Massive: Făgăraș Mountains, Southern Carpathians
Objectives: Buteanu Peak, Valea Rea, Viştea Mare Peak, Moldoveanu Peak, Dragon's Window, (partial) western ridge Făgăraș
Period: 1 - 2 August 2020
Distance:
day 1: 8.54 km,
day 2: 21 km
Elevetion:
day 1: +621 m / -613 m
day 2: + 1,793 m / - 1,591 m
Hiking level: Difficult
Time:
day 1: total 6 hours, of which 2.35 hours travel
day 2: total 13 hours, of which 6.32 hours travel
Team: 6 participants + 2 mountain guides
Fagaras Mountains, 1st-2nd of August 2020Because we love the mountain, we set out to have a break from the unusual reality of 2020 and we let the boys from Carpatrek, to guide our steps for 2 days, through the charming Fagaras Mountains.
Therefore, we gathered 5 mountain conquerors and two guides and we went for a new adventure.
Day 1 (1st of August ) – Buteanu’s Hunt Peak, 2505m
Once arrived, we had a small 'warm-up' hike, starting from Balea Tunnel Refuge, continuing on Goat Saddle, and reaching Buteanu’s Hunt Peak (altitude 2507 m) from where we descended to Balea Lake.
This warm-up hike was useful for our guides to define the profile of the group, and for us, the great conquerors, we got acquainted with some basic notions about hiking: how to use sticks correctly, how to climb using small steps, how to properly arrange your backpack and we have even discussed about how to choose the right shoes for hiking.
Given that many of us are beginners as mountain conquerors, I can say that many of these notions were very useful.
The evening ended by having a drink to our accommodation - Balea Tunel Refuge, a charming place located on the Arges side of Transfagarasan, located immediately on the right side as you exit the tunnel.
Day 2 (August 2) - Moldoveanul Peak, 2544m and Big Vistea Peak, 2527m
On the second day of our adventure, around 10 o'clock, we started the trail from Burnei’s Sheepfold. At first glance, the trail seemed intimidating because it involved a sustained climb of around 2-3 h, with a level difference of 900 m, but we were absorbed by the wonderful landscape that unfolded in front of us dominated by the Great Waterfall of the Evil Valley.
This is how we arrived at Bad Valley’s Caldare, where a totally changed landscape delights you with the sight of small lakes and flowering meadows, continued by rock formations at the end of which the two massifs, Big Vistea and Moldoveanu, were showing imposing.
After the last sustained climb through Vistei’s Gate, we reached Vistea Peak, from where, at a stone's throw, the ridge of Moldoveanu Peak could be seen. Before reaching on the top, we have passed a portion with chains with slight exposure that was a challenge for some of us.
And this is how we reached the highest peak of Romania, at an altitude of 2544m, from where you can enjoy the indescribable landscape and you can recharge with the wonderful energy of the place.
Around 3 pm, we set off on our way back. The girls accompanied by one of the guides chose the most challenging way, to return through Ridge of Fagaras to Kites Window, and the boys chose the shorter way and together with the other guide they made a circuit and returned to the place where we started in the morning our trail.
The weather was on our side and showed us the Ridge of Fagaras in all its splendor.
Descending from Big Vistea, we went on Podragu Saddle and arrived at a lake called Giurgiului Bridge from where we started the climb to Mircii Peak, and I want to remind here about the expressive 'leadership class' held for those afraid of heights.
After seeing a beautiful sunset that delighted our souls, we got to the last 'spicy' part of our trail, at Three Steps Away from Death and the Kites Window.
From here we started an annoying downhill but at the end of which, we were greeted with applause by the boys, who on their return synchronized perfectly with us.
It was a pleasant experience and I can't wait for future hikes.
Irina N. Tatiana
