Trekking in Transylvania

The Carpathian Mountains or Carpathians are a range of mountains forming an arc of roughly 1,500 km (932 mi) across Central and Eastern Europe, making them the largest mountain range in Europe.

The Carpathians create wonderful mountainous scenery, with green valleys nestled between foothills ascending to wild crags or precipitous gorges. The mountain villages encountered on the way, the small summer shelters built by peasants for hay harvests, the secret shepherds` paths through forests and meadows, all these bring a unique, pastoral fragrance to the area.

Deep forests cover more than one third of the country’s surface. Here is to be found the highest concentration of large carnivores anywhere in Europe. (About 6000 brown bears – more than half of Europe’s bear population, about 3500 wolves and approximately 2000 lynx.) You will also find plenty of opportunities to photograph the less camera shy population of wild Chamois that frequent the higher pastures.

The Flora of the Carpathians includes more than 1350 species; most foreign visitors are amazed about the enormous variety of wild plants and flowers all over Romania. You will find all kind of Orchids, Gentians, and Campanulas, with 12% of these plants being endemic to the Carpathian Mountains.

The Romanian region of Transylvania is also home to ‘Bram Stokers’ legendry fictitious character ‘Count Dracula, reputed to inhabit a decaying castle in the Carpathian Mountains near the Borgo Pass.

Bran Castle is situated near ‘Bran’ and in the immediate vicinity of Brasov; it is a national monument and landmark in Romania. The fortress is situated on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia and is commonly known as ‘Dracula's Castle’

On January 26 2009 it was revealed that the current occupiers of Bran Castle have decided not to sell the castle, but instead turn it into a museum dedicated to the legend and history of ‘Count Dracula’.

Imp adventures will be making a 3-day trek through some of the most picturesque countryside in the Carpathian Mountains, with the highlight being an ascent of the ‘Bucegi Mountains’ highest summit, ‘Omu Peak’, this peak ranking number 9 within the Romanian peaks, with an altitude of 2505 meters (8219ft).

During our trek through the Carpathian Mountains, ample time will be made to identify and photograph the abundance of fauna and flora. Utilizing high mountain refuges for two nights, we will be well placed to spend as much time as possible enjoying the fresh air, stunning scenery and high mountain environment before returning to our valley base in Brasov, where, after a celebratory supper on the third day of trekking we will spend a cultural day visiting the fabled Draculas Castle, and other nearby beauty spots.

Trip Information

Dates & Prices: View Prices
Price Rate: £600
Grading: B (more info)
No of People: 10

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Itinerary​

• Day 1 – arrival in Bucharest (unfortunately, there is no airport in Brasov) ‘Otopeni International airport, or Baneasa International airport’ depending on flights. Transfer to Brasov city (about 3hr drive). Accommodation in 3* pension close to the historical city centre. Team briefing and evening meal.
• ​Day 2 – After breakfast we will travel by minibus to Gura Diham mountain hut, the starting point for our first days walk. From here we will walk to the ‘Malaiesti’ mountain hut, via ‘Poiana Izvoarelor’ mountain hut and Pichetul Rosu-La Prepeleac. It is a 5-6 hours walk, leaving us enough time for breaks and time to take photographs and enjoy the views along the way. Accommodation and dinner will be at the Malaiesti mountain hut, located in a beautiful area with fantastic views.
• Day 3 – After a good breakfast in the mountain hut we will start walking for the trophy that is ‘Omu peak’, the highest point in the ‘Bucegi Mountains’. The day will be a little challenging but rewarded by the route offering some of the most magnificent landscapes in the whole mountain range. After successfully scaling ‘Omu’ peak, we will be accommodated, fed and watered at the nearby ‘Omu’ mountain hut. Today’s walking time will be approximately 4-5 hrs.
• Day 4 – After breakfast we will start the descent down to the ‘Babele’ mountain hut (the upper side of the mountain cable car), 4-5 hours. On route we will stop to admire the ‘Heroes’ cross’ built on ‘Caraiman’ mountain here we will admire the entire length of the ‘Prahova’ valley. From ‘Babele’ mountain hut, we will travel down by cable car to Busteni mountain resort, where our minibus will be waiting for us for the transfer to Brasov. In Brasov we will enjoy our celebratory dinner and perhaps a slightly later night than the previous 2!
• Day 5 – After breakfast in Brasov, we will visit ‘Rasnov’ medieval fortress and ‘Bran castle’ (known as Dracula’s castle). Lunch will be in the Bran area before returning back to Brasov for supper.
• Day 6 – Following breakfast we will transfer back to Bucharest International airport for our flight back to the UK.

What's Included

• Professional Leadership by an experienced and qualified International Mountain Leader who is a current mountain first aider. 
• B & B accommodation in Brasov, and Mountain Refuges whilst trekking on a full board basis. (Packed lunches included)
• All transport and transfers throughout the trek

Not Included

• Travel to and from Romania from UK
• Clothing and Equipment
• Entrance fees to local exhibits

Other Information

Accommodation
Accommodation will be in a clean and basic pension on a full board basis, and simple mountain refuges on full board (packed lunches) during the trek.

Equipment
Normal summer hill walking clothing and equipment will be required as per the website kit list. (A lightweight sleeping bag will also be required).

Transport
Local transport will be utilised throughout the trip.

Special notes 
The highlights of this trip will be the successful ascent of ‘Omu’ Peak and a visit to the legendry Draculas Castle.