Are you a budding Van Helsing
or Anna Valerious?

This is a ‘one off’ adventure of a lifetime and spaces are very limited.  Please do book now to avoid disappointment.  As a bonus, the trek includes a visit to Count Dracula's Castle!

Challenge Dates: Tue 26 Aug 2008 - Sun 31 Aug 2008
   
Since ancient times the territory of today's Romania has been a borderland of European civilization. This fact has had strong influences on Romanian culture and its people, who are now an exotic mixture of Oriental, Slavic and Occidental elements.

Your trek takes place in Romania's famed Transylvanian Alps in a small region of the country, rich in tradition and myths. You will make contact with locals; sleep in small mountain villages, taste traditional food, and at the same time trek in three of the highest mountain ranges of Romania.

You will visit the 14th century Romanian icon, Dracula's Castle this beautiful castle was fabulously renovated in the 19th century by the royal family of Romania.

The Bucegi Mountains are rich in heathen mythological symbols, Piatra Craiului 'The King's Rock' National Park is home to the Carpathian Large Carnivore Project (protecting wolves, lynx and bears) and the Făgăraş Mountains, also known as the Transylvanian Alps are the highest mountains in the country. Nearly every day you will trek to over 2,400m, on steep mountain paths, needing all your mental and physical strength. It is a challenging yet very rewarding expedition and at the same time, a trip back in time, to an area where tradition still guides people's lives and nature is wild.

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW ....! 

by calling Dave on 0141 945 3344 or .

FEES 

Deposit £175 + Balance £882 + minimum sponsorship £1,000 (includes return flights London / Bucharest; all Romanian travel, accommodation & meals, insurance, charity sponsorship

ITINERARY

Day 1: Tuesday – UK to Romania. Transfer to Busteni
Meet at the airport for your flight to Bucharest, Romania. Our Charity Challenge representative will be there to assist you with the check-in and any last minute questions. You will arrive in Romania and be met at Bucharest Airport by a Charity Challenge local agent. You will then transfer (approx 130kms / 2hrs) by minibus via Prahova Valley, to Busteni. Busteni is situated at the foot of one of Romania’s highest mountain range; Bucegi Mountains. With the highest point, Omu Peak at 2,507m, Busteni lies in the shadows of the range’s highest peaks and is edged by its steep slopes. Dinner and overnight will be spent in a 3 star local pension.

Day 2: Wednesday – Babele Peak to Moeciu de Jos (7- 8hrs trekking)
In the morning you will take a cable car up to 2,206m and reach Babele Peak, otherwise known as The Old Ladies Peak. In front of you is a strange stone sculptures shaped like a human head with a mysterious smile - the Sphinx. Near to that is a cluster of gigantic stone mushrooms – are they creations of wind and rain or ancient Dacian temples? There are lots of theories, but no one can tell for sure! You will continue trekking 307m higher towards the highest peak of the mountain, Omu (The Human Being) at 2,507m. The views from the top are spectacular. From here you will descend approx 1,600m having your picnic lunch on the way. In the evening you arrive in Moeciu de Jos village situated at 800m, where you have dinner and are accommodated in a locally owned pension.

Day 3: Thursday – Piatra Craiului National Park (8-10 hours trekking)
This morning you will transfer (approx 45mins) by vehicle to Plaiu Foii chalet, situated at the foot of Piatra Craiului ‘King’s Rock’ National Park. The King’s Rock is one of the most beautiful mountains in Romania; a very thin, rocky, high limestone ridge. At 22kms long, the mountain, is considered a geographical accident of the Southern Carpathians. Piatra Craiului National Park is also home of The Carpathian Large Carnivore Project. Although the Romanian Carpathians cover less than 1.5% of the European surface west of Russia, they are home to almost one third of all European large carnivores. Authorities estimate that the number of bears in the Romanian Carpathians is over 5,000, and that there are also about 3,000 wolves, and some 2,000 lynx! Today’s trekking is difficult, in fact it is considered the most difficult tourist path in Romania, and includes some areas where ropes have been added to help tourists whilst scrambling. No climbing kit is needed nor technical training however good physical condition and faith in your own strength are essential. The highest peak of the day is La Om at 2,238m, where you will rest with a well deserved picnic and can admire the spectacular view. From here you will continue to trek for approx. 2-3hrs, up to Sharp Peak at 2,150m. In the evening you will reach the small village of Măgura, situated on a plateau between Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Mountains, with a wonderful view over them both. Dinner and accommodation will be in a 3 star pension in Magura village.

Day 4: Friday Dracula’s Castle and project visit (approx 4hours trekking)
Today you will transfer first thing (approx 40mins) to Bran village, where you will visit the infamous Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle. This beautiful 14th century castle was, renovated in the 19th century by the royal family of Romania. Leaving Bran you will transfer (approx 50mins) to a small town named Codlea where you visit the project Charity Challenge makes its donation to for this expedition - an orphanage housing about 75 children. Here you can interact and spend time with the children leaving any suitable gifts as agreed with your expedition leader. In the afternoon you will transfer (approx 1¾ hrs) to Făgăraş Mountains, the highest mountains in Romania at 2,544m altitude, on a scenic road. Before dark you will still have about 4hrs time for trekking and will take on a circuit including three peaks above 2,400m – Capra Neagra Peak (2,494m), Vanatoarea lui Buteanu Peak (2,507m) and Lezerul Caprei Peak (2,417m). This is a perfect opportunity to have a 360 degree view over all of Făgăraş Mountains and to stretch out after the day's travels. Overnight at a chalet on the border of the Bâlea Glacier Lake.

Day 5: Saturday – Transylvanian Alps (8 – 9 hours trekking)
Today you have a long day of trekking to ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy the ‘Transylvanian Alps’ but the route is not easy. There are some difficult areas where ropes and cables have been added as help and some scrambling is also needed but your efforts will be fully rewarded when you reach the second highest peak of the country, Negoiu at 2,535m. From here you start descending towards Negoiu chalet (1,546m) situated in a beautiful meadow on the north side of the Făgăraş Mountains. A little further on you will reach a forest path where your vehicle will be waiting. You will transfer to the small village of Sibiel, where you will enjoy a traditional celebration dinner prepared by the locals. Accommodation will be in a locally owned pension – the food is good and the people great!

Day 6: Sunday – Fly UK
This morning you will transfer to Bucharest to catch your flight to the UK.

N.B. The itinerary is there as a guide and may change due to unusual weather patterns, wildlife movements, the strength of the group and so on. We will do our very best to keep to the set itinerary however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your expedition leader will have the final say.