While I said in a previous post that some parts of the Bucegi Mountains are to be avoided during weekends, there are other areas which are still pretty wild and remote. There are 3 trails you can take from Bran to Omu. Last year I climbed the trail up Ciubotei Valley and it left me with a desire to discover the area more.

So we left Bucharest one Saturday morning with our full camping gear. The plan: climb up Clincea, to the Tiganesti Ridge and stop for the night at the Tiganesti Shelter. On Sunday, go to Omu and descend down Gaura Valley.

The first part of the climb was on a trail through the forest. Somewhere around 1400m altitude we had the last spring. From there until the same time tomorrow we would have to rely on what we were carrying. We had 4 liters each – which were enough.

Somewhere around 1700m altitude we emerged out of the trees and into the alpine area. From here we could see the shelter. We arrived pretty early, around 4 pm. We were the only ones there. We ate and chilled in the sun.

About one hour later we were joined by a couple and, shortly before sunset, by a group of about 20 people. The shelter was now full, with some people choosing to sleep outside in tents.

Next morning, we packed and went on our way to Omu. We passed a beautiful stretch of rocks – the Tiganesti Towers.

At Omu we were hoping for some food. Instead, they only had some vegetable soup ready. We had to make due with this and a couple of overpriced snacks. Still longing for some good food, we started the descent down Gaura Valley.

There’s a 2 minute detour to see the Moara Dracului (Devil’s Mill) Waterfall. From there on it was a long descent down to Bran, with a threatening buildup of clouds above us. Looking behind, Omu Peak looked engulfed in the storm. We arrived at the car just when it started to rain.