Transylvanian Alps charity trek, Romania
| country: | Romania |
| location: | Transylvania |
| departures: | 2010: 10 Aug |
| price: | From £235 (6 days) deposit + £1785 fundraised (55% to charity) inc UK flights. Self funders pay £235 deposit + £903 (inc £100 to charity) |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Trek the Transylvanian mountains and raise money for your favourite charity at the same time as taking part in an amazing adventure!
Highlights include:
Trek through the Transylvanian Alps Visit 'Count Dracula's' Castle Ascend to over 2,400metres Stay in locally owned village pensions Visit Romanian orphanage supported by the company
Since ancient times the territory of todays Romania has been a borderland of European civilization. This fact has had strong influences on Romanian culture and its people, who are now an exotic mixture of Oriental, Slavic and Occidental elements.
Your trek takes place in Romania's famed Transylvanian Alps in a small region of the country, rich in tradition and myths. You will make contact with locals, sleep in small mountain villages, taste traditional food, and at the same time trek in three of the highest mountain ranges of Romania.
You will visit the 14th century Romanian icon, Dracula's Castle this beautiful castle was fabulously renovated in the 19th century by the royal family of Romania.
The Bucegi Mountains are rich in heathen mythological symbols, Piatra Craiului, The King's Rock National Park is home to the Carpathian Large Carnivore Project (protecting wolves, lynx and bears) and the Fagaras Mountains, also known as the Transylvanian Alps are the highest mountains in the country. Nearly every day you will trek to over 2,400m, on steep mountain paths, needing all your mental and physical strength. It is a challenging yet very rewarding expedition and at the same time, a trip back in time, to an area where tradition still guides people's lives and nature is wild.
Please note: This trip can also be booked without flights. Some of the dates are exclusive for specific charities, please contact us for details.
Highlights include:
Since ancient times the territory of todays Romania has been a borderland of European civilization. This fact has had strong influences on Romanian culture and its people, who are now an exotic mixture of Oriental, Slavic and Occidental elements.
Your trek takes place in Romania's famed Transylvanian Alps in a small region of the country, rich in tradition and myths. You will make contact with locals, sleep in small mountain villages, taste traditional food, and at the same time trek in three of the highest mountain ranges of Romania.
You will visit the 14th century Romanian icon, Dracula's Castle this beautiful castle was fabulously renovated in the 19th century by the royal family of Romania.
The Bucegi Mountains are rich in heathen mythological symbols, Piatra Craiului, The King's Rock National Park is home to the Carpathian Large Carnivore Project (protecting wolves, lynx and bears) and the Fagaras Mountains, also known as the Transylvanian Alps are the highest mountains in the country. Nearly every day you will trek to over 2,400m, on steep mountain paths, needing all your mental and physical strength. It is a challenging yet very rewarding expedition and at the same time, a trip back in time, to an area where tradition still guides people's lives and nature is wild.
what this trip includes
International flights to and from Romania, all internal transfers, all meals (inc. drinking water) unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, all accommodation, group first aid supplies, an English speaking expedition leader and full local support team (drivers, and porters, etc), relevant back-up facilities, a T-Shirt, US$20 to the local community project, and discount from Nomad Travellers Stores for personal equipment. Please note: This trip can also be booked without flights. Some of the dates are exclusive for specific charities, please contact us for details.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | UK to Romania. Transfer to Busteni. Meet at the airport for your flight to Bucharest, Romania. Our representative will be there to assist you with the check-in and any last minute questions. You will arrive in Romania and be met at Bucharest Airport by a local agent. You will then transfer (approx 130kms / 2hrs) by minibus via Prahova Valley, to Busteni. Busteni is situated at the foot of one of Romania’s highest mountain range; Bucegi Mountains. With the highest point, Omu Peak at 2,507m, Busteni lies in the shadows of the range’s highest peaks and is edged by its steep slopes. Dinner and overnight will be spent in a 3 star local pension. |
| Day 2: | Babele Peak to Moeciu de Jos (7- 8hrs trekking). In the morning you will take a cable car up to 2,206m and reach Babele Peak, otherwise known as The Old Ladies Peak. In front of you is a strange stone sculpture shaped like a human head with a mysterious smile - the Sphinx. Near to that is a cluster of gigantic stone mushrooms! You will continue trekking 307m higher towards the highest peak of the mountain, Omu (The Human Being) at 2,507m. The views from the top are spectacular. From here you will descend approx 1,600m having your picnic lunch on the way. In the evening you arrive in Moeciu de Jos village situated at 800m, where you have dinner and are accommodated in a locally owned pension. |
| Day 3: | Piatra Craiului National Park (8-10 hours trekking). This morning you will transfer (approx 45mins) by vehicle to Plaiu Foii chalet, situated at the foot of Piatra Craiului ‘King’s Rock’ National Park. Today’s trekking is difficult, in fact it is considered the most difficult tourist path in Romania, and includes some areas where ropes have been added to help tourists whilst scrambling. No climbing kit is needed nor technical training however good physical condition and faith in your own strength are essential. The highest peak of the day is La Om at 2,238m, where you will rest with a well deserved picnic and can admire the spectacular view. From here you will continue to trek for approx. 2-3hrs, up to Sharp Peak at 2,150m. In the evening you will reach the small village of Magura, situated on a plateau between Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Mountains, with a wonderful view over them both. Dinner and accommodation will be in a 3 star pension in Magura village. |
| Day 4: | Dracula’s Castle and project visit (approx 4hours trekking). Today you will transfer first thing (approx 40mins) to Bran village, where you will visit the infamous Bran Castle. Leaving Bran you will transfer (approx 50mins) to a small town named Codlea where you visit the project where we make the donation for this expedition - an orphanage housing about 75 children. Here you can interact and spend time with the children leaving any suitable gifts as agreed with your expedition leader. In the afternoon you will transfer (approx 1¾ hrs) to Fagaras Mountains, the highest mountains in Romania at 2,544m altitude, on a scenic road. Before dark you will still have about 4hrs time for trekking and will take on a circuit including three peaks above 2,400m – Capra Neagra Peak (2,494m), Vanatoarea lui Buteanu Peak (2,507m) and Lezerul Caprei Peak (2,417m). Overnight at a chalet on the border of the Bâlea Glacier Lake. Tonight will be spent at Rancho Mameluco again. |
| Day 5: | Transylvanian Alps (8 – 9 hours trekking). Today you have a long day of trekking to ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy the ‘Transylvanian Alps’ but the route is not easy. There are some difficult areas where ropes and cables have been added as help and some scrambling is also needed but your efforts will be fully rewarded when you reach the second highest peak of the country, Negoiu at 2,535m. From here you start descending towards Negoiu chalet (1,546m) situated in a beautiful meadow on the north side of the Fagaras Mountains. A little further on you will reach a forest path where your vehicle will be waiting. You will transfer to the small village of Sibiel, where you will enjoy a traditional celebration dinner prepared by the locals. Accommodation will be in a locally owned pension - the food is good and the people great! |
| Day 6: | Fly UK. This morning you will transfer to Bucharest to catch your flight to the UK. |
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. how this holiday makes a difference
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Environment
As a company we have drastically reduced the carbon footprint of our UK operations, and are making a huge effort to do so in their destination countries too. We are also investing to offset the emissions from the international flights required to take part in our challenges. We also provide travellers with a responsible tourism policy detailing ways in which you can be an ethical traveller. From packing conscientiously to advice on local customs & environmental awareness overseas to maintaining contact with your new international friends upon your return – our policy is a comprehensive document providing all the info you need to trek, climb of cycle responsibly. Community Our responsible commitment extends to helping the local communities we visit. We employ local guides, porters and other essential support staff, and use locally owned accommodation. We donate USD$500 per trek to various projects including Casa Prienteniei orphanage - The House of Friendship. Casa Prienteniei is a state owned orphanage, situated in the centre of Codlea town. It is home to 32 boys, with ages ranging from 12 to 20. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |