Transylvanian Trek 2012
Translyvania Trek, Romania
August 17 – 24, 2012
Trek – 5 days
This will be G4G’s 40th challenge.
Up to 25 people will join us for our debut trek in Romania!Explore medieval Translyvania hiking through high plateaus, deep gorges, forests, secluded valleys and mountain villages via the infamous Dracula’s Bran castle with a final stop in Bucharest.
Level: This is a DIFFICULT test of our fitness, but achievable by anyone in good health, willing to train for a minimum of 3 months to build fitness and stamina. Trekking is at low altitude but strenuous. G4G run a number of free training sessions before the challenge.
Number of participants: max 25
Registration Fee: AED 2,200/- (US$ 600)
Minimum Sponsorship: AED 15,000/- (US$ 4,087)
(US$ 1 = AED3.67)
AED 12, 500/- (US$ 3406) if travelling from Europe (arranging own flights)
Assistance provided in advance by G4G: Fund-raising ideas; training & fitness suggestions; safety & medical advice; clothing & equipment advice.
What G4G provides on the Challenge: Flights and transfers, hotels/family run homestays, food, guides, medical & vehicle back-up.
Essential to leave behind: Day-to-day problems.
Essential to bring: Determination & a sense of humour!
Closing date: As soon as the first 25 people are registered
Suggested Reading:
When William Blacker first crossed the snow-bound passes of northern Romania, he stumbled upon an almost medieval world.
There, for many years he lived side by side with the country people, a life ruled by the slow cycle of the seasons, far away from the frantic rush of the modern world. In spring as the pear trees blossomed he ploughed with horses, in summer he scythed the hay meadows and in the freezing winters gathered wood by sleigh from the forest. From sheepfolds harried by wolves, to courting expeditions in the snow, he experienced the traditional way of life to the full, and became accepted into a community who treated him as one of their own. But Blacker was also intrigued by the Gypsies, those dark, foot-loose strangers of spell-binding allure who he saw passing through the village. Locals warned him to stay clear but he fell in love and there followed a bitter struggle.
Change is now coming to rural Romania, and William Blacker’s adventures will soon be part of its history. From his early carefree days tramping the hills of Transylvania, to the book’s poignant ending, Along the Enchanted Way transports us back to a magical country world most of us thought had vanished long ago.
Transylvania Trek 2012
Romania
August 17 – 24, 2012
Trekking
Day 1: August 17, Friday
Arrive and transfer north to Sinia – Prahova Valley
Our group will be picked up from the airport and transferred north towards the mountain region (1.5 – 2 hours). Overnight in beautiful Sinaia mountain resort – the Pearl of the Carpathians. Dinner at hotel. Time permitting in the evening, we will visit the Sinaia Monastery and Peles Palace – the Royal Summer Residence.
Hotel in Sinaia
Day 2: August 18, Saturday
Sinaia – Omu Hut (2,505m), Bucegi Mountains : 5-7 hours
After breakfast, we will start the ascent towards the Bucegi Plateau (over 2,000m). Enjoying magnificent views of the steep mountain cliffs overlooking Prahova Valley, we will pass by the megalithic rock formation: The Biddies (Babele) & The Sphinx. After approx 5-7 hours of trekking, we will reach Omu Hut (2,505m), on the very peak of the mountain.
Accommodation in mountain hut (no access to main luggage tonight)
Day 3: August 19, Sunday
Omu Hut – Bran – Zarnesti, Bucegi Mountains : 6 hours
Today’s trek takes approx 6 hours. We continue the hike to the quieter side of the mountain, descending to the Bran/Moeciu area, well known for the shepherds who make the best cheese in the country. The trail will take us through breathtaking beaches and fir forests, with several observation points from which we can admire the landscape. We will finish the trek in the Bran area. Transfer to a guesthouse in Zarnesti.
Overnight in family-run guesthouse
Day 4: August 20, Monday
Piatra Craiului National Park and surrounding villages : 6-hr
Today we will be immersed in the beautiful Piatra Craiului National Park. We will start with a walk through Romanian mountain villages scattered over several hills. We will be able to observe the everyday life of the locals and their self-sufficient farms. We will finish the trek at Bran Castle – well known as Dracula’s Castle – where we will have time to explore. Total trekking time will be approx 6 hours. Transfer back to family run guesthouse.
Overnight in family run guesthouse
Day 5: August 21, Tuesday
Zarnesti – Curmatura Hut, via the ridge of Piatra Craiului : 8-9 hours
Today we face a steep climb up to 2,000m, where the mountain ridge forms a spine with vertical drops on both sides. It will be a challenging climb, some parts are over scree, but the views from the top are breathtaking. Descent to Curmatura Hut (1,470m) for overnight stay. Trekking time is approximately 8-9 hours.
Overnight in a mountain hut
Day 6: August 22, Wednesday
Cumatura Hut – Zarnesti, via the Deep Gorge – Medieval Brasov : 4-5 hours
Our final day of trekking brings us back to Zarnesti, walking through a beautiful forest and a deep gorge/canyon. Trekking time is 4-5 hours. We will stop at a shepherd camp to see how the local cheese is made and to taste the freshly made cheese. At the end of the trek, we’ll meet our support vehicle to drive to Brasov, a beautifully preserved Baroque town (approx 45 min). Late afternoon (time permitting) we will explore the medieval town of Brasov including the famous Black Church, The Museum of the First Romanian School, The Weavers Tower and the Schei district with its old houses & narrow streets.
Overnight in a hotel in Brasov
Day 7: August 23, Thursday
Brasov – Bucharest
This morning, we will enjoy a walking tour of the town before travelling approx 3-4 hours to Bucharest by bus, with stops on the way. The last evening will be spent in a local restaurant enjoying Romanian food and wine.
Overnight in a hotel in Bucharest
Day 8: August 24, Friday
Bucharest and transfer to airport
Time permitting, before the departure flight, we will have a city tour including an optional visit to the Palace of Parliament building – the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon, built during the communist era. Later we will be transferred to Bucharest airport.
Charity Visit – we are still working on scheduling the charity visit which will likely take place either on the 17th or 23rd.
Notes: This itinerary may change due to unforeseen changes of country regulations, unusual weather patterns, wildlife movements, group strength, etc. We will endeavour to keep to the planned itinerary, but cannot be held responsible for last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, the group leader will have the final say.
This itinerary is tough and you may encounter poor weather. The challenge is not for the unfit or the faint-hearted.
Most of our challenges have occasional exposure to sheer drops. Therefore, should you suffer from vertigo, you should discuss the itinerary with a member of our team.
Climate
Because of its position on the southeastern portion of the European continent, Romania has a climate that is transitional between temperate and continental with four distinct seasons. In summer, the weather is hot and dry. Temperatures are lower in the mountains. The average temperature at day time ranges between 23-30°C. The temperature could rise in light of a heat wave. By evening, the air turns chillier, lasting into the morning. There are frequent showers on the mountains, with reports of high precipitation. Altogether, be prepared for very unpredictable weather.
Health
The most important and simple thing you can do to prevent illness is to be properly immunized. Our medical adviser recommends that you should be immunized against Hepatitis A and B, Rabies, Tick Borne Encephalitis, Tuberculosis, Typhoid, Malaria, Measles, and Tetanus. All necessary immunizations should be taken 6-8 weeks before travel to allow time for the shots to take effect. Contact your GP for more information.
In Dubai, these are available at the Travel Clinic at Al Mankhool Health Center in Bur Dubai: 04 502 1200 (walk in clinic open Sunday – Thursday from 7:30am – 2:00pm. CASH ONLY) Clinic Medicentres International in Motor City: 04-360-8866 & Prime Medical Center – 04-349-4545.
Dr. Kersten Elliot, a chiropodist/podiatrist from Dubai Physiotherapy and Family medicine Clinic, 04 349 6333, is happy to provide a 50% discount on consultation fees – please take your G4G Registration Cover Letter as proof that you are a registered challenger.
Once there, several more precautions can be taken. Avoid mosquito bites. Proper hygiene should be practiced, such as regular hand washing and the use of hand cleaning gel prior to eating in order to prevent passage of viruses and germs. Follow food and drink guidelines and avoid drinking tap water. As always, seek medical care if you feel sick.
The challenge is rated as DIFFICULT, so good fitness is required.
START training as early as possible. Keep hydrated by drinking water regularly.
Training
You will be hiking for several hours per day. Therefore, it is important that you start a gym or training programme at least three (3) months prior to the challenge. Most gyms will be happy to assist you in achieving your fitness. (and some may even help you fundraise!)
The challenge is described as Difficult. You need to be fit and healthy to participate.
Visa information
Check if your passport is valid for at least 6 months prior to travel. You should also have a couple of clean pages (no stamps!) left in the passport.
We encourage all travelers to check what the visa requirements are for your particular nationality in advance from the consulate/ embassy to avoid surprises.
Contact the Romanian embassy/ consulate:
Telephone: (+9714) 394 05 80
E-mail:
Location: Jumeirah Al Sherif, No. 356/17
Check the link below for visa application:
http://www.mae.ro/en/node/2035
Travel & Medical Insurance
G4G can arrange travel and medical insurance for all participants. You will be required to pay your insurance premium in addition to your sponsorship target. Further details about the premium, type of cover, insurance terms and conditions, etc. are available on request. (Aed 20 per day) If you have your own Insurance cover, please ensure that you are covered for activities such as trekking in Romania and provide us with a copy of the policy.
Sponsorship
A comprehensive sponsorship booklet is included in your challenge pack. There are many different sorts of activities you could consider to help build support for your challenge amongst family, friends and colleagues. Seeking sponsorship in this way increases your profile, creates more goodwill and raises awareness of the work of the nominated charities. The G4G office can give you names of previous challengers who will be happy to offer advice and maybe even assistance. Be aware that there are rules and regulations controlling public fundraising in the UAE – if you have any questions, contact our office.
Safety
We take your safety very seriously. It is our first and never forgotten priority. Please listen to your guides and follow their instructions.
Respect for the Environment
We maintain a firm commitment to conserve the areas we work in and ask you to do the same. Take only photographs and leave behind only footprints!
A Typical Day
Days vary according to terrain and distance. However you can expect a normal day to start at 6am with breakfast served at 7am. You should have packed up and be ready to leave by 8.00am. Expect to hike anywhere between 5-9 hours a day with stops for sightseeing and meals. Before dinner, there is time to relax, socialize, play games or explore the area. Special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice. Drinking water is available throughout the day.
Mental Preparation
It is well within you to complete this challenge. Remain in a positive state of mind, without being overly confident. This mental stamina will make the more difficult parts easier to complete. Always focus on your goal and do not get involved in inconsequential matters that will rob you of your concentration. Being physically prepared assists a great deal in being mentally confident for the physical part of the Challenge, so train hard!
Miscellaneous Information
Local Currency: Romanian New Leu
It is best to take Euros with you.
As of 4 December, 2011:
1 EUR = 4.357 RON, or 1 RON = .229 EUR
1 USD = 3.250 RON, or 1 RON = .307 USD
1 AED = .885 RON, or 1 RON = 1.129 AED
For reference:
1.5 liter bottle of water = .66 EUR
Electricity in Romania is 220-230 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. Outlets in are generally European (or “Schuko” TPE C and F) plugs with 2 round prongs (shown below). You will need a converter and adapter.
A good reference book is the Romania Travel Guide from the Lonely Planet publications, available in Dubai from Magrudy’s, Borders, etc.
Personal Equipment
Travel light! Do limit the weight of your luggage to less than 15 Kgs overall (Duffel Bag and Bag Pack inclusive) All bags are to be clearly marked and lockable.
Do not take or wear any valuables on the trip, it is best to leave them at home.
Please refer to the Kit List. All the items required for the trip can be purchased from major sports shops & camping suppliers in U.A.E. – please see the list of outlets provided in your challenge pack.
How to Pack
Your clothes and equipment should fall into two categories:
- What you are going to wear and need on the Challenge. This should fit into a single soft-sided bag and will be transported each day from site to site. For your convenience, G4G has custom made duffle bags that are waterproof and easy for transportation for Aed 100 a piece.
- What you are going to carry in your daypack.
In The Day Pack:
It is important that you pack carefully the smaller Day Pack that you carry yourself. Anything you need during the course of the day should be in your Day Pack, including, most importantly, something warm and something waterproof.
Sun glasses / Moisturizing/Sun screen lotion / Prescribed medicines/ Camera and spare film / Binoculars-optional /
Notebook & Pencil / Water bottle and Camelback bladder / Snacks / Permits, if any / Toilet paper / rain gear / Energy powder mix / Warm layer / Extra shirt*
* It’s advisable to carry an extra T-shirt in your daypack. You may feel cold after sweating and need to change your shirt or add a layer to prevent chills.
Thoughts and ideas:
- Be kind to your feet! If you plan on purchasing new shoes, do so well ahead of time and allow yourself time to break them in. Bring some extra moleskin or Second Skin (Compeed) for fast foot treatment, plus zinc oxide tape, and watch out for blisters.
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather, but once it becomes wet, it drains your body heat. Plan on bringing at least one synthetic shirt that dries quickly. Suggestions are Capilene, M.T.S. and Thermax.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting your gear. Use different sizes and colors to differentiate the contents. Plastic bags are also helpful to separate clean and dirty clothing, as well as giving an extra layer of waterproofing inside your bags.
- If you normally wear contacts, bring a pair of glasses in case of eye irritation from dust.
- Some of the trails can be rutted and dusty. It is a good idea to pack camera equipment and binoculars in plastic bags to protect them from the dust. This is in addition to their normal cases. Also bring some lens cleaning material.
- Laundry is difficult on this trip but you can hand-wash a few quick-drying items.
- Make 1 copy of your passport and take it with you; we will have a second copy in our files.
Staff On The Trip
One English-speaking Guide/Escort will be wholly responsible for the execution of the trip. There will also be a G4G representative leading the challenge.
The charity to be supported by the Transylvanian trek is Hope and Homes for Children in Romania.
Hope & Homes works tirelessly, closing children’s institutions in Central & Eastern Europe.
This is a basic human right, but one which too many children are still denied. There are an estimated 8 million children living in institutions across the globe, robbed of love and the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Many more are at risk of separation from their families due to poverty, conflict and disease.
Hope and Homes for Children work together with children, their families, communities, professionals, NGOs and governments across Central and Eastern Europe and Africa to ensure that institutionalisation is a thing of the past, and that no child has to grow up deprived of the love and care of a family.
They have the expertise and the skills to transform the lives of children trapped in institutions and to prevent the separation of children from their parents when families are at risk of breakdown. They strengthen families, provide family based care for children unable to live at home, close institutions and develop institution-free childcare systems for future generations.
Where possible, H&H will reunite a child with their family or otherwise place a child with a specially trained foster family. In the case of a disabled orphan, he/she will be placed in a specially adapted Small Family Home (SFH).
During 2012, H&H is working with the local authorities to close the St Andrei Institution, currently home to 31 special need children and adults. The children will be moved to new SFHs; each SFH will accommodate up to 12 children.
The Gulf for Good ProjectGulf for Good will help fund a “Small Family Home” to house orphans from the St Andrei institution by donating monies for furniture, specialist equipment and more, depending on sponsorship raised by our challengers.
In leaving the St Andrei Institution, the special needs children will move from a crowded impersonal environment to a family environment with a specially trained care team.
You can rest assured that Gulf for Good do not just hand out money to the charities we support! We request detailed proposals for capital projects – hospital wards, orphanage buildings, classrooms, fresh water facilities, medical equipment, etc. We have a system whereby we check these proposals with the assistance of an independent third party in the charity’s country. Once approved and the funds raised, we will usually pay a certain percentage up front to allow the project to start, the rest only being paid against invoices.
How to pack
Your clothes and equipment should fall into the following categories:
- What you are going to wear and need on the trip. This should preferably fit into a single bag (soft kit bag, not a suitcase), which will be transported each day from site to site.
- What you are going to carry in your daypack. Do carry an extra shirt in your daypack. When you stop hiking, you may feel cold after sweating and need to change or add a layer to prevent chills.
What to bring: (tick as you collect!)
Mandatory
- Good 3 – 4 season Sleeping bag (or at a minimum a sleeping bag line/silk for hygiene as there will be blankets at the huts)
- Rain gear jacket and trousers
Bags
- Bag – a lockable, good-sized duffle bag with a top length zipper and nametag
- Daypack – a light small and comfortable daypack (25 litres) with padded straps, preferably waterproof, with a water bladder (2-3 litre capacity)
Footwear
- Several pairs light weight socks
- 1 pair hiking boots preferably with ankle support (worn in, not new)
- 1 pair lightweight trainers/sneakers for flat trails (optional)
- 1 pair sandals/comfortable shoes to suit hotel/camping terrain (optional)
Underwear
- Several sets regular underwear
Outerwear
- Light full sleeve fleece or similar for evenings
- Lightweight wind/rain protection jacket and trousers with hood
- Brimmed hat for sun and rain
Pants
- 2-3 pairs of hiking trousers with zip-off legs (wicking material) for the day
- 1-2 pairs of trousers or shorts suitable for hotel/camping terrain for the evening
Shirts
- A selection of quick dry shirts or hiking shirts for the day
Day Pack
- Water bottles
- Sunglasses/Sun lotion (30 SPF+)
- Prescribed medicines
- Camera/spare films/extra batteries
- Reading material
- Toilet Paper/Tissues
- Chapstick with sunscreen (30 SPF+)
- Extra t-shirt
- Wet Wipes/water-free hand wash
- Small change for souvenirs
- Buff (bandana)
- Mosquito repellent
Other
- Towel (fast drying)
- Flash light or headlamp, spare batteries and bulbs
- Toiletries
- Swiss Army knife with scissors and tweezers
- Plastic bags, cloth bag for dirty laundry, zip lock bags for sorting and storing things
Optional
- Trail snacks (unsalted), energy bars, toffees etc
