china
Great Wall of China Trek
9 days
ITINERARY
5 days
TREKKING
45km
DISTANCE
£1,595
PRICE FROM
Walk Along a Wonder of the World
- 45km
- Flight Packages
- Accommodation Inc
- All Permits Inc
- Food & Drink Inc
- UK Trek Leader
- Group Challenge
- Solo Friendly
- Medal & T-shirt
Great Wall of China Trek
A Trek As Old As Time
On this 9-day adventure we hike for 5 days along the iconic Great Wall of China. Each day we explore different sections, experiencing changing landscapes and learning the history behind each part. It’s a classic challenge and a true bucket list experience.
Our journey takes us from the ‘Wild Wall’ at Guibeko, with its crumbling paths and ruined watchtowers, to the restored views of Mutianyu and Badaling. Expect panoramic views over misty mountains, woodland and terraced fields, with steep climbs that test you but reward you with unforgettable scenery.
- 9 day group adventure
- 5 days of trekking
- Explore ancient watchtowers
- Take a 300m "luge" from The Wall
- Climb the Heavenly Steps
- Trek the Gubekou "Wild Wall"
- Traditional rural life in China
- Visit the Forbidden City
- See Tiananmen Square
- Celebration meal of Peking Duck
The Action Challenge Experience
Life on the trek
By taking part in one our group treks you will be part of a much bigger team and that’s what makes the experience so special. Supporting each other, laughing together, motivating each other every step of the way.
Led by a qualified UK Leader and supported by a UK medic & local experts; you will be hosted in 3*+ hotel accommodation, great local restaurants, & more, ensuring you get a feel of the culture & landscape we journey through. These are ‘full inclusive’ challenges – leaving you to focus on that finish line!
An Action Challenge trip is much more than a holiday! It brings like-minded people together in fantastic landscapes, provides the best support, and enables the group to take on a tough & unforgettable challenge which forges new friendships, broadens horizons, and leaves you wanting more of life’s adventures!
The blueprint for the Action Challenge trip is based on delivering a high-quality enjoyable experience – and doing it all safely. An experienced UK Leader ensures that all aspects of the challenge run to plan, from meeting your team at the airport, to liaising with the local crew throughout. Our Leaders will carry an expedition med kit, and are on hand to look after the group’s wellbeing – enabling everyone to have the best chance of completing their challenge.
We go to great lengths to ensure that we only use the best local organisations to supply the all-important ground logistics and the on-challenge support, catering, and hospitality teams – with experienced guides leading the way on the trails guided by their deep local knowledge and authentic style.
We appeal to like-minded people with a similar sense of adventure – but often from very different backgrounds, and with a wide range of experience, ages, levels of fitness, and personal ambitions. Our trips are perfect for individuals, couples, and small groups of friends to join –to take on a unique challenge as part of a larger group which shapes & bonds as the adventure unfolds!
Whether it’s the hotels, restaurants & transfers before & after the main challenge – or the challenge accommodation & meals whilst out on the trails – our all-inclusive packages mean that you will get a top-quality experience at a great value price! Flights are generally included, but there’s a ‘land only’ option if you’d prefer to book your own – and single supplement accommodation upgrades are available.
Visas- You must organise your Visa yourself prior to arrival. Advice on how to apply for this will be provided to you once booked onto the challenge in the App.
The group comes together – takes on a tough challenge together – and then celebrates its achievements in style on the final night of the trip in a local restaurant or hotel, with medals, awards, and a bit of a party! Many of our participants make new special friends on our trips – and quite a few come back together for another challenge in the following years!
A successful challenge starts with good preparation. The better prepared you are the more confident you’ll be, and the more you’ll enjoy it! Our ‘Challenge App’ will have all the info & details of what to expect on your challenge – and how to prepare for it. We also offer unlimited free UK training walks. These one-day walks run Spring through Autumn in some of the UK’s most scenic locations, including the South Downs, Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia, the Peak District, and the Lake District. They’re a great way to meet fellow trekkers before your big adventure, get to know some of our challenge leaders, and most importantly to build confidence and fitness on varied terrain.
TRAVELLER BLOG
Check out a traveller blog from a past participant on the Great Wall of China Trek
THE ITINERARY
SWIPE TO EXPLORE
Day 1 Departure from UK
- In flight
- In flight
We meet our group and Action Challenge staff at the airport, check in together, and have time to get to know each other before departure. After clearing security, we board our flight to Beijing, ready to begin the adventure ahead.
Day 2 Arrival in China
- Hotel
- L D
Flights arrive in Beijing in the morning. We transfer by coach to our comfortable hotel, where there’s time to freshen up before lunch. The afternoon is free to relax or explore locally, followed by dinner. In the evening, one of our experienced guides delivers a detailed briefing, sharing final tips, outlining the itinerary, and providing essential information before the challenge begins for the days ahead.
Day 3 Chenjiapu
- Lodge
- B L D
- 12km
We transfer to start our trek along the Chenjiapu section of the Great Wall in Hebei Province, west of Badaling. We walk along Ming Dynasty sections, known for brick towers and crenelated walls, stopping to rest and enjoy views over lunch. In the afternoon we continue the hike before returning to the hotel for an early dinner and well-earned and comfortable overnight stay.
Day 4 Old Badaling
- Lodge
- B L D
- 8km
We transfer to an unrestored section of the old Badaling Wall, avoiding the busiest areas. From higher points, enjoy wide views of misty mountains stretching into the distance. We walk a quieter stretch of Old Badaling, finishing at Shixiaguan with time for photos. After lunch, we continue to our cosy lodge in Jiankou village, where we settle in for the evening.
Day 5 Jiankou to Mutianyu
- Lodge
- B L D
- 8km
Today we trek up to Zhenbeilou Tower on the Jiankou Great Wall. This section offers superb scenery, dense vegetation, and impressive watchtowers along a mix of restored and unrestored paths. The initial climb is steep before reaching the Wall, followed by a rewarding hike with striking views, especially near Zhenbeilou. After a late lunch, we transfer by road to Gubeikou village for the evening.
Day 6 Gubeikou
- Lodge
- B L D
- 10km
After breakfast we start the trek from the village. Gubeikou was once a key military passage to the capital. This unrestored ‘Wild Wall’ is rugged, broken and atmospheric. The route follows the Yanshan Mountains through a narrow pass, crossing farmland and crumbling watchtowers, with views towards distant Simatai Ridge. We finish in Jinshanling village for dinner and overnight after a rewarding day on the trail.
Day 7 Jinshanling
- Hotel
- B L D
- 10km
Today is the final day of the challenge. We trek for five hours from Jinshanling West to East, stopping to take in the views and enjoy a packed lunch. The route passes 30 towers, including several unrestored sections. Emotions run high as we leave the Wall. We then transfer back to Beijing and finish with a celebratory dinner in a local restaurant with the group.
Day 8 Explore Beijing
- Hotel
- B L D
After breakfast, we visit Tiananmen Square before exploring the Forbidden City, taking in its history and architecture. After lunch, we pass the Olympic Park and may visit a local silk factory. In the evening, we enjoy a final group dinner at an authentic restaurant, sharing highlights from the trip before returning to the hotel for our last night together as a team.
Day 9 Departure
- Departure
- B
This is our final day waking up in China. We will enjoy our final breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading to the airport for a flight back to the UK. Depending on departure time, this flight may land the following day.
Dates & Prices
2028 EARLY BIRD!
- £100 OFF ALL 2028 DATES
- FREE DUFFEL WORTH £125
- UNLIMITED TRAINING WALKS
- USE CODE YOUR2028
To book a place, complete our online form, & pay your deposit. You will receive a confirmation email, which also has details of what to expect next.
Sign up for a Self Funded package to do it for yourself – or choose a Charity Fundraising option to support a good cause.
Click FULL DETAILS next to a date to view the full price breakdown, including any optional fundraising targets.
12 Sep - 20 Sep
17 Oct - 25 Oct
10 Apr - 18 Apr
01 May - 09 May
22 May - 30 Mat
21 Aug - 29 Aug
11 Sep - 19 Sep
16 Oct - 24 Oct
08 Apr - 16 Apr (High Season)
29 Apr - 07 May
09 Sep - 17 Sep
07 Oct - 15 Oct
How It Works
Our packages are typically all-inclusive, covering accommodation, meals, transport, local support, and flights if selected. Single supplements are available, and you can extend your stay by amending your return flight or choosing a pre-arranged extension. Places are limited on many trips, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
Our ‘with flights’ option is based on an economy class group booking departing from London (you can request a quote for an ‘upgrade’). The ‘land only’ option means that you book your own flights, and arrange to join the group at the 1st night’s hotel / or airport meet point.
If you’re traveling across the globe – extending your trip may be the perfect opportunity to explore, relax, or do more activities! If you choose the ‘with flights’ option you can request a return flight date change – and either arrange your own extension programme & reservations – or book one of our pre-arranged packages if available.
If your traveling with someone else – or as a small group – do let us know so we can ensure that the accommodation and flight arrangements worked out properly from the outset.
All our quoted prices are based on a ‘twin share basis’ (ie with a friend / partner – or on a same sex allocated basis if travelling alone). You can request a ‘single supplement’ to cover hotel rooms / tent / lodge accommodation.
Oil prices change often, so airlines sometimes add fuel surcharges. We pass these on to customers because they are unknown at the time of booking, which can be up to 18 months before travel. Airlines confirm the final surcharge about 12 weeks before departure. We apply a cap, so you never pay more than the stated maximum and we cover anything above it.
Airport and air travel taxes can also change, for example as a result of CO2 regulations. These adjustments are covered in our Terms and Conditions.
As with any adventure holiday, prices may be higher at certain times – generally reflecting the higher flight prices during those peak periods.
Trip Brochure
The Challenge brochure details the full itinerary, inclusions, and more – download for a full run down of the challenge details.
FREE UK TRAINING WALKS
With any overseas challenge booking
• Average 20km distance
• Led by our UK leaders
• Do as many as you like
Frequently Asked Questions
Trip Details
Full details & information about what you can expect in the lead up & during the challenge.
Signing Up to the Challenge
Once you pay your deposit & have signed up to the challenge, you will receive a confirmation email welcoming you into the challenge.
You will also receive instructions on how to download our challenge app which has in it all the information you need to start preparing for your challenge – from kit lists to training guides.
We will keep you updated with regular emails & newsletters in the lead-up to the challenge, as well as information on training days & weekends.
If you need to cancel your challenge, your deposit is non-refundable – therefore we recommend you speak to our team to see what alternative options you may have.
Yes, if for whatever reason you need to push your departure back to a later one or change your trip altogether you can do so for a date change fee of £175, subject to availability.
Currently, we do not have the accounting facility to take instalments, we can only take your payment in full at least 12 weeks before your departure.
Costs & Fundraising
The balance for your trip cost, will be due to us 10 weeks before your departure. You will be sent a reminder & an invoice 12 weeks before, giving you 2 weeks to make the payment.
80% of your fundraising target is due to be with your charity 12 weeks before the challenge, meaning that it either needs to be banked with them, or sat against a Just Giving page. We will then invoice your charity for the remaining cost of your place on the challenge, it is important you make that 80% target otherwise your charity will not pay for your place, and your trip could be cancelled.
The remaining 20% of your balance will be due to be with your charity 4 weeks after your trip ends.
Our base cost is on a twin share room basis, if you are signing up as a couple of two friends – you can tell us when you register onto the challenge, so we ensure that you will be sharing a room.
If you are signing up to the challenge as an individual, we will match you with someone of the same gender and roughly the same age.
You can choose to pay an additional supplement to have your own room (and/or tent) on the challenge.
All of our groups are an average size of approximately 20 participants, but can range between 12 and 30+ people. We welcome individuals, couples and groups of friends on to our challenges, and many who join us literally have a mountain to climb in terms of the scale of the challenge they are taking on. We advocate camaraderie and team bonding, and really believe that this enhances your experience. You are always welcome to check in with us on the current size of any departure you are interested in!
Yes as long as we know in advance of the trip, we can cater for all dietary requirements & requests.
Preparation
Yes – in our challenge app, which you can download once you are fully registered for the challenge we have a host of training materials, guides & advice for you to use.
You also have access to unlimited free UK training walks. These walks are designed to help you get and around the UK, meet fellow trekkers, and all supported by one of our experienced UK Leaders.
Our free UK training walks offer the chance to meet up with fellow trekkers and our UK crew.
Closer to the challenge we will set up a WhatsApp group so that you can meet others online who are going to be on your trip. We also have a lively & dynamic Facebook group you can join at any time to meet other fellow challengers – past & present to share and swap training tips, advice & stories.
You will need specific travel insurance, which covers the duration of your trip, along with full cover for any activities you will be doing (i.e. trekking, cycling) and to cover you up to any altitude you may be trekking to. Once you are signed up for the challenge, we will send you full details of our recommended providers of appropriate cover.
Life on the Challenge
- International flights
- Action Challenge trek leader
- Full support team, including local guides
- UK medic
- All accommodation
- All Meals, except in free time
- Airport / Air travel taxes
- All transfers in local vehicles
- Celebration dinner
- Discounted training weekends in Snowdonia
- Fitness and training guide
- Discounts from UK retailers
- Reduced rates at Nomad Travel Clinics and Masta Health
- Visa – Participants will be expected to obtain their own visa. Applicants need to fill in the electronic visa application form online through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in advance, then submit application documents and the biometric information at the Visa Center in person. We advise completing this process 1 month in advance.
- Insurance
- Vaccinations – up-to-date on boosters.
- Tips for local staff
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal kit / equipment
- Airline fuel surcharge
- We recommend bringing £300 worth of Chinese Yuan for tipping, souvenirs and extra activities on Day 8.
If you are booking a land-only package, we recommend flying in to Beijing and planning to arrive around the same time as the main team. This way you can join the team transfer to the hotel. If we plan to be in Beijing before the group arrive, we will let you know their arrival time so you can meet them at the airport.
Trekking the Great Wall is a reasonably tough challenge, but one that is very achievable with the correct training. It requires a good level of strength, stamina and determination. Your training should incorporate aerobic (endurance building) and anaerobic (strength building) exercises. Most importantly, you should get in some good hill walking, in the boots you are going to be wearing on the challenge. We also recommend taking the stairs instead of the lift, or going to step classes at gym!
An average trekking day is 10km with plenty of steps!
Each day will start with breakfast at our accommodation, and on some days we will pack up a lunch to carry with us for the day and eat on the trail. We will then board the transfer to the starting point of the day’s hike. While trekking there will be regular breaks to take on water and rest in the shade at watchtowers, with a longer break for lunch. On return to our accommodation, there will be time to relax before dinner – with more downtime in the evening for conversation and socialising.
Yes! We offer three different extension packages that you can book onto post challenge.
- 3 Day Package to see the Terracotta Warriors.
- 5 Day Package to see the Terracotta Warriors and the Giant Pandas.
- 3 Day Package to the exciting bustling city of Shangai.
If you are interested in one of our packages, or just extending your stay out in China, a request will be made to the airline once we have your specific dates.
The Great Wall covers mountainous terrain, so expect steep climbs up the stairs to each watchtower, and then a descent down on the other side. Often, the stairs have been built with uneven spacing (to make it difficult for invading riders on horseback to traverse!) so you need to remain aware of each step as you climb and descend. While climbing the stairs, you can be exposed to the sun, so make sure you have sunscreen, while in the watchtowers, we are able to enjoy some shade.
There will be three varied and nutritious meals a day and a minimum of three litres of bottled water. A typical breakfast consists of a choice of Chinese and Western style food including fruit, toast, cereal and ‘congee’, a traditional Chinese rice porridge. Lunch and dinners usually comprise rice, stir fried and steamed vegetables, dumplings and a selection of meat. Chinese cuisine varies throughout the country and you may find it quite different to Chinese restaurants at home and courses may be served simultaneously. Local beer and wine can be purchased at reasonable prices although Chinese wines tend to be of a distinct flavour and strength. Imported alcohol tends to be expensive.
Luggage will either be left at our accommodation each day while trekking, and on days where we change accommodation it will be transported by vehicle and waiting for you when you arrive. You will only need to carry your day pack containing water, waterproofs, suncream and other personal effects.
We will be trekking an average of 10 km each day, over steep trails. This means we will need to keep an average walking pace of 3 – 4km per hour. Each trail will have a cut off time, meaning that if members of the group are unable to reach certain points by the cut off times, we will need to exit the wall for collection by our support vehicle. Our UK Challenge Leader will set the pace at the front of the group, while the medic will walk at the rear.
Your challenge will be led by an experienced Action Challenge leader. Our leaders are selected for their experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, sensitivity and sense of humour, and will ensure that your trip runs smoothly.
You will also be accompanied by an Action Challenge doctor, who will be carrying a fully stocked medical kit in case of any emergency. They will carry out daily health checks, and the re-assurance of their presence should allow you to focus on, and enjoy your challenge!
There will also be a local support crew consisting of a guide, assistant guide (for bigger groups) and a support vehicle.We have a full support team in country with daily contact between the Action Challenge Head Quarters in London and local staff. If for any reason you need to leave the group early local staff will assist you and will arrange transfers, accommodation and medical care if necessary.
The weather in Northern China is characterised by long hot Summers and very cold Winters, so the best times to visit are during the Spring and Autumn. The springtime is fresh and mild, with snow on the mountains and blossom on the cherry trees, whilst autumn around the Beijing area means big clear blue skies, and pleasant temperatures. The temperatures in the countryside can decrease quite dramatically at night, especially when staying in the rustic lodges, so warm long sleeved items are essential. While trekking on the wall the weather is always unpredictable and can change quickly. To ensure that you embrace this as part of the experience, make sure that you are ready for hot sun at midday, brisk winds, and the occasional rain shower.
Get in Touch
Reach out if you’ve a question – or if your company or charity might like to work with us – and a member of our team will get back to you.
Tel: 0203 4796584
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 17:00
Sat – Sun Closed
OUR TREKS
