Transfer from Bucharest to Fagaras Mountains, where our hiking tour takes place. Accommodation in Bucharest on previous night is available on request, if needed, so that we can leave Bucharest at 09 a.m. to start the hiking trip.

• Level rate: easy
• Hiking time: 2 hours
• Height difference: + 500 m; (+1640 feet; )
• Highlights: Sâmbăta Monastery, the forest along the Sâmbăta Valley.

09.00 : meeting at your hotel in Bucharest;
09:00 – 11:00: transport to Sinaia Resort, in the “Bucegi” Mountains (800 – 1000 m);
- visit Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle (former residence of Romanian Royal Family);
12.30 : lunch (not included) in Sinaia (our suggestion: “Taverna Sarbului”) ;
14 – 17 pm: transfer to Sambata Monastery (750 m); visit the monastery;
6 p.m. : taking the trail to Sambata Chalet (1401 m). The route goes along the Sambata Valley, through a deep forest with friendly bears.
8 p.m: arriving at Sambata Chalet.
8:30 p.m: dinner (not included), next day briefing, chalet games;
10 pm: lights out;

Accommodation: Sambata Chalet: 1401 m altitude (4597 feet)

Hiking on Fagaras Mountains

• Level rating: It’s a medium hiking day.
• Hiking time: ~ 7 hours
• Height difference: + 1100 m; (+3610 feet;)
• Highlights: The beautiful view from Moldoveanu Peak, Iezerul Moldoveanu Lake.

07.30: wake up;
08.00: breakfast (included);
09.30 – 12.00: Sambata Chalet – Fereastra Mare a Sambetei (2128 m). The route climbs the alpine valley of Sambata, through the glacial landscape to the main ridge.
While climbing to the ridge, you can see a spectacular waterfall on the right wall of the valley. (called “Dragusului” Ridge). We will reach the main ridge in “Fereastra Mare” section.
12.00 – 14.00: Fereastra Mare – Portita Vistei (2310 m). From “Fereastra Mare” we climb the “Slanina” Peak (2245m), then we follow the main ridge marking, bypassing the “Galasescu Mare” peak (2471 m), “Galasescu Mic” glacial lake (2180m), Vistisoara glacial lake, “Fereastra Vistisoarei” (2291 m), finally reaching “Portita Vistei”, our destination for today.
14.00: Camping and lunch (included);
14.30: leaving for the Moldoveanu Peak (2544m), the highest point of Romania- via the Vistea Peak (2527 m), if the weather allows it; the two peaks are connected through a narrow ridge, which allows a spectacular view on the surrounding valleys.
15.30: taking pictures on Moldoveanu Peak;
16.30: returning to the tents. Lunch;
17.30 – 20.30: leisure time, optional walk to the Iezerul Moldoveanu Lake.
20.30 – 21.30: Dinner (included). Next day briefing;
22.00: lights out ;
Accommodation: tents.

Hiking on Fagaras Mountains

• Trip length: 28 km (~18 miles)
• Level : It’s an easy hiking day.
• Height difference: + 850 m (+ 2789 feet)
• Highlights: The Portita Vistei area, Podragu Lake

05.00: Optional hike to the Moldoveanu/Vistea Peak, sunrise photos, if the weather allows it and/or the weather was bad the other day

08.00: “official” wake up;
08.30: breakfast (included);
10.00: Portita Vistei – Podragu Chalet (2136 m).
Our route takes us to the Vistea Mare Peak (2527 m) peak, and descents to “Orzanelei” saddle, following the trail under the “Ucisoara” peak (2418 m), to the “Ucisoara” saddle (2312 m). This point offers a wide perspective over the “Ucisoara” Valley.
From here the trail climbs close to the ridge, to the “Podul Giurgiului” saddle, near the “Podul Giurgiului” valley top section. We will traverse this valley through the top section, and reach “Podragu” saddle (2307 m). From here our path descends into the “Podragu” valley to the “Podragu” Chalet (2136 m), near the “Podragu” lake, one of our points of interest this stage of our journey.
13:30: arriving at Podragu Chalet where we’ll stay for the night;
14.00 pm: having lunch at Podragu Chalet;
- hike to the Podragelu Lake and return (aprox. 3h): the marked path climbs the east side of the valley to the “Strunga Podragelului” point (2153 m) and descents afterwards into “Podragelul” Valley, where this glacial lake lies. From here we will return on the same route to the chalet.
20:30 : dinner (included) ;
-free time ;
22.22 : lights out;

Accommodation: Podragu Hut

Trekking on Fagaras Mountains

• It’s a moderate rated hiking
• Hiking time: 5 hours
• Sightseeing objectives: Podrăgelul lake

09.30: wake up;

10.00: breakfast included;

11.00: We leave Podragu hut (2136 m),  start hiking towards Podrăgelul Lake, over the ridge.
13.00: We come back to Podragu and take the rest of the day to relax

Accommodation at the Podragu hut

Trekking on Fagaras Mountains

• It’s a moderate rated hiking
• Hiking time: 10 hours
• Height difference: + 300 m, -1100 m (+984 -3609 feet)
• Sightseeing objectives: La 3 Pasi de Moarte, the main ridge.

07.30: wake up;

08.00: breakfast;

09.30 – 10.00: Podragu Chalet (2136 m) – Podragu Saddle (2307 m); We follow the same route as the other day, until we reach the crossing point in Podragu saddle.

10.00 – 12.30: saua Podragu (Podragu Saddle)- La 3 Pasi de Moarte, on the main ridge ; We head West for Balea Chalet, circling the Podul Giurgiului upper valley and passing by the glacial lake which lies in this valley.

The trail climbs a steep side of the valley, to the Mircii peak (2467 m) , connected with the Arpasul Mare peak (2474 m) by a narrow ridge which also must be traversed.

From Arpasul Mare peak, the marked path descends to the difficult passage called “la 3 pasi de moarte” (three steps from death).

- short meal on the route

12.30 – 16.00: “La 3 Pasi de Moarte” (3 steps from the Death) – Capra Saddle, on the main ridge; Turning right, our path circles the Vartopelul Peak and follows the main ridge to another difficult section, which ends at “Fereastra Zmeilor” point. From here you can see the “Fereastra Zmeilor” mountain refuge laying well below our altitude. Our route takes us on the steep slopes of “Fundul Caprei” valley, and climbs the south section of “Vanatoarea lui Buteanu” Peak, into a wider location, where a beautiful lake lies (the “Capra” lake – 2241m).
16.00 – 17.00: Saua Capra (Capra saddle) (2315 m) – Paltinu Chalet (2037 m);
19.00: dinner (included); Leisure time;

Accommodation at the Paltinu Chalet

Transfer by car from Fagaras Mountains to Bucharest.

08.30: wake up;

10.00: Paltinul Chalet – Bâlea Waterfall Hotel (1234 m); The trail is not difficult, but quite long, as it descents along the Bâlea valley, under the cable car which links Bâlea Chalet and “Bâlea Cascada” Hotel, by the main national road called “Transfagarasan” which crosses the mountain in this area. 13.00: Arriving at Bâlea Waterfall Hotel and taking our car to Fagaras city;

11:30 – 13.00: Fagaras – Brasov City;

13:30: lunch in Brasov ;

3 pm – 5:30 p.m: visit Brasov’s medieval center, the Black Church (famous for it’s organon), shopping, etc.

5:30 pm: leaving for Bucharest ;

5:30 pm – 8:30 pm: transfer by car Brasov – Bucharest;

-hotel accommodation in Bucharest;

-dinner at the hotel/other location

-leisure time;

• Highlights: beautiful landscape over Fagaras, Bucegi. Brasov City, Bucharest

Accommodation in Bucharest is also available on request, if needed.

The price includes:

• all transfers by car / mini-bus
• all accommodation, as mentioned
• meals as mentioned
• rental of: tents, sleeping mats, camping cooking stove (NOT sleeping bag)
• guiding service all-around the tour (English speaking)

If you like the feel of carrying everything in your backpack in a true alpine expedition manner, this is the tour for you!

Transfer by car: Bucharest Airport Otopeni – Victoria (260 Km)
After welcoming you at the airport we’ll head directly towards the Carpathian Mountains.Accommodation at the “Arpas” Cabana, 700 m altitude. (2297 feet)

Cabana ‘Arpas’ – Muchia Taritei (ridge) – The ‘Podragu’ Lake – The ‘Podragul’ Hut (cabana) / accommodation (height: 2.150 m).

• Medium to difficult mountain hike
• Hiking time: – 7 (seven) hours
• Height difference: 1.450 m (4557 feet)
• Sightseeing objectives: The ‘Taritei’ Ridge with view towards ‘Wilde Girdomanu Valley’ (Valea Salbatica); the glaciar lake ‘Podragu’.

Hiking on Fagaras Mountains: Cabana ‘Podragul’ (Podragul Hut) – The ‘Podragul’ Saddle – The ‘Vistea’ Peak – The ‘Moldoveanu’ Peak – Back to ‘Podragul’ Hut. Overnight in Podragul, 2.150 m altitude (7054 feet).

• A medium rated hike
• Hiking time: – 7 ½ (seven and a half) hours
• Height difference: 800 m
• Sightseeing objectives: The ‘Vistea’ Peak, 2.527 m (8291 feet) – The ‘Moldoveanu’ Peak, 2.544 m (8347 feet): Romania’s highest peak as well as a beautiful panorama point over the whole massif
• Optional: The ‘Moldoveanu’ Peak – The ‘Moldoveanu’ Saddle. Time: 3 (three) hours. Medium to difficult hike. Height difference: 400 m. (1312 feet)
  Objectives: Nice view towards ‘The Glacial Pail’ and the ‘Galbena’ lakes.

Hiking route in Fagaras: The ‘Podragul’ Hut – The ‘Podragul’ Peak – The ‘Nerlinger’ Monument – The ‘Capra’ Saddle – The ‘Bilea’ Lake. Pitching the tents and stay over night (height: 2.030 m).

• A rather medium hike
• Hiking time: – 6 ½ (six and a half) hours
• Altitude difference: 650 m
• Sightseeing objectives: The glacial lakes: ‘Podragelul’, ‘Capra’, ‘Buta’ and ‘Bilea’.
• Optional: The ‘Capra’ Saddle

Pitching the tents in the “Lotru’s Bridge” area (4 Km away from the “Lotru’s Spring”). Height: 1.400 m. (4593 feet)Stay over night.

Hiking route in the Fagaras Massif: ‘Balea’ Lake – ‘Laitel’ Peak – ‘Strunga Dracului (Devil’s Clough) – ‘Negoiul’ Peak – ‘Caltun’ Lake – ‘Piscul Negru’ (The Black Peak – canton).

• A medium-difficult hike
• Hiking time: – 9 (nine) hours
• Height difference: -800 m
• Sightseeing objectives: The ‘Negoiul’ Peak (2.536 m), the panorama view towards the whole massif and over other massifs in romanian Carpathians, Devil’s Clough, ‘Caltun’ glaciar lake, the scenery view towards the ‘Lespezi’ Peak (2.522 m).

Campsite at ‘Piscul Negru’ Canton (The Black Peak) – 1.400 m, (4593 feet)

• A medium-difficult hike
• Hiking time: – 8½ (eight and a half) hours
• Height difference: 800 m
• Sightseeing objectives: ‘Piscul Negru’ Peak, panorama view.

Campsite at ‘Buda’ Valley – ‘Museteica’ Canton area, 1.100 m altitude (3609 feet)

• It’s rather an easy hike
• Hiking time : 2 (two) hours
• Height differenece : 100 m (328 feet)
• Highlights: The ‘Buda’ Peak (protected area).

Transfer by bus: Transfagarasan – Bucharest Airport ‘Otopeni’ (200 Km).

HIKING THE HIGHEST

GLACIAL RIDGE

LAURENTIU BUCUR

Area: The Fagaras Mountains and Iezer-Papusa Mountains.

Level rate: demanding

Dates of departure in 2009: June – September, on demand

Nr. of team members: 2 – 8

Trip length (days): 8

Required gear: Backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent, food, spot light, mountain boots (preferably with Vibram sole), Gore-tex mountain jacket, polarTec changing cloths, headlamp, polarTec hat, water bottle, water can, first-aid kit, food and sweets, first-aid kit.

Accommodation: tents/mountain huts.

Hiking on Fagaras Mountains: Moasa Ridge to reach Suru Shelter (1447m)

From Otopeni Intl. Airport, we’ll travel by a mini-bus to Sebesu de Sus (457 m), a traditional village of Transylvania, and from there we will start hiking the Fagaras Mountains, over Moasa Ridge, to reach Suru Refuge. We will spend the night there, in tents or in the shelter. In our way to Sebesu de Sus, we will cross three beautiful towns: Ploiesti, Brasov (medieval town) and Fagaras (in this town there is a medieval citadel, that we an visit, depending in the flight arrival in Bucharest). The route between Brasov and Sebesu de Sus is crossing a traditional region of Transylvania, called Fagaras County.

• Hiking time: 3-4 hours
• Hiking Level Rate: easy – moderate

Hiking in Fagaras Mts.

7 30 : waking up, packing and having breakfast

Hiking Fagaras Mountains Ridge and reaching Scara Shelter, by crossing a very beautiful glacial part of the ridge, called Ciortea, with three peaks having an altitude over 2400m (Ciortea 1 – 2427 m, Ciortea 2 – 2422 m, Ciortea 3 – 2425 m). Under these summits we will find Avrig glacial lake. Pitching the tents near Scara Shelter (2146m)

• Level rating: Moderate hike.
• Hiking time: 8,5 (eight and a half) hours
• Height difference: 1400 m/4592 ft
• Highlights: Fagaras Ridge; Avrig Glacial Lake; Ciortea’s Glacial Ridges with summits over 2400 m (Ciortea 1- 2427m, Ciortea 2- 2422m, Ciortea 3- 2425m); Capu Gemenilor Peak (2395m); Capu Bilei Peak (2431 m); Scara Shelter Area

Hiking Fagaras Mountains.

8 00 : waking up, packing, having breakfast and cleaning the area

9 00 : leaving the campsite in Scara; hiking along the ridge.

Hiking from Scara to Balea Glacial Lake (2027m), by crossing over a rocky glacial ridge called Custura Saratii (from there we will see one of the most spectacular panorama in The Carpathians Mountains, which contains: Lespezi Summit-2522m, Caltun Summit-2510m, Negoiu Mic Peak-2485m and Custura Ciobanului Glacial Rocky Ridge), to reach Negoiu Summit (2535m), and from there, we will pass through The Devil’s Clough to arrive Caltun Glacial Lake (2135m), which is close to Balea Lake (here, next to the lake there are 2 comfortable chalets, optional: accommodation in Chalets available). Pitching the tents by Balea Lake (2027 m)

• Level rate: Demanding
• Hiking time: 7 – 8 (seven – eight) hours
• Height difference: -119 m/ – 390 ft
• Sightseeing objectives: Crossing over a spectacular rocky ridge called Custura Saratii, to reach Negoiu Summit (2535 m), and from there, we will see one of the most spectacular panorama in The Carpathians Mountains, over Lespezi Summit (2522 m), Caltun Summit (2510 m) and allover the entire Fagaras Ridge; Caltun Glacial Lake & Balea Glacial Lake.

Trekking Fagaras Mountains

8 00 : waking up, packing and having breakfast

9 30 : leaving Balea lac area, hiking from Balea Lake to Podragu Glacial Lake (2136 m). There, in that beautiful glacial place, next to the lake, we will pass by a nice and comfortable chalet. In our way to Podragu we will hike ‘Vanatoarea lui Buteanu’ (Buteanu’s Hunting) Summit (2507 m) and Arpasul Mare Summit (2468 m).

• Level rate : moderate
• Hiking time : 5 – 6 hours
• Height difference : 1400 m/4592 ft
• Sightseeing objectives : Balea Lake

Trekking Carpathians Mountains

Hiking from Podragu Lake to Fereastra Sambetei Saddle (2188 m), crossing over the highest peak of Romania: Moldoveanu Summit (2544 m/ 8347 ft). To reach Moldoveanu Summit we will hike Vistea Summit (2527 m) and after that, we will cross over a very beautiful glacial rocky ridge (long of 421 m), Vistea – Moldoveanu Ridge. From Moldoveanu Summit we will see a special and singular panorama in the Carpathians.

• Level Rating: moderate to demanding hike
• Hiking time: 6-7 hours
• Height difference: +308 m / – 550 m (+1010 ft/- 1805 ft)
• Highlights: Superb landscape from Moldoveanu Peak, the highest of the Romanian mountains

Hiking Fagaras Mts through Iezer-Papusa Mountains.

· Hiking from Sambata Saddle to a saddle (2000 m) which is situated between Mezea Summit (2125 m) and Oticu Summit (2044 m) (a very wild landscape), very close to The Iezer-Papusa Ridge. Pitching the tents on Oticu-Mezea Ridge.

• Level Rate: moderate to demanding
• Hiking time : 5 – 6 hours
• Highlights of the day : Urlea Summit (2473 m); Hartopu Summit (2506 m); Dara Peak (2501 m); Zarna Saddle (1923 m); Mezea-Oticu Ridge (2000 m altitude).

Trekking the Iezer-Papusa Mountains

8 00 : waking up, packing and having breakfast

9 00 : leaving the camping place; start our hiking day

Hiking from the saddle between Mezea Peak and Oticu Peak to Voina Chalet (950m), by reaching Iezer-Papusa ridge and crossing over Rosu Summit (2469m) and Iezerul Mare Summit (2462m). Close to Iezerul Mare there is a glacial lake (2128m).

• It’s moderate hike
• Hiking time: 5-6 (five-six) hours
• Height difference: 770 m/1870 ft
• Highlights: View from Rosu Summit (2469m) and Iezerul Mare Summit (2462m), crossing over The Iezer-Papusa Ridge; Iezer Glacial Lake (2128m).

Transfer by minibus from Voina Chalet to Bucharest Airport (190 km)

Depending on flight schedule, in our way to Bucharest we can visit Campulung Muscel, an istoric town of Romania, who was the first capital of Walachia. Campulung Shelters the Monastery build by Neagoe Basarab in the 13th century. Here, there is a church, called Namaiesti, who has been digged in the mountain’s rock.