Walking The Great Wall

10 days - from $1320

A fascinating trek, with the grandeur of China literally at our feet
Stepping out across the peaceful semi-ruin of a section of the Great Wall is like walking in the footsteps of the past. Far from the madding tourist crowds we are able to get a great sense of the scale and the majesty of this remarkable piece of engineering without rushing through in a big group. As we trek along various contrasting sections of the wall, we get closer to day-to-day life in rural China before returning to Beijing, a city steeped with history yet plunging headlong into modernisation.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Beijing; traditional Beijing Duck dinner. 2 Transfer to Mutian Yu and trek past watchtowers on the Great Wall then transfer to Jiankou. 3 Morning trek around Jiankou with its steep mountains and beautiful scenery: transfer to Gubeikou. 4 Walk along the wall near Gubeikou. 5 Hike past villages to Jinshanling. 6 Walk over mountain ridges from Jinshanling towards Simatai, past ruined and restored watchtowers. 7 Drive to Taipingzhai and trek to Huangyaguan, overnight at farmer's house. 8 Visit the East Qing Tombs, transfer to Beijing. 9 Sightseeing tour of Beijing, including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. 10 End Beijing.

Mode of travel: 4 day walks and 2 half-day walks with vehicle support. Low altitude throughout, maximum 1044m.
Group size: Normally 6 to 16, plus local leader and appropriate local staff and drivers.
Accommodation: 3 nights comfortable hotels with en suite facilities, 6 nights basic guesthouse, (4 en suite, 2 with shared bath).
Food: All breakfasts, 8 lunches and 7 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $201.25
Trip Reference: TCW
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Trip Reference: TCW