BUCEGA MOUNTAINS
Bucegi Mountains, which, in terms of tourist routes, easily compete with the Tatra Mountains, is a paradise for avid travelers, who want to work on their form before more difficult expeditions. A network of marked trails makes, it's hard to get lost here, most of the hostels (cabana) and for lovers of hiking and skiing, it offers shelter and food all year round. The only danger is the weather: the winters are harsh here, a meter deep snow lies in some places until May, and in summer there are frequent violent storms. Day trips from Sinai and Busteni do not require any special equipment, but planning accommodation in the wild, you need to take some provisions, water and warm clothes. You should think about your own food, even if you intend to sleep in shelters.
One-day itineraries
Take the morning train from Brasov or Sinai to Busteni, and from there a cable car (2,20/3,50 $ one / both ways) to the Babele shelter (2206 m n.p.m.). Continue south to the Piatra Arsa refuge (1950 m n.p.m.), from where the blue trail descends to Sinai via Poiana Stinii (in fact 5 time. march). The beginning of the trail at Piatra Arsa is poorly marked, therefore, before leaving the shelter, it is better to carefully study the large map on the wall. There are no more problems after that. The route through alpine meadows and forests is varied and continues downhill.
You can also take the cable car from Sinai to the Miorita shelter (1957 m n.p.m.), near the rock ridge, and from there travel north to the Piarta Arsa refuge (1,5 time.), and then to the Babele refuge (another hour), to finally take the cable car to Busteni. A certain inconvenience in this case is this, that you are going uphill (just 350 m difference in elevation) and you have to use the cable car twice.
Longer routes
A more ambitious expedition involves one or two rides on the aforementioned cable cars and a mountain crossing to the northwest to Bran, from where the bus returns to Brasov. If you leave Babele early, can be covered all the way in one day, but it's better to set aside two days for this, with an overnight stay in the wild or in the Omul mountain hut.
When you look from Babel to the north, it's hard to miss a red-and-white TV transmitter on the hill, looking like a rocket at a spaceport. To the left of it, the yellow trail to the Omul mountain hut begins (2 time.), at the top of the highest mountain of this range (The man, 2505 m n.p.m.). The landscapes north of Babele are extremely picturesque, and the road often leads along dizzying gaps.
Another one descends from the top of Omul to Bran 6 time., beating until 2000 m difference in elevation (It's better not to dream about going this route in the opposite direction, unless one is skilled in this type of feat). The yellow triangles of the trail marking are clearly visible. You cannot meet a living soul on this beautiful trail. After the first episode from Omul to Mount Scara (2422 m) goes down to the Ciubotea gorge (the grassy valley at its end is perfect for a campsite). Further on, the route runs through a dense forest. It is the only piece that is badly marked; it is not difficult to get lost near the abandoned farm (the mark is up here, at the camping table). Eventually you come out on the lumberjack's path by the river, which after 2,5 time. reaches Bran.
The tour can be extended by a day, two, hooking up the Padina shelter and "passing” one of the several well-marked trails in the area, but you must have a map in advance (w Sinai).
Night and gastronomy
In the Babele shelter (tel.311751) and the Piatra Arsa shelter (tel.311751) an overnight stay costs money 3-9 $ from person, depending on this, whether you sleep on a bed in a double room or on a mattress in a dormitory room. A higher standard is provided by the large and modern Piatra Arsa hostel, which sometimes looks closed, but these are only appearances. Both (as well as the Miorita shelter, a little further south) they serve inexpensive meals and drinks. Babele is open all year round, and Piatra Arsa from May to September.
The Omul hostel is small and very modestly equipped; an overnight stay on a mattress in a dormitory room costs 2 $. You can't always get food here (soup, bread, omelette), so better take your own provisions. Your own sleeping bag is also handy, although blankets are waiting for guests.
Omul is definitely only open from May to September.