Overview

To trek along one of the Seven Wonders of the World is an incredible experience and one that will stay with you for a lifetime. The ideal challenge for those with a passion for history and a sense of adventure, this trek will give you the opportunity to discover China’s hidden charms, astounding cultural past, traditions and mythology as you take on this stunning route!

To visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World is an incredible experience and the Great Wall truly exceeded all of my expectations! From the picturesque water towers, stunning forestry and delicious traditional Chinese food to picture-perfect views, trekking through rural farmland and visiting the Forbidden City – this trek is filled with culture, history and breathtaking scenery, it has it all!

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What’s Included?

  • Return Flights
  • All accommodation in 2-3* hotels and guesthouses
  • All meals during trekking (breakfast, lunch and dinner) + drinking water
  • All in-country transport
  • Tour of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square in Beijing
  • Skyline Leader and UK Doctor travelling with every group
  • Exclusive discount at Cotswold Outdoor
  • Full support pre-challenge from your dedicated Skyline Event Coordinator
  • Access to online Participant’s Page with full trip information including kit list, what to expect, and visa information.
  • 16-week training guide
  • English-speaking local support crew
  • All applicable entrance fees as per the itinerary

Not included

  • 2 meals: celebration dinner on Day 7 and dinner on Day 8
  • Tips for the local crew
  • Additional activities in Beijing (foot massage, Hutong rickshaw tour etc.)
  • Personal spending money
  • Travel insurance
  • China Tourist visa (£151 in 2017)

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Start:
17th October 2018
Finish:
25th October 2018
Location(s):
Beijing, China
Trip duration:
9 Days

Itinerary - 9 days

Day 1
Depart Manchester for Beijing

Meet our crew and your fellow trekkers at Manchester Airport for the journey to China.

Day 2
Arrive Beijing

We arrive in Beijing in the early morning and transfer to Huangyaguan where we catch our first glimpse of the Great Wall on our way to the start of the trek. After lunch we set off to tackle the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall which, originally built in 557 AD, is known to be particularly stunning because of its water towers that have all been restored to their former majestic glory. Approx. 3-4 hours trekking

Day 3
Huangyaguan – Qiankaijian Village

Our hike today leads us straight out of the hotel and onto a restored section of the Wall and by mid-morning we will reach the start of “Heavens Ladder”, a steep, narrow climb of over 300 steps. This is a tough section but at the top we are rewarded with stunning views over the Yanshan Mountains and the region below. After congratulating each other we head up again following a path through shrubbery to join the top of the ridge where our path winds around sections of the old wall. In the afternoon we follow the path down the valley into the mountain village where we will stay tonight in a local-run guesthouse; an unforgettable experience in a remote area of China where few tourists have stayed. Approx. 5-7 hours trekking

Day 4
Qiankaijian Village – Jinshanling

After breakfast we head out of the village up a steep trail alongside farmer’s fields up to the wall where Heibei province, Tianjin City and Beijing meet together, known as the “Three Borders Tablet”. We then make our way West with the un-restored wall to our side as we descend back down to the village where we stop for lunch. After lunch we trek further through the village to meet our coach for the transfer to Jinshanling. Approx. 4-5 hours trekking

Day 5
Guebikou to Jinshanling

This morning we transfer to the start of the Gubeikou section of the Great Wall where, if the weather is good, we can see Miyun reservoir and the Wangjing Tower rising in the distance. This section towards Jinshanling is one of the best preserved areas of the Great Wall and today we will trek through 67 restored watch towers each offering fantastic photo opportunities. Approx. 5-7 hours trekking

Day 6
Jinshanling to Mutianyu

After breakfast we trek east heading towards Simatai along a much restored section of the wall. Our trek today can been seen for miles as the Wall runs up and down the spine of the mountain. We will take shelter in one of the many watchtowers on the way – you can bet that Genghis Khan never had it so good when he broke through the Great Wall with his Mongol hordes! We end the day with a transfer to our accommodation in Mutianyu. Approx. 3-5 hours trekking

Day 7
Mutianyu to Beijing

Today is our final morning on the Great Wall! After leaving the hotel and passing a small village we start climbing a steep, wooded track to the top of the Wall for our final breathtaking views over the far off mountains. The section we join is known to be one of most beautiful parts of the wild Wall in Beijing, loved by many photographers. After our final hike we come back down to the road to meet our bus and drive back to the hustle and bustle of Beijing. After a chance to freshen up, we’ll regroup and head out to our celebration meal held in downtown Beijing, a time to reflect on our achievement. Approx. 3-4 hours trekking

Day 8
Beijing

Today we take time to explore the capital, jam packed with its 17 million residences, and steeped in history and culture. We’ll visit Tiananmen Square and the nearby Forbidden City before grabbing some lunch. This afternoon you can choose to explore the expansive Pearl Market and test your bargaining skills or opt for a foot massage or rickshaw tour of the Hutongs, the oldest area of Beijing. This evening there will be the chance to watch a traditional Kung-Fu performance.

Day 9
Beijing to Manchester

Today we transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK. Due to the nature of the challenge, this complex itinerary is subject to change.

Dates & Prices

Registration Fee

Non-refundable booking fee to secure your place on the challenge

 £299.00
Sponsorship Level

The amount you pledge to raise for your chosen charity

 £3,200.00

FAQ's

Is the trip for me?

Definitely! These trips are all fantastic challenges for anyone wanting to do something amazing for a great cause! There will be lots of like-minded people taking part, all looking for the challenge of a lifetime and of course to meet new friends. Some people come with friends or family but most people come on their own so what are you waiting for? Sign up today for a fantastic experience and the opportunity to make life long friends.

Is there an age restriction?

You need to be 18 years old or older to participant in our overseas trips. If you are under 18, you may still be able to participate but you will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian and we’ll need written consent. Before anyone under 18 is accepted onto a challenge we would need to have a discussion so you can make an informed decision on the suitability of the challenge. If you call us in the office we can offer this advice.

I've never done anything like this before, what should I expect?

Most people who sign up to our overseas challenges have also never done anything like this before! You’ll be well supported from the minute you sign up right through to the challenge itself but it’s important you come with an open mind. Due to the destinations we travel to, things don’t always run as smoothly as they would at home so a relaxed attitude is the best in these situations.

How fit do I need to be?

You don’t need to be a fitness fanatic to do these challenges. The majority of people who take part in these events will be just like you and will not necessarily have done anything like this before. However to get maximum enjoyment from these challenges training is vital and we will provide you with a detailed training plan tailored to the trip you are going on which we strongly recommend you stick to. We will also be on hand every step of the way to provide training advice.

Will I need vaccinations?

Yes, it’s possible depending on the destination you choose. We would advise you to visit your local travel clinic for the latest advice on what vaccinations are recommended as this changes all the time.

Do I have to have travel insurance to travel?

Yes everyone is required to have travel insurance in place before they depart for a challenge. We highly recommend you take a policy out as soon as you sign up in case of any unforeseen circumstances that require you to cancel. If you already have an annual policy or cover with your bank you should check you are happy with the level of cover, repatriation is essential. You’ll then need to send us a copy of the policy schedule or letter confirming your policy number and 24hr emergency contact telephone number. If you are taking part in a trip that requires trekking at altitude you should check that your policy covers the height in advance.

Will I be able to raise the sponsorship level?

YES! Once you have started you will find that raising the minimum sponsorship is easy and most importantly fun! We will provide you with a breakdown of examples of how to raise the sponsorship money in an enjoyable way and we will of course be available every day to help you with more ideas! You are doing something quite simply amazing so make sure you tell everyone you know, and before you know it you will be racing towards your fundraising target!

When do I pay my sponsorship money?

You can start raising funds for your trip as soon as you sign up and we are on hand to help throughout your fundraising journey. In order to pay the costs of the trip 80% of the sponsorship needs to be banked 12 weeks before the trip departs. The remaining 20% is due up to four weeks after your return. We’ll be on hand to help you, as will your charity.

Can I just pay to come on the trip without raising sponsorship?

All our events are charity focused however if you would prefer to just pay the tour costs (50% of the minimum sponsorship) plus the flight taxes if applicable you can do, we would invoice you directly for these costs. In addition, we would encourage you to fundraise for a charity of your choice but without the target to reach.

Can I extend my trip?

For the trips we organise involving flights it is possible to apply to extend your stay and travel independently after the main group had headed home. We will advise you of when and how to apply for this once you are signed up. We can only make changes to the date you return, the route must remain the same; all changes are made at the airline’s discretion and subject to availability and a nominal admin fee. For our trips in Europe involving a Eurostar return it is not usually possible. If you wish to stay longer we would just ask you to make your own arrangements and let us know if you do so in advance.

What do I need to bring?

We’ll provide you with a full kit list when you sign up to your challenge. If you are cycling from the UK into Europe you will need to bring along your own bike otherwise bikes will be provide if you are going further afield. If you are trekking a good well-worn in pair of boots are essential to get you started!

What will happen to my luggage during trekking/cycling days?

On all our challenges, your main luggage will be transported for you each day. You will just need to carry the kit you need for that day including water, sun cream, snacks, camera, waterproofs etc.

Airline Taxes and Fuel Surcharge

These are not included in the tour costs of any overseas trip involving flights. This is due to the fluctuating nature of these charges issued by the airline. We will be able to confirm the exact costs for each event 8 weeks before departure and you will be invoiced for the cost directly which must be paid immediately so please budget for these accordingly. To help please find below a list of estimated costs dependant on destination.

  • China Trek: £370
  • Sahara Trek: £180.00
  • Vietnam to Cambodia Cycle: £250
How is my trip protected?

Skyline Events are acting as agents for the tour operator, Skyline Tour Operations Ltd, ATOL license number 10069. Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

How do I book my place?

As soon as possible! Simply click BOOK NOW to book online today! Places are extremely limited and get snapped up quickly so to avoid disappointment sign up today and don’t miss out!

View our Terms & Conditions

Please view our Terms & Conditions here

Get In Touch

If you like what you’ve seen so far and want to find out more, why not drop the Team an email at overseas@skylineevents.co.uk for more information? Or give us a call on 020 7424 5511