Questions & Answers

 

Is this trip for me?

ABSOLUTELY! This trek is suitable for people of all ages (minimum 17 years old). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure.

 

How much do I need to raise to take part?

To take part in this challenge a registration fee of £299 is due. You are then required to raise a minimum of £3,100, which is due 10 weeks prior to your departure on the challenge.

 

How fit do I need to be?

This challenge requires a good level of fitness to walk the route. Although some of the days can be fairly short, the trekking can be demanding with very steep and uneven steps in some places. This trek has been designed to be challenging but achievable by anyone as long as you train beforehand. Remember, you are trekking for 5 consecutive days; the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy this challenge.

 

Where will we stay?

We use a mixture of simple but comfortable lodges during the trekking phase as well as some hotel accomodation. In Beijing, a superior (4* western) hotel is used as our base for 2 nights. All sites are chosen for their outstanding position and all accomodation is on a single sex twin share basis.

 

Do I need specialist kit?

We will supply you with a kit list of what to take once you register for this challenge. Apart from some broken-in trekking boots and maybe some trekking poles, you do not need any specialist kit. We advise taking two items of luggage; a soft backpack or duffel bag weighing 80-100 litres. You will also need a day sack of approximately 30 litres capacity to carry your personal belongings, along with water, food and any essential clothing such as waterproofs, on trekking days. Please ensure that you have padlocks for your bags.

 

Food matters …

All meals will be provided whilst on trek as well as some other meals. Breakfasts each morning will be at the accomodation, lunch en route or in a local restaurant, and evening meals will be either in our hotel or at a nearby restaurant. All food will be freshly prepared and varied, and is included in the cost of your trip, except for during “free-time” on Day 2 of your challenge. We would advise you to bring snacks to eat during meals on your trekking days, if you would like to. We cater for all dietary requirements so long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your Registration Form.

 

What’s included?

International flights, including all known airport and government taxes, *fuel surcharge up to 5% of the overall trip cost, transfers, accomodation, National Park fees, full medical support, experienced guides. An Action Challenge representative will be on hand to support, and all food will be provided, except on your free time at the end of the challenge.

 

What’s not included?

You are responsible for purchasing your connecting flights to and from Heathrow, obtaining your own visa and personal travel insurance (which should cover trekking, medical repatriation and curtailment). Drinks, personal items and tips for Chinese local support staff (guides and porters).

*Action Challenge is committed to covering the cost of the final published fuel surcharge relating to this trip up to a level that represents 5% of the total trip price, and only pass on any additional cost above this figure to trekkers at the time the minimum sponsorship amount is due.

 

Passport and Visa requirements

British, American and European Passport holders require a visa to enter China. Visas cannot be purchased upon arrival. Visas can be obtained from the Chinese Embassy in London (Morley House, 26 Holborn Viaduct, London, ECIA 2AT) or from the Consulate General in Manchester (1st Floor, 75 Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3HR). Your visa (a single entry tourist visa) will cost £20-£70 (depending on your nationality) + application service fees (these range from £35 – £52.88 depending on how you apply for your visa). Applications can be made by post or in person, at either of the visa centres mentioned above. Please go to this website for further details: www.visaforchina.org.uk

 

Can I stay in China after the Challenge?

If you wish to stay on in China, please let us know. Why not spend a bit longer in Beijing or fly to Xian to visit the famous Terracotta Warriors? We can change your flight and obtain quotes for you to book hotels and onward travel. Places are limited and all arrangements are subject to availability.

 

What sort of back-up is there?

All staff will be in contact by 2-way radios, and the lead guide will have a satellite phone for emergencies. There will be a full challenge first aid kit, expedition medic, and 24hr UK emergency availability of the London office of Action Challenge during the challenge. The British Embassy in China will also be informed of our itinerary. Please note that you may not have mobile coverage in certain areas, therefore please notify family and friends that you may be unable to make contact for a number of days.

 

How does Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children benefit?

The travel, accomodation, trek, meals, equipment and organisation costs of the event will be covered by your sponsorship and ALL remaining money will help us to pay for the services we offer to young people living with cancer. If you raise over the minimum amount of £3,100, the entire surplus will benefit the charity.

 

What help will I get to raise the sponsorship money?

After you register you will receive a welcome pack and be invited to an information evening where your fundraising plan will be discussed. You will be given a fundraising pack with tips and ideas and have access to a range of fundraising tools, to help you reach your fundraising goal. You will have access to a dedicated Fundraiser throughout your fundraising drive.

Help make Everyday Amazing and join NICFC’s Trek the Great Wall of China Challenge!

To register, contact Amanda on 028 9080 5599 or email amanda@nicfc.com