In the heart of Romania the clocks tick a little slower than in Western Europe. The rural region captivates with untouched mountain landscapes, dense forests, fields, which are cultivated by farmers with their oxen and contemplative, small villages. There is little infrastructure and the best means of transport is the horse. The 6-day trekking ride takes you through the Harghita Mountains in Transylvania to places that are otherwise only accessible on foot. You will stay overnight in an old Csango farm in the mountains and in small private pensions. Luggage is carried in saddlebags and by car, the riding pace is rather slow, but nevertheless there are trotting and galloping possibilities. For riders who are looking for a trail with an adventurous character, but don´t want to do without the comfort of a hot shower and a comfortable bed in the evening, this ride is just right. Beautiful landscapes and the peace and nature away from civilisation make this trail ride a special experience.
As a special wellness experience a hot bath tub filled with salt water is waiting for you on several evenings. The program is complemented by a bear watching tour, where you can experience the native brown bears in their natural habitat at close range.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to the mountain hut. The hut is situated in the woods above Gheorgheni with an idyllic mountain panorama. The accommodation is rather simple but comfortable. There is no electricity here. The wood-heated outdoor showers in the forest provide a special shower experience. The horses live in freedom on the area around the farm. Common, regional typical dinner on an ecological, regional basis and discussion of the riding tour. Overnight stay in oven-heated shared rooms.

Day 2: After breakfast, the horses are divided up and got to know each other. Afterwards you pack your things for the trail ride into your saddlebags and start your first ride, where you can get to know your horse. The route leads to the source of the Olt, the second largest river in Romania. There you will water the horses and ride further uphill through forests to Mount Sípos. On the top of the mountain (1.568m above sea level) you will have a midday rest and enjoy a beautiful view of the Harghita Mountains. Freshly strengthened you will ride downhill to the Gheorgheni valley, where you will have the opportunity to gallop. Overnight stay in a comfortable guesthouse with a view of the mountains. Riding time approx. 5.5 hours.

Day 3: Today the longest riding day of the tour awaits you. After a sumptuous breakfast you will ride steeply uphill through primeval forests to the summit of the mountain "Del Hegy" (1650m). The hidden, winding riding paths have an adventure character. At some places you have to lead your horse. Midday rest on an alpine meadow with a view of the snowy peaks of the "Kelemen Alps" (2400m). You leave the enchanted jungle and reach a volcanic mountain plateau, which offers a beautiful view of the extensive village "Szekely Varsag", our overnight stop for today. In the idyllic pension the hostess will spoil you with local specialities and a roast lamb from the oven. The bath tub invites you to relax after this long day. Riding time about 7 hours.

Day 4: In the morning you ride through the surroundings of the village Székelyvarság. Past fields and cultivated land you will reach dark, wild mountains. The "Salt Road", an old trade route through which salt was transported, used to pass through this area. You can now experience for yourself how people fought their way through the sometimes difficult terrain. You will stay overnight in a former riding stable, which has been converted into a cosy guesthouse. After the welcome of our hosts and a short break you will be picked up by a jeep which will take you to the bear safari. There you will watch the brown bears from a shelter while they feed, play and with a little luck maybe even mate. Back at the guesthouse dinner is already waiting for you. Riding time about 5 hours.

Day 5: In the morning you say goodbye to your warm hosts and sit up again. Today you will reach the Harghita plateau, which has several sections for trot and gallop. You will pass the Zetelaki reservoir, the Sikasszó stream and you will be in the southern part of the Gheorgheni Alps. Through pine forests the way leads you to your accommodation in Lebanon. Riding time about 5 hours.

Day 6: After breakfast and saddling the horses we will return to the wilderness. On small paths through enchanted forests we will ride uphill to the summit of the "Ostorosz", from where you can again admire an impressive view of the "Madarasi Mountains".
After crossing the Maros River, you will reach the tranquil village of Marosfö, where you will be welcomed with coffee and homemade apple pie in a small guesthouse run by a farmer´s family. Riding time about 6 hours.

Day 7: On your last, shorter riding day you will first climb the mountain "Sipos" again, then your route will lead you past a clear mountain stream through forests back to your home farm. After unsaddling and releasing the horses, there is time to relax, review the week and chat with your fellow riders around the campfire. The cook will spoil you for dinner with fresh trout from a local fish farm. Riding time about 4 hours.

Day 8: After breakfast an off-road vehicle brings you safely back to the valley to Gheorgheni, from where you start your individual journey home.

Subject to change without notice.

Accomodation
During this riding tour you will stay overnight on a cosy mountain farm (no electricity!) and in comfortable country inns. They are accommodated in shared rooms with shared bathrooms.
Double/single occupancy is only possible depending on group size and room availability. In addition, several accommodations have a wood-heated bath tub filled with warm salt water, ready for use. You get a very authentic insight into the country life of the locals.
The cuisine is rich, typical of the country and largely based on regional, ecological ingredients.

Saddle & Tack: German military saddles (on request with sheepskin) with panniers.

Experience: You should be saddle-fast in all basic gaits and have off-road experience. This is a mountain trail, so the overall pace/pacing is rather slow, but there are also trot and gallop possibilities. You ride between 4 - 7 hours daily.

Horses: Lipizzaner, Lipizzaner mix and mountain ponies, stick size between 1.35 and 1.70m, the horses live outside all year round, are very well balanced, sure-footed and reliable.