Summits of the Transylvanian Alps

Experience Overview

Discover the Transylvanian Alps on foot, a mountain range in south-central Romania known in the hiking world for its wild landscapes. The trip is challenging but the rewards great. We have the chance to summit several peaks and spend two nights in mountain cabins to aid our ascents. For the most part, however, we base ourselves at Villa Hermani, a family-run guesthouse in the quaint village of Magura.
Trip For You
The trip is rated Activity Level 5 (Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us. Suitability: This trip is one of our most testing Activity Level 5 (Challenging) adventures − in part due to the difficulty of the La Om ascent (Day 4). Therefore, it is only suitable for hikers with mountain experience and very good fitness. Route: We follow mountain paths throughout, which are generally well maintained. There is a significant amount of scrambling, including on steep sections – particularly on the Day 4 ascent of La Om. Therefore it is not suitable for vertigo sufferers.Ascents and descents: The longest days can have an ascent of up to 4,879ft (1,487m) followed by a similar descent. This means walking uphill for approximately five hours and the same down again. Itinerary: The walking hours stated in the day-to-day itinerary, which include lunch and photo stops, are given as approximates only and vary depending on your group’s pace. Additionally, the itinerary may be followed in a different order for various reasons, such as weather and local conditions, but we still cover all the listed activities.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, six packed lunches and seven dinners are included. Meals are a mixture of fresh local produce and Romanian/Transylvanian dishes. Transylvanian cuisine is influenced by several traditions and cultures (German, Hungarian and Romanian) but maintains a distinct character with a love for homemade cooking. Soups are a staple, main meals tend to be hearty with a strong focus on local produce, while desserts are varied and plentiful. Breakfasts are usually a small buffet including an egg dish, cold cuts, cheeses, boiled eggs, vegetables, spreads, bread, cereals, juice, herbal teas and coffee. Lunches included on this trip are usually self-made sandwiches – choose your own fillings from the morning buffets. Each evening there is a choice between a meat or vegetarian dish. Dinner on the first evening is typically a light snack (cold platters with local food and bread) due to the late arrival of the group. Vegetarian and special diets can be catered for, but options can be limited in Romania – please inform us of any specific requirements upon booking.
Transportation
Transfers between Bucharest Airport and the guesthouse are normally in a Mercedes Sprinter. Local transport is by minibus.
Joining Instructions
Key details Guesthouse: Villa Hermani, Sat Magura 130, Măgura 507133 Phone: +40 740 022 384 Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will usually be a welcome briefing in the morning of Day 2. Airport: Bucharest (OTP) Getting to the guesthouse Villa Hermani is approximately a 3hr 30min drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are: Take an Exodus transfer Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer. Make your own way It’s not possible to reach Villa Hermani by public transport. We therefore highly recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, a cab from the airport costs around €200. On arrival, please make the staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with the tour leader and group. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative. Catching your return flight There’s a group departure transfer to Bucharest Airport (OTP) for those booked onto a chosen flight. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer. Consider taking the train Reach this trip by train from the UK or across Europe and lower your carbon footprint. Our partner, Byway, can take care of the planning and booking.
Weather Information
Romania has warm summers and snowy winters. Rainfall is usually quite low except in the mountains; spring and summer are the wetter seasons. The weather changes abruptly from winter to summer and spring is generally short. The mountains can be blanketed in snow until late May at higher altitudes. Summer days are often long and warm with 10 to 11 hours of sunshine, while nights can range from pleasantly warm in the lower valleys to cold at higher elevations. September temperatures tend to be lower than those in July and August but changeable weather with cloud, rain and chilly daytime temperatures can occur at any time of the year. Expect temperatures in the village to be lower than Bucharest.
Spending Money
Drinks are not included but the guesthouse has a bar from which you can purchase drinks. Payment can be made at the end of the week by cash or card; however, cash is preferred. Villa Hermani accepts euros, British pounds or Romanian lei. Snacks are not included and you may wish to buy souvenirs.
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your discretion but is customary in Romania. Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline, we recommend a contribution of 25 lei (€5) per person, per day. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver and Villa Hermani staff. This can be handed to your leader at the end of the week. For local staff, we recommend approximately €10-€15 per person.

Highlights