Dementia Support Line
Great Wall of China Trek
| Event Type | Trek |
| Date | 25 Sept - 03 Oct 2027 |
| Location | Beijing, China |
| Registration Fee | £349 |
| Fundraising Target | £3800/person |
| Level | Very Tough |
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Great Wall of China has to be the ultimate building project the world has ever known; constructed by human hands over 2000 years ago, it stretches across this hilly region with long spurs and watch-towers often disappearing into the mists.
The trek is very varied, passing through woodland and terraced farmland, and follow the contours of the beautiful hills and mountains in remote areas north of Beijing.
What's included when you take on the Great Wall of China?
- Return flights from London to Beijing
- All known airline taxes
- Transport and transfers as part of itinerary
- All accommodation in hotels (twinshare) and homestays
- All meals except where specified
- Discover Adventure crew (number dependant on group size)
- English speaking local guide/s
- Local support and back-up
- Tour of Forbidden City and entry to all other sites included in itinerary
Costs
There are three ways of funding your place on this trip. For both options there's a non-refundable registration fee of £349.
Option one: fundraising
You commit to raising the fundraising target of £3,800 and pay at least 80% of this to Alzheimer's Society 10 weeks before departure and the final 20% within 2 weeks of your return. We will retain 50% of the target plus any additional fundraising you achieve.
Option two: part-fundraising
You commit to raising the target of £2,800 and pay at least 80% of this to Alzheimer's Society 10 weeks before departure and the final 20% within 2 weeks of your return. We will retain 50% of the target plus any additional fundraising you achieve. You will pay a contribution to your trip costs of £500 which will lower your fundraising target.
Option three: self-funding
You may prefer to cover all of the trip costs yourself. If you wish to do this, £1,900 will be due eight weeks before departure - this payment goes to Discover Adventure. If you wish to, you can still fundraise under this payment option but there is no set target to achieve and 100% of all money raised will go directly to Alzheimer's Society.
What else you'll need to pay for:
- China entry visa
- Travel insurance
- Any meals specified 'not included' in the itinerary
- Personal spending money for souvenirs, drinks, optional activities & site visits and tips for the local guides/support crew
- Any applicable surcharges as per Terms and Conditions
FAQs
Contact us about this event
Got a question about this event? Get in touch and we'll respond as soon as we can.
Typical groups run with approximately 15-25 participants, however you may find your group is smaller or larger than this.
This is designed to be a challenge, and it is vital that you train sufficiently for it. Discover Adventure will supply you with a thorough training guide once you have registered.
Sticking to our training plan will really pay off, but we respect everyone’s limits and do not expect everyone to maintain the same pace.
The best form of preparation is to walk for good lengths of time on undulating terrain, and where possible to follow this up with a similar length trek the next day. It is important that you train with the walking boots that you will be using on the trek itself and with your day pack on your back.
You will need to be 18 prior to the departure of the trip.
In order to cover the cost of your place, you will need to individually raise the target. We do encourage teams to sign up, but each individual team member will be required to hit the overall target of £3,800.
Before the trip
We will support you with both challenges of raising your sponsorship money and your training. We provide fundraising support, sponsor forms and publicity tips.
Our training plan will help you achieve the level of fitness you'll need and we'll keep in touch regularly to hear how you are getting on.
On the trip
Your trip will be led by experienced Discover Adventure leaders who are selected for their experience in harsh wilderness environments, knowledge of travel in remote areas, friendliness and approachability, sense of humour and ability to safely and effectively deal with any situation that arises. They are also trained in expedition first aid.
Usually leaders are based in the UK or other English-speaking countries and lead regularly throughout the year in many different countries. In some instances, trips are led by in-country guides with a wealth of knowledge about the region; they have been trained by us to provide the level of support expected on a Discover Adventure trip.
An expedition doctor or medic accompanies the group too (dependent on group size), as well as local support crew which is made up of local guides, assisted by drivers, porters, cooks and other support staff, depending on the type of trip.
There are no mandatory vaccinations to enter China for most travellers, but you should consult a doctor 6–8 weeks before your trip, as tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid are generally recommended. Discover Adventure requires you to ensure your routine UK vaccinations are up-to-date and to check with a health professional.
You can find some guidance and information on the Fit for Travel NHS website. Always consult your local GP or travel clinic for the latest health advice, as they are aware of any updates in World Health Travel requirements.
Your luggage, food, water and equipment is transported for you from one night-stop to the next. If there is easy road access this is done by vehicle; if not porters, mules or even camels might carry your bags, depending on the terrain.
Space is limited and hard-sided luggage is not suitable, so it is essential that your kit is packed in a soft bag, rucksack or expedition kitbag. Ask us about our specially-designed low-cost kitbags if you don’t have one already. You should also bring a small daypack to carry for items needed during the day as you will not have access to your main luggage until the evening.
As part of your booking conditions, it is compulsory that you ensure you have adequate travel insurance to cover you for trekking.
You must let the tour operator have your insurance details by at least eight weeks before the departure date. Make sure you declare any pre-existing conditions otherwise your insurance company will not pay up should you need to make a claim.
Accommodation on this trek ranges from good quality international-style hotels in Beijing to more basic mountain hotels or lodges. Expect plenty of variety. There is one night in guesthouses (dorm-style) in converted farmers’ homestays!
The food provided is plentiful, often local in style and freshly-cooked, and will give you plenty of energy. Sometimes buffet-style lunch-stops, other times we packed lunches. On some trips we stop at small local restaurants. Dinners are generally eaten at our accommodation each evening.
Being vegetarian or having other dietary requirements is not usually a problem provided you let Discover Adventure know well in advance.