6-day 5-Night Great Wall Trek
Wild Badaling-Huanghuacheng-Xishuiyu-Jiankou-Mutianyu-Gubeikou-Jinshanling-West Simatai
This six-day program includes nine hiking routes, revealing different forms of the Great Wall: original wild masonry, restored brickwork, varied watchtowers, and sections submerged in a reservoir. The sequence offers a broad view of the Wall’s changing architecture and landscape.
Highlights
- Six of the most unforgettable routes.
- Explore memorable Great Wall landscapes with time to appreciate the views and take photographs. The route brings you close to the towers, ridges, and architectural details that make each section distinctive.
- You will also get the opportunity to camp overnight on the Great Wall any time of the year.
What we supply you
- English-speaking guide who can tell you the story behind the wall;
- Professional driver who can drive over the mountains;
- Quality vehicle (Volkswagen Passat or Buick Minivan) that can travel safely and comfortably;
- Full camping gear such as the tent, sleeping bags, and mattress;
- Our 14-years' knowhow for a great experience.
6-day Great Wall Trekking plus Camping around Beijing
Day 1: Shixiaguan-Badaling
Shixiaguan is set among the mountains in a glorious landscape. This section o the wall is still very intact and stable. Nevertheless, the wall remains relatively intact because of its strategic location. Shixiaguan Pass was originally built in the reign of Ming Emperor Wanli which was about 1600AD. It is a key pass that was once protected by a large number of soldiers.
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Camping on the Wall at Huanghuacheng
Day 2: Huanghuacheng Lakeside
Huanghuacheng sits near a lake and a reservoir. The crescent shaped reservoir is called Huanghuacheng Reservoir, while the name of the lake is Jintang.
Huanghuacheng’s reservoirs create a distinctive setting for Great Wall walking. Restored sections can be combined with boat trips on Haoming Lake, including sightseeing cruises and rowing boats, for a different view of the fortifications.
One of the best things about the Huanghuacheng Great Wall, it is largely quiet. Compared to other sections, this is an amazing area of the Great Wall that is both unique and holds an interesting past.
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Laohe's Jiankou Hostel
Day 3: Jiankou Trekking
A very beautiful area known for its white glow and its steepness. Known as 'Arrow Nock' in English as it features an arrow shaped mountain. It was built in the Ming Dynasty era (1368 - 1644). Today The Great Wall at Jiankou retains its original appearance since its construction in 1368. It is known for its ‘wildness’ otherwise untouched, unrestored and has all its history on display for you to see! One of the most notable features is it zigzags for 9.3 miles.
Once we descend from the Great Wall we will spend the night at a farmer’s inn.
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Miss-U-Much Hostel at Jiankou
Day 4: Jiankou to Mutianyu
Not many people actually know about this part of the Great Wall (Mutianyu) and the other section and more populous section, Badaling. Badaling is always like a swarm of bees around a beehive, it's a very busy area and there are just too many people there to truly take in your surroundings and enjoy your visit especially during peak time. Mutianyu is the perfect alternative if you are looking for a more of a peaceful experience. Mutianyu which is closer to Beijing than badaling maybe is another reason you would choose this part. Mutianyu is known for its steep landscape and for its uniqueness.
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Mr Duan's Courtyard
Day 5: Jinshanling to West Simatai
Jinshanling is one of the best parts of The Great Wall as it has many original features. It was crowned “Second Valley” because it was built on the Greater and Lesser Jinshan (‘Gold Mountain’) Ranges. A tablet with the Chinese inscription for Jinshanling Great Wall was set into this section. This section of the wall has been left untouched since 1570. It is a remote and relatively isolated section of the Great Wall
Tonight, we will camp on the Great Wall in an ancient watchtower.
INCLUDED
Meals: B, L,D
Accommodation: Panlong 1st Hostel
Day 6: Gubeikou-Jinshanling
Gubeikou’s winding, steep ridges contain towers of different sizes and designs. Follow about 10 km toward Jinshanling, where restored and original masonry offer contrasting views. The itinerary includes sunset on the Wall. Gubeikou was also a battlefield in 1933: the program describes a four-month campaign with more than 5,000 Japanese and 9,000 Chinese soldiers killed, connecting the ancient defenses with modern military history.
We will return to Beijing in late afternoon.
INCLUDED
Meals: B, L