Testimonial from Fagaras and Bucegi hikes June 16-23, 2013:
I have been backpacking in the US for about 20 years. I have hiked in Montana, Wyoming, Northern California, and most of New England, as well as trekking in Peru. I have to say my experience in Romania in the Fagaras and Bucegi ranges was equal to or better than any other trip before.
Beginning with our first inquiries with our guide Iuli, my girlfriend Ana Wolf and I were extremely pleased with Iuli’s clear, honest and helpful responses to all of our questions. His English is excellent, and he made great efforts to make sure our trip was top notch in every way- including helping us get train tickets to Constanta for the second leg of our trip to the Black Sea. Iuli seems to have great connections at the huts, with taxi drivers and at the hostels and he really helped make the trip as affordable as possible.
Our trip was blessed with 7 days of perfect weather. Once we arrived above tree line on the 1st day in Fagaras, we were treated with absolutely breathtaking views of the ridgeline and beyond. The rhododendron- very short scrub with amazing fuchsia flowers- were blooming the entire time with intoxicating smells. The huts varied in size from the little red and white domes to the imposing Podragu hut- all were more than adequate for sleeping after long days on the ridge. We were also treated to at least 2 bear sightings… we were truly blessed.
The Bucegi range was also gorgeous, if somewhat over run with day hikers near the cable cars. We managed to do an 18 mile day there partially along the border of Wallachia and Transylvania, accompanied by the wonderful Ursu, a huge and sweet dog.
I thoroughly recommend Iuli as a guide. I learned a lot from him about the region, and about ultralight backpacking. I have since updated my equipment and look forward to returning to the region.
Michael Suter – BPI Certified Building Analyst, Advanced Air Sealing Crew Chief – Shutesbury, Massachusetts, USA –Â photos here
