Caving & hiking in Apuseni Mountains (5 days, from Cluj)

Day 1

Departure from Cluj in the morning, heading for the mountains. In the middle of the Western Carpathians, the Apuseni Nature Park covers a surface of over 75,000 square metres. Characterized by a complex limestone relief, the area reveals not only stunning caves and ice-caves, but also very picturesque mountain villages. Lunch on the way, in a restaurant. Stop to visit Farcu and Meziad caves and arrive in Padis in the afternoon.

Difficulty: very easy

Dinner and accommodation in a mountain chalet.

(dinner included, breakfast and lunch not included)

Day 2 & 3

Two days of hiking in the very heart of the Padis limestone plateau, passing by or through some of the main trails and spots, like Cetatile Ponorului cave, Bortig pit cave, Cetatile Radesei cave.

Difficulty: medium, with several difficult segments. 10-19 km/day, 9-10 hours/day.

(2 days with breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included)

Day 4 & 5

Breakfast and prepare to leave Padis, heading for Aries Valley. The luggage will be transferred to the next accommodation. Visit the biggest ice cave in Romania: Scarisoara. Dinner with the locals and accommodation in a rural guesthouse. Transfer back to Cluj in the afternoon, day 5. End of the tour.

(day 4 - breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included)

(day 5 - breakfast and picnic lunch included, dinner not included)

Choose a fun escape from the cityscape! Choose to listen to the wild birds, to sleep by the cricket sounds, to smell the pine tree aroma in the hot summer breeze, to caress the green grass with your bare feet, to find inner peace or to sleep under the stars. Choose adventure! Choose adrenaline! Choose nature! Choose Padis!

Visit three of the best caves opened for tourist in the Western Carpathians. Hike off the beaten treks for four days in the Apuseni Nature Park. Enjoy some isolated hamlets. Delight your eyes and your soul with wild wild nature.

Not wheelchair accessible
The constant temperature inside the caves is 0-14° C. Appropriate clothing recommended.
This tour may partially be subject to weather conditions.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Appropriate outdoor clothing& equipment we recommend (season wise): 25l-35l backpack, good hiking boots, hiking pants, midlayers, waterproof jacket & pants, hat/cap, sunglasses, gloves, hiking poles, water bottle / hydration packs (min. 1 l), Swiss knife, headlamp with batteries, first aid kit, emergency whistle, energy bars.
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers