PREPARE FOR THE TRIP

What should I pack?
You can have a look at the trip notes for each trip on the relevant trip pages. This will give you a detail list of packing.

How much luggage can I take?
As a general rule, the less luggage you bring with you, the better. You will probably be buying souvenirs and the like along the way, so leave some space! There will be times when you will be carrying your luggage on and off vehicle when staying overnight near the wall, so you should consider travelling with a backpack or a soft duffel bag. Porters are not always available to carry your luggage for you.

What’s the weather like on the wall?
It’s meaningless to say the exact weather on the wall. There are different sections of the wall far away from Beijing, and it depends on which section you are going to do. Generally speaking spring and autumn are comfortable. In summer rain and wind can occur on the wall at any time, because you are walking along high ridges, you are exposed to the elements. Please check the weather report three days before your departure.

Will I be able to do any laundry when staying overnight near the wall?
There’s no lanundry facilities when staying overnight near the wall. It is suggested to prepare the laundry at your hotel in Beijing. In summer time, you can wash your clothes at local guesthouses by yourself. It is a good idea to bring some ‘travel wash’ and a travel clothes line to wash the necessities. This will help you cut down on the packing space, and hence the amount you will have to lug around with you!

Do I need a sleeping bag?
No. We will stay at local guesthouses on a twin-shared basis near the wall for most of our hiking trips. For tours of sleeping on the Great Wall, we will organize sleeping bags or tents.

How fit do I need to be?
Our hiking adventures are fun and can be enjoyed by anyone who is reasonably fit. However, some trips visit remote areas where medical facilities are very limited or non-existent, so you must be in good health. Note that some trips may include a trekking element, so some pre-trek preparation will be an advantage. There are some other factors to consider: hot, bumpy roads, dust, traffic, delays and unfamiliar customs and cultures may all create additional demands. You will also have to carry your own bags so bear that in mind when deciding if you really need that other pair of shoes. On all adventures, physical preparation is useful and a flexible, open-minded approach is essential.