you can be consulted:
Iryna
We are not running this programme at the moment
Take a look at similar programmes we run:
Everyone has heard at least once in their life about Transylvania, mythical vampires, Count Dracula and other scary stories from the past. Ancient castles hidden among the mountains still conceal many secrets. We invite you to walk the mountain ridges from the last castle of the king to the castle of Count Vlad Tepes. We will spend the night at an altitude of over 2000 m to watch all the colors of sunsets and sunrises, and at night – enjoy the bright shine of the stars! This route is designed for those who are not afraid of heights. High cliffs, precipices, via ferrata will delight us with special landscapes and give unforgettable impressions!
We do not cancel or postpone groups. If the consultant has given the go-ahead to buy a ticket, you can safely purchase it. The program will not be cancelled through our fault.
Experienced Kuluar team leaders will accompany the group throughout the entire route, making your journey as safe and unforgettable as possible!
The consultant will help you prepare for the trek and answer all your questions.
Over 12,000 participants have already traveled with Kuluar, and 98.7% of them were satisfied. We're sure you will be too!
The trek program has been refined several times, as we tried to make it as rich and comfortable as possible. So during the trek you will: cover dozens of kilometers above 2000 m, visit Dracula's Castle and Peleș Castle, walk along a via ferrata, and much more.
Meeting with the guide. Transfer to the mountain town of Sinaia. The first thing we'll see in Sinaia is the most famous casino, which Mihail Sebastian wrote about in his play "Star Without a Name," later adapted into a film of the same name. After walking a short distance through the town, we'll reach Peleș Castle. This fairy-tale castle hides among the forests and tells the story of the last king of Romania. The castle was built in the era of Nikola Tesla with full electrification and a completely preserved interior. Those who wish can take a tour. Next, we'll climb through the royal park above the forest zone. We'll reach the royal meadow, where we'll have lunch while admiring the views of Bucegi Mountain (about 1–1.5 hours walk from the castle). After lunch, we'll follow a winding trail to the Piatra Arsă shelter at an altitude of 1980 m, where we'll spend our first night under the stars.
Short hike: 12 km
Today we'll climb onto the plateau and head to the Stone Sphinx (a rock formation that closely resembles an Egyptian pyramid). They say it knows the answers to all the questions in the world, so it's worth stopping here for a rest so everyone can meditate and ask themselves and the Sphinx a question. Next, we'll walk across the mountain plateau and approach the largest cross in the world, erected in memory of the fallen heroes of World War I. It's visible from every point on the plateau and from the valley below. Two small towns can be seen below, living their own lives while we wander among the cliffs. Nearby stands an unusual shelter perched above a precipice, with a river roaring and jagged rock peaks rising around it. This is where we'll spend the night. We'll gaze at the stars and the towns below from an altitude of 2025 meters.
Hike 11 km, elevation gain 775 m.
We'll walk along the entire plateau, enjoying the magnificent view of the mountains and towns below. Along the way we may encounter wild goats, which are listed in the Red Book, flocks of sheep, and other animals. We'll reach Omu Cabin (meaning "man"), located at an altitude of 2505 m, whose walls seem to press right up against the rock. Nearby is the mountain of the same name, which can be climbed if desired.
Hike 7.5 km, elevation gain 500 m.
We descend to Bran village, named after the shepherd Bran, who grazed sheep in the neighboring mountains. The first part of the day we will walk along cliffs, and then an ancient and cozy forest will give us shelter. It will shield us from direct sunlight right on time. We camp not far from the village, right above Dracula's Castle, mentioned by Bram Stoker in his novel. Who knows what legends and stories we will come up with, looking at this village.
Distance 13.5 km, elevation loss 1700 m.
Optionally, we visit the ancient Dracula's Castle, rising on a monolithic rock. Many legends have been told about it, but the one who was called Dracula, Vlad the Impaler, visited it only twice. Inside, the castle is filled with medieval artifacts. Furniture, ancient stoves, and even dishes have remained in their original state. We buy more supplies and move to Magura village, one of the 7 villages of the Bran valley. This very atmospheric village will let us feel the true flavor of Romania.
Distance 10.5 km, elevation gain 500 m.
The route will pass through wild forests, past strange rocks. We will reach the foot of one of the most incredible and wild places in Romania – Curmatura Cabin. This is a favorite spot for climbers and rock climbers, as the terrain allows for many different routes and great training. High cliffs hanging over green valleys take your breath away. We camp at the foot of the massif on a cozy clearing. Optionally, we can take a side trip to a small but very beautiful mountain – Piatra Mica. Like a little sister, it is located slightly to the right. Its height is 1,786 m, but it is no less beautiful than the neighboring peaks.
Distance 7 km. Overnight at 1470 m.
Here begins the most interesting part of the trek – getting acquainted with via ferrata. We will stock up on plenty of water, as we will have to camp on a ridge where there is none. We will climb along the cliffs, in places holding onto metal chains installed there to secure anyone afraid of heights. We will walk along the ridge and camp near a spherical mountain shelter at an altitude of 2150 m. This round, ball-like shelter, as if forgotten among the mountains, is a small pocket of warmth and a reminder that we are not alone among these mountains.
Distance 12 km.
Waking up among the rocks, we continue our journey along the ridge on a narrow trail. Here you need to be very careful and attentive. The trail is challenging, but incredibly beautiful! When your heart beats faster than the hands of a stopwatch, you feel truly alive and enjoy the moment of being here and now. We descend to a stream, where we will have our last night among the mountains!
We move to the city of Brasov with its unique architecture and history. This city has the narrowest street in Europe (just 60 cm) and the largest Gothic cathedral in Eastern Europe. They say the roofs of Transylvania have eyes, so we'll go check out this legend. Also, here they sell delicious ice cream and pastries, which we'll have managed to miss during the trek. This is where our team will part ways, to meet again, but in a different place, in different mountains.
The route is not the simplest, but it's within reach for everyone, even children who aren't afraid of heights. The trek is interesting, filled with various landscapes and impressions.
To confirm your participation in the trek, you need to make a prepayment of 60 euros no later than a week before the start of the program. You pay the remaining amount to the team leader in cash in euros on the first day of the trek (list of payment methods here).
Depending on weather conditions, group condition, and overall wishes, the team leader has the right to make changes to the route.
The route runs at relatively low altitudes, but frost is possible in the evenings and at night. So bring a hat, gloves, warm clothes, and a good sleeping bag. Mornings are almost always clear, while towards evening the sky tends to cloud over and rain is possible – don't forget a raincoat. Closer to nighttime, stars appear.
We meet at the bus station in Bucharest before 8:00. A week before the trek, we'll send you a letter with the exact meeting point and time for the group.
To visit Romania, Ukrainian citizens need a biometric passport. Belarusian citizens need a foreign passport with a valid Schengen visa. We will help you with the paperwork.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date – please check this before buying flights.
To participate in the trek, you must not have any illnesses incompatible with active tourism: list here.
From Ukraine, it's convenient to get there by plane, train, or bus. Buses depart from Chernivtsi every day, and from Odesa on Thursdays and Sundays. The approximate bus ticket price is 800 UAH. In the opposite direction, from Bucharest to Chernivtsi, the bus runs every day, and to Odesa on Mondays and Fridays.
From Kyiv, the Kyiv-Bucharest train runs (departing from Kyiv on Friday). Travel time is about 26 hours. The train runs once a week: Kyiv – Bucharest on Fridays, Bucharest – Kyiv on Sundays. You can also take the Moscow – Chisinau train from Kyiv to Ungheni station (Moldova), and 5 hours later catch a train to Bucharest from the same station (Chisinau – Bucharest train). Such trains run daily.
To find the best flight options, use the form below:
To participate in the program, you need good insurance. Please don't neglect this point. For some participants, it has saved thousands of dollars. You can find our recommendations for arranging insurance here: "Insurance for Kuluar trek participants"
You're probably wondering what we'll eat on the trek? We'll say right away – there's no need to worry. Many participants say that on the trek they eat better than at home. The menu base consists of simple food – porridges and soups. Don't expect gourmet delicacies (although they can happen too).
If you don't eat certain foods, be sure to let the consultant know so the team leader can slightly adjust the menu for you. We also recommend bringing some pocket treats – nuts or sweets. Appetite on the trek is much better than at home.
Please note that the menu shown is approximate. Team leaders usually have their own signature dishes they like to treat participants with.
Dietary features for vegetarians – if you don't eat meat, be sure to read this. We explain how we'll feed you and give a 5% discount on our products.
The total amount of mandatory additional expenses is 0 euros. We've made the route as well thought-out as possible so that you don't have to guess how much your vacation will cost. If you arrive a day earlier, let the consultant know – she will coordinate with you and help book a hostel so the whole group stays in one place.
Possible (optional) additional expenses not included in the price (prices are indicative as of May 2019, for trip budget calculation purposes):
*Please note: it is not the consultant's task to select an individual flight for each participant. The consultant gives general recommendations based on their experience and shares other participants' flights so you can fly together. Each participant is responsible for selecting and purchasing their own convenient flight ticket. If you want the consultant to buy your plane ticket, book a hotel, or arrange an additional excursion, check out the conditions on the page: additional services.