The Epworth Medical Foundation Charity Challenge Great Wall of China trip highlights Raising money for Epworth Medical Foundation Exploring stunning sections of the Great Wall Walking through rural villages Rare insight into rural Chinese life Exploring Beijing including visiting Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City Experiencing the wonderful Chinese cuisine including a Peking Duck dinner Trip Duration12 days Trip Code: EP4 GradeIntroductory to Moderate ActivitiesCharity Challenge and 6 days Trekking Summary10 day China Challenge, 8 nights hotels, 1 night guesthouse and 2 days counted as flight days Supporting Your Cause Your Huma Challenge Epworth Medical Foundation Epworth Medical Foundation (EMF) opened in 1982 to raise much‑needed funds to ensure patients at Epworth Health Care receive the best possible care. Our work is vital, because Epworth is a charitable, not‑for‑profit hospital, and receives very limited government funding. We rely on your generosity to enable us to stay at the forefront of advancements in medical technology, for our patients. Epworth is a private, not‑for‑profit organisation. We receive very limited funding from government. Instead, we rely on funds raised by Epworth Medical Foundation to continue to provide our patients with the best possible facilities, equipment, surgical expertise and access to research. By taking part in the EMF Hike for Health, you will not only enjoy the adventure of a lifetime: you will also be helping to give vital support to hundreds of cancer patients. Thank you for your interest in our The Epworth Medical Foundation Charity Challenge Great Wall of China. Huma Charity Challenge is a division of the worldwide adventure travel company World Expeditions. When joining a Huma Charity Challenge you embark on a remarkable journey to discover your inner philanthropist as you raise money for a Charity that is important to you. At the same time you take on the challenge of fundraising and partake in an adventure to discover new worlds, new landscapes and new cultures ... perhaps you’ll even discover how far your personal boundaries stretch as you take on a physical challenge like a cycling, trekking or a mountaineering adventure. We are passionate about off‑the‑beaten track travel experiences as they provide travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. Our itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups. Our itineraries provide the very best travel experience, designed by people with vast local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible travel approach at the core. 1 – © 2015 World Expeditions Travel Group - Fiona Windon 12/11/2015 4:43:02 PM The Epworth Medical Foundation Charity Challenge Great Wall of China Hike remote sections of the Great Wall, explore and trek between small villages, exploring the iconic sights of Beijing whilst helping raise much needed funds for Epworth Medical Foundation and thus ensuring that the cardiac ward remains equipped with cutting edge, world class medical equipment. Trip Dates 2016 16Sep - 27Sep Charity Challenge Payments Joining Australia Travel Cost twin share:$6190 Non Refundable Registration Fee: Optional Single Supplement: $200 $450 All prices are per person Huma Challenge does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above. To take part in this extraordinary adventure along the Great Wall of China, you simply need to meet a minimum fundraising target of $6,390. This covers all the costs of your trip including airfares and provides vital funding to cancer patients at Epworth. Of course, we won’t stop you from raising more than this amount! You can be confident that every cent will be used to help cancer patients. What Impact Will My Fundraising Have? Epworth Medical Foundation ‑ The difference you make When you donate to the Foundation, your generosity is used to directly benefit our patients. For example, more than half of all medical equipment at Epworth HealthCare is funded by the Foundation, and 80 percent of our medical research. Charitable funds are used to support: *state‑of‑the‑art medical equipment that ensures our patients receive the very best *world‑class facilities that maximise patient outcomes, safety and comfort *groundbreaking medical research projects and trials, shared with our patients *staff education and training opportunities to pass best‑practice on to our patients *support programs to care for our patients’ emotional and financial needs Your Adventure This innovative itinerary takes in a remote section of the Great Wall outside Beijing. The scenery is vast and diverse as we trek our way through tall swaying corn cropped field to distant green river valleys with one of the great wonders of the world as our backdrop. In Beijing we visit the capital’s major historic sites such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the lakeside Summer Palace. We also indulge in the culinary delight that Chinese cuisine is so famous for. The Beijing food experiences will no doubt compete with the trek itself as one of the highlights of this entirely unique adventure. This is a great opportunity to raise funds for EMF whilst traveling on the adventure of a lifetime! Fundraising Options There are a number of ways you can approach your fundraising: 1.Simply pay for it yourself, as you would any other holiday (although this will be a LOT more memorable than any other holiday!). If you do so, $2500 of this cost will be tax deductible. 2.Fundraise some or all of the amount. When you do so, any donations that others make towards your challenge will be tax deductible. If you’d like to fundraise for your trip but don’t know where to start, our professional fundraisers will provide you with the support and resources to make it easy and stress‑free. Online Fundraising Portal When fundraising for the charity donation component of this challenge you must seek permission of your charity before beginning to fundraise in their name. The team at Epworth will be in touch with you upon registration to give you the details of the online fundraising page and permission to fundraise. The minimum fundraising target is $2,500 per person. Think of this as a $50 donation from 50 people. You can do it! 2 – © 2015 World Expeditions Travel Group - Fiona Windon 12/11/2015 4:43:02 PM The Epworth Medical Foundation Charity Challenge Great Wall of China Hike remote sections of the Great Wall, explore and trek between small villages, exploring the iconic sights of Beijing whilst helping raise much needed funds for Epworth Medical Foundation and thus ensuring that the cardiac ward remains equipped with cutting edge, world class medical equipment. Itinerary at a Glance DAY 1FRIDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER DEPART AUSTRALIA DAY 2SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER ARRIVE IN BEIJING DAY 3SUNDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER DRIVE HUANGYAGUAN, START GREAT WALL TREK DAY 4MONDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER GREAT WALL GUBEIKOU – JINSHANLING DAY 5TUESDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER GREAT WALL JINSHANLING – SIMATAI WEST DAY 6WEDNESDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER GREAT WALL JIANKOU - MUTIANYU DAY 7THURSDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER GREAT WALL HUANGHUACHENG - XISHUIYU DAY 8FRIDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER GREAT WALL BADALING – SHIXIAGUAN – BEIJING DAY 9SATURDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER IN BEIJING SIGHTSEEING DAY 10SUNDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER IN BEIJING SIGHTSEEING DAY 11MONDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER DEPART BEIJING, FLY TO AUSTRALIA DAY 12TUESDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER ARRIVE AUSTRALIA What’s Included Economy return International Airfare with Thai Airways ex Melbourne $2,500 fundrasing amount, tax deductible Trip escorted by Epworth Medical Foundation representative 9 nights comfortable accommodation twin share 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners Back up support vehicle and porter during trek Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary Expert bilingual local guide Medical kit Detailed Itinerary DAY 1Friday 16th September Depart Australia After all the planing and preparation the wait is finally over! Please make your way to your Australian gateway airport for your late night flight to Beijing. Flight details will be sent once you register. meals: NIL DAY 2Saturday 17th September Arrive in Beijing On arrival in Beijing you will be met by our crew and transferred to your group hotel. The afternoon is free to relax after your flight or you may wish to start exploring the city. Perhaps barter for a bargain in the colorful silk markets or do as the locals do and hire a bike for a spin through the bustling back roads of this vibrant city. This evening we will meet in the hotel lobby at approximately 6.30pm for a group meeting and trip briefing before we head out to enjoy our first meal together. Accommodation: Sun World Hotel meals: D 3 – © 2015 World Expeditions Travel Group - Fiona Windon 12/11/2015 4:43:02 PM The Epworth Medical Foundation Charity Challenge Great Wall of China Hike remote sections of the Great Wall, explore and trek between small villages, exploring the iconic sights of Beijing whilst helping raise much needed funds for Epworth Medical Foundation and thus ensuring that the cardiac ward remains equipped with cutting edge, world class medical equipment. Fast Facts Countries Visited: China Visas: Yes* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Group Size Min: 14 Group Size Max: 30 Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* Leader: Expert Local Leader & Escort Brochure Reference: Asia *Ask our staff for more information. DAY 3Sunday 18th September Drive Huangyaguan, start Great Wall Trek Early in the morning we depart to Huangyaguan and enjoy lunch before hiking for two to three hours on the Great Wall from Taipingzhai to Huangyaguan. The word Huangyaguan translates to Yellow Cliff Pass, and this section of the Wall built in 557 AD was named after the yellow-tinted hills and rocks nearby. It is unique in that it has various different shaped watchtowers. There are not many tourists in this area, as it is a remote and seldom visited location. The most unique feature of today’s hike is the Street of the Eight Diagrams, an architectural wonder of the Ming Dynasty lying just below the pass. A labyrinth set up to confuse and entrap invading armies, this fortification design was based on the ancient trigrams of the Book of Changes. UNESCO placed Huangyaguan Great Wall on the UN list of the World Heritage. We will continue walking after the Sky Stairs, and finish our hike in a remote village. Accommodation: Huangyaguan Hotel Total hiking: Approximately 4km meals: B,L,D DAY 4Monday 19th September Great Wall Gubeikou – Jinshanling With the Panlong (Coiling Dragon) and Wohu (Crouching Tiger) mountains in the background, we will start today’s trek at Gubeikou, two hours’ drive from the previous night’s hotel. This section of the Wall was rebuilt in 1378 at the order of General Xu Da and has probably seen more battles than any other section of the Great Wall. On the southern slope of Gubeikou stands a temple dedicated to Yang Ye, a famous Great Wall garrison general of the Song Dynasty. Our trek takes us eastward along the old city wall passing numerous watchtowers and other parts of the wall that have not yet been restored. We briefly leave the wall to avoid a military area nearby and walk through a field path, before returning to the wall on the Jinshanling section. We will watch the sunset from the wall, and then descend to enjoy a fresh Chinese dinner at a local farmer’s restaurant. Accommodation: Simatai New Village Total hiking: Approximately 5-6km meals: B,L,D DAY 5Tuesday 20th September Great Wall Jinshanling – Simatai West We start hiking early today, and it will take us about three hours to get to the wall. This section offers arguably the finest hiking anywhere on the Great Wall. It is extremely photogenic, with more than 15 different watchtowers and steep gradients that give constantly changing perspectives and wide, open views. The walkway along the top of the Wall is paved with square bricks, providing a level surface wide enough to construct or erect batteries. This section of the Wall is wild, ruined, preserved and original. Tonight we will base ourselves at local farmer’s guesthouse at Simatai. Accommodation: Simatai New Village Total hiking: Approximately 6km meals: B,L,D 4 – © 2015 World Expeditions Travel Group - Fiona Windon 12/11/2015 4:43:02 PM The Epworth Medical Foundation Charity Challenge Great Wall of China Hike remote sections of the Great Wall, explore and trek between small villages, exploring the iconic sights of Beijing whilst helping raise much needed funds for Epworth Medical Foundation and thus ensuring that the cardiac ward remains equipped with cutting edge, world class medical equipment. Responsible Travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry’s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible & sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website www.humacharitychallenge.com Trip grading Introductory to Moderate The theme behind most of our trips is action holidays and the fitter you are, the more easily you will adjust and enjoy yourself. On a trekking trip such as this you need to be in general good health and moderately fit. The grading overall would be moderate, with some “strenuous” activity. Before departure aerobic‑type exercise, which increases your breathing, is an obvious advantage. We recommend that for about two to three months prior to departure you try to exercise most days for 30 ‑ 45 minutes or aerobic type activity. Adventure Travel By its very nature Charity Challenges involve an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are suitably fit, flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your charity representative or one of our team. DAY 6Wednesday 21st September Great Wall Jiankou - Mutianyu After a two-hour drive we begin our hike at Jiankou, along both restored and original sections of the Wall enjoying superb scenery, dense vegetation and many fine watchtowers. Today we will have a picnic lunch on the Wall mid-way through our hike. The brickwork on the Wall here is elaborate, with crenellations on both sides and finely curved eaves on some watchtower roofs. There are decorative gables with animal statues, and tablets bearing calligraphy above some entrances. The wild Wall to the west is the original Ming Dynasty with fine stonework and there are almost no other people. You will be rewarded when you approach Zhengbeilou Tower with a breathtaking view of Jiankou section. There will be a sharp contrast when you arrive at Mutianyu with the restored wall and towers. Accommodation: Xishuiyu Guesthouse Total hiking: Approximately 10km meals: B,L,D DAY 7Thursday 22nd September Great Wall Huanghuacheng - Xishuiyu Today’s hike starts immediately after breakfast and continues in a leisurely fashion through jungles and bushes for four hours. Almost at the end of our hike we will reach the highest watchtower, with a panoramic view of the lakeside Great Wall. Lunch will be organised at the village, and then we drive for an hour to Juyongguan, and base ourselves at a courtyard hotel near the Wall. Dinner will be organised at this hotel restaurant. You can walk more at Juyongguan in the afternoon or early the next morning if you like. Accommodation: Courtyard Hotel next to Juyongguan Total hiking: Approximately 6km meals: B,L,D DAY 8Friday 23rd September Great Wall Badaling – Shixiaguan – Beijing After a short drive to Old Badaling in the morning, we begin our hike toward Shixiaguan. Badaling played a very important role in defending the capital from attack from Mongols during the Ming Dynasty (1368AD-1644AD). The mountain slope is very steep and the roads are tortuous, making it a military stronghold. The Wall is like a strong dragon winding its way along the mountain ranges. We will walk on the less-visited part of Badaling, enjoying lunch en route, and finish the hike at Shixiaguan. At the end of the hike we will drive back to Beijing, then relax in the afternoon before dinner of Beijing Duck at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Sun World Hotel,Beijing Total hiking: Approximately 7km meals: B,L,D DAY 9Saturday 24th September In Beijing sightseeing Today we will enjoy a tour of Beijing, visiting Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. Accommodation: Sun World Hotel meals: B,L,D DAY 10Sunday 25th September In Beijing sightseeing Visit the Summer Palace and Hutongs, take a rickshaw ride, and share lunch with a local family. This will be an opportunity for some last-minute shopping on Silk Street, or free exploration in the afternoon. We will enjoy a farewell dinner tonight, with an imperial banquet. Accommodation: Sun World Hotel meals: B,L,D 5 – © 2015 World Expeditions Travel Group - Fiona Windon 12/11/2015 4:43:02 PM The Epworth Medical Foundation Charity Challenge Great Wall of China Hike remote sections of the Great Wall, explore and trek between small villages, exploring the iconic sights of Beijing whilst helping raise much needed funds for Epworth Medical Foundation and thus ensuring that the cardiac ward remains equipped with cutting edge, world class medical equipment. Important Note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any other supplied information, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. The itinerary should be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and other circumstances beyond our control. DAY 11Monday 26th September Depart Beijing, fly to Australia After breakfast our trip concludes in Beijing with a transfer to the airport to board your outbound flight to Australia. Flight details will be sent once you register. meals: B DAY 12Tuesday 27th September Arrive Australia This morning we arrive back home in Australia after a life-changing journey to one of the most fascinating countries in the world. What a wild ride ! meals: NIL This itinerary is subject to change with any modifications in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control. Places Of Interest Tiananmen Square Tiananmen Square is the world’s largest public square and is located only a short distance from our hotel. People flying kites, a popular pastime all over China, stand next to guards under the ever‑watchful eye of Chairman Mao’s portrait. Which ever way you turn there is another photo opportunity to be found in this huge open space. The Forbidden City is a masterpiece of 5000 years of Chinese civilization and still vividly displays the power and prestige of the former dynasties. Sprawling over acres, the City is a magnificent group of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and deep terracotta walls. Ornately furnished palace rooms, priceless artworks and treasures are all now open to the public after 500 years of seclusion. The Temple of Heaven itself is an architectural highlight however it’s the crowds of people that makes this spot so interesting and memorable. Thousands of people gather here to practice ballroom dancing, Tai chi and calligraphy. The Great Wall of China When cavalry from the hostile territory northeast of ancient China rode to the gates of the Great Wall at Shanhaiguan they found no resistance by the Ming Dynasty soldiers stationed there to halt invasion. Dispirited and lacking faith in their corrupt imperial masters in Beijing they took bribe, opened the gates and allowed a rush of armed nomads to besiege the walled capital Beijing. Outnumbered and without purpose, hostile to the emperor, the capital’s garrison surrendered to the Manchus, the Ming Dynasty was dethroned and China’s last dynasty, the Qing, began its reign to 1911 until it itself was overthrown by popular rebellion. Thus the Achilles Heel of the Great Wall, a colossal monument to the folly of blind military dogma, was its human weakness and not the fortifications so carefully constructed to protect the emperor in the Forbidden City and the empire from invasion. Tribes to China’s northeast and the Mongolians raided continuously, plundering as they wished, despite a vast treasure of silver and scores of human lives committed to the wall’s construction. This extraordinary building, which draws gasps on first sight, and its intriguing, complicated history are explored and explained in our innovative Great Wall Trek, a challenge which encapsulates not only the wall and rural life, camping exclusively, but also the highlights of the capital. It is the interpretation of the Wall’s history by our expert guides, telling of the reason for its construction, at what cost, the circumstances of its failure and the events that lead to the rise of modern China that garnishes this tour. It is more than simply a trek. It is a journey through history. 6 – © 2015 World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 12/12/2015 6:03:54 AM The Epworth Medical Foundation Charity Challenge Great Wall of China Hike remote sections of the Great Wall, explore and trek between small villages, exploring the iconic sights of Beijing whilst helping raise much needed funds for Epworth Medical Foundation and thus ensuring that the cardiac ward remains equipped with cutting edge, world class medical equipment. Country Information China never fails to conjure up a myriad of feelings, images and a sense of mystery. Its history cannot be summed up here in a few paragraphs and to fully appreciate the currents that have shaped the country and its people, you must take the time to read at least one of the many excellent books available. Within the almost four million square miles of China’s vast territory live more than 1.3 billion people, which makes it the most populated nation on earth. For centuries, outsiders have yearned to visit China and it’s only since 1976 that tourism really started. Initially, foreign visitors were only allowed to see a fraction of what the country had to offer, however, today it is possible to visit as many as 60 different areas. An increasing number of historical sites are also being restored and opened up to viewing for foreign tourists. As much as China is keen to display its stunning scenery, historical sites and impressive cities, it is also dedicated to conveying something about how its society works. Although its political system has set it apart from the west, China is now moving forward in leaps and bounds, especially in the areas of trade and commerce. The major cities are indicative of the burgeoning economy of modern China. Climate Beijing and Hebei provinces experience a rather broad temperature range throughout the year. In late spring (May) the weather is mild to warm with the possibility of some showers. In late summer, early autumn trips (August to September) expect warm to hot days with temperatures up to 25‑30C (77‑86F) and a slight chance of rain. During October the days are mild and dry, from 15‑20C (59‑68F), and nights are cooler. After mid‑October there is increasingly a cooler (but not cold) westerly wind, which lowers temperatures, particularly at night. The days, however, remain mild. Sometimes, in October, a cold wave from Siberia may cause overnight temperatures to plunge below freezing for a day or so, but the days are mild. In Beijing in late summer the days may be hot, up to 30C (86F) but it is more likely to be quite pleasant. Rain can occur at any time but is more likely in spring (March‑May). You must pack a waterproof jacket with hood for all departures. Dietary Requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications. Accommodation on the Trip 7 – © 2015 World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 12/12/2015 6:03:54 AM The Epworth Medical Foundation Charity Challenge Great Wall of China Hike remote sections of the Great Wall, explore and trek between small villages, exploring the iconic sights of Beijing whilst helping raise much needed funds for Epworth Medical Foundation and thus ensuring that the cardiac ward remains equipped with cutting edge, world class medical equipment. We stay in 3 star central located hotel in Beijing, and comfortable guesthouses and hotels on the Great Wall Trek What You Carry In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip‑eze etc. The bulk of your luggage will be left in Beijing and the duffle bag containing the gear you require for the trek will be transported for you on trek days. Equipment Required Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‑departure information provided on booking). Vehicles & Safety During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all which are fit for purpose and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and on occasion some vehicles may not have seat belts fitted. While game viewing within a national park could be one example. Whilst we do not include animal rides on most of our trips, there are occasions where it may be possible to undertake them optionally and to do so is at your own risk. Note that helmets and professional riding equipment are not available in all circumstances. What’s Not Included Visa costs Travel Insurance (compulsory) Additional transport required due to any emergency situation Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry and alcohol Tips and gratuities Info Nights Come and join us on one of our free Info Nights and learn more about your Charity Challenge. Whether your registered or still deciding whether to take the challenge you’ll find this evenings informative and inspiring and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate travel experts and representatives from the relevant charity. Register at www.humacharitychallenge.com How To Book To register on this Charity Challenge please complete the registration form and return to Huma Charity Challenge, Attention Fiona Windon. Email: [email protected] Post: Huma Charity Challenge, Level 1 ‑ Little Bourke Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Otherwise you can make your booking online by using the REGISTER NOW button found at the bottom of the relevant Charity Challenge page on our website www.humacharitychallenge.com. au The Epworth Medical Foundation staff are able to answer any questions you may have as well as provide you with all the support you need as you fundraise for your challenge. Please contact Kathleen Lambrick on telephone 03 9426 8170 or email [email protected] who will be happy to talk with you. 8 – © 2015 World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 12/12/2015 6:03:54 AM
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