Our trail for all horse and nature lovers who love a challenge and can travel with minimal luggage. Our 6-day hiking ride over the peaks of the Eastern Carpathians. Over hill and dale we go to remote areas, to the farmers in the Gyimesi Valley, to high peaks along the main ridge of the Carpathians. On this trail you get a close-up insight into the life of the Tschango mountain tribe in a land where time seems to have stood still. You will climb peak after peak of the Harghita Mountains on the backs of our brave horses and ponies and will always encounter small and large challenges along the way that you will have to overcome together with your four-hoofed friends. This trail is ridden with pack horses, as some of our overnight camps are in the wilderness, inaccessible by car.
- 6 riding days / 7 overnight stays
- trial riding day around the farm, followed by a 5-day trail ride through the wild, pristine Carpathians
- Daily rides with a duration of 5-7 hours
- Reliable, sure-footed horse and the necessary gear
- Experienced horse guide
- rich breakfast and warm, local dinner
- 1 picnic a day
- 3 overnight stays on our ranch in an oven-heated double- or multibed room
- 4 overnight stays in different guesthouses and mountain huts
- Adventurous off-road drive to our ranch
- Hot tub: wood-heated tub with warm salt water included
- sauna included
- Free and safe parking spaces
- Maximum group size is 10
Come with us and discover remote and hidden places on horseback!
6 days trail ride in unspoilt nature.
1st day:
After your arrival in Gheorgheni, we will take you on an adventurous off-road ride: In our van we will take you to our Hipparion Ranch, which is remotely located in the Eastern Carpathian Mountains. With a little luck we might spot a deer, a capercaillie bird or even a bear. Once you have arrived on our ranch, you can unwind after your long journey by immersing yourself in the warm salt water of our Hot Pot. After having familiarized yourself with our horses and moving into your room, our cook Brigitta, will indulge you with an original Szekler dinner, in our rustic log cabin.
2nd day:
After breakfast we will go on a test ride today. Today you will get to know your horse and the equipment. It goes to the main ridge of the Carpathians. Enchanting views await us. We lead the horses back steeply downhill into the valley before heading back to our home farm on a small romantic path through streams, forests and fields. In the evening we sit down together again over dinner and discuss the most important points of our adventure in more detail. As always, after the meal: sauna and hot pot are available. The next few days will be long and challenging for the muscles, so you can really pamper yourself again today. Riding time: about 4 hours in the saddle, plus about 30 minutes on foot.
3rd day
Early in the morning we meet for a strengthening breakfast in our rustic dining log house. On the surrounding natural meadow, we search our four-legged companions.
After that it starts; we first climb the main ridge of the Carpathians. It goes steeply uphill to the foot of the “Red Stone” (approx. 1500 m), where we take a first short break. Then we get to the so-called “White Meadow” via stony paths and the Hasmas National Park, which is named after the countless white limestones and rocks.
With a bit of luck we will meet the semi-wild herd of Csango horses, which occasionally invite us to gallop together across the wide meadow.
Then we dismount and lead our horses past the “Black Garlic” down to the village of Haromkut. The path is rocky and steep, the descent takes about 45 minutes.
At the beginning of the village we mount our ponies and ride through the idyllic village at a brisk trot.
Our host for today, István, lives with his family at the edge of the village. While Maris prepares a traditional dinner, we have time to visit a geological phenomenon in the village: a warm spring whose temperature never drops below 4 degrees, even in the coldest days of the Harghita winter. The geologists still wonder why.
Then we go to the village pub, where the landlady can offer us either a cool beer or freshly milked cow’s milk; this family also runs a farm with its own cheese dairy.
While the cows are being milked next door, we join the locals at the table, enjoying our beer and the atmosphere in this beautiful place. Completely without WLAN, completely happy and also a bit tired.
Riding time approx. 5 hours
4th day:
Freshly rested, after a hearty breakfast served by our host Maris, we get back on the horses. First of all we ride through the Romanian part of the village. Then we go to the meadows of the village, where the farmers’ countless sheep and cows graze during the day. A wonderful gallop awaits us, then we head into the picturesque Ilya Gorge. We ride through this magical forest with its steep ravines for around 2 hours. Eventually we reach the Ilia Pass at 1170 meters. Up here we see many dairies and in the summer (June-September) also numerous shepherds who move with their animals across the wide plains. On the way we often come across herds of semi-wild horses that roam freely through the landscape here in the summer months. Only in late autumn are the animals caught again and brought back to the villages, where they spend the winter and help their owners with the wood. Afterwards we ride down into the Gyimesi Valley, where we will sleep today in a cozy guesthouse with a small wellness center.
Riding time: approx. 6 hours
5th day
Today the most beautiful riding day awaits us! After a climb up the main ridge of the Carpathians, we reach the plateau of Terkö and “Öcsem” (1707m), from where we have an impressive view of the Harghita Mountains. If the weather conditions are good, you can even see the “Fagarash” Mountains in the distance , where the highest peaks in Romania can be found.
Before we arrive at our camp for the night, there is a little challenge waiting for us and our horses: We have to climb down the steep rocks of the “Shepherds stone”. But we can rely on our solid shoes with good tread and we reach a small, cozy guesthouse at the foot of the Carpathians. Here, too, a sauna and a jacuzzi invite you to relax today. Riding time: about 6 hours in the saddle plus a leading section of about 60 minutes
6th day:
After breakfast we mount the horses and ride on the plain of ‘Fekete Rez’ (1568 m). Through thick spruce forests we ride down to the village Marasfö. A loving family renovated their farmhouse for guests and we are welcomed on the terrace by our hostess Katalin.
The small pension has three bathrooms, and we can wash off the dirt of the last days with a hot shower.
Riding duration: 6-7 hours (depending on the weather and group)
7th day:
After releasing the horses on the meadow, you can spent the time until dinner in the Hot Pot or in the hammock, letting the experiences of the last days sink in. Maybe, at the dinner table with a glass of good wine, the conversations will inspire you to already plan a new riding vacation?
After a hearty breakfast we will drive you to Gheorgheni, from where you will start your individual journey back home.
Requirements:
Good to very good physical condition required. The horses have to be led downhill very steeply in passages.
You should be experienced in all paces (walk, trot, gallop) You should be able to independently control your horse.
Packing:
Good hiking/trekking boots, high quality rain gear, head lamp, sleeping bag and warm clothes
You will receive a detailed packing list after signing up.
Important notes:
Weight limit for this tour: 85 kilos (190 lbs)
Exceptions only after personal agreement, please contact us in advance!
– vegan meals are not possible on this trip
-In special cases vegetarian, lactose free and gluten free meals can be provided. Please be aware that the meals will be simpler and the diversity reduced. Only possible with a declaration before arrival.
Changes in the program can occur depended on the weather
2025:
11.-18.05.2025
22.-29.06.2025
06.-13.07.2025
24.-31.08.2025
07.-14.09.2025
12.-19.10.2025
