NEW YEAR'S EVE ON PADIȘ – WINTER HIKES IN TRANSYLVANIA
NEW YEAR'S EVE ON THE PADIȘ PLATEAU IN THE BIHOR MOUNTAINS, TRANSYLVANIA
This time I'm inviting you to Transylvania, to one of the most special areas of the Bihor Mountains, the Padiș plateau, where we see out the year with hiking and a shared New Year's Eve! Pine forests, wide mountain meadows and landscapes showing a completely different side of winter await us on this five-day getaway.
We explore the area around the Ponor meadow, head for the clearings of Vărășoaia and, if conditions allow, visit the viewpoint of Biserica Moțului. We hike during the day and in the evenings relax, chat and prepare for the new year together at our accommodation!
I recommend this programme to those who love being in nature in winter too and would like to spend the last days of the year in good company in the mountains. On the longer days we cover about 8 – 12 kilometres, but in snow even that can be a challenge!
TOUR DIFFICULTY
The programme is a winter hiking trip of moderate difficulty. We mostly walk on forest paths and plateau terrain, but snow, ice and cold can significantly increase the difficulty.
If you hike regularly and 8 – 12 km a day, a few hundred metres of ascent and 4 – 6 hours on the move are no problem for you, with proper winter equipment you have a good basis for joining.
The programme optionally includes the full loop of Cetățile Ponorului and the Galbena gorge, but this depends entirely on the weather.
Daily distances, elevation figures and walking times are estimates. The exact routes are finalised based on the location of the accommodation, the current snow conditions, the weather and the group's pace. The guide decides on route changes and turning back.
Important! In the mountains many unforeseeable factors can affect the programme (e.g. changeable weather). For this reason I cannot guarantee the success of the tour and cannot accept responsibility for changes. In extreme conditions the guide always decides on changes to the programme or the route!
PROGRAMME
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01
Day one
We leave Budapest early in the morning from Nyugati railway station 📍 map so that we can reach the mountains while it's still light, if possible. The exact meeting point and departure time are finalised when we arrange the travel.
On arrival we check in to our accommodation and, if time and road conditions allow, get to know the area around the Padiș meadow on a short walk. We stretch our legs after the journey, the cameras come out and we get a taste of the plateau's winter atmosphere.
In the evening: dinner, getting to know each other and going over the programme for the next days.
Distance: 2 – 4 kmElevation: 200 m up, 200 m downWalking time: 1 – 1.5 hours -
02
Day two
After breakfast we pack our rucksacks, fill our thermoses and set off on our first longer hike. From Padiș we head towards the Ponor meadow via Poiana Rotundă. Our route follows forest paths through pine woods and small clearings.
Arriving at the Ponor meadow we take a break, eat the food we brought and have time for photos. In good conditions we make a short detour towards the Ponor spring, then return to the accommodation on the route we already know.
Today the amount of snow will largely determine our progress. In deep snow we take a shorter route and turn back earlier.
Walking time: 4 – 8 hoursDistance: 10 kmElevation: 400 m up, 400 m down -
03
Day three
On the last day of the year we set out to explore the plateau again! This time we head for Vărășoaia, where forest edges, open meadows and quiet mountain landscapes alternate.
We walk at a relaxed pace, stop at the most beautiful spots and collect a few more shared hiking memories in the old year. We return on the same route and plan the day so that there's time to rest and get ready for the evening.
In the evening: dinner together, conversation, board games and New Year's Eve celebrations! At midnight we toast the new year and the adventures to come.
Walking time: 6 – 8 hoursDistance: 12 kmElevation: 400 m up, 400 m down -
04
Day four
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05
New Year's hike around Biserica Moțului
No need to get up too early today! After a relaxed breakfast we start the new year with a shorter hike.
Our goal is the area around the Moți church, Biserica Moțului in Romanian. If the weather is good and the path is safe, we also visit the viewpoint overlooking the Padiș plateau.
If the approach is icy or visibility is poor, we take a walk on the gentler parts of the plateau. In the afternoon we return to the accommodation for a rest and one last dinner together.
Walking time: 2 – 5 hoursDistance: 6 kmElevation: 400 m up, 400 m down -
06
Day five
After breakfast we pack up and say goodbye to our accommodation. If time allows, we take one more short walk nearby, then set off home.
Arrival in Budapest depends on the weather, road conditions and traffic.
COSTS
The tour costs HUF 130,000, which includes guiding, equipment and organisation.
PAYMENT ON REGISTRATION
Payment in advance by bank transfer.
Precup Csaba, sole trader
Bank account: 12100011-17482303
Tax number: 90073115 – 1 – 42
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
Carpool travel, paid on the spot (expected HUF 15,000 – 30,000 per person, depending on the actual group size, fuel consumption and how full the cars are),
Accommodation: EUR 80 – 160, in an apartment.
Travel insurance: around HUF 3,000
EQUIPMENT
Warm clothing suited to the weather!
Waterproof boots suitable for winter hiking.
Warm hiking socks and spare socks.
Base layer, fleece or another warm mid layer.
Windproof and waterproof jacket, suitable hiking trousers.
Warm jacket for breaks.
Hat, neck gaiter, warm gloves and spare gloves.
Gaiters.
Boot traction devices / microspikes.
Trekking poles, preferably with snow baskets.
25 – 35 litre hiking backpack.
Headlamp with spare batteries or a charged battery.
Thermos, drinking water and food for the day.
Sunglasses, sunscreen.
Phone, power bank, personal medication and blister plasters.
Good to know
Travel
We travel by carpool; those travelling to the venue on their own settle the travel costs among themselves. Those travelling by carpool share the total travel cost (of all vehicles) on average. Drivers and guides do not contribute to the travel costs. The travel cost is split between the passengers of each car, divided by the number of people in the car; the guide and the driver pay no travel costs! If you have a car and driving experience, sign up as a carpool driver!
Weather
Be prepared for wintry, cold, windy and changeable weather; wind and snow can come at any time, so bring layered, warm and waterproof clothing and suitable equipment.
Food
We'll eat at a restaurant. During the hikes everyone takes care of their own food: sandwiches, sweet and savoury snacks, chocolate, energy bars.
Accommodation
We will stay in a guesthouse or apartment.
Insurance
Participation requires travel insurance covering the whole period, valid for mountain rescue and hospital treatment. Recommended insurer: EUB, extreme sports category eub.hu ↗
Sign up for this tour
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