On arrival in Beijing we transfer by coach for 2 to 3 hours to our hotel in the countryside. Simatai Lodge is close to the starting point of our trek

We start our journey along it with a short coach transfer to the Gubeiko Entrance where we have our first view of this amazing structure. Today, we trek for about 2 hours along one of the lesser visited and least developed parts of the Great Wall. The stony pathway is steep in places and will get us warmed up for the days ahead. We may also meet some of the local 'hello people' who earn their living helping tourists trek along the wall. We come off the wall to trek via a local village to Jinshanling Lodge, a collection of beautiful traditional-style Chinese buildings, where we will spend our second night.

The Great Wall at Simatai dates from the Ming dynasty and is one of the unrenovated sections of the Wall. On this challenging day we will trek up steep, crumbling staircases past 32 watchtowers and unusual features such as 'obstacle walls' originally used for defending against enemies. In places, the ground is made up of loose stones and we will be walking close to the walled edge but it will be worth our efforts when we are rewarded with views of spectacular scenery. We will stay overnight in Simatai Lodge.

After breakfast we transfer to Black Dragon Pool Park, a stunning mountain gorge. We will ascend the gorge via a gangway attached to the rockface and steep steps. Then we cross the flow of the gorge on stepping stones and follow soil pathways. From the plateau at the top, gradually the slope eases out into a gentle valley descent. We continue off the beaten track and trek past a few local homes until we reach the village, where our coach is waiting to take us to the Green Lake Hotel in Huairo Town.

Our final day trekking! We transfer to the thriving market area at the base of Mutianyu from which we have a challenging trek up seemingly endless steps onto the Great Wall. We then follow an undulating route from watchtower to watchtower that takes us to the furthest most accessible point. The last stretch to the pinnacle is steep and strenuous but once at the top we will have magnificent and breathtaking views of the Great Wall snaking through the valley of Mutianyu - a perfect finale! After our descent, we will meet the coaches to transfer to Beijing downtown. Finish the 5 days trekking tour.

$800

$500

$200