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Review of: 2-Day Great Wall Camping Tour from Beijing
We had one night camping at the wall, it is a great experience and we were blessed with clear blue skies and no pollution. We were a group of 12 adults and kids from 12 to 15. Noodles and a minibus picked us up from our hotel and drove us out to the wall. It takes around 90 minutes from central Beijing and you go past Badoling. We stopped for a local lunch and then we were taken to the drop off point. You have to carry your sleeping bags, mats and tents on a hike of about 1 hour, uphill all the way, not too strenuous but worth having good hiking footwear as it is a rough path. Eventually you reach a level clearing and pitch your tents here then have some time to explore. It was very cold last week so in October you need plenty of layers and hats and gloves. The tents are 2 person small tents which was a bit of a struggle for me as I am 6’5”. Also, they don’t provide pillows so think about that too. After a good wander around the wall and some great photo taking, we collected some firewood for the campfire. Our guide, Noodles, had a couple of helpers to cook some kebabs and bread on sticks, they provide only water for you, so it would be worth having them stop at a supermarket on the way so you could get some extra snacks and drinks for the evening- remember though you have to carry what you take. After sharing out the kebabs we had marshmallows for the kids to roast and a roaring fire to keep us warm. Early to bed and up early to see the sunrise at 6:30. We then had a couple of hours to hike the wall before we packed up camp and carried everything back to the road and our minibus. We then had a quick breakfast at the same restaurant we had lunch at the day before- a very local offering, and then 90 mins or so back to our hotel. The section of the wall we visited is an unmade section and there were no other tourists there, we only met a couple of people hiking the next morning when we left. Having this wonderful place to ourselves really made it very special. The hike in the morning along the wall takes you to a restored section which has steps- this is worth a look but you need to climb a very steep section, our kids did this but it is using your hands climbing up and coming down carefully , sometimes on your bum. This is all done at your own risk, if you fall you will be a long way from help and need insurance for sure. One issue for Dragon Trip to think about- one of our group slipped in the evening and had a cut on his hand- the organiser didn’t have any first aid kit or way of dealing with this- we actually asked him to get someone to but us some snacks and drinks and they also got some rubbing alcohol and plasters, but for a quite remote place they should have a first aid kit on hand. There are no toilets or running water where you camp so it is really back to basics for the time you are there, which is fun but a bit chilly in October 😆. The trip is about the experience and being on your own, no crowd to deal with and no people getting in your photo frame. Finally, one simple area to improve would be for the organisers to provide some hot drinks in the morning - some coffee/tea/cocoa would have been very welcome after a cold night rather than freezing cold water and this is something they should add in. …
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Date of experience: October 2018
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Review of: 2-Day Great Wall Camping Tour from Beijing
Although we never actually got to do the camping, Camp The Wall refunded us our money and were very understanding when our flight to Beijing was cancelled. Fly was very patient and a pleasure to deal with through the emails. Would highly recommend using this company.
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Date of experience: August 2018
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Review of: 2-Day Great Wall Camping Tour from Beijing
Amazing trip! First time camping in Great Wall with friends. It was a little bit tiresome when hiking since there are no stages. Having BBQ and beers at night with friends and enjoyed wonderful landscape was so cool. We also saw the sunrise together in the morning. Definitely should have a try.…
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Date of experience: May 2017
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I've been to other parts of the wall, and this place offered a far better experience. Started with tent/equipment rental, which was efficient, fast and affordable, followed by a medium difficulty hike up to the campsite. There, views of the valley and the unrestored wall, combined with Chinese bbq, a DIY bonfire, and the setting sun made this evening everything my friends and I had hoped for in a weekend outside of Beijing. Big thanks to Noodles for setting up the trip for us!…
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Date of experience: May 2017
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