Introduction

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Individual Team of Two Family



This year's brand-new clover-style route centers around Duobagou, taking four different directions over four days to experience various terrain landscapes. Gobi desert - river valley - painted mountain - small sand dunes - Populus euphratica forest - desert - riverbed. Diverse landscapes presented right before your eyes.
"The map is the preliminary route. The actual route will be changed by the local government's melting mechanism, weather and other factors.



Gobi Hiking Event Introduction

Origin and Background

Spiritual Heritage: Its origin is closely related to the reverence for the Tang dynasty Master Xuanzang. Xuanzang journeyed alone across the vast Gobi Desert to India to retrieve Buddhist scriptures; his resilient and exploratory spirit has become a model for future generations. To inherit and promote this spirit, the Gobi hiking event was born.

Development and Evolution: Initially an individual challenge against oneself, it has gradually evolved into a comprehensive event integrating sports, tourism, and culture, attracting outdoor enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and people from all walks of life.

Event Location

Gansu, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia in China boast vast Gobi regions, making them popular locations for Gobi hiking events. For example, Dunhuang in Gansu, as an important node of the ancient Silk Road, possesses deep historical and cultural heritage alongside unique natural scenery, with its surrounding Gobi beaches becoming one of the most famous Gobi hiking routes.

Event Format

Schedule: Usually conducted in the form of multi-day hikes, such as a common 4-day, 3-night itinerary. Participants hike a certain distance each day, bringing the total hiking distance over the event to tens or even over a hundred kilometers—for instance, some events span a total of 108 kilometers.

Teams and Individuals: Participants can register individually to challenge themselves, or form teams where members support and collaborate with each other to complete the hiking challenge, enhancing team cohesion and cooperation skills.

Along-the-Way Experience

Natural Landscapes: Participants can admire breathtaking natural wonders such as magnificent golden sand dunes, peculiar rocks, and vast skies, experiencing the wondrous craftsmanship and boundless expanse of nature.

History and Culture: The route may pass historical relics such as ancient beacon towers, grottoes, and tombs, allowing participants to appreciate deep historical and cultural heritage as if traveling through time to converse with the ancients.

Challenges and Rewards

Physical Challenge: The Gobi region features a dry climate and large temperature differences between day and night, with blazing sun by day and biting cold winds at night. Participants must overcome harsh natural environments such as high temperatures, drought, and windstorms, posing a severe test to physical strength and endurance.

Spiritual Growth: Hiking in extreme environments trains one's willpower and character, teaching people perseverance and courage while continuously elevating mental strength and grit. At the same, through contact with nature and inner introspection, participants can receive spiritual cleansing and sublimation, finding inner peace and strength.


Event Information

Event Date August 13, 2027 to August 19, 2027
Number of Days 7 Days 6 Nights
Assembly Place Dunhuang Airport
Assembly Time TBD
Flight Schedule TBD


Race Categories

Race Category Mileage Number of Participants Eligibility
Individual 108 km (4 Days) 1 Must be at least 18 years old by August 13, 2027; those aged 14 to 17 must obtain guardian consent
Double 108 km (4 Days) 2 Must be at least 18 years old by August 13, 2027; those aged 14 to 17 must obtain guardian consent
Family 90 km (3 Days) Base team: 1 parent + 1 child
Maximum 4 members (remaining 2 members can be parents or children) 		Parent: At least 10 to 14 years old by August 13, 2027
Child: Aged 14 to 19 by August 13, 2027

Itinerary


Date Daily Activity Itinerary Accommodation Breakfast Lunch Dinner
August 13 Arrive in Dunhuang
Travel agency arranges tourist bus from Dunhuang Airport to the hotel Hotel x x x
August 14 Dunhuang Sightseeing & Send-off Banquet
Morning: Visit Mingsha Mountain
Afternoon: Visit Mogao Grottoes (those not participating in the tour may have free time)
Evening: Send-off banquet and pre-event briefing 		Hotel Hotel √ Hotel Send-off Banquet
August 15 Hiking Day 1, Head to Akesai
07:30 Take tourist bus to Akesai
Around 11:30 start hiking. A lunch rest area is set up about 8 km after the start; continue to finish the day's journey after lunch, total distance for the day approx. 27 km.
Evening: Bonfire party, stay at Duobagou Fixed Camp 		Duobagou Fixed Camp Hotel √ Bonfire Party
August 16 Hiking Day 2, Total 33 km
06:30 Wake-up call, 07:00 Camp breakfast, 07:30 Start hiking
Lunch rest area set up about 17 km after start, total distance for the day approx. 33 km
Evening: Camp dinner 		Duobagou Fixed Camp √ √ √
August 17 Hiking Day 3, Total 30 km
05:30 Wake-up call, 06:00 Camp breakfast, 06:30 Start hiking
Lunch rest area set up about 16 km after start, total distance for the day approx. 30 km
Evening: Camp dinner. Pack up belongings.
Family Extension Challenge Application: **Participants wishing to join the next day's extension challenge must submit an application to the organizing committee before 19:00 on Hiking Day 3 (August 17, 2027) and obtain approval. 		Duobagou Fixed Camp √ √ √
August 18 Hiking Day 4, Total 18 km & Celebration Banquet
05:00 Wake-up call, 05:30 Breakfast
06:00 Start hiking - For Individual category and
          Family category participants approved for the extension challenge. Distance approx. 18 km

After the main hiking group departs, Family category participants not joining the extension challenge will take a tourist bus to the finish line to wait for other participants; all luggage will be shipped directly back to the hotel by the organizers.

11:00 Light meal at the finish line
13:00 Take tourist bus back to Dunhuang hotel
Evening: Celebration Banquet 		Hotel √ √ Hotel Celebration Banquet
August 19 Return to Hong Kong or Leave Tour
Morning: Hotel breakfast
Travel agency arranges tourist bus to the airport to depart Dunhuang 		X Hotel X X

** If you plan to visit "Crescent Spring" and "Mogao Grottoes", it is recommended to arrive in Dunhuang one day earlier (i.e. August 13)

Event Pricing

Individual Category 108km
  • Fee per person: HK$ 14,388 (based on twin-sharing room)
  • Single room supplement: Add HK$ 1,500 (3 nights)

Double Category (Pair) 108km
  • Fee per group: HK$ 27,988 (based on twin-sharing room)


Family Category (1 parent/guardian & 1 child aged 9 to under 14) About 90km
  • Fee per group: HK$ 26,888
  • Additional parent/guardian fee per person: HK$ 13,888
  • Additional child under 14 fee per person: HK$ 13,000


Family Extension Challenge
Participants who complete the designated hiking route for the first three days of the Family category may apply free of charge to participate in the extension challenge on the fourth hiking day. Participants must submit an application to the organizing committee before 19:00 on Hiking Day 3 (August 17, 2027) and receive approval from the committee before joining.
Family category participants who do not join the extension challenge will take a tourist bus to the finish line after the main group departs to wait for the arrival of other participants.


Optional Dunhuang Day Tour Add-on (Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake, Mogao Grottoes entry tickets, shuttle transport, and lunch on the day) Fee per person: HK$600

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Organizer: VIBRANT ASSOCIATION & Run2gather




Sights Along the Way Include


Tour Fee Includes Tour Fee Excludes
Event organization and management fees Round-trip transportation fees to/from Dunhuang/Gansu
Hotel accommodation (based on twin-sharing room) Personal equipment expenses
Communication and logistics support fees during the event Personal consumption
Safety guarantee fees during the event Camp massage (RMB 150 / 20 minutes per person)
Cultural heritage protection and management fees for routes along the way Scenic spot tickets and show admission fees
Transportation fees from urban areas to the Gobi Desert during the event Additional personal insurance
Accident insurance coverage up to 1 million
Event materials (name badge + luggage tag + race vest + medical kit + markers + medal + finisher certificate, etc.)
Meals / drinking water expenses during the event
Gobi accommodation provisions: 30 sq.m. tents, moisture-proof mats, functional tents (rest area, dining area, stretching area, etc.)
Camp shower fees (once daily, $100 per time)
Pre-event training classes (three sessions) fees
Three-month cumulative mileage online run (including finisher medal) fee
One special edition trail running jersey and one pair of sun sleeves
One special edition multi-purpose backpack
Finisher T-shirt (must complete the entire route of the category)
Engraving name on finisher medal (processed after returning to HK)
One commemorative photo album

Special Edition Trail Running Jersey (Unisex)

(Under design)


Finisher T-Shirt

(Under design)

Multi-purpose backpack

The picture is for reference only, and the actual model is still in production.

Recommended Personal Equipment

Magic Scarf / Buff: Highly versatile with a wide range of uses. Can be worn as a neck warmer in cold weather, pulled over the nose and mouth to protect against sand and dust when it's windy, or tied around the wrist to wipe sweat when it's hot. Headscarves containing COOLMAX fabric offer the best performance and reputation in similar products.
Quick-drying Outdoor Sun Hat: Ultraviolet rays are intense in the Gobi. A sun hat with a protective flap plays an important role here, shading not only the cheeks but also the entire neck for excellent sun protection. When sandstorms blow in the Gobi, the sun hat also protects against wind and sand.
Sports Sunglasses: Protects eyes from harsh sunlight and invading Gobi sand during the hike. It is recommended to buy sports sunglasses or anti-sand sunglasses; ski goggles are not suitable. (Those with myopia can wear clip-on sunglasses or over-glasses)
Down Jacket / Fleece Jacket: For warmth. Professional outdoor down jackets are recommended—lightweight, portable, with a fill power of 600+. Regular fleece jackets are sufficient for fleece.
Suggested quantity: 1 piece (either a down jacket or fleece jacket, primarily for nighttime camp warmth)
Shell Jacket / Windbreaker: Windproof and waterproof (heavy-duty hardshells are not needed, thin summer models will suffice)
Quick-drying Shirt and Pants: Used for wicking, sun protection, and keeping the body dry during hiking (long-sleeved quick-drying T-shirts or shirts are recommended for comfort and UV protection; avoid quick-drying pants with zippered detachable sections, as the zippers easily chafe thigh skin).
Quick-drying Gloves: Essential to protect your hands; sun-protective and anti-abrasion. Choose quick-drying, comfortable fabrics to ensure hands are safe and undamaged while walking and pitching tents.
Hiking Shoes: Choose hiking shoes suited to your foot shape. Lightweight, fine-mesh trail running shoes with strong grip are recommended. Please visit a physical store to try them on before purchasing. Feet swell during long treks, and space must be left for quick-drying socks, so be sure to choose a size 1-2 sizes larger than usual. A simple rule of thumb is to have one finger's width of space remaining after putting on quick-drying socks. Never wear brand-new shoes directly onto the Gobi. New shoes purchased before departure should be broken in with your feet for at least half a month.
Quick-drying Socks: Used to wick foot sweat, dry quickly, and prevent blisters. Bring the required quantity based on your wearing habits. The soles must be thick, preferably made of COOLMAX or wool. Cotton socks must be avoided as they cause blisters. Prepare about two pairs a day, so you can switch to a dry pair midway to protect your feet.
Suggested quantity: 4 pairs or more
Large Duffel Bag: Used to pack camping supplies, including tents, sleeping bags, moisture-proof mats, and personal clothing. No need to carry this during the hike as it is transported by baggage vehicles; 70L+ is recommended. If you have many personal items, you can buy around 120L.
Daypack: Used during the hike to carry trail snacks, water, and other essential supplies. Recommended size 24-28L based on personal needs. Must include a hip belt and a hydration bladder port for comfortable carrying.
Hydration Bladder: Placed inside the backpack for convenient drinking while hiking. Do not fill with hot water. Capacity 1-2L, purchase appropriately based on your usual water intake.
Sleeping Bag: For nighttime warmth during camp camping. August recommended temperature rating is 0°C to 5°C (compact down sleeping bags are recommended to save space). Sleeping bags are personal items and must be purchased individually.
Headlamp: Used for illumination during early morning/evening hikes and nighttime camp lighting. Outdoor LED headlamps are suitable (flashlights are not recommended as they don't free up your hands).
Sandals: Can be worn as slippers to relax feet after returning to camp; "garden clogs / foam clogs" are recommended.
Sunscreen: UV rays are strong in the Gobi, and exposed skin must be protected, so sunscreen is a must-prepare item.
Medication: Bring or equip personal special medications according to your physical condition.
Wipes: Wet wipes help maintain facial and body freshness and hygiene (buy both large and small packs; large packs go in the duffel bag for washing up back at camp, small packs go in your daypack or waist pack for anytime use).
Lip Balm: The Gobi climate is dry and lips crack easily, so lip balm is a must.
Trekking Poles: Reduce knee wear and save physical energy, providing a cushioning effect. Double poles, foldable and lightweight, are recommended; must be checked in when passing airport security.
Anti-sand Gaiters: Highly useful to prevent fine sand from entering shoes. Prolonged friction between fine sand and feet greatly increases the chance of blisters. Snow gaiters are not recommended as they lack ventilation and easily trap heat.
Talcum Powder / Anti-Chafing Cream: Recommended for heavy sweaters to keep feet dry and prevent blisters; anti-perspirants are also an option.
Thermos: (Hot water is provided at camp, but disposable paper cups are not; bring your own cup)
Mosquito Repellent: Mosquitoes and bugs are numerous in summer; bringing repellent spray is recommended.
Power Bank: For charging mobile phones.

Tips

  1. It is best not to wear contact lenses. Since the camp does not provide running tap water for washing up, wearing framed glasses is preferable.
  2. Pure cotton materials are not recommended for any quick-drying items.
  3. Prepare earplugs in advance if you are a light sleeper.
  4. Men are advised to wear boxer briefs.
  5. Women can prepare some sanitary pads in case of menstruation.
  6. The best way to prevent blisters is to choose suitable shoes and frequently change socks while walking.
  7. The organizing committee provides simple medical supplies; please bring or equip personal special medications according to your physical condition.