| Departures | | From April to the end of October. |
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| VILLAGES OF THE CARPATHIAN MOUNTAINS | price from 519 € | | Romania - Independent walking - 8 days |
The mountain of Piatra Craiului, the longest limestone mountain chain of Romania, is also a flora and fauna paradise. The hikes in this national park, in the middle of pastures, sheepfolds and forests will not leave you indifferent.
The villagers left the valleys long time ago and build their houses on higher grounds to be sheltered from numerous barbarian invasions. These scattered villages, among the highest of Romania, seem to remain frozen in time. Your journey will take you to the middle of a wild nature which shelter brown bears, chamois, wolves and lynxes, only to leave you in the middle of the sweet pastoral tradition. An unforgettable journey! |
Day 1 Reception in Bucharest
Beginning of the journey in Bucharest. Arrival before 2:00 pm. Reception at the train station or at your hotel in Bucharest. If you arrive by plane take the direct bus to the train station or add the option of private transfer. Train to Zarnesti (change in Brasov). Night in Zarnesti. |
Day 2 Toward the crest of Piatra Craiului
Hiking toward the crest of Piatra Craiului by the Crapatura Valley, a narrow valley which offers very beautiful landscapes opened on the surrounding plateaus. For those two days you'll carry your own luggage. Overnight stay in Curmatura hut. ~4h, 13km, +650m,-150m. |  |
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Day 3 Scattered villages
Contemplative trek through immense forests and pastures with sights on the crest visited the day before. Arrival at the feet of the mountain in traditional villages. Night in Magura. ~3h, 10km, -550m, +100m. |
Day 4 Castle of Bran
Free Day: you can stroll in the village or exit this pastoral world to visit the Bran Castle. This castle, built as a favor from Ludovic d'Anjou in the 14th century to the inhabitants of the region, always had a role of defense against the migratory peoples. Later it protected Transylvania from the Ottoman invasions. The castle was also associated during a long time with the prince Vlad Tepes of Walachia. Born in Transylvania, he is at the origin of the fictional character of Dracula. Go with cart and return on foot. ~5h, 17km, +550m, -400m. |  |
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Day 5 Zarnesti’s Gorges
Hike by the Zarnesti's gorges. These gorges present verticals walls of 200 m and offer, during autumn, colours of an extreme variety. Night in Pestera. ~3h30, 9km, -150m, +250m. |
Day 6 Pastures and sheepfolds
Hike in the middle of pastures, sheepfolds, woods and scattered villages. Night in Sirnea. ~4h, 13km, +150m, -150m. |
Day 7 Floral paradise
Continue to hike at the feet of the Piatra Craiului’s mountains in this magnificent landscape and visit these villages which seem to remain immune at the passage of time. Take time and enjoy it. Night in Ciocanu or in Dâmboviciara. ~5h, 14km, +400m, -300m. |  |
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Day 8 End of the stay
Departure by cart then by car to reach Brasov. From there take the train to Bucharest. This is an opportunity to admire landscapes which welcomed you during the week and to have a global image of this rural and mountain world. Arrival at Bucharest late in the afternoon. End of the journey. |
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| Details | Starting point
Bucharest train station.
End
Bucharest train station.
How to get there
By plane: Otopeni or Baneasa airports in Bucharest.
By train : Bucharest train station.
Accommodation
Nights in guest-houses in double rooms. Mostly 2 stars accommodation, except day 2 in mountain hut without running water and with WC outside.
Number of people
Minimum of 2 people.
Level of difficulty
Requires a medium fitness level. Maximum of 5h walking a day.
Carrying
The transfers of your luggage is ensured except day 2. You only have to carry your things needed for the day (picnic, camera...). For two days (starting with day 2) you have to carry your things.
Options
- Private transfer (instead of train) from Brasov station to Zarnesti : 29€
- Private transfer from Bucharest airport to train station, base 3 people : 30€
- Private transfer from Bucharest train station to airport, base 3 people : 30€
- Single supplement : 65€
Included
The nights, meals, road-book, maps, transfer of luggage, permanently contactable local assistance.
Not included
Transfer to the meeting point and to the drop off point, the insurances, the drinks and the personal expenses.
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