Your challenge day by day
Day 1, Sat 11 Sep 2010
International departure from London
The long-awaited journey begins at the airport where the group will meet with a Charity Challenge representative for the first time. Any last minute nerves or anxieties will fade away as you fly off for your exciting adventure along China’s Great Wall.
1
Day 2, Sun 12 Sep 2010
Arrival Beijing and transfer to Badaling area
Touching down in Beijing, the group will be greeted by a local Charity Challenge guide who will oversee the transfer to the hotel. Do your best to battle jetlag as today is a great opportunity to explore your new surroundings. The group will get together for a first team meal, as well as a briefing about the challenge ahead. Don’t forget to ask any last minute questions.
2
Day 3, Mon 13 Sep 2010
Badaling Great Wall (approximately 4-5 hours)
And we’re off! After a short drive, we will catch our first glimpse of the magnificent Great Wall before starting off on a steep and challenging climb along a rough and uneven path. This section of the wall has been recently renovated and so you will be broken in gently to your time in China. However, the final descent is short but very steep and will test tired limbs. Your hard work will be rewarded with spectacular views, after which the group will descend to a local village for lunch. Overnight in a nearby lodge.
3
Day 4, Tue 14 Sep 2010
Huanghuacheng (approximately 5 hours)
After a successful first day it’s an hour’s transfer to the village of Xishuiyu, where we begin trekking the Huanghuacheng section of the wall. Often described as the most exciting part of the itinerary by former participants, the main obstacle of the day is the overgrown and uneven path that involves some elements of scrambling. The morning is spent battling steep descents and narrow paths, before eventually reaching a paved part of the wall after lunch. Spirits will be high as we enjoy the magnificent views over the Xishuiyu reservoir below. It’s not time to relax just yet, however, as there’s a steep descent down to the final watchtower. The group will be transferred to a lodge for the night.
4
Day 5, Wed 15 Sep 2010
Gubeikou Gateway (approximately 7-8 hours)
The toughest trekking day yet starts from a nearby village. By now some of the group might be feeling a little worn out, but you’ll need to dig even deeper to overcome the long and demanding Gubeikou section. Hopefully the buoyant team morale and impressive views will help you rise to the challenge. We descend off the wall through rugged farmland, before going back up for the renovated Jinshaling section. Expect to end the day feeling worn out but overwhelmingly proud of your achievement.
5
Day 6, Thu 16 Sep 2010
Jinshanling Loop (approximately 5-6 hours)
Morale will be high as we set off from the lodge on the penultimate day of the expedition. Today’s route includes parts of the original wall with steep, crumbling staircases and watchtowers. As the wall snakes along the horizon, we will be treated to panoramic views of up to 80 miles of mountains. With Mongolia on one side and China on the other, be sure to take time to soak up your surroundings and contemplate how far you’ve come. The endless steps will have taken their toll, so we’ll head for a lodge en route back to Beijing for a good night’s sleep ahead of the final day of trekking.
6
Day 7, Fri 17 Sep 2010
Mutianyu section (approximately 4 hours)
Emotions are bound to be mixed as we set off for our biggest battle yet: the Mutianyu section. It’s a short transfer to the village of Xizhazi, where the day’s trek begins. From here it’s onwards and upwards towards the tower of Zhenbeilou, which is quite literally the pinnacle of the challenge. Prepare for a tough final stretch upwards to the tower, after which comes the reward of the incredible vistas. From here it’s a two-hour trek to Mutianyu, a much visited section of the wall but certainly worthy of a few pics. What goes up must come down, so be ready for hundreds of steps down to the waiting coach. Once en route, the bus will stop at either a silk or jade factory as it heads back to Beijing. Overnight in a hotel.
7
Day 8, Sat 18 Sep 2010
Full day city tour of Beijing
After all that hard work, the group can now enjoy a day exploring China’s capital city. The guided tour will highlight the contrast of old and new, including the Old Imperial Palace known as the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, as well as the Temple of Heaven, where you can see the locals practicing their morning sports. Then it’s time to shop for some last minute souvenirs before a final dinner with your new friends and trekking pals.
8
Day 9, Sun 19 Sep 2010
Beijing to London
After a final breakfast together, the group will head for the airport for the flight back to Heathrow. Armed with a sense of achievement, you can feel proud as you touch down and share your fantastic journey with your family and friends.
9
Important information about the Beijing Extension extension
Day 9: City Tour
You will be met by your guide after breakfast and will start today’s sightseeing with a visit to the Summer Palace which includes a short lake cruise. Being one of China's largest and best preserved imperial gardens dating back over 300 years, the Summer Palace used to be the place where the imperial families spent their summers. From here, you will drive to the Bird’s Nest stadium where you will have the opportunity to take a look inside this incredible structure, so called due to its elliptical latticework which likens it to a gigantic bird’s nest. Taking 5 years to complete, it was the main venue for the 2008 Olympic Games. After lunch (included) you will continue to the Lama Temple built in the 17th century, which still acts today as a Tibetan Buddhist temple. Here you will be surprised by the 18-meter-high Maitreya Buddha statue sculptured out of a piece of 26-meter-long log of sandal wood. Dinner is not included today to offer you the chance to sample your own choice of local cuisine!) (B,L)
Day 10: City Tour
In the morning, you will be collected for a Hutong Tour in a rickshaw along old Beijing's small allies (known as hu-tong), up to Drum Tower. The Hutong Tour is the best way to see traditional life in Beijing. Here you will find many square courtyards, most of which were privately owned in the old times. The inhabitants of Old Beijing had their square courtyards built in the Hutongs as a symbol of wealth. Now most courtyards have been torn down however the area you are going to see has been very well-preserved, reminding you of the city's spacious culture. After lunch, you can be dropped off at the shopping area upon request, where the guide will be at your service. Once you’ve spent all you can, you will be treated to dinner at a fine restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 11: International Departure
After breakfast, you will have a last brief chance to explore or do a spot of shopping before being transferred to Beijing airport for the return flight to London Heathrow. (B)
Included:
- Accommodation at the 4* Radisson Blu Hotel (www.radissonblu.com/hotel-beijing)*
- All transfers
- All sightseeing and entrances as described in the above itinerary
- All meals as described above
Excluded:
- Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
- Any tips for local team (guides, drivers etc.)
Please note that this extension is subject to minimum numbers and flight availability and should be booked no later than 6 weeks prior to departure. In some cases, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking.
*= Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.
Day 9, Sun 19 Sep 2010
Free day in Beijing and Board the Overnight Train to Xian
The day is yours to explore Beijing. Take an optional tour to the splendid Summer Palace or visit one of the city’s markets for some last minute souvenirs. After an early dinner, catch the overnight train to Xian. Please note that the four-berth cabins are air-conditioned and for both men and women together. (B, D)
9
Day 10, Mon 20 Sep 2010
Arrive Xian. Visit Terracotta Warriors & Xian Grand Mosque
Upon arrival in Xian, transfer to a nearby hotel. After breakfast, you visit the Grand Mosque in Xian city before your transfer to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. Lunch and a dumpling dinner are included today and in the evening you will be taken to the famous Tang Dynasty cultural show. Overnight at hotel. (B,L,D)
10
Day 11, Tue 21 Sep 2010
Yangling Tomb & Afternoon in Beijing
After breakfast, visit the Yangling Tomb which dates back 2,000 years. Later in the day, you will fly back to Beijing and transfer to your. Please note that dinner is not included tonight, so you are free to dine wherever you choose and explore all that Beijing has to offer at night. (B)
11
Day 12, Wed 22 Sep 2010
Morning in Beijing, Afternoon Flight to UK
Depart for international flight back to the UK arriving the same day. (B)
12
Important information about the Xian Extension extension
Day 9: Terracotta Warriors & Xian Grand Mosque
Transfer from your hotel in Beijing to the airport for morning flight to Xian. Once the largest city in the world and capital for 11 dynasties, Xian is a favourite destination for travellers to China, due, in no small part, to the 1974 discovery of 6000 life-sized terracotta soldiers, warriors and horses which were created over 2200 years ago to guard the tomb of the first emperor in China’s history Qin Shihuang. Upon arrival, transfer to the Terracotta Museum. Lunch and dinner are included today and in the evening you get the chance to enjoy a Tang Dynasty cultural show. Overnight hotel. (B,L D)
Day 10: Yangling Tomb & Afternoon in Beijing
After breakfast visit to the Yangling Tomb of Han Dynasty dating back 2,000 years which is still an ongoing archaeological project. Later in the day, you will fly back to Beijing and transfer to your overnight hotel. (B, D)
Day 11: Morning in Beijing, Afternoon Flight to UK
Depart for international flight back to the UK arriving the same day. (B)
Included:
- Return flights to Xian
- All transfers
- Accommodation on twin share basis in Xian at the 4* Le Garden hotel (www.legardens.com) and in Bejing at the 4* Radisson Blu (www.radissonblu.com/hotel-beijing)*
- All sightseeing, entrances and meals as mentioned in the above itinerary
Excluded:
- Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
- Any tips for local team (guides, drivers etc.)
Please note that this extension is subject to minimum numbers and flight availability and should be booked no later than 6 weeks prior to departure. In some cases, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking.
*= Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.