TREK CHINA CHALLENGE MANUAL

TREK CHINA CHALLENGE MANUAL
[email protected]
0207 609 6695
Communication Timeline
Congratulations on joining our Great Wall of China Trek. It promises to be challenging, fun and
memorable! For most, this will be your first taste of an event of this magnitude. This Challenge
Pack is the start of your Great Wall journey and will provide more detailed information that will be
beneficial throughout your challenge.
Here at Action Challenge we pride ourselves on our customer relationships and want our
participant journey to be informative, relaxed and stress free. In order to achieve this we have put
together a timeline of dates when you will receive important information regarding your challenge.
The table below details the key dates for when you should expect to receive emails from us. Please
read through this carefully and make a note of these periods.
If at any time you have any other questions then please do not hesitate to contact the Action
Challenge team on:
0207 609 6695 / [email protected]
DATE
EMAILS
ACTION
4 Months before
Visa help sheet and advice for
applying for your visa
Make sure you have all your required inoculations
Departure
and look into applying for your visa. This is also
your trip extension deadline!
3 Months before
Departure
Self Funders & Mixed Funding final balance due
Final balance is due for trip cost.
Invoice issued at 12 weeks.
Fundraising - 80% of minimum
sponsorship due to be paid to
the charity
Payment due by 10 weeks.
Departure
Full personal details to be
completed and medical form
returned to us (if required)
Insurance and personal details to be completed
online. Medical form to be returned to us if
requested.
1 Month before
Joining instructions and final
You will receive your full flight details and
Departure
itinerary released
joining instructions plus a copy of a detailed
10 Weeks before
itinerary and emergency contact list.
1 Week before
Final e-mail before departure
Departure
Final good luck e-mail. Extenders will receive
flight tickets and extension itinerary.
If upon registration you did not complete all your personal details and medical information, please
ensure that you log back into your account no later than ten weeks before your challenge at the very
latest to provide us with this information. If your personal or medical details change at any point
between registration and departure, please ensure you notify the team at least ten weeks before you
depart.
www.actionchallenge.com
[email protected]
020 7609 6695
2
Pre-Climb Preparation
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE TO TREK THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA?
 Trekking the Great Wall is a reasonably tough challenge, but one that is very achievable with the correct
training. It requires a good level of strength, stamina and determination - please find a training guide attached to
this document.
 Your training should incorporate aerobic (endurance building) and anaerobic (strength building) exercises.
 Most importantly, you should get in some good hill walking, in the boots you are going to be wearing on the
challenge. We also recommend taking the stairs instead of the lift, or going to step classes at the gym!
ARE THERE ANY PRE-CHALLENGE TRAINING DAYS / WEEKENDS? / BRIEFINGS?
 We have a number of training days and weekends available from January to September in Henley-on-Thames,
Snowdonia and The Peak District. These are great ways to meet the Action Challenge team, test out your
fitness and your kit and get a full challenge briefing.
 Henley Training Days include a 13.7 mile loop, tea/coffee and a Challenge briefing.
 Our Weekends include two night’s accommodation, two breakfasts, two dinners and two lunches, two days of
walking and a Challenge briefing.
 If you would like more information or would like to book on to a training day / weekend, please email us at
[email protected]
HOW CAN I MEET OTHERS ON THE CLIMB?
 Visit our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/actionchallenge and join the sub-page for your specific challenge
or join us on one of our training days / weekends!
 We will also be running competitions on our Facebook page for the best pictures and videos! Please keep this
in mind when you are on your challenges and don’t forget to post them on our Facebook page on your return!
Great prizes to be won!
RECOMMENDED READING BEFORE YOU VISIT CHINA
 China (Lonely Planet Country Guides) by Damian Harper - 12th edition
 The Rough Guide to China by David Leffman and Simon Lewis
 DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: China by Collectif
 Wild Swans: Three daughters of China by Jung Chang (novel)
 Soul Mountain by Gao Xingjian (novel)
www.actionchallenge.com
[email protected]
020 7609 6695
3
Life On The Wall
WHAT IS A TYPICAL TREKKING DAY?
 We wake up between 06.30— 07.00 and start the day with breakfast.
 After filling our water supplies, we start trekking as a group and there are plenty of opportunities to refuel,
take in the breathtaking scenery and capture it on our cameras!
 Lunch will be either at a local restaurant or a packed lunch at a scenic spot on the wall.
 Our evening meal will either be at our hotel or a local restaurant where our leader will brief the group on the
following day. We retire relatively early for a good night’s sleep.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE WALL?
 The weather in Northern China is characterised by long hot Summers and very cold Winters, so the best times
to visit are during the Spring and Autumn. The springtime is fresh and mild, with snow on the mountains and
blossom on the cherry trees, whilst autumn around the Beijing area means big clear blue skies, and pleasant
temperatures.
 The temperatures in the countryside can decrease quite dramatically at night, especially when staying in the
rustic lodges, so warm long sleeved items are essential.
 While trekking on the wall the weather is always unpredictable and can change quickly. To ensure that you
embrace this as part of the experience, make sure that you are ready for hot sun at midday, brisk winds, and
the occasional rain shower.
HOW MANY GUIDES ACCOMPANY THE GROUP?
 We will be accompanied by an Action Challenge representative and an expedition medic. There will also be a
local head guide and a local assistant guide. There will be a local driver to transfer our luggage and operate our
transfers.
www.actionchallenge.com
[email protected]
020 7609 6695
4
Life On The Wall
WHAT WILL THE ACCOMMODATION BE LIKE?
 3* - 4* hotels at the beginning and end of the trek all with Western amenities - towels are provided.
 Rustic Lodges while trekking - these are basic but comfortable with Western style bathrooms.
 All rooms are allocated on a twin-share, single-sex basis with someone of a similar age where possible.
CAN I REQUEST A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FOR THE DURATION OF THE CHALLENGE?
 Yes, single supplements can be arranged. Please contact us for more details.
WHAT FOOD AND DRINK DO WE GET ON THE CHALLENGE?
 All meals are included within the trip cost apart from during free time. There will be three varied and nutritious
meals a day.
 Minimum of 3 litres of bottled water a day is provided. All other drinks at the hotel / restaurant will need to be
paid for on an individual basis.
 Typical breakfast: There is usually a choice of Chinese and Western style food including fruit, toast, cereal and
‘congee’, a traditional Chinese rice porridge.
 Typical lunch / dinner: Rice, stir fried and steamed vegetables, dumplings and a selection of meat. Chinese cuisine
varies throughout the country and you may find it quite different to Chinese restaurants at home and courses may
be served simultaneously.
 Local beer and wine can be purchased at reasonable prices although Chinese wines tend to be of a distinct flavour
and strength. Imported alcohol tends to be expensive.
 Please note that we will do our best to accommodate all dietary requirements if informed in advance.
SHOULD I TAKE ANY SNACKS WITH ME?
 Yes, we strongly recommend taking some of your favourite snacks with you! Please ensure all products are dry and
packaged. Cereal bars / sweets / nuts / biscuits are just a few examples. There will be opportunities to stop at local
supermarkets throughout the challenge.
STAYING IN TOUCH DURING THE CHALLENGE:
 While there is mobile phone signal on some areas on the Wall it can be intermittent, so please let your friends and
family know not to expect to hear from you every day. We work with the policy that ‘no news is good news.’ The
big hotels have wifi available.
 You will be provided with an emergency contact list to leave with friends and family before you depart.
 For safety measures, our leaders and guides are equipped with two way radios. They remain in contact with our
operators on the ground in China and are in touch with our Action Challenge head office in London via satellite
phone.
 In the unlikely case of an emergency, our Action Challenge team will inform your next of kin, unless requested not
to.
www.actionchallenge.com
[email protected]
020 7609 6695
5
Travel To and From China
WHAT IS THE TIME DIFFERENCE IN CHINA
 China is GMT +8. Despite the vast size of the country, Beijing time is standard throughout China.
WHERE DO FLIGHTS DEPART FROM?
 All flights depart from London with a layover en route and are inclusive in your package as part of a group
booking.
ARE YOU ABLE TO BOOK MY CONNECTING FLIGHT FROM AN INTERNAL UK AIRPORT /
IRELAND TO LONDON?
 It is your responsibility to book any internal UK connecting flights to London as these are not included in the
package.
CAN I BOOK MY OWN FLIGHTS?
 Yes, this becomes our land only package and reduces your final or minimum sponsorship balance. Please
contact us for more information if you are looking to book your own flights.
 You will be required to arrange all flights and transfers in order to meet the group at the starting hotel on day
2 of your challenge. Action Challenge will require your travel details one month before departure.
 Please note you are unable to change your package once final balance invoicing has been completed and tickets
have been issued by the airline.
CAN I EXTEND MY TRIP OR AMEND MY RETURN FLIGHT HOME?
 We offer three different extension packages that you can book onto post challenge. If you are interested in
extending your stay then please e-mail [email protected] and a request will be made to the airline
once we have your specific dates.
3 Day Package to see the Terracotta Warriors.
5 Day Package to see the Terracotta Warriors and the Giant Pandas.
3 Day Package to the exciting bustling city of Shangai.
 Please note that all extensions incur an admin fee and potential air fare increase. Places are limited and all
arrangements are subject to availability. We are unable to accommodate extension or deviation requests
within 12 weeks of departure, so please request early to avoid disappointment
WILL I BE SENT MY TICKET PRIOR TO TRAVELLING?
 No. This will be issued along with your boarding pass / flight confirmation by your Action Challenge rep when
you meet at the airport. If you are extending your trip you will receive your return flight tickets one week
prior to departure.
www.actionchallenge.com
[email protected]
020 7609 6695
6
Travel To and From China
WHAT IS MY BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE?
 Your luggage will be restricted to two bags.
Bag 1) Large 90 – 110 litre rucksack / duffle bag / suitcase that should not exceed 20kg
Bag 2) A smaller 30 – 35 litre rucksack / day bag that must weigh no more than 10kg.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY BAG GOES MISSING?
 Please ensure that you retain your luggage label receipt which you will receive on check in as this makes lost
luggage enquiries quicker to process.
 If your luggage goes missing on your outbound flight, Action Challenge will assist in making sure your luggage
catches up with you. If necessary you will be able to replace the majority of your kit in China, but we do insist
on you wearing your trekking boots on your flight in case of this eventuality so you can still start the trek.
 If your luggage goes missing on your inbound flight, Action Challenge will contact the airline and airport to
arrange your luggage to be returned to you. Charges may be incurred for this by the airline so please ensure
you have adequate insurance to cover this eventuality.
www.actionchallenge.com
[email protected]
020 7609 6695
7
Visa / Insurance / Medical
DO I NEED A VISA?
 Yes - it is essential to purchase your visa before you travel as you cannot enter China without one. Your
Chinese visa will only be valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
 An email will be sent out reminding you to apply for your visa within 4 months of your departure date. This will
include the application form and the details you need to complete it.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
 Yes - Insurance is imperative and should cover the costs of medical repatriation, curtailment costs and trekking
up to 2000m. If for any reason you need to leave the group early and come off the Wall, local staff will assist
you with your descent and will arrange transfers, accommodation and medical care if necessary. All costs
incurred due to an early descent will need to be covered by the individual before departing the hotel.
 Many of our participants use Campbell Irvine for these challenges. It is your responsibility to ensure the policy
you chose meets your personal requirements. Further details of Campbell Irvine policies can be found here
www.campbellirvinedirect.com/actionchallenge, or they can be contacted on tel: 0844 826 2722 or email:
[email protected].
DO I NEED TO HAVE ANY VACCINATIONS / TAKE ANY MEDICATION?
 BOOSTERS: Please make sure you are up to date on all necessary boosters and vaccinations by speaking to
your local GP / travel clinic. Advised vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, and Diphtheria.
 If upon registration you did not provide us with all your medical details, please ensure that you log back into
your account no later than ten weeks before your challenge at the very latest to provide us with this
information.
WHAT EMERGENCY SUPPORT IS IN PLACE?
 2 way radio contact between Action Challenge staff and local staff
 Satellite phone for emergencies
 24 hour contact with Action Challenge head office in London
 For further advice on health and safety issues in China please visit the Foreign Commonwealth Office website.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE A PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION?
 When signing up to the challenge you will have been requested to declare any pre-existing or current medical
conditions which our doctors and team should be aware of - this may require you to get a doctors signature to
sign you off for the challenge and would have been advised at the time of booking. Please contact the team if
there are any changes in your health of medical conditions declared or otherwise in the lead up to your
www.actionchallenge.com
[email protected]
020 7609 6695
8
Financial
WHAT IS THE LOCAL CURRENCY?
 In China, the basic unit of currency is the Yuan. Torn, marked or damaged notes will not be accepted.
 The majority of credit cards are accepted in the larger cities, but you will be able to change money at the
airport in Beijing. We recommend paying for small amounts in local currency.
HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU ADVISE I TAKE WITH ME?
 We suggest bringing about £300 to cover tips for the local guides, gifts and purchases in Beijing.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP THE LOCAL TEAM?
 Action Challenge is a member of the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) which promotes
responsible and sustainable connections between travellers and people around the world. Nonetheless, the
ground staff work very hard and any extra payment is greatly appreciated. A collective tip is usually organised at
the end of the trek to split between the guides and support staff.
 The amount is down to the individual and group size, but a good guideline is a minimum of £40—£50 from each
participant.
WHEN IS MY FINAL BALANCE DUE?
 We send out final balance invoices at 12 weeks before departure for payment by 10 weeks. Failure to pay the
amount by 10 weeks could result in your flight and accommodation provisions being released.
WHAT IF I AM FUNDRAISING FOR A CHARITY?
 The charity will also receive a final balance invoice for your place on the trip 12 weeks before departure, for
payment by 10 weeks. At this stage 80% of your fundraising needs to be with the charity. If there are any
charges that are not within the trip cost such as extension packages – these will be invoiced directly to yourself
at the same time. Failure to reach your fundraising target could result in your place on the trip being cancelled
and is at the discretion of the charity.
FUEL SURCHARGE
 It is likely that you will have an additional fuel surcharge amount added to your final balance. Since April 2011
airlines have passed on significant fuel surcharge costs to Action Challenge. As per our terms and conditions
(attached to the final page of this Challenge Pack) Action Challenge will cover the cost of airline fuel surcharges
up to 5% of the total trip cost. The remaining amount (once the 5% Action Challenge absorb is subtracted) is
then passed on directly to you. This could be in the region of £150.00 - £200.00 depending on the airline but
this is constantly fluctuating.
www.actionchallenge.com
[email protected]
020 7609 6695
9