Great Carpathian Trail Ride

Introduction
Transylvania Romania
Pure nature, spectacular panoramas, mysterious forests…

The idyllic Szekler country unites the wilderness of the Eastern Carpathians, the beauty of the rugged mountain passes, small riding trails through mysterious spruce forests and the romantic dreaminess of hidden campsites. It is the variety of landscapes and the originality that make this horse-riding holiday an unforgettable experience that should not be missed in any trail-riders life.

Here, in rural Romania, time seems to stand still. Traditions continue to be part of the daily life: shepherds live with their animals on the vast mountain pastures, people get around towns and villages in horse-drawn carriages...
Get acquainted with the Szeklerian hospitality while staying in small, friendly family guesthouses and let yourself be pampered by the local cuisine. Some nights will also be spent camping surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes.

One of the highlight of this trip is the bear watching experience during which you will see (with some luck) the local brown bears in their natural habitat.

Accomodation


Accommodation
This is a progressive ride so all nights are in different locations.

Description
Overall, the accommodations are rustic in remote locations with true immersion into the local culture. On this adventure, you will spend 5 nights in a tent under the starlit sky, 4 nights at the ranch and 12 overnights in small, friendly family-run guesthouses where you will get to know the hospitality of the Szeklers, who will spoil you with local delicacies.
In all guesthouses, bathrooms are shared and all include hot water as well as flushable toilets.
Wi-Fi internet is almost never available and there are no laundry facilities.



Guesthouse (Ranch) near Kovács Péter
You will stay in our 120 year old rustic log cabin that used to be a Csango farm. The traditional architecture was kept. It is hidden in the middle of the nature, far away from civilization. There is no electricity, no internet and no cell service here. The accommodation is simple and guest can choose to stay in shared rooms inside the log cabin or in a Mongolian yurt. Facilities are shared and there are flushable toilets. A fireplace keeps the house warm and the wood-heated outdoor showers provides a special experience.
In the evenings, you can relax in our warm, saltwater-filled bath barrel while enjoying great views of the surrounding mountain.

Room Occupancy
Single rooms are not available.



Meals
All meals are included with this trip and you will have the opportunity to taste local Romanian dishes.
Alcoholic drinks are not included, but guests are welcome to bring their own if they want.

We serve 2 warm meals (rich breakfast and 2-course dinner) & a saddle bag picnic for lunch everyday.
The ingredients used for our dishes are of sustainable, ecological and regional origin.
Our vegetables and fruits come from the weekly market in Gheorgheni. Cheese and milk are supplied to us by the neighboring farmers and the meat comes from animals that were allowed to grow up in peace on the lush meadows. No antibiotics, no genetic engineering, natural food and happy animals!
We also use trout from nearby fish farms, wild boar and deer products from the nearby forests.
Finally our self-collected porcini mushrooms, chanterelles and blueberries also contribute to a colorful, biologically oriented cuisine.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to vegetarians & vegans and we are always trying very hard to put together a varied menu for you! We also cater to guests with food intolerance or allergies; just let us know if you have any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Horses
The horses are mostly crosses between Lippizans and indigenous breeds (Szekler horses & mountain ponies). We breed our own horses. All are calm, mentally balanced, not overbred or nervous, and live in freedom without any kind of force or negative pressure.
At a very young age, our horses already learn how to proceed securely on broken, slippery and rocky land since they take part on the tours following their mothers.
The studs are kept on the pasture, so their nervous system is stable and calm and they are glad to fulfill their daily tasks.
We start training our horses when they are 4-5 years old and mostly all of them can be used under saddle or as pack-horses.

Tack
Our saddles are comfortable, remodeled, German military saddles that have been specially developed for a high level of comfort for riders and horses over long distances. If required, our guests can get a lambskin seat cushion for their saddle.
The self-designed, leather saddlebags are made by hand and are used to safely carry the guests’ belongings while on the trail (max. 8 kg).
The saddlebags and the packs were modified in order to enable the packhorses to follow the team, even at a canter.

Riding Gear
Some of our guests do not want to give up their usual equipment during their holidays. It is okay to bring your own stirrups, saddle cushions, reins or your own tent. Please, let us know in advance!
However, riding with your own saddle is not possible for the benefit of our horses. Our horses wear saddles that are specially tailored to their individual back shape.

Weight Limit
Out of consideration for our horses, our weight limit is 90 kg. However, some exceptions can be made depending on various factors – please inquire

Tour Leader
Csaba’s love for the mountain, horses and riding tour started in his childhood. He feels most at home when he can be close to horses and nature. He knows the trails inside and out, even the most isolated tracks. I also know many of the locals there.

Insurance
All participants must have their own insurance to take part in this trip.

Solo Travelers
Solo travelers and women traveling alone should feel safe while travelling through Romania. Although public transport is slower than in Western Europe, it is safe and our guests have never had any problems in the past.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

First week
In the first week, you get an intimate insight into the nomadic way of life of the simple shepherd and cowherd.
Along the main ridge of the Carpathians, you can enjoy the spectacular beauty of the valley below, with an impressive rock landscape.
The nights are spent camping in beautiful natural locations far from civilization
The riding pace is rather slow, but the green mountain plateaus always invite to brisk gallops.
This week-trail ends at Lake Santa Ana, a unique crater lake located 950 meters above sea level.
On a well-deserved rest day, take a hot bath, drink the crystal-clear water of the famous mineral spring, visit the lake of Santa Ana and in the evening a very special highlight awaits you: a bear watching experience.

Second week
The second week is characterized by the deep, shady forests of the Harghita Mountains. You will ride through the gorges of Varghis, where you will enjoy several cultural attractions.
The route passes a legendary iron foundry, which became famous for producing the first cannon during the Revolution.
Then the path leads through the gorge, where you can visit the cave of Almasi. We ride through the Homorod region, where we will spend the night in 3 beautiful Szczecin villages "Zetelaka", "Farkaslaka"
and "Enlaka".
During our rest day, we visit a pottery workshop in Korond and relax in a small spa center.
The accommodations this week are in small, charming, rural inns.

Third week
During the last week of our adventure, we cross the volcanic plateau Ghiurghiu, and pass through a village where wooden shingles are still made using traditional methods.
On the Harghita Plateau, we meet the herd of an ancient Hungarian cattle breed and then return from the peaceful country life back to the wilderness of the Harghita Mountains.
You will get to explore paths that few tourists get to see, leading through enchanted landscapes, where animals such as deer, deer, capercaillie, lynx, wolves, wildcats and bears roam thrive.
The end of your journey is getting closer and you might not want to leave!
The accommodations for the last week are all rustic, traditional pensions and inns.

Rates and Dates for Great Carpathian Trail Ride

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Gheorgheni
Airport: Targu Mures - Transilvania International Airport
Transfer: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca airport, Targu Mures airport, Sibiu airport, and local hotels

Climate:
                                            Miercurea Ciuc area