Great Wall of China Discovery Trek
Various dates in 2026 and 2027
Recognised as one of the New Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China presents a demanding route featuring numerous ascents, descents, and intricate turns.
Comprising approximately 10,000 intentionally uneven steps, traversing the Great Wall is a significant undertaking, even for experienced trekkers.
Despite the physical demands, visitors are afforded impressive panoramic views of the extensive surrounding mountain ranges.
Check out the Charity Challenge Great Wall Discovery Trek website to find out more about this amazing challenge.
Why Marie Curie trekkers would love this challenge.
"A once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines breathtaking history, personal challenge, and the powerful joy of making a real difference"
How Marie Curie will support you on your Open Challenge.
- This event is an Open Challenge where you'll be taking part with people supporting a range of good causes.
- You'll get your own yellow Marie Curie technical t-shirt to show off your support.
- A fundraising welcome pack in the post
- Fundraising tips and resources to help reach your goals
- Local support from your Regional Community Fundraiser
Great Wall Discovery Trek
Day 1 - International departure from London
Your fundraising and training is about to pay off as the big day has finally arrived. Wave goodbye to family and friends and board your overnight flight to Beijing, where your challenge begins.
Day 2 - Arrival Beijing and transfer to the Wall area
Your local Charity Challenge guide will be on hand at the airport to welcome you and organise your road transfer to the first night's accommodation. In the evening, you will gather together for a trek briefing and inaugural team dinner to prepare for your incredible adventure.
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 3 - Badaling
Today's trek will take you to the best preserved and most complete section of the wall. With classic views of the wall winding its way over the hills and into the distance, there will be plenty of perfect photo opportunities along the way. After conquering the final watchtower of the day, it will be time to leave this impressive fortification behind you to transfer to your accommodation for tonight to celebrate your first trekking day achievements.
Accommodation: Lodge
Approximately 5 hours
Day 4 - Lupiguan This morning you take a short transfer to the start of the today's wall, Lupiguan. An unrenovated part of the Great Wall with spectacular scenery every step of the way. Today's trek will take you walking on a part of the wall that runs along the mountain ridge, with the River Bai Gorge on one side and a reservoir on the other.
Begin with a steady 1 hour climb up to the wall itself on a countryside trail. As you reach the wall stop for a well earned water and snack break to take in the vast views and spectacular backdrop of the surrounding mountains. You will need to take care today as this unrestored section can often be loose under foot. Once you have soaked up the view, continue your trek along the wall in site of watch towers standing at several high points. To finish the day you will come off the wall to trek back down into the valley to pick up the coach for your transfer to tonight's lodge.
Accommodation: Lodge
Approximately 6-7 hours
Day 5 - Gubeikou Gateway
This is the longest day of the challenge so get ready to push yourself to the limits! Today you will take on the demanding Gubeikou section of the wall, which begins with a steady climb on uneven ground, past several time-worn watchtowers. Gubeikou was once the site of incessant warfare and was heavily guarded leading to an interesting variety of defence structures. This part of the wall offers fantastic panoramic views over rural China so be sure to have your camera to hand. The end of the day walk to your lodge where a delicious evening meal will await you.
Accommodation: Lodge
Approximately 6-7 hours
Day 6 - Jinshanling Loop
Today, after a short group warm up, your trek on the wall will begin. After just a few kilometres, you will leave behind the tourists and reach an original section of the wall. Its steep, crumbling staircases will provide a fitting introduction to the enormity of the challenge ahead. Be sure to count the watchtowers as you pass through them and take time to look back and see what you have achieved. Tonight, you will get the chance to rest your weary legs at the lodge before getting a good night's sleep.
Accommodation: Lodge
Approximately 5-6 hours
Day 7: Mutianyu section
Today follows the Mutianyu section of the wall and will see you taking on the "Heavenly Staircase".
You will begin the day with a steep climb up towards the first watchtower on this section before following this along to the Heavenly Staircase. Once at the top, you can bask in the glory of the truly breath-taking scenery around you and take advantage of being on one of the quieter sections of the wall. Given the number of stairs and the scale of the climb, today will test even the fittest of legs. After completing the heavenly staircase you will return back down off the wall in time for a well deserved lunch before heading back to Beijing. Once settled back in the capital, you will enjoy an evening meal with your fellow trekkers and new-found friends.
Accommodation: Hotel
Approximately 5 hours
Day 8 - Full day city tour of Beijing
With the hard work done, it will be time to relax and enjoy some of the cultural highlights of China's historic capital, Beijing.
Today's city tour of Beijing includes a visit to Tiantan Park and the Temple of Heaven, where you can join the locals as they enjoy a morning of Tai Chi, Mah Jong and their own unique version of 'Strictly Come Dancing'! An opportunity for some shopping at the local market is followed by a tour around Tiananmen Square and the magnificent Forbidden City, before a final group dinner of traditional Peking Duck or a vegetarian alternative.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 9 - Beijing to London
It's time to bid a fond farewell to China and make your way to the airport for your morning flight home. Filled with a profound sense of pride and a wish that the adventure could continue, you will return home armed with stories and memories that will last a lifetime... or at least until the next challenge.
Please note that this is a complex itinerary and may be subject to change prior to departure.
What's Included
Before you go
- Support materials (itinerary, kit list, visa information, travel tips, responsible travel policy and guidance)
- Sponsorship forms
- Members only benefits and discounts at a wide range of clothing and equipment suppliers including Outdoorhire, Cotswold Outdoor, Runners Needs, Snow + Rock, Water to Go, The Altitude Centre, Sporttape and Nomad & MASTA.
- Access to your own password protected account including support materials and training schedules
- Warm up exercise routines
- Fundraising advice
- Fitness training notes
- Access to Charity Challenge training weekends (optional and at additional expense)
- 16 and 20 week trek training schedule
What's Included
On trip
- Entrance fees to national parks or other places of interest visited on the itinerary
- UK-based 24-hour emergency support line
- Internal transfers (unless otherwise stated in the itinerary)
- Equipment as per the challenge activity
- Drinking water on challenge days
- An English speaking first aid trained challenge leader and full local support team
- A donation to a community project in one of the countries in which we operate
- A contribution towards funding the reduction of carbon emissions through Climate Care's portfolio of award winning projects
- Full back-up support from Charity Challenge including first-aid qualified staff and first-aid supplies
- Accommodation during the challenge (usually in twin share)
- Three meals a day (unless otherwise stated in the itinerary)
- A Marie Curie Trek T-Shirt
What's Not Inlcuded
- Visa (if required)
- Travel to and from the UK airport of departure
- Vaccinations (please check Trip Notes on the Charity Challenge website for requirements)
- Tips
- Departure Tax (if applicable)
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How the money you raise helps
£23 could pay for an hour of expert care and emotional support for someone living with a terminal illness, in the comfort of their own home.
£100 could help fund half an evening's care in a person's home when they need it most.
£200 could help fund nine hours of nursing support in someone's home through the night, bringing the expert care and comfort families need.