This innovative itinerary takes in a classic section of the Great Wall outside Beijing in Hebei Province. Hosted by local families, we camp in comfort in exclusive locations and explore the Great Wall over seven days, trekking between villages. The host families provide us with true rural hospitality in the 'real China' and allow us rare interaction, including visits to family homes.
In Beijing we visit the capital’s major historic sites such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the lakeside Summer Palace. The restaurants we visit are chosen for both their cuisine and hospitality and you will delight in the great eating opportunities found in the capital, culminating in a farewell dinner at the Old Beijing Restaurant, reminiscent of eateries centuries ago.
On arrival in Beijing you will be met at the airport (if arriving on the group flight) and transferred by mini bus to the group hotel. In the afternoon there is free time for sightseeing in the central city district.
This morning we depart Beijing and travel by bus to the border of Hebei Province to begin our walk, from Mt Simatai to Gubeikou Pass. Over the next four nights we camp, getting away from the more touristy sections of the wall. This section of the wall was built in the 15th Century. There is adequate time on the walk, to explore and photograph the sections of the original wall (tourists from Beijing experience only a short, reconstructed section). You will note the wall's intriguing design features that gave the defenders a military advantage against the Mongolians.
We descend into communities to meet members of a typical, northern China village. On rejoining the wall we head to Gu Bei Kou Pass town, entering the pass through a small village on the afternoon of the third day. We will establish camp at Gubeikou and explore the Great Wall to the west of Gubeikou.
Houchuan to summit of Mt Simatai, return to Houchuan village (approx 8 hours).
Houchuan to Jinshanling village (approx 7- 8hours).
Jinshanling to Gubeikou, afternoon at Great Wall, Gubeikou (approx 6 hours).
Explore the Song Dynasty ancient wall (approx 6 hours).
This morning we transfer by bus to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. On arrival we will trek for a few hours this afternoon to reach our camp at Mutianyu.
This morning we will continue our trek at Mutianyu before transferring back to Beijing in the afternoon.
Today we have a full day in Beijing which allows us time to visit Tiananmen Square and the Imperial Palace ("Forbidden City"), one of the world's most imposing edifices. We take a full tour of this marvellous complex, inspecting the massive courtyards.
After lunch we visit a courtyard district at Hou Hai in northern Beijing. Tonight we will have our farewell dinner at the Old Beijing Restaurant.
After breakfast our trip concludes in Beijing.
The price includes 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners, arrival and departure transfer for group flight, camping equipment during trek, private air conditioned vehicles, expert bilingual local guide, medical kit, comfortable well located hotels, back up vehicle while trekking, sightseeing as listed in itinerary, site entry fees.
The price does not include international flights, airport and departure taxes, items of a personal nature, tips, travel insurance, visa, any meals not mentioned in the itinerary and any activities/sites not specifically mentioned as included, sleeping bag and mat, beverages, additional transport required due to any emergency situation.
All prices indicated are per person, are for guidance only, and are subject to final confirmation at the time of booking with the Travel Specialist who provides the service. For any holidays displayed without an indication of price, a quotation can be obtained from the Travel Specialist through our enquiry system.
3 nights hotel, 6 nights camping.
On foot, minibus/bus.
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners.
Group leader, local guides and crew including cook and assistants.
Minimum 18 years unless accompanied by a legal guardian.
A list of suggested items will be issued on booking.
Min 8, Max 16
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions and circumstances beyond our control. It should be used as a guide only.
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Adventure Holidays Cultural Tours Walking Holidays Discovery Holidays Guided Trekking Holidays Once in a Lifetime
Small Group
China
10 days
Beijing
Hotels and camping.
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Moderate
Variable
WE11