£299
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£3,290
Option B - Self-Funding
£1,645
Airport Tax & Fuel Surcharge
£250
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
£450
When?
2025
Registration Fee
£299
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£3,200
Option B - Self-Funding
£1,600
Airport Tax & Fuel Surcharge
£250
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
£475
When?
2026
Registration Fee
£299
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£3,300
Option B - Self-Funding
£1,650
Airport Tax & Fuel Surcharge
£250
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
TBC
When?