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Great Wall 3D/2N Trekking with Camping
Route 3A: Gubeikou-Jinshanling-Simatai West (Second Valley) -Jiankou - Mutianyu. Go on five of the most popular & picturesque Great Wall hikes!
Summary
For the person who loves outdoor physical activity, this program combines two of the most well-known Great Wall hikes and one of the Great Wall's least known sections.
Your trek begins with the hike from Jiankou Great Wall, which features dramatic peaks and ruins that are a photographer's dream. You'll soon hike over into Mutianyu, one of the most famous and popular sections of the Great Wall, but one who has escaped the tackiness of other popular Great Wall spots.
The next day we'll have the classic Gubeikou-Jinshanling hike, which allows you to see both restored and "wild" Great Wall, giving you a more nuanced look at the Great Wall.
After sleeping in one of Gubeikou's more massive watchtowers, you'll continue your hike to Second Valley, a strategic point on the Great Wall that is a bit of a challenge due to its steepness and condition.
>> Did you know we have 6 three-day treks. Click to compare ALL.
Guaranteed camping inside the watchtower!
A few agents claim they can do so, but that's not true. They usually mean that they may take you to the foot of the Great Wall to camp on the ground or sleep at a guesthouse. Not us. For each participant (even children), we must pay a hefty relic preserving fee to the Great Wall administration office. This fee allows you to camp on the Great Wall, hence why this program's price is higher than most. Great Wall Adventure Club is the only company approved by the Great Wall Administration Office to offer international guests camping. That is what sets us apart from other operators.
TREK MEMORABLE TIME
TREK DETAILS
DAY 1: Beijing-Gubeikou-Jinshanling
Hiking Distance: 10km/6miles
Hours to Take: 4.5
Accommodation: Camping in a watchtower
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Water: Unlimited bottles
9:30 am: We will pick you up from your hotel and drive directly to the Gubeikou section of the Great Wall, where we will begin our two-day hike on the Wall. It is 2.5 hours of driving.
Today we will hike for around 10km/6 miles. Gubeikou is covered with over 140 watchtowers, all differing in size and design. You will witness how the wall twists and winds along with the steep mountain range from the Wall here. It is as dramatic a view on the Great Wall as you'll find.
The Jinshanling Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while 1/4 of it is restored, allows you to have a more intimate experience with the Wall. This afternoon, you'll watch the sunset while walking along the Wall.
Then we'll take you to have a gorgeous Chinese countryside style dinner served by a local housewife. Before it gets dark, we'll go up to the mountain and sleep overnight in a watchtower. We'll prepare the necessary camping facilities, including tents and sleeping bags, so you don't have to bring anything but yourself. Here it is the sound sleeper's paradise - let the mountain valley and the Great Wall echo your snoring sound!
DAY 2: Simatai West (Second Valley)-Jinshanling
Hiking Distance: 6km/4miles
Hours to Take: 3
Accommodation: Great Wall Farmotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Water: Unlimited bottles
The first thing we'll do today is to watch the magnificent sunrise early in the morning. After a quick breakfast, we will resume our hike on Jinshanling's right-wing, where we will hike until we reach Simatai West, called Second Valley. As we head west, the wall will gradually deteriorate, making the hike progressively more challenging and exciting to observe and compare.
The Jinshanling Great Wall has now not been repaired considering that 1570. It is a far-flung and incredibly isolated part of the Great Wall. If you search for breathtaking views with a pretty peaceful walk, then the Second Valley of Jinshanling cannot be better, so we hope that you remembered to convey your camera!
Simatai West, called the Second Valley, is the left-wing of Simatai. It is also in a severe ruins country and is thereby the best example of the authentic Great Wall, while too extraordinarily beautiful and rustic. The wall is 7.8 m high and 5 - 6 m thick at the bottom. In addition to the first-rate scenery on your hike, you will also get to see how the wall was designed for practical purposes, that being the defense against outer enemies, and how the Great Wall was once supposed to preserve them out. There are 'obstacle-walls' built perpendicular to the parapets, a feature unique to Jinshanling Great Wall's Second Valley section.
Tonight, we'll overnight in a farmotel at the foot of the mountain in Jiankou to prepare for the next day's hike there. The chefs working in this hostel used to work in Beijing to cook with better skills than those who are home cooks in the countryside. Suppose you are a vegetarian, no problem. He'll cater to you with delicious Chinese vegetables and beans, etc.
DAY 3: Jiankou-Mutianyu
Hiking Distance: 9km/6miles
Hours to Take: 3.5
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Water: Unlimited bottles
If you elect to spend the night camping, we'll be sure to wake up early to catch the sunrise over the Great Wall, so be sure to have your cameras ready!
The hiking today will cover about 10km/6miles. The Jiankou section is known for its ruggedness and wild beauty, and you will be in awe of the marvelous views it affords. Be sure to see the watchtower known as "Eagle on the peak," this tower is exceptionally high and forms the highest reaching point of the Jiankou section. This is the pinnacle of exotic Great Wall scenery.
From Jiankou, you will cross over onto Mutianyu, a section of the wall that has been largely restored. Although it has gotten a face-lift, it avoids the army of tourists that plague Badaling.
Mutianyu offers some breathtaking views of the valley and wall below, and if you look to your right, you'll see a large sign engraved in the side of the mountain, encouraging you to "Cherish Chairman Mao." Leaders of foreign countries often visit Mutianyu.
You can hike down to the parking lot or take a toboggan (highly recommended, and lots of fun! extra fee.) down to meet our driver. We will then have lunch at a local restaurant. After that, we'll drive back to Beijing and drop you off at your hotel.
Back home, you'll then need to upload all the fantastic pictures you recorded on your Great Wall trek!