Description
May 1st Weekend in the Eastern Carpathians: Vârghiș Gorge, Prisca & Lacu Roșu
May 1 - 3, 2026
2
/5
⦿⦿⦾⦾⦾ (difficulty: easy)
Cheile Vârghișului
Starting point:
The Vârghiș Gorges
Activity:
Weekend tour
Level difference:
¬ 300m per day
Distance:
8 - 13 km / day
Category:
Drumeție, Explorare Culturala
Duration:
7 - 8 hours a day
The Story of the Route
This long weekend is not only about hiking, but also about enjoying Szekler hospitality.
Authentic Accommodations: We will stay overnight in selected accommodations, which will give us a taste of the tradition and hospitality of the area.
Local Gastronomy: In the evening, we will indulge in the typical Szekler food – famous for its flavor and consistency – a well-deserved reward after days in the mountains!
Practical Details
The price includes
The price includes:
Mountain hiking guide/Certified international mountain leader
Full support, good energy
The price doesn't include
Registration deadline: April 29, 2026
For any questions you can contact us by phone/WhatsApp +40 745 605 361 or at explore@upthemountains.com
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation more than 7 days in advance: Full refund or transfer to a future tour.
Cancellation less than 7 days: For organizational reasons, no refund is possible, but we offer you the flexibility to join another future tour.
Weather conditions: We reserve the right to cancel the hike in dangerous weather conditions (ice, blizzard, code red), and the money will be fully refunded.
Additional information
Itinerary
Day I: Friday, May 1 – Karst and Metal Bridges
Vârghiș Gorge & Șura Cailor Cave
Hiking: Circuit through the Vârghiș Gorge, crossing the gorges on paths, bridges and spectacular metal stairs . We will explore the Șura Cailor Cave .
Distance/D+: ~8 km / ~250 m D+
Focus: Geology, light caving, adrenaline (on stairs).
Day II: Saturday, May 2 – Prisca Peak and the Szekler Spirit
Prisca Peak (1308 m) and Lăzarea Cultural Center
Hiking: Climbing Prisca Peak (Giurgeu Mountains), which offers an excellent panoramic view of the Giurgeu depression and the neighboring massifs.
Distance/D+: ~13 km / ~650 m D+
Cultural: Visit to the Lăzarea Franciscan Monastery and the Lăzarea Art Center (former mansion), an important artistic hotbed of the area.
Focus: Panoramas, art and history.
Day III: Sunday, May 3 – Legendary Canyons and Lakes
Bicajel Gorges (Circuit) & Red Lake
Hiking: We will walk the picturesque circuit of the Bicajel Gorges , a smaller and more accessible gorge.
Distance/D+: ~10 km / ~300 m D+
Geological Focus: Visiting Lacu Roșu , a natural dam lake, famous for the petrified fir trunks emerging from the water.
Return: Departure to Cluj-Napoca in the afternoon.
Required Equipment
Hiking boots/boots (Mandatory, with grippy soles).
3-layer clothing for variable conditions (rain, wind on the ridge).
Headlamp (for the Shura Cailor Cave).
Water (minimum 2L/day) and packed lunches on the trail.
Trekking poles (recommended for Prisca Peak).
RON
450
Member benefits
- 15% on the first domestic round
Loyalty program (teddies)
Sign up in 10 seconds
Tours dedicated to members
Early bird discounts
Mountain diary
Personalized checklist
Discount at partners