Sightseeker – scenic riding tour

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.

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

Freshly rested and after a hearty breakfast served by our hostess Maris, you will be back on the horses. First of all, we also ride through the Romanian part of the village.

Then it goes to the meadows of the village, where the countless sheep and cows of the farmers graze during the day.

A wonderful gallop awaits us, then we go into the picturesque Ilja Gorge. We ride through this magical forest with its steep gorges for about 2 hours.

Finally we reach the Ilia Pass at 1170 meters. Up here we see many dairies and in summer (June-September) numerous shepherds who move across the wide plains with their animals.

Sometimes half-wild horses cross our path. In the summer the horses live free on the alpine pastures and are only in autumn rewatched by their owners and brought down to the villages for pulling trees out of the forests.

Again we climb high up and are rewarded by the view from the ‘Öcsem plateau’ (1707 m). If the weather allows it, we can spot the ‘Fagarasch’ mountain range on the horizon, where the highest summits of Romania are located. Before we can reach our destination and sleeping place for today (the Lonely Store Lodge), we have to manage the challenge of hiking down the steep paths of the shepherd stone. An especially adventurous and slippery task after a rainfall. Good thing we have our reliable, waterproof hiking boots with good soles. 

Aranka, our hostess for this night, awaits us at the Lonely Stone Lodge. For years she and her husband Zoli welcome tired hikers at the hut in the middle of the Hasmas national park. This scenic place can only be reached by foot or horse. Also the dinner, breakfast and the ‘after-ride-beer’ was carried up by packing horses. We will be sleeping in bunkbeds in oven-heated rooms. 

Riding duration: 6-7 hours (depending on the weather and group)

The third day of riding starts with a hike downhill to the Olt-river. 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)

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? 

If you want, you can book an extra day on the farm and relax to your heart’s content today. Sauna, hot tub, sleep in, just enjoy the atmosphere on our romantic and unique mountain farm.

Otherwise you have a hearty breakfast and after this we will drive you to Gheorgheni, from where you will start your individual journey back home.