Trek the Great Wall of China 2026

• Return flights from the UK (including airport taxes and fuel supplements)
• 3 nights in 3-star hotels and 4 nights in traditional guesthouses
• All transfers, trekking permits, meals, and drinking water
• Local English-speaking guides, porters, and full support crew
• A full day exploring Beijing, including the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
• Celebratory farewell dinner
• 24-hour emergency support and ATOL protection
• A Julia’s House contact joining you on the trek
• Free Julia’s House t-shirt, medal, and certificate
• Invitation to visit our hospice and meet fellow trekkers
• Ongoing fundraising support, tips, and regular updates

• Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, etc.)
• Travel insurance
• Visas and vaccinations

The registration fee for the trek is £495. 

You can pay this in two instalments:

• £247.50 to secure your place by 31st December 2025
• The remaining £247.50 by 1st February 2026

Once registered, you can choose the fundraising option that works best for you:

Option A: Pledge to raise or donate £3,500 to Julia's House

Option B: Pay £1,865 to fully cover your trip costs and then fundraise as much as possible. We would love you to try and raise at least £1,500

Option C: Pay £600 towards your trip costs and fundraise a minimum of £2,900 for Julia's House.

This trek is exclusive to Julia’s House fundraisers and by signing up, it’s important that you are committed to fundraising or would like to make a personal donation.

Breaking down the challenge

At first, £3,500 might seem like a huge challenge, but that’s just £10 a day for a year - almost just two takeaway coffees.

Breaking it down makes it manageable and every pound you raise makes a real difference:

• £100 could fund one-to-one time with a sibling worker, giving a brother or sister of a seriously ill child some special attention
• £1,000 could cover a full week of respite care for a seriously ill child, giving the family a much-needed break from caring around the clock
• £4,000 could provide an exciting overnight stay for a group of children at the hospice, while parents enjoy some precious time together.

Please note: The registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. We recommend arranging travel insurance at the time of booking.

Trip costs are based on a minimum of 20 participants.

You don’t need to be a marathon runner. This trek is designed for people with an adventurous spirit and a good level of fitness. If you can walk for several hours a day and love a challenge, you’re ready.

Day 1 – Sat 19 Sept: London → Beijing

Depart London on our overnight flight to Beijing.

Day 2 – Sun 20 Sept: Beijing

Arrive in Beijing and check into a central 3* hotel. After freshening up, enjoy a traditional Chinese meal and a briefing on the week ahead. If time permits, explore the hutongs – the maze of alleys filled with traditional houses, local shops, and hidden gems.

Evening meal included

Day 3 – Mon 21 Sept: Beijing → Gubeikou

Transfer by coach to the Great Wall (approx. 3 hours). After lunch, enjoy an introductory trek to get ready for the days ahead. Climb hills, take in stunning views of the Wall snaking across the countryside, then descend through woodland to Gubeikou and your first guesthouse.

Trekking: 4-5 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Tue 22 Sept: Gubeikou

Explore the historic Gubeikou section of the Wall, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. This lesser-visited section has seen more battles than any other part of the Wall. Trek along worn steps and feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Trekking: 6-7 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Wed 23 Sept: Gubeikou → Jinshanling

Trek up to the section known as the “Dragon standing on the beautiful golden mountain.” With broad sweeping views, it’s easy to see how the wall resembles a dragon’s back weaving its way across the land. Steep stone slopes and crumbling turrets make this a challenging but rewarding day, with breathtaking photo opportunities. Descend through forests and farmland before transferring to Simatai guesthouse.

Trekking: 5-6 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Thu 24 Sept: Jinshanling → Simatai

Follow a restored 15th-century section of the Wall, appreciating the meticulous craftsmanship and stunning mountain vistas. Descend on a winding trail into the Miyun county of Beijing, and return to the same guesthouse in the village of Simatai for the night.

Trekking: 7 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Fri 25 Sept: Simatai → Beijing

Start with a final trek to a remote watchtower, soaking in the panoramic views. Descend along winding forest trails and past fruit farms. Unlike other sections of the wall, this area has seen little restoration and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch we transfer back to Beijing.

Trekking: 4–5 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Sat 26 Sept Beijing

Guided visits to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, followed by some free time. Enjoy a special farewell dinner in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Sun 27 Sept: Beijing → London

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London. Depending on flight schedules, you may arrive the following day.

Meals: Breakfast

Extend your adventure
After completing your Great Wall trek, you’ll have the chance to join a 4-day extension to Xi’an, home of the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. Explore this ancient city, uncover its rich history, and round off your trip with an unforgettable cultural experience.

Note: The itinerary may change due to weather, group ability, or unforeseen circumstances. Your guide and tour leader will always make final decisions in the interest of group safety.