CoppaTrek! with Gi - Great Wall

Level of Difficulty

The CoppaTrek with Gi - Great Wall is graded as challenging. A “challenging” trip will test someone who is relatively fit and has a spirit of adventure. You may have had some previous experience, but this is not necessary as long as the correct training is undertaken.

You can tell your supporters that on your trek you will be:

• trekking for around 4-7 hours per day, covering approximately 50kms over 5 days.
• trekking up and down thousands of stairs.
• exposed to the elements, rain, wind or sunshine along the wall.
• trekking on un-renovated sections of the wall, with tricky terrain
• taking on sections at height with drops at either side
• staying in basic lodges or village home stays each night

Insurance

Your safety when travelling with Charity Challenge is our main concern, which is why it is a booking condition that you have a suitable travel insurance policy, which covers you for the adventurous nature of your challenge, the activities you are undertaking, and the altitudes. Charity Challenge has chosen to partner with specialist travel insurance providers Campbell Irvine (for UK residents) and Rise & Shield* (for UK and non-UK residents). Details of the policies can be accessed from your account area. 

Both companies can arrange cover for an extensive number of activities, which include emergency medical treatment and repatriation expenses. 

Please note that Charity Challenge is not able to advise on matters relating to individual travel insurance policies and does not accept any liability for policy matters or claims. Please therefore make sure any policy you consider is appropriate for your specific requirements and the adventure you're undertaking.

We recommend that you take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover you for any potential loss in case you have to cancel your plans on the challenge (i.e. loss of registration fee/balance).     

For more travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page or for any specific queries, please contact us at bookings@charitychallenge.com.

Luggage allowance & valuables

The luggage allowance will depend on the airline we are using for your challenge, but in general it will be one piece of checked baggage at around 20kg. 

You should only need around 15kg-17kg. For any valuables, safe deposit boxes are usually provided in Beijing for guest use in the hotels, but will not be available in the local lodges. Use a padlock on your luggage when in transit to reduce any risks.

Carry your passport with you and make sure you have a photocopy of your documents (travel insurance, passport, visa etc.) in case they get lost or damaged.

Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags.  Specific regulations regarding power banks may vary depending on the airline, the country you're traveling to, and the type and capacity of the power bank. It's always a good idea to check with the airline and the destination country's regulations before your flight to ensure that you comply with their specific rules regarding power banks

Flights

You will be flying from London Heathrow to Beijing. The flight time is approx. 9-10 hours if flying non-stop or 14-16 hours if indirect. Your flight tickets will be emailed to you before your departure. 

If you choose to book your own flights, please confirm with the Charity Challenge office first, otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights (please contact flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance). For more general flights questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.

Please note: From September 2019, Beijing will be opening their new airport - Beijing Daxing Airport. This is located approximately 45km south of Beijing city centre and is an extremely long transfer to meet the rest of the group who will be arriving into Beijing Capital International Airport.

Timings of the group flights are subject to change so please take this into consideration when booking domestic travel arrangements to reach your departure airport i.e. book flexible tickets where possible. We are unable to take responsibility for the consequences of missed international flights due to delayed travel arrangements to the airport. We therefore advise you, when booking transport and making any arrangements, to plan to get to the airport in plenty of time allowing for any possible delays which may occur on the day (bad weather, break down, cancellations etc). If you book a domestic flight, in order to get to your international departure airport, please do consider that this flight ticket cannot be linked to the ticket we are organising for you; you will need to collect your luggage, possibly change terminal and check-in again as normal.

Visa

UK Citizens DO require a visa to enter China. You cannot obtain visas upon entry to China.

As we are a large group, we are going to arrange a Group Visa for those doing the group flights or organised extension. It will cost £30 per person. 

If you are doing your own flights, you will have to complete your own visa application. We will provide Visa Application Advice on how to do this but please note, it is a lengthy process and will require you to attend the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre yourself to process your application. The Visa Application Service Centers are located in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast.  

For Charity Challenge to complete the Group Visa application, we will require the following information from all participants 10 weeks before departure:

• A clear photograph/scan of your passport photo page uploaded to your account area 
• Passport details uploaded to your account area

Typical Day

You will wake at around 7am, have breakfast, make your packed lunch and pack your daypack for the next section of the walk. You will be given enough water for the day and your packed lunch to carry. The rest of your luggage will be transported for you to the next destination. At around 8.30/9am we will begin the day’s walk, stopping for lunch at a scenic spot on the wall around midday. You will be walking for 4-7 hours each day and arriving in the late afternoon at your next accommodation. Specific hours of activity for each day are given in the itinerary.

Clothing & equipment

Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof, well-worn in boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some really good quality walking socks. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are a high quality gore-tex waterproof jacket and technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. Walking poles are also highly recommended, as the steps on this challenge are very tough on even the fittest knees, and descents can be tricky, however we would recommend training with these prior to your trek.

Please click here for a full kit list for this challenge. As a Charity Challenge participant, you will get members only benefits and/or discounts at a wide range of clothing and equipment suppliers including Outdoorhire, Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock, Water to Go, Sporttape and Nomad & MASTA.

Money

Currency: The currency in China is the Yuan ¥.  We recommend exchanging currency before you go; however, there are ATM’s and currency exchanges available at Beijing airport. You can only convert 100 Yuan notes (around £10 GBP) back in the UK, so make sure that you spend any extra change.

Alipay App: Alipay is a popular App to use as a digital wallet and payment platform that facilitates online and in-store payments via a mobile app using QR codes or facial recognition. It offers an international version allowing foreigners to link credit cards for use in China and globally.

Credit Cards: Cards are not accepted at the lodges along the route of the wall, therefore you should have sufficient currency with you before leaving the airport.

ATMs: You will have no access to ATMs on the trekking days but once back in Beijing you will be able to withdraw cash if needed.

How much to bring: All accommodation and meals are included within the price of the trip, as well as water during the days of your trek. You will not need to carry a lot of money with you during the challenge, but as there are daily opportunities to buy soft drinks and snacks on the wall, we would suggest a maximum amount of about £15 a day (in Yuan). The guides will also offer you the opportunity to purchase a souvenir of group photos (around £20), traditional name chops and other items. There are plenty of great souvenirs in China so do keep that in mind!

Tipping: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. We suggest around 700 Yuan (approx. £75). This should be given to the challenge leader who will distribute it among the support team, including guides, assistant guides, cooks and porters.

Food & Drink

Food is basic but filling. In recent years, breakfast has become more westernised, with eggs, tomato and cucumber, as well as cooked meats. Lunch will usually be a packed lunch - sandwich along with nuts, snacks and fruit. Dinner will consist of Chinese dishes and of course rice or noodles. There will, of course, be vegetarian options provided, although the choice is more limited. It is important that you eat as much as possible during the trekking phase in order to replace body salts lost due to increased perspiration. All participants but especially those with personal eating restrictions should bring snacks to supplement their meals. You may also wish to bring additional treats like marmite, peanut butter etc. as you will be eating Chinese food everyday – this can become monotonous for even the most adventurous eater!! The tap-water is not safe to drink. Bottled water will be provided during the trekking sections, and you can buy bottled water or soft drinks in hotels and lodges for meals (around 5 Yuan, or 50p).

Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.

We can easily cater for most dietary requirements. Please indicate your dietary requirements on your booking form.

If you have a severe allergy or dietary need, such as a severe nut allergy, please ensure you provide as much detail as possible about this when booking on the challenge (e.g. whether you need an epipen, whether it is an airborne allergy or not etc). If you have informed us of any allergies or special dietary needs as part of the challenge booking process, we will endeavour to ensure appropriate meals and snacks are available to you. However, we would encourage you to also bring your own favourite snacks with you to ensure your energy levels stay topped up throughout the challenge. Please be aware that it may not always be possible for us to cater to special dietary or allergy needs – we will get in touch if this is the case. If you have any concerns about this then please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Accommodation & Toilets

Accommodation
All lodges and hotels are conveniently located for our day to day itinerary. Accommodation along the Wall varies from 2* lodges and basic village stays, with clean linen and towels provided. Hotel in Beijing is of 4* standard city hotel, twin-sharing and comfortable. If you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with, please ensure that you note this where appropriate when booking or email challenges@charitychallenge.com.

Toilets
There will be basic, western style toilets in the lodges and there will be en-suite toilet and washing facilities at the hotels. Depending on the season, hot water may be limited in some of the lodges along the wall. Along the trekking route, toilet facilities will be limited to the great outdoors! Please remember to bring toilet paper and some dog poo/ziplock bags to carry toilet paper out until you can dispose of it.

Phone & Wi-Fi

Most of the accommodation you are in will have limited Wi-Fi which you will be able to use, but please do not rely upon this. Facebook and any Google-based applications (including Gmail) are blocked in China, so you will not have access to these sites or be able to post updates for your friends and family. You will have phone signal in almost all places on the challenge.

Climate & Terrain

Climate

China has the same seasons as the UK, but much more pronounced. In September/October, the trees are losing their leaves and the wall is surrounded by vibrant oranges and russet colours. Both seasons are incredibly beautiful. April/October will be much colder than May/September, although in all months you may experience wind chill up on the ridges of the wall, and heat in the valleys. The nightly temperatures will be cold, particularly in April/October, and temperatures may drop to around 5 degrees. Warm layers will be necessary for the evening, but in the day you can expect to reach temperatures of around 20 degrees in early April/late October, and around 28 degrees in late May/early September. Like the UK, the weather is changeable, and these are rough guidelines.

Terrain

The route is mountainous and the wall involves a trek incorporating thousands of steps up and down. There are also steep drops either side of the wall so please take this into account if you suffer from vertigo. Some areas of the wall are completely unrenovated, and so you may be trekking up some overgrown, crumbly paths in your quest to conquer the wall!

Vaccinations & Medicines

For up to date vaccination information please check the Travel Health Pro website: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/49/china#Vaccine_recommendations

The Charity Challenge team are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your doctor or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your doctor may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting so it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.

Medication

• Carry medicines (including those bought over the counter) in their correctly labelled container, as issued by the pharmacist, in hand luggage
• Consider packing a spare supply of medication in the hold luggage in case of loss of hand luggage
• A letter from the prescriber detailing the medicines with the generic names for the medications can be helpful for border control checks, and in case medicines have to be replaced or medical help is required
• Carry a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery for controlled substances and injection medications
• Take out an appropriate level of travel health insurance including repatriation and specific cover for any pre-existing illnesses

N.B.  Some medications are banned abroad so please check you can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad

Challenge Training

A good level of fitness is definitely required! Anyone who leads a fairly active and moderately healthy lifestyle should be OK, but we would advise starting training as early as you can with consecutive walking days, in your kit that you plan to wear on the challenge. In your Charity Challenge account you will find more comprehensive Fitness Training Notes. 

This is a tough, multiday challenge that requires everyone to have taken their training seriously. It involves early mornings, long days and sustained periods of ascents and descents. It is certainly not for the fainthearted, and it should ideally be undertaken by someone who has trained on similar terrain within the UK. The CoppaTrek! with Gi – Great Wall trek is a real endurance event, and you should gear your training towards being comfortable doing exercise for prolonged periods of time. Recovery times are also important to consider, and again you should structure your training so that you are comfortable exercising again after only a night’s rest. We would recommend that all people training towards this challenge should aim to be able to comfortably do two long days of walking (6-8 hours) on back-to-back days as a minimum.

Even if you are active and exercise regularly, it’s good to adapt your training towards this particular challenge. This is vital in building strength, cardiovascular stamina and muscle endurance for the endurance challenge ahead. We recommend you start training as early as possible, ideally at least 4-6 months before your challenge. Make sure you check the distance, ascent and terrain of your challenge and create a training plan that builds up to this. Whilst you could start with short walks in your local area, it’s important to build up towards walking the distance of your actual challenge and being out and active for several hours at a time. Make sure you also check the type of terrain your challenge will take place in and plan your training to include similar terrain. Whilst an hour in the gym can help, you should ideally be training in a similar environment to that of your actual challenge and for several hours at a time.

Building up the muscles for both ascents and descents is important and can make all the difference in enjoying your final challenge. It is normal for knees to ache when building these muscles up and we would highly recommend training with walking poles to help ease the pressure on your knees. Make sure you set up your walking poles so they’re a good length for you first – most outdoor stores will be able to advise on this and there are plenty of tutorials available online.

Focus on building up the distance walked so you are comfortable walking long distances with limited breaks. You should aim to walk at 3kmph as this is the speed we usually walk at to complete our Coppafeel challenges.

Training with the kit you will be using on your challenge is important so you can test it out beforehand and make sure it’s fit for purpose. This includes wearing in any walking boots or shoes and experimenting with the socks you wear so you don’t get blisters on your challenge. Make sure you also get used to walking with a backpack with at least 2 litres of water in. It’s very important to test out your waterproofs (both jacket and trousers) in the rain as there’s nothing worse than finding out your waterproofs leak 2 hours into your multi-day challenge!

A healthy balanced diet is as important as your physical training. Make sure you fuel up on energy giving carbohydrates and muscle-repairing proteins before a long training session and test out the snacks you plan to take on your challenge as you walk. Not everyone gets on with energy gels, but most people can benefit from a slow energy release banana or a quick sugar hit from a jelly baby!

We provide plenty of additional information and guidance in your personalised login area, including warm up, stretching, cardiovascular training, exercise intensity, cross training, resistance (weight) training, cool down and the hazards of over-training.
Whilst Charity Challenge will endeavour to do all they can to ensure you can trek each day, there may be instances where you could be asked to sit out for part of the route, should you be deemed at risk to yourself or the group. Adequate training for this challenge is very important, and will increase the likelihood of you being able to complete the challenge in full.

Group Size

The full group will be approximately 120 participants plus support crew. The overall group will be split into four smaller groups of 25-30 people, each with a UK leader, local guides and team captain for the trekking days. 

Leadership

There will be a full support team including an event manager, English-speaking challenge leaders who will be responsible for the logistics and co-ordination of your challenge, doctors, local crew and a team from CoppaFeel! including the celebrity team captains. The challenge leaders will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.

Safety

Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, an advanced and thorough safety management system. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount!

In terms of your CoppaTrek with Gi - Great Wall challenge, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:

• The wall is very exposed, with almost no shade, and on sunny days the temperatures can soar. You should ideally be wearing a sun hat, sun cream, and hydrating constantly.
• Some areas of the wall are very remote, with no car access, and emergency evacuation may take up to 4 hours. However, there are several escape routes off the wall and the nearest medical facilities will be by stretcher and then vehicle.
• Certain sections are un-renovated, with crumbling and uneven terrain, and some steep drops at either side. Your leader will help you get through these sections if you have a fear of heights!
• Smoke alarms are not a legal requirement in China, and as such many of the lodges we use do not have them in place. Your leader will explain the emergency fire procedures to you.
• On the final day of the trek there is the opportunity to ride on a toboggan run on the wall. Charity Challenge strongly discourages the use of the toboggan run, and if you choose to do so this will be at your own risk. Also, be aware that the Charity Challenge recommended travel insurance policy will not cover you for this specific activity.

Emergencies

The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s walking abilities. This is allowed for. There will be a staff member at the back of the group at all times to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace. In the event of an emergency on the wall, all guides and leaders are maintaining contact via radio, and the backup vehicle will not be far away. If somebody is unable to walk at all, then the guides will arrange evacuation off the wall to the vehicle.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you suffer from a severe allergy, you are required to contact us to discuss any requirements. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request. Whilst we will do our best to put in place appropriate measures we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

Medical Support

Two UK doctors and first aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.

If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.

Responsible Tourism

At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £200,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the UK challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the projects that we currently support.

Warriors & Pandas extension

Warriors & Pandas extension

Hop aboard the overnight train from Beijing to Xian to visit the Terracotta Warriors. Undiscovered until 1975, this 6,000 strong army of soldiers, warriors and horses is definitely worth exploring. In the evening it’s time to put your feet up as you settle down to watch the mesmerizing Tang Dynasty show, a colourful evening of traditional music and dancing.
After exploring the Terracotta Warriors, take the train to Chengdu to meet China’s cuddliest residents. Spend time at the Giant Panda Research Base, before returning to Beijing to head home.

DAY 9 FREE DAY IN BEIJING AND BOARD THE OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO XIAN

Today has been left free for you to make the most of Beijing's many attractions. There is a possibility of joining an optional tour to the majestic Summer Palace, described by UNESCO as a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Other options include a visit to one of the city's bustling markets before an early dinner precedes the boarding of the overnight train to Xian. Please note: You will be occupying four-berth, air-conditioned cabins on the train. These will be unisex. (B, D)

DAY 10 ARRIVE XIAN. VISIT TERRACOTTA WARRIORS & XIAN GRAND MOSQUE

One of the oldest cities in China, Xian once lay at the start of the famous Silk Road. Arriving in the city this morning, you will be transferred on to your hotel in time for breakfast and a chance to freshen up. After paying a visit to Xian's Grand Mosque, you'll then continue on to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, without doubt, one of China's most revered archaeological sites. Lunch and a dumpling dinner are included today and this evening you will enjoy a performance of the renowned Tang Dynasty cultural show. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 TRAIN TO CHENGDU, SICHUAN PROVINCE

Today you take the 3-hour express train from Xian to Chengdu, home to the world-renowned Giant Panda.  On arrival, you will be transferred to a centrally located hotel and take a tour to Kuan and Zhai Alley or the Jinli Market Street which showcases the Chengdu folk culture including the Sichuan embroidery and shadow play. (B,L,D)

DAY 12 VISIT PANDAS

Today, it’s a short drive to the world-renowned panda project. Set in 92 acres, the centre has created and imitated the pandas' natural habitat in order to rear and breed them. Here, you can watch the giant pandas eat, sleep and play, whilst also getting the chance to meet other breeds such as the red panda. After spending two to three hours with your new furry friends, you will head back to Chengdu for lunch. this afternoon visit Dujiangyan Irrigation system constructed i256B.C and still in use today. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free time for you to explore the city and pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Dinner is not included tonight, allowing you the freedom to choose your last evening meal in China. (B, L)

DAY 13 FLY BACK TO UK

After breakfast, there will be some free time before transferring to Chengdu Tianfu Airport for the return flight to London. You will arrive back to the UK later that same day. (B)

Please Note: To be able to book trains for your extension we will require a scanned/photographed copy of the photo page of your passport to be loaded in the passport section of your portal no later than 3 months prior to departure. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE WARRIORS & PANDAS EXTENSION
Included:

• Overnight train to Xian. You will be booked in a four-berth cabin, which may require you to share with members of the opposite sex. To secure a single-sex cabin a supplement will apply. Please enquire with challenges@charitychallenge.com for the additional information regarding any supplement, subject to availability.
• All Internal flights
• All transfers
• Accommodation on twin share basis
• All sightseeing, entrances and meals as mentioned in the above itinerary

Excluded:

• Additional optional sightseeing in Beijing on Day 9
• Personal expenses (i.e.: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry, etc)
• Any tips for the local team (guides, drivers, etc.)

Please note that this extension is subject to minimum numbers of 4 people, flight and ground availability and should be booked as soon as possible. Occasionally, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking. Full payment must be received no later than 10 weeks prior to departure or your place on the extension may be cancelled. Extensions are not part of the main challenge. If we cannot offer an extension for any reason and you wish to cancel your challenge due to unavailability, Charity Challenge’s full terms and conditions will still apply.

The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger we will accommodate you in a room with someone of the same sex.

Single supplements are available.

The cost of the extension (registration fee and balance) are subject to Charity Challenge's standard terms and conditions.