Trekking Tour: Trek the Wild Beauty of Romania’s Făgăraș Mountains
Covering 2,000 square kilometres, the Făgăraș Mountains stand as Romania’s most impressive mountain range. These peaks are home for some of the last primeval forests in Europe, offer a haven for biodiversity and serve as a refuge for the biggest population of brown bears, wolves, and lynx in Europe. Foundation Conservation Carpathia, Europe’s largest private conservation initiative, is leading efforts to protect this area from clear-cutting and unsustainable development by establishing a national park.
By joining this trekking tour, you won’t just explore the breathtaking landscapes and experience the region’s tranquillity – you’ll also directly contribute to vital conservation efforts. The trip provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in pristine nature, observe wildlife in their natural habitats, and understand the work being done to protect these landscapes.
The Făgăraș Mountains offer more than a journey; they provide a rare connection to nature and a chance to be part of Europe’s most ambitious conservation project.
Day 1: Equus Silvania
Upon arrival at the airport, your guide welcomes you before embarking on a scenic two-hour drive to the foothills of the Transylvanian Carpathians. Your first night is spent in the traditional village of Șinca Nouă, home to the Equus Silvania wilderness and horse-riding centre. After checking in and taking a moment to relax, you explore the farm with your guide, soaking in the tranquil surroundings.
Day 2: Poiana Tămaș Wilderness Camp
Today you start your journey in the deep wilderness of the Romanian Carpathians. After breakfast, you drive to the base of the tall and imposing ridge of Piatra Craiului Mountains (Rock-of-the-King). You enter the forests at the foothills of the National Park, which is widely regarded as one of Romania’s most beautiful sights with a 25 km jagged limestone ridge that rises to 2,244 metres high. The hike takes you close to the ‘Shoulders of the King’, passing through the territory of the agile chamois, which can often be seen in this area.
Driving Distance
From Bucharest approx. 176 km. (approx. 3,5 h)
Accomodation
Guesthouse Equus Silvania 3*** (single rooms available upon request and availability).
Meal plan
Dinner
After enjoying a picnic lunch in the coolness of the forest, you continue onto the southern ridge of the Făgăraș Mountains, the largest mountain ridge of the central Carpathians spanning over 100 km in length and home to the largest undisturbed wilderness area. Overlooking three mountain ranges, the tented camp of Poiana Tămaș is your shelter for the night. With a refurbished traditional shepherd’s hut and glamping style tents, the camp offers a cosy retreat away from the noisy and hectic rhythm of city life. A warm campfire paired with local organic wines, or a fresh beverage, accompany the last hours of the day.
Driving Distance
approx. 35 km. (approx. 45 min.)
Accomodation
Wilderness camp Poiana Tămaș: Glamping style tents 2.5 m high, 4-5 m diameter, beds and bedding provided (two guests per tent, single tents available upon request and availability).
Luggage transport
main luggage will be transported to Valea Vladului lodge. You will have access to it on Day 4.
Meal plan
breakfast, packed lunch, dinner (in renovated shepherd’s hut in Tămaș Camp)
Hikes
Plaiul Foii (860 m) – Poiana Tămaș (1,420 m): 12 km, approx. 1,100 m ascent, 400 m descent, mostly forest paths, occasionally interrupted by forest roads (closed for cars), mainly through forest with occasional viewpoints over the mountains.
Day 3: Comisu Shepherd’s hut
The next day takes you along the main ridge of the Făgăraș Mountains, well known for their wild character and one of the few places left in Europe where biodiversity thrives, and traditional shepherding practices live on. The hike offers spectacular views over the surroundings. Spanning over 14 kilometres, the trail leads you to the Comisu Wildlife Hut, a newly refurbished shepherd’s hut overlooking a large meadow at the edge of the forest line. Dusk may reveal curious neighbours out for stroll, such as the famous brown bear, red or roe deer, bison, wild boar, and even shy creatures such as the elusive wild cat, wolves, or lynx if you are very lucky.
Day 4: Valea Vladului Chalet
Early birds have anew the chance to spot their wild neighbours before the sun is up and shining. Today you follow the mountain path that continues over the ridge of the Făgăraș Mountains in the open alpine area. The open and smooth plains covering about 11 km in length invite one to explore the surroundings as well as oneself amidst the backdrop of extending wilderness. Once the descent starts, the path becomes wider passing by a local shepherd’s hut. The path brings you back amongst the cool forest that whispers with the soft murmur of the river rushing down
Driving Distance
—
Accomodation
Comisu Shepherd’s Hut: shared facilities, bunk beds (bedding provided, single and double rooms not available).
Meal plan
breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Hikes
Tamas (1420 m) – Comisu hut (1600 m): 14 km, approx. 800 m ascent, 700 m descent, forest paths with occasional viewpoints over the mountains.
In the evening, you can gather around the fireplace in the heart of Valea Vladului chalet. You can unplug and engage with your companions in the soothing glow of the fire, perhaps while enjoying one of the many board games we have waiting for guests to pick up – a perfect way to share moments of laughter and connection. You can also wander to one of two local hides, where you can enjoy wildlife watching opportunities from a secluded space.
Driving Distance
—
Accomodation
Valea Vladului wilderness Lodge 1* – double rooms, beds and bedding provided (single rooms available upon request and availability), 2 shared bathrooms.
Meal plan
breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Hikes
Comisu hut (1600 m) – Valea Vladului Lodge (1248 m): 16 km, approx. 800 m ascent, 1,100 m descent, mostly as a ridge path over open plains with full open view over the mountains, final part as a wide forest path along the riverbed.
Day 5: Nucșoara
Today you traverse from Transylvania to Wallachia, crossing the natural border formed in the past by the mountainous ridge between two of the old Romanian countries. The trail stretches over about 11 km from one side to the other, reaching Vârful Roșu (the Red peak) one of the highest peaks in the area at 2,469 m. The descent follows sections of unmarked tourist paths, as well as forest roads travelled frequently by local shepherds and showcases the largest clear cut of Romania, which has been replanted by Foundation Conservation Carpathia and where nature has begun to reclaim its rightful place. Reaching the end of the hike you will be picked up by a 4×4 car for the last leg of the journey leading up to the local guesthouse where you spend the night, enjoy a warm shower and a traditional meal.
Day 6: Nucșoara
Today offers a respite from long distances, allowing you to rest and start to slowly return to civilisation. The area of Nucșoara is full of natural wonders such as the Forest of Immortal Stories, a forest of centuries-old beech trees that tell stories which would otherwise be lost to time. They were the hiding place of anti-communist resistance groups and became a refuge for the belief in a better future.
This day offers a glimpse into Romanian history, as well as the current way-of-life and challenges tied to the natural heritage of the region. Enjoy a final evening with your newfound companions over delicious local food and drink.
Driving Distance
25 km. mostly on forest roads.
Accomodation
Local guesthouses with private bathrooms 2** (single rooms available upon request and availability)
Meal plan
breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Hikes
Valea Vladului Lodge (1248 m) – Groapele (1100 m): 11 km, app. 1200 m ascent and descent combined, almost all of it on forest and ridge paths, the rest on forest roads (closed for cars)
Driving Distance
–
Accomodation
Local guesthouses with private bathrooms 2** (single rooms available upon request and availability)
Meal plan
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hikes
a 2-3 h walk around the Forest of Immortal Stories, almost flat
Day 7: Departure
Today we say farewell. After breakfast we drive back to the airport.
1.595€ / person
Maximum 8 participants.
9th to 16th May
6th to 14st June
8th to 15th August
26th September to 3rd October
Important Information
Please arrive in Bucharest before 15:00 on the first day, so that we can proceed with the programme as planned. The exact pick-up time at the airport will be communicated to you prior to arrival based on the collective arrival times. On your departure day please choose a flight from Bucharest no earlier than 16:00, as otherwise due to traffic conditions departure to the airport will have to be very early in the morning. Transfers outside of collective option are available upon request and an additional cost.
Tour leader specialised in nature & wildlife, English speaking.
All meals and drinks according to the itinerary outlined above. *
Transport to and from Bucharest airport, as well as between locations.
Accommodation.
Main luggage transfer in between locations.
* Dietary restrictions of any kind can be catered for upon prior request. Table wine and beer are included, while our special wine selection and other beverages from the bar are available at an additional cost.
Flights
Travel Insurance
Transfers outside of collective transfer options
Mountain weather is always variable, with cloud and rain always a possibility, especially in the afternoons. However, during summertime the weather should be becoming settled, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15ºC to 30ºC (depending on altitude), and plenty of clear sunny weather. However, at high altitudes, overcast conditions can rapidly reduce temperatures, and here waterproofs and a warm jacket should always be carried. We will provide you with a full equipment list necessary for this tour prior to your arrival.
You will be accompanied by a certified mountain guide throughout your journey, who is equipped with a bear spray in case of wildlife encounters in the wild. However, such encounters are very rare, as truly wild animals are shy creatures who creep away from human presence and have heightened senses. The tented camp is surrounded by an electric fence.