The Challenge

Join Leeds Children's Hospital on this incredible charity challenge. Experience the stunning landscape of the Piatra Craiului National Park and the Bucegi plateau on a challenging 4-day trek through the wilderness of the Romanian countryside. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife such as deer, goats and even brown bear which still roam the area, and enjoy the stunning delicate wild flowers that bloom at this time of year.

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart London for Bucharest. On arrival transfer to a central hotel for the night. Dinner.

Day 2: Transfer to Zarnesti (3 hours drive), from where we start our trek in the Piatra Craiului National Park. Today's trek will involve some scree scrambling and a large ascent, passing over the ridge of Piatra Craiului, (2100m). Descend and overnight at Curmatura Hut (1400m) in the heart of the mountains. You will carry your own kit for today and tomorrow's hike so please pack lightly.

Day 3: We continue hiking today, passing through a stunning gorge and enjoying a climb up to Magura village, where we stop for a snack lunch at a family farm. We will then be treated to a special local surprise before continuing to walk all the way to Bran (Dracula's) Castle. This is a long day but not too strenuous. Stay overnight in a local guesthouse (with access to main luggage). You will carry your own kit for today and tomorrow's hike so please pack lightly.

Day 4: After a 10 minute transfer this morning we start our climb up to Omu Peak. This is a difficult day which will involve an uphill ascent all the way, but the reward is spending the night in the country’s highest mountain hut, Omu Hut, at 2507m! The hut is basic, with dormitory style rooms, gas heating and an outside toilet (no running water). You will carry your own kit for today and tomorrow's hike so please pack lightly. There are some minor technical sections (scrambling, short sections of cable to help you cross pathways etc), but the expert guides will assist everyone.

Day 5: Today we will descend from the mountains, travelling first over the Bucegi Plateau, passing by the Spynx, then descending all the way to Sinaia and finishing at the Peles Palace. From here we return to Bucharest for a final night and farewell dinner.

Day 6: Transfer to Bucharest airport.

N.B. This itinerary may change due to unusual weather patterns, wildlife movements, the ability of the group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the set itinerary however we cannot be held responsible for changes that might occur outside of our control. In all such circumstances your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest of the health and safety of the group.

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