Wilderness Trail

Day 1- Arrival 

After your arrival in Gheorgheni, we will take you on an adventurous off-road ride: In our Landrover 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.

Day 2 – Meet the horses & ride out

On our first approximately four-hour introductory ride, we head straight out into the countryside. You get to know your horse, we see how you work together and become familiar with the terrain and the way we ride.

In the evening, we go through the tour together, discuss the individual stages and everything that is important for the days ahead.

Then we pack up – and the adventure begins.

Riding time: approx. 4 hours

Day 2 – To the main ridge and into the wilderness

Today we head deeper into the mountains.

We climb up to the main ridge of the Eastern Carpathians, reaching Pongrác-tető first.

From there, our route continues through extensive beech and mountain forests. Gradually, we leave the last traces of civilisation behind and follow old tracks and hidden paths through the mountains.

Our destination is a remote campsite near Licaș Peak.

Once we arrive, nomad life begins:

Look after the horses, set up camp, collect firewood, fetch water and build a fire.

The campsite has a simple shelter where we can take refuge in case of rain. It is unheated, though – this is an adventure trail after all.

We cook our dinner over the open fire.

Then we sit around the campfire, talk, laugh and enjoy the evening in the middle of nature.

Riding time: approx. 5 hours

Day 3 – Through the beech forests towards Bicaz

We leave our camp and initially ride back along part of the route we came in on, before heading towards the Bicaz Gorge.

The trail takes us through beautiful old beech forests and deeper into a landscape that feels remarkably remote.

Our next campsite is close to a small settlement – yet it still feels as though we are right in the wilderness.

A river runs through the valley, with small rocky outcrops scattered around us, and our camp is set right at the edge of the forest.

Almost like a fairytale campsite for a night outdoors.

Once again, we sleep in tents, cook over the fire and spend the evening around the campfire.

Riding time: approx. 6 hours

Day 4 – Visiting the Csángó farmers

Today is a shorter riding day.

We ride through beech forests and across open mountain meadows. Along the way, we meet shepherds and their animals and get a glimpse into the traditional life of the mountain communities.

Our destination is the mountain farming village of Haromkut.

Here we spend the night with Csángó farmers, who still live a very traditional lifestyle and are largely self-sufficient.

Life here is simple and authentic – exactly what the Nomad Trail is about.

Our accommodation is basic, but after several nights in a tent there is one welcome luxury:

a shower.

Riding time: approx. 3 hours

Day 5 – Öcsem, rocks & Hășmaș National Park

Today is one of the most spectacular days of the journey.

We climb back up to the main ridge, this time approaching it from the other side.

Via Terkő, we continue towards Öcsem Peak at 1,702 metres.

From here, the trail leads steeply back down – and things get properly adventurous.

We follow old, partly barely visible tracks downhill. At one particularly rocky section, we dismount and lead the horses through the terrain on foot. We take this section slowly and carefully, making our way down over the rocks together – a real mountain adventure.

Afterwards, the trail continues through Hășmaș National Park towards the White Meadow.

We set up camp among the rocks, right beside a natural spring.

There is another simple shelter here in case the weather turns bad.

After a long day in the saddle, our evening routine is once again:

Look after the horses. Make a fire. Cook dinner. Sit around the campfire.

And somewhere in between, there is usually that moment when you realise just how far away you are from everyday life.

Riding time: approx. 6 hours

Day 6 – Back to the ranch over the mountain ridge

Our final day takes us back towards Hipparion.

We ride along the main ridge of the Carpathians and get one more beautiful view back over the landscapes we have travelled through during the past days.

From high up, we can see the Bicaz Gorge and Red Lake (Lacul Roșu) once again.

Then we slowly make our way back to the ranch.

After several days outdoors with our horses, pack horses, tents and campfires, we finally arrive back at Hipparion.

Riding time: approx. 4 hours

Life like a nomad

On the Nomad Trail, the journey itself is the destination.

All our luggage and camping equipment are carried by pack horses. This means you cannot bring your entire wardrobe with you.

Luggage is strictly limited – we take only what is really necessary.

We prepare simple meals over the fire. There is no elaborate kitchen and no huge selection of food. But after a long day in the saddle, food cooked over a campfire somehow tastes even better.

Unfortunately, vegan catering is not possible on this trail.

Gluten-free or lactose-free diets may be possible, but must be requested and discussed with us in advance.