The plan: traverse of the impressive Fagaras ridge! Almost 75 km of knife like ridges, spectacular peaks over 2000 m, splendid views of glacial lakes. One word describes it all: ADVENTURE!
Departure points: Bucharest, Brasov
Recommended for: small groups, very active and adventurous people
Transportation: by train, bus, local transporters
Accommodation: camping and staying in mountain refuges for most part; we will spend 3 nights in mountain huts: Balea, Podragu, Barcaciu
Price upon request.
Things to know:
- Fagaras is one tough mountain! You have to be in a very good physical shape and be able to climb and descend big level differences, every day; some days are more challenging than others, but overall, you will hike at least 6 hrs in a day
- You have to be able to carry a tent, food supplies and your own equipment
- Be prepared in case of foul weather. This means strong wind, rain, hale, fog etc.
- The facilities at some of the huts are really basic (toilet outside the hut, no showers)
DETAILED PROGRAM:
Day 1: Bucharest – Brasov – Zarnesti – Plaiu Foii
We meet in Bucuresti and take the train to Brasov, then we go to Zarnesti. The stop point for the night is Plaiul Foii hut, in Piatra Craiului Mountains. Today we will discuss about the plan for the next days, over a drink and beautiful food.
Overnight camping in Plaiu Foii area.
Day 2: Plaiu Foii (850 m) – Rudarita – Curmatura Zarnei (1923 m)
Helloooo Fagaras! We say goodbye to Piatra Craiului and we go to Fagaras. Although a long day with a lot of uphill, today we enter the realm of the high peaks and glacial lakes and we also gain more altitude.
Overnight camping.
Day 3: Curmatura Zarnei (1923 m) – Moldoveanu Peak (2544 m) – Podragu (2136 m)
Feast your eyes with the high peaks in Faragas! A long and tough hike from Zarna refuge towards Vistea and then….Romania’s highest peak: Moldoveanu (2544 m). In the evening we will descend to Podragu valley.
Accommodation at Podragu hut.
Day 4: Podragu (2136 m) – Podragel Lake – Capra (2490 m) – Balea Lake (2030 m)
A roughly 5-6 h hike with spectacular views of Podragel Lake and the big glacial valleys. In the late afternoon we will arrive to Balea Lake. Enjoy the rest of the evening with a good cold beer or a glass wine, and good food.
Accommodation at Balea hut.
Day 5: Balea Hut – Paltinu Peak (2390 m) – Laitel Peak (2399 m) – Caltun refuge (2135 m)
Enjoy spectacular views over Balea Valley as we go higher, towards Caltun lake and refuge. Expect a 6 h hike with uphill and downhill and some more technical sections. The views will be rewarding as we approach Caltun. Might even see some wild goats on the way. Now that’s a treat!
Overnight camping or sleeping in Caltun refuge.
Day 6: Caltun refuge – climb on Negoiu (Romania’s second tallest peak, 2535 m) – Barcaciu hut
We start early in the morning our ascent to Negoiu, Romania’s second highest peak. After a photo session on the peak we will continue with a more technical section over Custura Saratii to Albota Peak. From Albota Peak we will descend to Barcaciu hut, our hosts for the night.
Accommodation at Barcaciu hut.
Day 7: Barcaciu hut – Avrig town
Today we say goodbye to Fagaras as we slowly descend through the forest to Avrig town.
Accommodation in Avrig at a nice guesthouse.
Day 8: Avrig – Bucharest, by train
A 6 h ride by train. Once we get to Bucharest we will say goodbye. But not before we plan the next tour together.
