Private Expeditions in Transylvanian Alps

Description Private Expeditions in Transylvanian Alps

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with us! Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Făgăraș Mountains as you tackle a challenging hiking trip that promises to be both exhilarating and rewarding.

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An epic journey awaits you: along the mountain crest lies a stunning necklace of alpine lakes, filled with crystal-clear water that captivates all with its serenity and pristine beauty. These lakes are symmetrically and alternately arranged—some on the southern side and others on the northern—with swift mountain rivers flowing between them. As you ascend, the heights of the mountains reveal glacial landscapes, narrow paths, and breathtaking peaks, including the 'roof' of Romania—Moldoveanu Peak!

The mountains bear a striking resemblance to the Alps, which led the French geographer Emmanuel de Martonne to refer to them as 'the Alps of Transylvania,' a name that has endured over time.

Important information:

You need to have a very good experience in hiking, especially in endurance.

We trek between 5 - 8 hours, most of the time up to 2000 m.

No need to buy water, we have springs with fresh water on the way.

The guide has a heater to cook the food.

You have to carry the tent, the food and the sleeping bag.

The route could be changed because of weather conditions.

Optimal period: July - October.

Compulsory equipment: waterproof hiking boots and clothes, sleeping bags, tent, warm clothes, hut, gloves, sun cream, sunglasses, walking poles! In case you do not have this equipment we can not do the hike!

More details about the compulsory equipment!

Rates:

- 999 euro/person, 2 people in a tent

- 730 euro/person, 4 people in 2 tents (2 persons/tent)

The package includes:

• transfers day 1 and day 6
• licensed English speaking mountain guide
• rent a tent

Not included: food, drinks, personal expenses

Fagaras Mountains Expedition Itinerary - The main ridge from East to Vest

Day 1: Transfer and Initial Ascent
Transfer Brasov - Sambata de Sus area (approx. 1 hour). On the way we make a stop to buy the food.
Complex Sambata (670 m) – Sambata Valley – Valea Sambetei Mountain Hut (1401 m) – Fereastra Mare a Sambetei (2188 m) – Fereastra Mica a Sambetei (2191 m) – approx. 6 hours. From the saddle Fereastra Mare a Sambetei we climb strongly to the west-south-west over the peak Slanina (2268 m), than we descend in Fereastra Mica a Sambetei, where we camp.

Day 2: Moldoveanu Peak Adventure
Fereastra Mica a Sambetei (2191 m) – Portita Vistei (2380 m) – Vistea Mare Peak (2527 m) – Moldoveanu Peak, the highest peak of Romanian Carpathian chain (2544 m) – Vistea Mare Peak (2527 m) – Podragu Saddle (2307 m) – Lake Iezerul Podul Giurgiului (2264 m) - approx. 7 hours. Camping.
From Portita Vistei we climb steadily on the peak Vistea Mare, the third highest peak in the Fagaras Mountains and in the Romanian Carpathians. From this peak, on the highest sharp edge in the country, we reach, in about 30 minutes, the Moldoveanu Peak, the highest peak in Romania!

Day 3: Historical and Scenic Views
Lake Iezerul Podul Giurgiului (2264 m) – Mircii Peak (2461 m) – Nerlinger Memorial (2287 m) – Fereastra Zmeilor – Fereastra Mica a Portitei Arpasului (2175 m) – Capra Saddle (2315m) – approx. 7 hours. Camping.
Nerlinger Memorial - dating from 1934; Richard Nerlinger and Herta Ruzicka died on 30 of June 1934.

Day 4: Transfagarasan Highway and Optional Summit
Capra Saddle (2315 m) – Laitel Peak (2390 m) – Caltun Lake (2135 m) – approx. 4 hours. Camping. Today we have time to enjoy the view of Transfagarasan Highway as know as "the Road to the Sky", "the Road to the Clouds", "the Best Driving Road in the World" and even "A spectacular Monument to Earth-Moving Megalomania" and to do a short hike (approx. 1 hour) on the Vanatoarea lui Buteanu Peak (2507 m).

Day 5: Negoiu Peak and Custura Saratii
Caltun Lake (2135 m) – Strunga Doamnei (2342 m) – Negoiu Peak (2538 m) – Cleopatra Saddle (2355 m) – Serbota Peak (2331 m) – Scara Saddle (2146 m) – Scara Peak (2306 m) – Avrig Lake (2007 m) – approx. 8 hours. Camping.
From Negoiu Peak (which offers us a magnificent view in all directions), the second peak of Romania, after Moldoveanu we descend to the north-west and after we pass the peak Negoiu Mic (2485 m), we reach Cleopatra Saddle - Saua Cleopatrei (2355 m). Between Saua Cleopatrei and the peak Serbota (2311 m) there is the most difficult marked section of the main ridge of the Fagaras Mountains, Custura Saratii; this section is recommended only to experienced tourists. The guide decides if we follow this route or a secondary one, not so exposed!

Day 6: Final Descent and Transfer
Avrig Lake (2007 m) – Portita Avrigului (2178 m) – Suru Saddle (2133 m) – Suru Mountain Hut (1450 m) – Sebesu de Sus village – approx. 6 hours. Transfer to Brasov (approx. 2 hours).

Did you know?

It is said that the name "Fagaras" is coming from the word "fagar", an old word which represents a large old beech forest.

In ancient times, the bottom part of the Fagaras Mounatins were covered with Oak forest. Now remains "Dumbrava Vadului", where, among the oak trees, we have daffodils (Narcissus stellaris), locally known as coprine.

In Fagaras Mountains there is "Mioarelor" galcial lake (2282 m), the highest glacial lake in the Carpathian mountains.

In Fagaras Mountains there are 8 of the 14 peaks of the Carpathian mountains that reach the altitude of 2500 m: Moldoveanu (2544 m), Negoiu (2535 m), Coltul Vistei Mari (2527 m), Lespezi (2522 m), Cornu Caltunului (2510 m), Vanatoarea lui Buteanu (2507 m), Hartopu (2506 m) and Dara (2500 m). Here there are over 42 peaks with altitude between 2400 and 2500 m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I fit enough for this trek?

You’ll need to be in good physical condition and have prior experience with long, challenging hikes. If you regularly hike for 6-8 hours a day and have endurance training, you’ll be well-prepared!

What happens if the weather turns bad or something goes wrong?

Safety is our top priority. Your guide is experienced and prepared for all conditions, including sudden weather changes. We adapt the route if needed and have emergency plans in place.

What if I don’t have the right equipment?

You must bring all the required gear for this expedition, including waterproof hiking boots, tent, sleeping bag, and warm clothes. Unfortunately, we do not offer rental services, so please ensure you have everything you need before the trek.

Will I be comfortable camping?

Expect a minimalist camping experience, but with incredible views! We’ll help you set up camp, and the remote locations offer serenity and beauty that make it all worth it.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes, the weather can sometimes change rapidly in the mountains, and we may alter the route for safety reasons. Your guide will ensure a smooth adjustment so you still get the full experience.

Why is this tour priced this way? Are there hidden costs?

The price covers all transfers, guide services, and tent rental. Food, drinks, and personal expenses are separate, so you’re only paying for the essentials. No hidden fees!

Isn’t 5-8 hours of trekking per day too much?

The trek is challenging but manageable for experienced hikers. The daily trekking times are built around taking breaks and enjoying the scenery, so it's a rewarding experience every step of the way.

What if I still have questions?

We completely understand that you might have some concerns, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime:

Simply call us or send us a WhatsApp message at +40 728 804 952.

By email: Feel free to send your questions to marian@activetravel.ro.

Your comfort and satisfaction are really important to us. We’re more than happy to provide any additional information or clarify any uncertainties you may have. We want you to feel confident and excited about joining our tour!

Map of visited POI's:

View route