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OVERVIEW

Walk one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Escape the crowds and experience the Great Wall of China in a way few others do. We explore a variety of sections north of Beijing; some are untamed, weathered, and wild, and others are better preserved. Each section showcases a different layer of the Wall’s remarkable 2000-year story.

Walking along these lesser-visited stretches allows one to enjoy a sense of solitude while experiencing wonderful, unparalleled views over the stunning mountain countryside. Plus walk via the iconic Crouching Tiger Mountain and the Hidden Dragon section of the Great Wall. Witness the sheer scale of the Great Wall and connect with rural life in the Chinese countryside along the way. Return to Beijing, where ancient traditions meet the fast pace of modern China.

Highlights

  • Trek the Great Wall’s untouched, awe-inspiring sections away from the crowds
  • Walk from your hotel and experience Beijing’s World Heritage sites, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
  • Sample traditional local cuisine & learn how to make Chinese dumplings with your local hosts
  • Enjoy stunning views at every turn as you hike the different sections of the Great Wall
  • Friendly local hosts and knowledgeable English-speaking guides
  • By hiking some of the lesser-visited sections, you get to savour the hidden beauty of China

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
GROUP GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
7 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Challenging

Grade 5 - Challenging

Longer, tougher, steeper hill sections, rough terrain with possibly many steps. Active lifestyle, good fitness and walking experience required.
PRICE FROM
$ 2495

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 395

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of a room when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

  • 30 Years exp.

  • All inclusive

  • Eco travel

  • Pack free

CONTACT US
DOWNLOAD PDF
Departure Dates
Book now

MAP

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7

DAY 1
Arrival day

Arrive in Beijing. Once you are at the hotel you will meet your guide and settle in.  If you wish to stretch your legs, there are walks near the hotel around the old part of Beijing via traditional housing and small alley ways, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and a briefing of the tour ahead.

Accommodation: Beijing Dongfang Hotel
Meals: Group dinner

DAY 2
EXPLORE BEIJING

Today, you will see some of Beijing’s most famous sights. Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares, is home to the Monument of the People’s Heroes and the Great Hall of the People. From there, you’ll enter the Forbidden City (built between 1406 and 1420), which served as China’s ceremonial and political center for nearly 500 years. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 and is listed by UNESCO as the most extensive collection of preserved ancient wooden structures worldwide. After the Forbidden City, you will stroll through alleys formed by lines of traditional courtyards known as Hutong and experience the local lifestyle of Old Beijing. There is an afternoon visit to the Temple of Heaven and Jingshan Park.

Accommodation: Beijing Dongfang Hotel 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walking: 15-16km (6-7hrs)

DAY 3
BEIJING- JIANKOU-GUBEIKOU

After breakfast we will transfer you by private vehicle to the Great Wall (approx 2.5- 3 hours). The Jiankou section which we will visit first was built along the edge of a mountain range and remains completely wild to this day with towers clinging to the steepest of ridges. After this wild and exhilarating walk we drive  to the guesthouse in Gubeikou.

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (local restaurant) and Dinner at local farmers’ guesthouse
Walking: 9km (5-6 hrs)
Ascent: 400m/Descent: 400m

DAY 4
GUBEIKOU

This morning, we continue to explore the Gubeikou section. This section was built in the Ming Dynasty and is famous for its precipitous geography. It is completely original, challenging, and one of the lesser-visited sections. It is believed to have seen more battles than any other part of the Great Wall and has long been a place of military significance and an important passage to the capital city. Constructed c. 555 AD (Tianbao 6th year) under Emperor Wenxuan. Built to defend against invasions by the Turkic, Rouran, and Khitan tribes from the north. It served as the inner/second defence line behind the later Ming Great Wall. When the Ming rebuilt Gubeikou’s defences (14th–16th c.), this older wall was abandoned but preserved.

The Gubeikou area of the wall includes a vital mountain pass that dates back to the 16th century. The Wohushan section; this 8km section was built in the Ming Dynasty and is particularly famous for its precipitous geography. The name Wo Hu means Crouching Tiger Mountain. Along the wall, there are a great many watchtowers, and the Wohushan sector remains a masterpiece in the history of the Great Wall for its ingenious construction. Wohushan retains its raw, ancient charm- most of the wall remains unrestored since the Ming Dynasty, making it a paradise for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts. An optional activity to walking is provided. You can also join our hosts and learn how to make Chinese style of Dumplings.

Accommodation: Guest House 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walking: 10.5km (5-6hrs)
Ascent: 630m/Descent: 550m

 

DAY 5
GUBEIKOU TO JINSHANLING

Today, you set off from the guesthouse to hike up to a section of the wall known locally as the “dragon standing on the beautiful golden mountain.” It’s easy to see how the wall resembles a dragon as it weaves across the land. The views are stunning, and you will have hundreds of great photographic opportunities. Unlike other wall sections, this area has seen little restoration, and many of the stairs and turrets have crumbled away, leaving steep stone slopes between each watchtower. Along the way, you will enjoy the lush vegetation and see how this part of the wall has crumbled. You’ll pass through a local village and walk around the inner circle of the wall, which was the second defence in case the main wall was breached. Once we leave the Wall, we descend through forests and past farmland before transferring to our guesthouse in Jinshanling.

Accommodation: Jianxia Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walking: 15.5km (7-8hrs)
Ascent: 1200m/Descent: 1500m

DAY 6
JINSHANLING TO SIMATAI

Enjoy a home-cooked breakfast in the guesthouse this morning before continuing your hike from Jinshanling to Simatai West. Today’s walk takes us along a restored section of the wall built in the 15th century. In contrast to the unrestored sections of the previous days, here you can see how the wall looked when it was built centuries ago. Here, you will gain an appreciation not only of the incredible effort in building the wall, but also the meticulous attention to detail, tactical wisdom, and also subtle beauty in its construction.  Along this route, you will see both original and restored sections of the Wall and enjoy the classic postcard views of watchtowers snaking across the mountain, so keep your camera handy. We stop at a restaurant for a banquet lunch  on the way back to Beijing in your private transport. Tonight’s farewell dinner is another superb banquet.

Accommodation: Beijing Dongfang Hotel 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walking: 9km (5km and 4km) 2 sections (8hrs)
Ascent: 1130m/Descent: 1200m

DAY 7
Farewell and onward to your next destination

After a final breakfast, we bid farewell, leaving you to enjoy the rest of your journey in Beijing and all that China has to offer.

Meals: Breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Authentic stays

  • GUIDED WALK

  • All inclusive

  • Authentic meals

  • Relax and enjoy being fully supported on our guided walk along the Great Wall of China
  • Walk with a light pack only with the guarantee of having the Great Wall almost entirely to ourselves
  • 6 nights’ accommodation in both Western-style hotels and comfortable rural guesthouses.
  • All-inclusive of meals, including banquets each night, transport from Beijing and accommodation
  • Enjoy worry-free navigation with our guide leading the way
  • 6 weeks from departure, a walking pack including trip notes
  • The security of Auswalk’s 30 years of experience running and curating walking holidays

VIDEOS

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

You’ll stay three nights in a very comfortable and centrally-located Beijing hotel and three nights in guesthouses while hiking. Accommodation is limited in remote China, with the authentic Chinese guesthouses offering simple but very friendly and welcoming mountain lodgings. Rooms are twin-share but have en-suite bathrooms featuring Western-style toilets and hot water. While it can get chilly in the mountains, we travel outside of the colder months so that the weather may be fresh some mornings, but not freezing.

Guesthouses have electric heaters available upon request. Electricity is available, but occasional power outages may occur, so we recommend bringing a torch.

  • Night 1,2 and 6

  • Nights 3 & 4

  • Night 5

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort in preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation, and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type and amount, of preparation needed. Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, the average daily distance is 16.8 km, the average daily elevation is 448 m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - BELOW AVERAGE

Distance is not a major consideration in your training program. However, you should still incorporate some longer walks as it will increase your cardiovascular fitness.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs. If you do not have access to hills, it essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible via a treadmill or stair climber. Prioritizing resistance training assumes heightened significance in this context, emphasizing the incorporation of stair climbing whenever feasible. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills, boring as that sounds, is incredibly useful. Elevation is the chief walk killer, not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with Mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and/or rocky balancing and core exercises are vital. Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills or up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand or up and down small hills, boring as that sounds, is incredibly useful. Elevation is often the chief walk killer, not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles. So concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

UNEVEN TERRAIN

Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a blend of physical and mental readiness.

Begin with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying the groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is especially important, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement.

The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritise options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.

GENERAL INFO

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

Beijing, where the tour starts, has two major international airports served by almost all major airlines.

We have arranged a private transfer from either of the main airports to your awaiting hotel on the day of arrival. However, this is only one group transfer and will be timed to accommodate the majority of the group on arrival day

If you are already in Beijing, you can simply meet the group at the hotel. Our hotel is the Dong Fang Hotel at No.11 Wanming Road, Xicheng District, Xicheng, 100050 Beijing.

We highly recommend catching a taxi from the airport to the hotel. The cost of this is between $80 to $120 from Daixin Airport (PKX). And $30 to $45 from Capital Airport (PEK). There are also trains from both airports. An express train from Daixing takes only 25 minutes. The train from Capital takes 40mins. The cost of these trains is less than $15. It is best then to catch a taxi from the Train Stations in Beijing to the hotel.

A useful planning tool for travel is Rome2Rio should you be travelling from or to other destinations.

THE WALKING

The walking is almost entirely on the Great Wall itself, apart from a few small sections. Due to the nature of the incredible terrain, the distances have been kept purposefully short as the wall climbs and descends many times. Some parts of the wall are in good condition whilst the more remote less-visited parts we visit are less so and so it is slower going on these harder parts of the wall, but epic!

WEATHER

We run these tours in the best months of the year for hiking. Both spring and autumn offer perfect conditions being not too hot or freezing cold in winter.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damages or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred by our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For over 30 years, we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know that you’ll have many more questions even with that in mind.

You will receive a detailed information pack and itinerary approximately six weeks from departure outlining all the fine details and much more.

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 16 May 2026
    FULL
    from

    $2495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $395
    BOOK NOW
  • 19 Sep 2026
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $2495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $395
    BOOK NOW
  • 10 Oct 2026
    GUARANTEED
    from

    $2495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $395
    BOOK NOW
  • 28 Mar 2027
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $2495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $395
    BOOK NOW
  • 11 Apr 2027
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $2495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $395
    BOOK NOW
  • 18 Apr 2027
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $2495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $395
    BOOK NOW
  • 10 Oct 2027
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $2495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $395
    BOOK NOW
  • 17 Oct 2027
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $2495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $395
    BOOK NOW

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Overview

OVERVIEW

Walk one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Escape the crowds and experience the Great Wall of China in a way few others do. We explore a variety of sections north of Beijing; some are untamed, weathered, and wild, and others are better preserved. Each section showcases a different layer of the Wall’s remarkable 2000-year story.

Walking along these lesser-visited stretches allows one to enjoy a sense of solitude while experiencing wonderful, unparalleled views over the stunning mountain countryside. Plus walk via the iconic Crouching Tiger Mountain and the Hidden Dragon section of the Great Wall. Witness the sheer scale of the Great Wall and connect with rural life in the Chinese countryside along the way. Return to Beijing, where ancient traditions meet the fast pace of modern China.

Highlights

  • Trek the Great Wall’s untouched, awe-inspiring sections away from the crowds
  • Walk from your hotel and experience Beijing’s World Heritage sites, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
  • Sample traditional local cuisine & learn how to make Chinese dumplings with your local hosts
  • Enjoy stunning views at every turn as you hike the different sections of the Great Wall
  • Friendly local hosts and knowledgeable English-speaking guides
  • By hiking some of the lesser-visited sections, you get to savour the hidden beauty of China

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
GROUP GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
7 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Challenging

Grade 5 - Challenging

Longer, tougher, steeper hill sections, rough terrain with possibly many steps. Active lifestyle, good fitness and walking experience required.
PRICE FROM
$ 2495

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 395

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

  • 30 Years exp.

  • All inclusive

  • Eco travel

  • Pack free

CONTACT US
DOWNLOAD PDF
Departure Dates
Book now
Map

MAP

Itinerary

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7

DAY 1
Arrival day

Arrive in Beijing. Once you are at the hotel you will meet your guide and settle in.  If you wish to stretch your legs, there are walks near the hotel around the old part of Beijing via traditional housing and small alley ways, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and a briefing of the tour ahead.

Accommodation: Beijing Dongfang Hotel
Meals: Group dinner

DAY 2
EXPLORE BEIJING

Today, you will see some of Beijing’s most famous sights. Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares, is home to the Monument of the People’s Heroes and the Great Hall of the People. From there, you’ll enter the Forbidden City (built between 1406 and 1420), which served as China’s ceremonial and political center for nearly 500 years. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 and is listed by UNESCO as the most extensive collection of preserved ancient wooden structures worldwide. After the Forbidden City, you will stroll through alleys formed by lines of traditional courtyards known as Hutong and experience the local lifestyle of Old Beijing. There is an afternoon visit to the Temple of Heaven and Jingshan Park.

Accommodation: Beijing Dongfang Hotel 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walking: 15-16km (6-7hrs)

DAY 3
BEIJING- JIANKOU-GUBEIKOU

After breakfast we will transfer you by private vehicle to the Great Wall (approx 2.5- 3 hours). The Jiankou section which we will visit first was built along the edge of a mountain range and remains completely wild to this day with towers clinging to the steepest of ridges. After this wild and exhilarating walk we drive  to the guesthouse in Gubeikou.

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (local restaurant) and Dinner at local farmers’ guesthouse
Walking: 9km (5-6 hrs)
Ascent: 400m/Descent: 400m

DAY 4
GUBEIKOU

This morning, we continue to explore the Gubeikou section. This section was built in the Ming Dynasty and is famous for its precipitous geography. It is completely original, challenging, and one of the lesser-visited sections. It is believed to have seen more battles than any other part of the Great Wall and has long been a place of military significance and an important passage to the capital city. Constructed c. 555 AD (Tianbao 6th year) under Emperor Wenxuan. Built to defend against invasions by the Turkic, Rouran, and Khitan tribes from the north. It served as the inner/second defence line behind the later Ming Great Wall. When the Ming rebuilt Gubeikou’s defences (14th–16th c.), this older wall was abandoned but preserved.

The Gubeikou area of the wall includes a vital mountain pass that dates back to the 16th century. The Wohushan section; this 8km section was built in the Ming Dynasty and is particularly famous for its precipitous geography. The name Wo Hu means Crouching Tiger Mountain. Along the wall, there are a great many watchtowers, and the Wohushan sector remains a masterpiece in the history of the Great Wall for its ingenious construction. Wohushan retains its raw, ancient charm- most of the wall remains unrestored since the Ming Dynasty, making it a paradise for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts. An optional activity to walking is provided. You can also join our hosts and learn how to make Chinese style of Dumplings.

Accommodation: Guest House 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walking: 10.5km (5-6hrs)
Ascent: 630m/Descent: 550m

 

DAY 5
GUBEIKOU TO JINSHANLING

Today, you set off from the guesthouse to hike up to a section of the wall known locally as the “dragon standing on the beautiful golden mountain.” It’s easy to see how the wall resembles a dragon as it weaves across the land. The views are stunning, and you will have hundreds of great photographic opportunities. Unlike other wall sections, this area has seen little restoration, and many of the stairs and turrets have crumbled away, leaving steep stone slopes between each watchtower. Along the way, you will enjoy the lush vegetation and see how this part of the wall has crumbled. You’ll pass through a local village and walk around the inner circle of the wall, which was the second defence in case the main wall was breached. Once we leave the Wall, we descend through forests and past farmland before transferring to our guesthouse in Jinshanling.

Accommodation: Jianxia Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walking: 15.5km (7-8hrs)
Ascent: 1200m/Descent: 1500m

DAY 6
JINSHANLING TO SIMATAI

Enjoy a home-cooked breakfast in the guesthouse this morning before continuing your hike from Jinshanling to Simatai West. Today’s walk takes us along a restored section of the wall built in the 15th century. In contrast to the unrestored sections of the previous days, here you can see how the wall looked when it was built centuries ago. Here, you will gain an appreciation not only of the incredible effort in building the wall, but also the meticulous attention to detail, tactical wisdom, and also subtle beauty in its construction.  Along this route, you will see both original and restored sections of the Wall and enjoy the classic postcard views of watchtowers snaking across the mountain, so keep your camera handy. We stop at a restaurant for a banquet lunch  on the way back to Beijing in your private transport. Tonight’s farewell dinner is another superb banquet.

Accommodation: Beijing Dongfang Hotel 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walking: 9km (5km and 4km) 2 sections (8hrs)
Ascent: 1130m/Descent: 1200m

DAY 7
Farewell and onward to your next destination

After a final breakfast, we bid farewell, leaving you to enjoy the rest of your journey in Beijing and all that China has to offer.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Authentic stays

  • GUIDED WALK

  • All inclusive

  • Authentic meals

  • Relax and enjoy being fully supported on our guided walk along the Great Wall of China
  • Walk with a light pack only with the guarantee of having the Great Wall almost entirely to ourselves
  • 6 nights’ accommodation in both Western-style hotels and comfortable rural guesthouses.
  • All-inclusive of meals, including banquets each night, transport from Beijing and accommodation
  • Enjoy worry-free navigation with our guide leading the way
  • 6 weeks from departure, a walking pack including trip notes
  • The security of Auswalk’s 30 years of experience running and curating walking holidays
Videos

VIDEOS

Accommodation & Dining

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

You’ll stay three nights in a very comfortable and centrally-located Beijing hotel and three nights in guesthouses while hiking. Accommodation is limited in remote China, with the authentic Chinese guesthouses offering simple but very friendly and welcoming mountain lodgings. Rooms are twin-share but have en-suite bathrooms featuring Western-style toilets and hot water. While it can get chilly in the mountains, we travel outside of the colder months so that the weather may be fresh some mornings, but not freezing.

Guesthouses have electric heaters available upon request. Electricity is available, but occasional power outages may occur, so we recommend bringing a torch.

  • Night 1,2 and 6

  • Nights 3 & 4

  • Night 5

Fitness Guide

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort in preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation, and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type and amount, of preparation needed. Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, the average daily distance is 16.8 km, the average daily elevation is 448 m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - BELOW AVERAGE

Distance is not a major consideration in your training program. However, you should still incorporate some longer walks as it will increase your cardiovascular fitness.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs. If you do not have access to hills, it essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible via a treadmill or stair climber. Prioritizing resistance training assumes heightened significance in this context, emphasizing the incorporation of stair climbing whenever feasible. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills, boring as that sounds, is incredibly useful. Elevation is the chief walk killer, not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with Mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and/or rocky balancing and core exercises are vital. Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills or up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand or up and down small hills, boring as that sounds, is incredibly useful. Elevation is often the chief walk killer, not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles. So concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

UNEVEN TERRAIN

Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a blend of physical and mental readiness.

Begin with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying the groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is especially important, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement.

The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritise options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.

General Info

GENERAL INFO

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

Beijing, where the tour starts, has two major international airports served by almost all major airlines.

We have arranged a private transfer from either of the main airports to your awaiting hotel on the day of arrival. However, this is only one group transfer and will be timed to accommodate the majority of the group on arrival day

If you are already in Beijing, you can simply meet the group at the hotel. Our hotel is the Dong Fang Hotel at No.11 Wanming Road, Xicheng District, Xicheng, 100050 Beijing.

We highly recommend catching a taxi from the airport to the hotel. The cost of this is between $80 to $120 from Daixin Airport (PKX). And $30 to $45 from Capital Airport (PEK). There are also trains from both airports. An express train from Daixing takes only 25 minutes. The train from Capital takes 40mins. The cost of these trains is less than $15. It is best then to catch a taxi from the Train Stations in Beijing to the hotel.

A useful planning tool for travel is Rome2Rio should you be travelling from or to other destinations.

THE WALKING

The walking is almost entirely on the Great Wall itself, apart from a few small sections. Due to the nature of the incredible terrain, the distances have been kept purposefully short as the wall climbs and descends many times. Some parts of the wall are in good condition whilst the more remote less-visited parts we visit are less so and so it is slower going on these harder parts of the wall, but epic!

WEATHER

We run these tours in the best months of the year for hiking. Both spring and autumn offer perfect conditions being not too hot or freezing cold in winter.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damages or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred by our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For over 30 years, we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know that you’ll have many more questions even with that in mind.

You will receive a detailed information pack and itinerary approximately six weeks from departure outlining all the fine details and much more.

Departure Dates

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 16 May 2026
    FULL
    Details
    from

    $2495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $395
    BOOK NOW
  • 19 Sep 2026
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $395
    BOOK NOW
  • 10 Oct 2026
    GUARANTEED
    Details
    from

    $2495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $395
    BOOK NOW
  • 28 Mar 2027
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $395
    BOOK NOW
  • 11 Apr 2027
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $395
    BOOK NOW
  • 18 Apr 2027
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $395
    BOOK NOW
  • 10 Oct 2027
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $395
    BOOK NOW
  • 17 Oct 2027
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $395
    BOOK NOW
Similar Trips

SIMILAR TRIPS

Kumano Kodo Nakahechi – 7 Days

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Be guided through Kumano’s sacred mountains over 7 days from Tanabe to Nachisan. Traverse mountains and forests, through villages to ancient temples and waterfalls.

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Kumano Kodo Nakahechi – 7 Days

BACK What's Included
  • Relax and enjoy being fully supported on our guided walk on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi end to end
  • Hike via magnificent shrines ending at the glorious Nachi waterfall and temple complex
  • Walk with a light pack only with luggage transfers from accommodation to accommodation
  • 6-nights accommodation in both Western style hotels and traditional Japanese lodgings some with in-house onsens
  • Traditional Japanese meals for breakfast and dinner each day on the walk.  Plus 4 walkers lunches – all inclusive except 1 lunch
  • Enjoy worry-free navigation with our guide leading the way and 24/7 support from our representatives on the ground

Nakasendo & The Kaida Plateau – 6 Days

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Group Guided walk staying in Japanese Ryokans. Enjoy elaborate dinners and breakfasts. Walk the Kaida Plateau in Kiso Valley past cedar forests & waterfalls.

 Group-guided 6 Days From $3695 Moderate to Challenging What's Included

Nakasendo & The Kaida Plateau – 6 Days

BACK What's Included
  • Guided walking holiday experience
  • Explore the beautiful Kaida Kogen Plateau in the hills north of Kiso-Fukushima
  • 5 nights stay in a family-run Ryokan or Hotels
  • Superb traditional multi-course meals for breakfast and dinner each day
  • Walk with a light pack, with luggage transfers from accommodation to accommodation
  • Beautiful views and authentic Japanese cultural experience
  • 4 Full days hiking on the Nakasendo trail

Northern Vietnam: Sapa and Halong Bay – 9 Days

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Experience the best of northern Vietnam, take an overnight train to Sapa. Trek through breathtaking mountain landscapes, visit remote ethnic villages.

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Northern Vietnam: Sapa and Halong Bay – 9 Days

BACK What's Included
    • 8 breakfasts, 8 dinners and 8 lunches.
    • Transfers during the tour are in an air-conditioned private bus.
    • Professional, passionate and local English-speaking hiking guide
    • 1 nights accommodation in Hanoi
    • 2 nights’ accommodation on the overnight train to and from Sapa in 2-berth rooms
    • 4 nights’ accommodation in a hotel in central Sapa
    • Luggage transfers during the tour
    • Walk pack-free and relax knowing you are walking with a company that has 30 years of experience
    • Welcome dinner night 1 in Hanoi
    • Walking & Street food tours in Hanoi
    • 2 Day 1 Night luxury boat cruise in Ha Long Bay

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ENQUIRE NOW

If you’re looking for further information on any of our walking holidays please fill out the enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.

Get in touch