Walking The Great Wall

8 days - from $1445

Journey to remote sections of the Great Wall and hike along this magnificent ancient fortification

In China there is an old saying that goes “..you are not a man until you have been to the Great Wall!” This famous ‘icon’ stretches 8,851.8 kilometres from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the eastern coast to the Jiayuguan Pass in the Gobi Desert. The first Emperor to unify all of China in 221 BC, Qin Shihuang, had a workforce of up to a million people link previously existing walls from smaller kingdoms and build new sections, in order to keep out northern invaders. Subsequent dynasties continued to strengthen and further extend the wall; however this was not enough to prevent the Mongols from invading China in 1271 and forming the Yuan Dynasty.

This trip is designed for those who are fit, energetic and enjoy trekking. We travel through the lush mountainous areas northeast and east of Beijing. A fascinating journey on the backroads allows you to observe closely the everyday life of villagers and offers perfect opportunities to interact with the locals. We visit the Eastern Qing Tombs, and explore the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. A highlight of this tour is hiking in remote areas, away from the crowded tourist spots.

Highlights

• Walk on remote sections of the Great Wall
• The Forbidden City
• Kite flying in Tiananmen Square

Itinerary:

Day 1: Beijing2: Beijing3: Taipingzhai - Huangyaguan4: Gubeikou - Jinshanling5: Simatai - Local Great Wall Village6-7: Mutianyu8: Beijing
Included:

• The services of Peregrine’s expert English-speaking local tour leader throughout the tour, and local guides at some sites.

• Trekking on five remote, seldom-visited sections of the Great Wall.

• Rural life experiences – one night in a local village, one night in a farmers’ inn and one night in a traditional homestay.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): Beijing and the Eastern Qing Tombs.

• Arrival transfer.

International flights, departure taxes, departure transfer, visas, other meals, insurance, tips, items of a personal nature, cost of any optional tours and activities during free time.