13th - 21st October 2007
"You are not a man if you have not been to the Great Wall" - so the saying goes in China.
Stretching for 6,000kms, the Great Wall begins at Shanhaiguan and zigzags its way across China ending at the Jiayuguan Pass in the desert of Western China. The Great Wall Challenge is a 9 day event exploring and trekking this man made wonder of the World.
You will take in the 'hutongs' - the back lanes of Beijing and Gonwangu Palace, see the many fascinating watch-towers and battlements and also trek the most beautiful section of the Wall to Simatai. A day's hiking to Shixiaguan, enables you to actually 'lend a hand' repairing the Great Wall. A watchtower is being repaired, and the challenge will be to help carry the bricks from the bottom of the Wall to the top. Once at the top, experts will be there to help you place your brick in the Wall.
As part of your Global Challenge you will get the opportunity to conquer the strenuous 1,000 steps at Mutinayu - not for the faint hearted! As well as hiking the almighty Wall, you will also take part in an off road exploration of the spectacular Ming Tombs - the last resting place of the Ming Dynasty Emperors, including Ding Ling and Chang Ling.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart UK on overnight flight to Beijing.
Day 2
Arrive Beijing and transfer to hotel.
There will be lunch at a local restaurant, and then in the afternoon, a chance to acclimatise. You will be met by coach and guide to visit the 'hutongs'. The tour will begin by rickshaw and explores the hutongs with their authentic courtyard houses. The visit finishes with Gongwangfu Palaces and a walk on Tian'anmen Square for orientation.
Day 3
Trekking distance approx. 5km
Depart from Beijing, eastwards to Huangyaguan. The drive will take approximately 3 hours, covering 100 km. Check in to hotel located at the foot of the Great Wall.
After lunch, you will re-board the coach and depart to Taipingzhai. Here a warm-up trek along the first section, which begins at Taipingzhai and returns along the Great Wall to Huangyaguan. (Duration 3 hours).
Sections of the Great Wall at Huangya Pass, require good negotiation and attention.
Day 4
Trekking distance approx. 7km
 Depart Huangyaguan by coach for the Gubeikou Great Wall and climb to Jinshanling (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes drive).
Today you will trek on the most beautiful section of the Great Wall and cover some 27 watch-towers over old brick-made steps. There are sections of renovated and original wall. (Duration approximately 5 ½ hours). When the break in the wall is reached, you descend to the ground and walk to the next section. Ascend and trek to the 12 battlements. (Duration 2 hours).
Day 5
Trekking distance approx 10km
Re-board coach and depart for the climb from Jinshanling to Simatai and some of the most beautiful sections of the wall. (Duration approx. 7-8 hours).
Day 6
Trekking distance approx. 5km
Depart by coach for the most strenuous day yet at Mutinayu. Today you Climb the awesome 1,000 steps and 20 battlements from the foot of the Great Wall to the top of the mountain. (Duration 5 hours, approximately 2 km distance). On the Mutinayu Great Wall, there are 20 battle towers, and the stretch of repaired wall here is 3kms. Drive to hotel (approx. 2 hours).
Day 7
Repairing the Wall
Drive to the entrance of the partially reconstructed section of the Great Wall. Part of today is spent helping to repair the Great Wall. New bricks are carried up the 300 wooden steps to where a watchtower is being repaired. Trained staff will supervise and place the bricks on the Wall. Once every one has brought up a brick, the trek will continue. (Approx. 4 hours)
After lunch, you climb the old section of the Badaling Great Wall (approx. 3 hours). Drive to Juyongguan.
Day 8
 Drive to Juyongguan Great Wall. There will be a choice of treks either 2 ½ km in length, or 5 km in length.
After lunch you travel to the Ming Tombs and Sacred Avenue, 50kms away. There you meet with a cycle guide and collect your bicycle before beginning the off-road exploration of the Ming Tombs, including those of the Ding Ling and Chang Ling Emperors.
Farewell Presentation Dinner in the evening.
Day 9
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight back to UK.
Cost & Further Information
Deposit - £345.00. Minimum Sponsorship - £2650.00 - Don't be put off by this, we will help you achieve it and more! Travel Insurance - £42.15.
For a full information pack contact Allison on 01789 267 520 or
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