RETRO YOUTH HOSTEL - Cluj-Napoca, Transilvania, Romania

The Fagaras Mountains, the highest in Romania (2545m on Moldoveanu Peak), are maybe the most complex ones here. They involve soft peaks (towards the extreme E and W sections), sharp ridges (mostly in the N area, but also on the main ridge, in places like Custura Saratzii, Arpasel and Vartopel ridges), glacial lakes, and an intense pastoral life in summer with many foreign travellers. The way they look once made a traveller say: "These are the Transylvanian Alps" and this nickname has remained in use ever since.
There is a certain disproportion between the Northern and the Southern sides of this massif. While the Northern side is about short, steep valleys, that in 4-5 hours can take the tourist down to the closest village, the Southern side is about loooong valleys, followed by some trails of around 30-35km going to the nearest towns and villages. A hike here can prove to be an absolute joy, as the tourist can be impressed by the wild goats, the many birds, as well as all the flowers, junipers and other wildlife elements so well preserved in this area. The fact that there are few huts, located on the northern valleys, at 1-3 hours from the main ridge, resulted in the need for camping equipment when going to Fagaras for the full ridge tour. Camping is free in these mountains, and many northern or southern glacial valleys offer good conditions for this. Should anything untoward happen, there are some shelters located on the main ridge path being less than a one day walk from each other. However, they lack in comfort (with some of them providing worse lodging conditions than a proper tent) and sometimes…they have no door that can be closed.

THE FULL RIDGE TOUR

Duration: 9 days, starting and ending in Cluj or Bucharest.
Characteristics: 70 km of hiking in Fagaras Mountains, alongside the ridge trail.
Demands for the tourists: Previous mountaineering experience, as both the weather and the path may result in a more difficult trip for a beginner.
Essential mountaineering equipment required: tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, raincoats and backpack cover, hats, good boots, head lamps, canned/dry food for all trip. You can rent our tents and other requested equipment, but we do not provide porter services. We do not rent out either socks or underwear!

Brief description of the hike:
Day 1: Departure early morning from Cluj by van to Sibiu. Tour of the old centre. Departure to Turnu Rosu, hiking towards Chica Pietrelor Ridge. Overnight in tents.
Day 2-8: Hiking along the ridge, involving two of the highest peaks in Romania (Moldoveanu, 2545 m. a. s. l., Negoiu, 2535 m. a. a. l.).
Day 9: Transfer by bus to Bucharest or, as requested, Cluj.
Note: the trip can be modified, as needed; it can be made longer, by adding an extra trip to Piatra Craiului Mountains (2 days). The trip can also be shortened by cutting off the extremities of the area.

Note: This schedule is flexible according to the departure place, weather conditons and neverthless your own suggestions! The first and last day of the tour is a matter of change according to your wishes and travelling program. This tour can be easily connected with any other day tours or package tours we provide.

Tour information:
- duration - 9 days;
- validity - from spring to late autumn;
- minimum persons required - 2;

Rates:
- 318 euros / person for minimum 2 persons;
- 208 - 232 euros / person for 3 - 4 persons;
- 136 - 174 euros / person for 5 - 7 persons;
- 120 - 150 euros / person for 8 - 11persons;
- 102 - 113 euros / person for 12 - 14 persons;

Prices includes:
- transfer and tour Cluj or Bucharest - Fagaras region - back to Cluj, or Bucharest by car or minibus;
- English, German, Italian or Hungarian speaking guide;

Prices excludes:
-Renting of mountaineering equipment (available on request and with previous notification);
- meals or food on the way;
- personal expenses.

FAGARAS AT A GLANCE

Duration: 5 days, starting and ending in Cluj or Bucharest.
Characteristics: The two highest peaks in Fagaras Mountains (i.e. Negoiu and Moldoveanu)
Demands for the tourists: Previous mountaineering experience, as both the weather and the path may result in a more difficult trip for a beginner.
Essential mountaineering equipment required: backpacks, raincoats and backpack cover, hats, good boots, head lamps, canned/dry food for the whole trip. The tour can be based on accommodation in tents or in huts (Bâlea Hut - 2 nights, Podragu Hut - 1 night, Valea Sâmbetei - 1 night). We can rent our tents and other requested equipment, but we do not provide porter services. We do not rent out either socks or underwear (not even used)!
Brief description of the hike
Day 1: Departure from Cluj by van to Bâlea Lake. Accommodation in the hut or camping on Capra Lake.
Day 2: Hiking to Negoiu Peak (2535 m. a. s. l.) and back.
Day 3: Hiking to Podragu Saddle. Camping on Podragu Lake or accommodation in Podragu Hut.
Day 4: Hiking to Moldoveanu Peak (2545 m. a. s. l.). Descent to Valea Sâmbetei Hut. Accommodation in the hut or camping.
Day 5: Hiking down to Sâmbãta and visit to Sâmbãta Monastery. Transfer by van to Cluj or Brasov.
Note: the trip can be modified, as needed.

Tour information:
- duration - 5 days;
- validity - from spring to late autumn;
- minimum persons required - 2;

Rates:
- 278 euros / person for minimum 2 persons;
- 158 - 182 euros / person for 3 - 4 persons;
- 86 - 124 euros / person for 5 - 7 persons;
- 70 - 100 euros / person for 8 - 11persons;
- 52 - 63 euros / person for 12 - 14 persons;

Prices includes:
- transfer and tour Cluj or Bucharest - Fagaras region - back to Cluj, or Bucharest by car or minibus;
- English, German, Italian or Hungarian speaking guide;

Prices excludes:
-Renting of mountaineering equipment (available on request and with previous notification);
- meals or food on the way;
- personal expenses.