Itinerary

Day 1     Departure

Day 2     Beijing and The Great Wall

Once arrived in Beijing airport, we transfer by coach 70km north of the capital to our comfortable Lodge. On arrival, we have time to freshen up before a light buffet. We then enjoy a free afternoon before our evening meal and briefing from our guides.

Day 3     Badaling and Juyong

After breakfast, we transfer to the Badaling section of the Wall. Badaling Great Wall, together with Juyong Pass, forms a complete set of ancient double defensive works. The Great Wall trek this morning lasts for around 4 hours and after lunch we make our way back to Juyong Pass for the afternoon section. Once finished, we descend to our hotel.

Day 4     Mutianyu and the 1000 Steps

This morning, we transfer to Mutianyu, one of the first sections of the Great Wall to be recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. We trek up 1,000 steep steps to reach the entrance gate of the Great Wall and then continue to Tower 14 and back. We stop for lunch at the highest point of the day’s challenge, at 767m. There will be some free time in Mutianyu before transferring to our hotel.

Day 5     Black Dragon Pool Park

Today we trek through the Black Dragon Pool Park. It is steep in places and at times very tough going, but all the time we are rewarded with stunning scenery. We have our packed lunch at a waterfall and then for the afternoon continue over the pass for the final long descent to the end of the day.

Day 6     Gubeikou Great Wall

Today we have a well-earned free morning! We leave the hotel after lunch to start the trekking on Gubeikou. Gubeikou has long been a town of military significance and an important passage to the capital city. The Yanshan Range winds from east to west and is cut off at Gubeikou, forming a natural narrow pass here. From ancient times, Gubeikou has served as a route of strategic importance, linking the southern and northern areas of the Yanshan Range. Dinner tonight will be a BBQ at our Lodge in an open courtyard and with a wonderful view of the Great Wall towering above.

Day 7     Jinshanling

The last day of the Challenge! We trek for around 5 hours from Simitai to Jinshanling with a packed lunch on the way. A wonderful day of trekking in which around 20/30 towers are visited including some beautiful sections that have been left as ruins. Emotions run high as the group takes its final steps off the Wall and the challenge comes to an end. The transfer back to Beijing is 2-3 hours, with dinner en route to our hotel.

Day 8     The Forbidden City / Beijing

Breakfast is followed by a city tour of the Forbidden City and transfer to the Silk Market, with the rest of the afternoon free. The celebratory gala dinner will be at an excellent local restaurant and after a night of good celebrations, we return to our Beijing Hotel.

Day 9     Free Day in Beijing

Today we have free to explore the delights of Beijing, perhaps visit the Summer Palace north of Beijing, the famous Silk Market, and other optional excursions. We reconvene at our hotel in Beijing late evening for a transfer to the airport and an overnight flight home.

Day 10     Return Home

We arrive at London Heathrow in the early afternoon.

*Itinerary correct at time of printing, but subject to change.