Carpathian Mountains Self Guided Trek,Transylvania (Romania)

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival
Transfer airport Bucharest – Brasov. Overnight in Brasov.-/-/-

Day 2. Piatra mare mountains - 7 Ladders canyon
After a short transfer you start the first trekking day in the nearby Piatra Mare (Big stone) mountains. You hike to Piatre Mare chalet (1628m) and after a short rest climb to the highest peak of the mountain – mount Piatre mare (1843m). You go down through the stunning “7 ladders canyon” with numerous waterfalls and high rock walls. Transfer back to Brasov. B/-/-
Hiking time: 7-8 hours, uphill/downhill: 800 m/800 m., appr. 16 km.

Day 3. Piatra Craiului Nmountains - Magura village
Today you start exploring the Piatra Craiului National Park. Transfer from Brasov to Bran town (30 km). Optional sightseeing in the morning - Bran Castle (famous as the count Dracula’s castle it was built by the Knights of the Teutonic Order between 1211 – 1225). The trek today is not that long, you walk from Bran to Magura village on nice trails and dirt roads among beautiful forests, meadows and idyllic countryside. Accommodation in a guesthouse in Magura Village. B/-/D
Hiking time: about 4 hours, uphill/downhill: 400 m/400 m, appr. 9 km.

Day 4. Magura Village – Curmatura chalet - Zarnesti town – Magura Village
Today you trek in the heart of Piatra Craiului National Park - from Magura Village to – Curmatura chalet (1470 m). The route climbs up to “La table” cross point where 8 different paths meet and continues on big meadows and nice coniferous forests to Curmatura hut (1470m), where you could stop for lunch break. From the chalet you continue the trek to Zarnesti town, the main gate to the National Park. From there you descend and walk to Magura village. Overnight. B/-/D
Hiking time: 7-8 hours, uphill/downhill: 500 m/ 700 m., appr. 20 km.

Day 5. Magura Village - Bucegi Natural Park - Brasov
After breakfast you have a short transfer to the starting point of the trekking in Bucegi Natural Park (20 min. drive). You start the walk in a wide forest road, and cross a small river. After a steep part in the forest (about 20 min.), you continue in the forest but on your way you pass nice meadows where a lunch break could be made. There are sheep farms on your way and in one of them you can stop to try the cheese for a small amount of money. An optional detour (1 hour) could lead you to the Evil Waterfall. You pass former hunting house and at the end you take a wide forest road again to get to the meeting point. Transfer to Brasov for accommodation – (1 h. drive). B/-/-
Hiking time: 5-7 hours, uphill/downhill: 800 m/ 800 m, appr. 14 km.

Day 6. Rest day - Brasov - Tampa mountain - Brasov
Today you will have more time for a deserved rest and a short hike is planned. Hike on the Tampa mountain (960 m). The view from the summit is spectacular, offering a nice panorama of the city. The route is easy, you can take the cable car to the top and go down by foot or the other way round. Optional Brasov walking tour by night with guide. B/-/-
Hiking time: 2-3 hours, uphil/downhill: 400/400m

Day 7. Poaian Brasov resort - Postavaru mountains
Transfer to Poiana Brasov resort (1200m) – the main ski resort in Romania (12 km). Trekking to the top of Postavaru Mountains – 1799 m and down to the resort. The route follows easy forests paths with nice meadows and great sceenary. There is also an option to use the cable car either on your way up or during the return. Transfer back to Brasov. B/-/-
Hiking time: 4-5 hours, uphill/downhill: 700 m/700 m, appr. 10 km).

Day 8. Departure
Transfer to Bucharest for departure. B/-/-

Good to know:

• How the tour runs: It is recommended to start this self-guided hike on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Other weekdays must be booked well in advance. You will be met at the airport by our local supporting agent and transferred to Brasov. After accommodation you will have an info meeting for discussing all details regarding the trek and receiving your maps and route notes.
• 7 Ladders Canyon: Closed on Mondays and if there are severe weather conditions (thunderstorms, heavy rains).
• Routes and waymarks: You follow very well marked trails that are part of the Carpathian hiking network. Most common waymark symbols are colored stripes, triangles, circles, etc
• Terrain: You follow mainly forest and meadows paths and dirt roads with gradual gaining of elevation. The “7 ladders canyon” includes walking on steel ladders and bridges in a very narrow and spectacular gorge and might seem difficult or dangerous for some hikers and can be skipped.
• Necessary equipment: daypack (20-30l), hiking shoes, breathable clothes, waterproof gear, headlamp or torch, sun glasses, compass, etc. Changing weather in summer, requiring good rain gear just in case.
• Luggage transport: Included (1 backpack/suitcase per person; max 20kg)
• Group size: Please see the price box for prices for 2 persons as the price is baes on 3 persons in a triple room. 4+ persons: Please get in touch for a quote.