Hiking (fast-hard): Busteni - Take Ionescu - Malaiesti - Omu - return

The pace for this hike will be fast with some running, please contact me to check all the details before you buy your train ticket.
The track goes to Cabana Omu where there are currently 20-30cm of snow with sub-zero temperatures, you need to bring additional winter equipment (crampons: coltari / gherute, warm layers, gloves, buff, etc).
Contact me on WhatsApp +40755044666 for any questions and to add you to the event chat group once you signed up.

Please note that the meeting time is at the North Rail Station to be in time for the 6:40am train to Busteni (IR 11531 - Astra Trans Carpatic). We start the hike at 8:20am unless this train is late, in which case we'll wait for it.

Track
Busteni train station (885m) - Take Ionescu - Cabana Malaiesti (1720m) - Hornul Mare - Vf Omu (2507m) - return
Start time: 8:20am at Busteni train station
Difficulty: Hard (fast pace)
Length: 34km (or 25km)
Elevation gain: 2100m (or 1700m)
Estimated time: 10-12h (or less)
Route type: Out and back
[TBD] Optional shorter route: 25km with 1700m with start from Cabana Gura Diham

Planning (estimated)
6:40am leaving from Bucharest Nord - IR 11531 - Astra Trans Carpatic
8:16am arrive at Busteni train station
8:20am beging hike
12:00am arrive at Cabana Malaiesti (1720m)
3:00pm arrive at Vf Omu (2507m)
(Lunch: be prepared to eat on the go or while taking a very quick break)
5:00pm arrive at Cabana Malaiesti (1720m)
8:30pm (estimate) - arrive at train station Busteni (885m)
8:49pm - last train to Bucharest - we stay overnight in Busteni if we miss this train
This is just a rough estimate, do not plan other events in the evening.

Make sure you have a headlamp (lanternă frontală) in case we get caught by the dark on the way back.
The weather conditions in the mountains are very different from Bucharest, bring more warm layers.

Arrival
By train
București Nord
(6:40) IR 11531 (Astra Trans Carpatic) - Busteni (8:16) we will wait for this train if there are delays
Use this website to plan and buy tickets https://mersultrenurilor.infofer.ro/en-GB/Train-itineraries/Bucuresti-Nord/Busteni?DepartureDate=17.05.2025

There are plenty of trains to return from Busteni to Bucuresti Nord. Please do not buy a return ticket yet, as it would not be valid for another train in case we miss it.
https://mersultrenurilor.infofer.ro/en-GB/Train-itineraries/Busteni/Bucuresti-Nord?DepartureDate=17.05.2025

By car
Please plan to arrive in time by 8:00am as we start the hike at exactly 8:20am.

Packing

• Hiking backpack 20-40L
• Hiking boots or shoes (waterproof)
• Ice crampons or cleats (coltari / gherute) - there will be snow and ice
• Headlamp (lanternă frontală) in case we arrive after dark
• Rain / shell jacket
• Gloves (waterproof)
• Warm layers: quick dry t-shirt/thermal, polar/down jacket/hoodie, avoid cotton
• Water - 2-3L (buy more at Cabana Malaiesti, Cabana Omu is most probably closed)
• Fruit juice (optional) as energy drink
• Snacks - fruit, energy bars, energy gels, dry fruit
• Lunch (bring your own)
• Sun protection - hat / baseball cap, sun glasses, sunscreen, lips balm

Contact me on WhatsApp +40755044666 for any questions.