Description
Buila-Vânturarița in autumn
October 16 - 18, 2026
3
/5
⦿⦿⦿⦾⦾ (difficulty: medium)
Buila Vanturarita
Starting point:
Pachomius Hermitage
Activity:
Weekend tour
Level difference:
z1: 1,200m / z2: 300m
Distance:
z1: 18km / z2: 6km
Category:
Drumeție
Duration:
day1: 9h / day2: 4h
The Story of the Route
There are mountains that impress with their altitude.
And there are mountains that don't need it.
Buila–Vânturarița is the smallest national park in Romania, but probably one of the most spectacular and least known. A limestone ridge of only 14 kilometers was enough for nature to build here impressive cliffs, rock towers, wild gorges and some of the most beautiful centuries-old beech forests in the Carpathians.
In autumn, the place takes on a special charm. The beech trees dress the slopes in shades of yellow, orange and red, and the paths seem like they're straight out of a story.
On Saturday we will walk one of the most beautiful circuits in the massif. We start from the Pahomie Hermitage , hidden in a narrow and forested valley, then we climb to Buila Peak (1,849 m) , the highest point of the national park. The ridge offers spectacular panoramas of the Căpățânii Mountains, Parângului Mountains and the depressions of Oltenia.
We will continue through Curmătura Builei , before descending to the Pătrunsa Hermitage , one of the most isolated and peaceful monastic settlements in Romania. Legend has it that the hermits chose these places precisely for the peace that only the mountain can offer.
On Sunday we change the pace completely. We explore the Bistrița Gorges , visit the Bistrița Monastery , one of the most important medieval monuments in Wallachia, founded by the Craiova boyars at the end of the 15th century, and before heading home we stop at the famous Trovanți from Costești , geological formations unique in Europe, often nicknamed "the growing stones".
It will be a weekend that perfectly alternates alpine hiking, cultural heritage, and wild nature. Exactly the kind of tour that reminds you that sometimes the most beautiful places are also the ones that are least talked about.
Our friends from OCO Bike & Hike will also join us on this adventure , so we will form a mixed group and have the opportunity to spend two days with people who share the same passion for the mountains.
Practical Details
The price includes
Mountain guide to UIMLA standard
Full support throughout the weekend
Route organization and coordination
Collective safety equipment
Experience a small group tour with the Up the Mountains and OCO Bike & Hike communities
The price doesn't include
Transportation to Costești (we will organize the cars and available seats between participants)
Accommodation (we will recommend and centralize accommodation options)
Meals and water
Personal expenses
Registration deadline: October 14, 2026 | Availability: 10 places
In the event of adverse weather conditions that may affect the safety of the group, we reserve the right to modify the route or reschedule/cancel the event, with a full refund of the participation fee.
Additional information
Itinerary
Friday
Departure from Cluj and Timișoara to Costești (Vâlcea County). In the evening we check in, get to know each other and prepare the route for the next day.
Saturday
Pachomius Hermitage → Buila Peak → Buila Ridge → Pătrunsa Hermitage → Pachomius Hermitage
approximately 18 km 1,100–1,200 m elevation difference 8–9 hours difficulty medium–difficult
Sunday
Bistrița Gorges → Bistrița Monastery → Costești Trovant Museum
A relaxed day dedicated to exploring the natural and cultural heritage of the area, before returning home.
Required Equipment
waterproof hiking boots or shoes with grippy soles – mandatory;
backpack;
long hiking pants;
fleece / thermal layer;
waterproof jacket / hardshell;
waterproof overpants – recommended if precipitation is forecast;
hat and gloves – it's October;
buff;
trekking poles – recommended;
sunglasses;
sunscreen;
at least 2 liters of water;
food and snacks for the route;
frontal – mandatory;
change of clothes and shoes.
RON
395
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