The stone country

Apuseni Natural Park is one of the hidden gems of Eastern Europe.

In a unique natural setting, harmoniously intertwined with one of the most representative ethnographic areas in Romania: Țara Moților, Apuseni Natural Park stands out for its spectacular karst and picturesque landscapes.

In this area we can find some of the most important and spectacular caves in Europe. Padiș area is the heart of Apuseni Natural Park, a place torn from the pages of a story. Here you will encounter some of the most fascinating natural elements you have ever seen; the meadows, the old coniferous forest, the caves, the gorges, the waterfalls and the underground springs, all these elements give the place a charm that is hard to match.

Padiș remains one of the emblematic places of Romania, with which you will fall in love irremediably.

Recommended itinerary:

Day 1: Ponor Fortresses,  Galbenei view point and Ponor meadow. 

Technical details:

Trail difficulty: Intermediate – normal trail through the forest with some steep sections which require easy scrambling

Total elevation: 650+

Distance: 12 km

Time : 7 h

 

Day 2: Galbenei gorge, one of the most impressive trails in Romania in which you will encounter remote meadows, ancient forests, amazing viewpoints and spectacular vertical walls, caves and waterfalls.

Technical details:

Trail difficulty: Intense – trail witch requests easy scrambling technics equipped with cables. (If requested we can choose an easier hike this day).

Total elevation: 1100+

Distance: 15 km

Time : 9 h

 

Day 3: Rădeşei Fortresses and Someșului Gorge are another two amazing nature reserves in Padiș. You will explore the inside of a mountain as the trail will take us through a magnificent cave in which we will witness an underground river which will take us on the other side of the mountain.

Technical details:

Trail difficulty: Intermediate – normal trail combined with steep sections and segments which are equipped with cables in order to advance.

Total elevation: 700+

 Distance: 10 km

Time : 6 h

 

Day 4: Visiting the Bear and Meziad caves two of the most impressive caves in Romania in which you will discover formidable stalactites and stalagmaties, and impressive underground galleries.  

Accommodation: will be at a guesthouse in the area, double or triple rooms, private bathroom, restaurant.

Flexibility: The routes may change depending on the group’s level of preparation and weather conditions.

Price: 585 EUR/pers and includes:

• 3 nights accomodation in Padiș at Cetățile Ponorului cabin in double rooms
• private transfer
• international mountain leader
• breafast and dinner
• entrance fees for nature areas and caves
• safety gear