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How Hard Is Trekking The Great Wall Of China?
Landed here because you’re wondering how hard it is to trek the Great Wall of China? You’re in the right place!
At The Bucket List Company, we believe that trekking the Great Wall of China is an adventure that belongs on every traveller’s bucket list.
It’s about as iconic as it gets – what other wonder of the world can you trek for more than 13,000 miles across?
Okay, so trekking the entire thing is perhaps a little bit ambitious… and not very likely to happen unless you’ve got a spare 18 months to complete it.
But it’s an incredible journey and it’s worth considering just how hard it is…
The Great Wall Challenge
Our Great Wall of China trek has an ‘intermediate’ rating, which means you can expect an intermediate-level adventure that combines long days of hiking with rewarding climbs and descents along one of the world’s most famous landmarks.
While it’s not a walk in the park, it’s not an extreme expedition that’s reserved for the seasoned climbers among us.
With proper preparation, a positive attitude, and a closeknit team of likeminded travellers by your side, most reasonably fit people can successfully complete this trek.
The Great Wall trek typically involves 5-6 hours of hiking per day over varied terrain –
You’ll encounter a mix of restored sections with even steps and unrestored parts with rough, crumbling stonework.
Some days may involve up to 6 miles of walking, including steep ascents and descents, while elevation changes will occur as the wall follows the natural contours of the mountains.
The highest point is about 2,880 feet above sea level, so we’re not talking high altitude, although the changes in elevation can be physically tiring.
Alongside that, you should be prepared to climb up and down a lot of steps! Sturdy footwear, good balance, and a bit of momentum are key.
Find out everything you need to know about trekking the Great Wall of China on our trip page here
Being Prepared For The Great Wall
Regular cardiovascular exercise and strength training in the months leading up to your trip will greatly enhance your experience.
If you can comfortably walk for 4-5 hours with some hills, you should be well-prepared for the Great Wall.
You should also know what the conditions will be when you get there…
The best times to trek the Great Wall are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November), which is when all of our Great Wall treks take place.
During these months, weather conditions are mild and perfect for hiking, although it can get warmer in late spring and early autumn, with colder conditions to be expected later in November.
One of the unique aspects of the Great Wall trek is the diversity of terrain you’ll encounter, which includes:
- Restored sections with even brick paths
- Unrestored areas with loose stones and dirt trails
- Watchtowers offering stunning vistas (and a chance to catch your breath)
- Occasional off-wall hiking through beautiful countryside
If that sounds like a bit of you, check out the itinerary on our Great Wall of China trek here…
A Good Support System
Variety is the spice of life and that’s absolutely true when it comes to any hike or trek.
What better variety than the adaptability of the scenery and landscape as you trek along the Great Wall?
And when things get a little challenging, it’s important to have a good support system. Long days of hiking can test your endurance and determination. However, the breathtaking views and sense of accomplishment at each watchtower provide ample motivation to keep pushing forward.
At The Bucket List Company, we understand the challenges of this trek and provide comprehensive support to ensure your success – that includes having experienced guides that are familiar with terrain, porters on hand to carry the bulk of your gear, as well as taking regular breaks.
And comfortable accommodation at the end of each day means you get a good night’s sleep and recover ready to do it all again!
While trekking the Great Wall of China is undoubtedly challenging, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. You’ll experience a profound sense of achievement, witness breathtaking landscapes, and forge unforgettable memories along the way.
The opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history on this ancient wonder is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
At The Bucket List Company, we believe that with the right preparation and mindset, the Great Wall trek is an attainable goal for many adventure seekers…
The only question is, are you ready to begin your adventure along the Great Wall of China?
Click here to check out our action-packed, 10-day adventure
If you don’t book it now… Will you ever?
