No doubt that the Great Wall of China is listed as one of the wonders of the world. But it is also one of the most adventurous places at the same time. It is made to be tough, to climb otherwise it wouldn’t have served the purpose it was built for.
So, if you are sure that you are ready to take the challenge then you have two choices. If you are a "GORA" type tourist then you may opt for a real hard core trekking track alongside the wall and climb till the mountain top. Or if you are a "DESI" type tourist like me...then you may opt for a well paved path made with bricks.
If you choose to be a "DESI" type tourist then no need to be embarrassed or have some complex because you will find many actual GORA guys following you as well. It is not only the challenge because hard to climb till top but for a person like me who is in his late twenties can find some people in their late fifties taking the lead, let me tell you it is not like a single lane wall rather wide enough like a narrow street, for multiple people to climb and descend at the same time.
There are many Beacon Houses built along the wall that were used as the surveillance towers to watch for the enemy. But now a day they serve as a mid-way break point. There are also few Cafes to have a sip of a coffee, tea or some refreshment. You can buy some souvenirs as well. The most important is the CERTIFICATE that you have climbed the Great Wall of China with your name and date engraved on a metal medal or shield packed in a beautiful red box. You wouldn't be successful to bargain a penny and had to pay the asking price. If you did I would pay you the full price. Although descending is more difficult than climbing but you only get the certificate for the later. Any way I managed to get mine and how about you...R U a Great Wall Certified climber...?
