Dear hikers,
We will depart from Sibiu by car at 4:00 AM and head together to Bâlea Lake. We will park in a suitable spot and start our ascent toward Șaua Caprei at around 5:40 AM, aiming to reach Vânătoarea lui Buteanu Peak by 7:30 AM, just in time for the sunrise at 7:46 AM. After a photo session at the peak, we will descend to Căldarea Văiuga and return to Bâlea Lake via an alternate trail. We plan to be back at Bâlea Lake by 10:15-10:30 AM.
Once we retrieve the cars, we will drive to the southern side of Transfăgărășan, heading towards the Vidraru Dam. After parking slightly below the dam, we will begin our hike through Stan Valley, completing the circuit and returning to the dam.
The hike is suitable ONLY for individuals with moderate to good physical condition and children over 10 years old with mountain hiking experience. The ascent to Vânătoarea lui Buteanu Peak will be done in the dark with headlamps. The hike through Stan Valley involves walking through the valley, using metal steps, and climbing a few ladders set up along the canyon.
WHERE AND WHEN DO WE MEET?
We meet in the morning at 4:00 AM in the parking lot of DECATHLON at Shopping City Șelimbăr. From there, we will travel by personal cars along the route: Sibiu – Bâlea Lake, where we will park near the Bâlea Lake Cabin.
After completing the first part, we will retrieve the cars and head towards Vidraru Dam. We will park 100 meters below the dam.
After completing Stan Valley, we will return to Sibiu via the Olt Valley.
ROUTE INFORMATION
Part 1 – Sunrise on Vânătoarea lui Buteanu Peak
Distance: 5 km
Elevation gain: 500 m
Trail difficulty: medium
Duration: approximately 4 hours (with a 20-30 minute break at the summit).
Part 2 – Stan Valley
Distance: 9 km
Elevation gain: 800 m
Trail difficulty: medium
Duration: approximately 4 hours (including a 20-30 minute break for a meal).
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
High hiking boots with good grip – mandatory
Season-appropriate layered clothing, including a waterproof outer layer; extra t-shirt or base layer; long pants
Headlamp and spare batteries; protective gloves (cycling gloves can work), with or without fingers, to protect from metal steps or chains on the trail
Small daypack, bottle with hot tea/water, minimum 1 liter, sunglasses
Snacks for two meal breaks on the trail
Trekking poles, hat, and gloves (optional)
TRANSPORTATION
We can provide round-trip transportation for a limited number of people. To reserve a spot, please contact us by phone at 0722-177001 after registration.
Once registration is complete, the guide will create a WhatsApp group for carpooling and organizing transportation. The transportation costs will be shared among the occupants of the respective car, in agreement with the driver.
COSTS
150 lei/person.
You can also choose to participate in only one part of the hike, in which case you will need to arrange your own transportation to and from the hiking location. The cost in this case will be 100 lei/person.
The hike will take place with a minimum of 8 adult participants.
Children aged 10 and up can participate, provided they have mountain hiking experience and are accompanied by an adult. Parents are responsible for assessing the difficulty of the trail for their children, especially since part of the hike will be done at night.
GHID
Dumitru TROANCA – tourism mountain guide
Contact: 0722-177001
Note:
– The route configuration and length will be adjusted according to weather conditions and the homogeneity/heterogeneity of the group.
– The organizer (guide) reserves the right to refuse participants who are not appropriately equipped or who have inadequate physical condition.
– Tours are conducted under safe conditions and with a minimum number of participants. The organizer reserves the right to reschedule or cancel tours without prior notice if these conditions are not met.
– Ticket refunds are only provided in case the organizer (guide) cancels the hike.
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By participating in this event, I consent to being photographed. I acknowledge that the photos may be used for promotional purposes, both online and in printed materials, within the “Anii Drumeției” Program to promote it. I declare under my own responsibility that, to the best of my knowledge, I am physically capable of sustained physical effort during hiking events without jeopardizing my health in any way. My participation in this event is entirely voluntary, understanding the associated risks to which I expose myself.
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The “Anii Drumeției” Program is initiated and funded by the Sibiu County Council in collaboration with the Sibiu County Tourism Association. Its main purpose is to improve hiking infrastructure in the county and promote activities specific to ecotourism.
