Drone view over Hornurile Malaiesti.
Flying close to Omu peak. Check out the weather station and the tourist hut burried in the snow!
Close to Bucsoiu peak and Malaiesti valley.
Overview of Malaiesti valley, with Piatra Craiului mountains visible in the background.
Since the western side of the Bucegi mountains were an area we’ve never been before, we decided to take a day trip and explore a bit.
We started from Simon village, following the path marked with yellow triangle symbols, until we reached Moara Dracului (Devil’s mill) waterfall.
At this time of the year, the water flow was reduced, however, it’s still a nice place to discover.
We then followed the blue triangle taking us to Gutanu meadow. This way we got a good view of the western ridge of the Bucegi mountains.
We then visited the old mountain hut “Bangaleasa” which is not doing great these days, and closed the loop back to Simon village on the blue stripe track.
Today’s one day hike takes us from Moeciu de Sus village towards Bucsa peak, then follows Bucsa pass, over Coltii Strungii ridge to Strunga shelter. We will reach Moeciu de Sus again on a different track, the one that goes through Pravalelor valley,
The first pano of the day, taken just under Bucsa peak, shows us in the forest we crossed to get here and in the far back the Piatra Craiului mountain ridge.
Here we are on Bucsa peak, getting a good overal view of the western side of the Bucegi range but also of Leaota and Piatra Craiului mountains.
Here we already crossed Bucsa saddle and after a quick climb we get the first views towards the Bucegi plateau.
We went a bit of the marked track to climb on this ridge, called Coltii Strungii (Strungii teeth).
Pano taken in front of the Strunga shelter, a clean and well maintained wooden hut. We’re always happy to pass by this friendly place so we stopped for a quick snack.
After leaving from Strunga shelter, we have to cross this exposed area under Grohotisul range. This is on an avalanche path so crossing it needs extra care in the winter.
Last pano of the day, before arriving back in Moeciu de Sus. We are crossing the little wooden bridges over the river in Pravalelor valley. The name means “tumbling”, refering to the steepness of the valley and the many waterfalls of the river. At this time, the melted snow meant that the river was out of it’s normal course and size and was running even on the walking track.
Baba Mare peak offers a nice view of the whole Bucegi south plateau. This time we started our hike from Piatra Arsa hut.
First glimpse of Coltii Morarului from Sugarilor pass.Cerbului Valley, seen from under Coltii Obarsiei.
Our destination, Omu peak, with the hut and weather station.
Viewpoint towards Bucsoiu peak and Malaiesti valley.
Coltul Zilistea
Valea Lunga
Leaota peak – 2133m
Descending towards Bratei hut
Close to Rateiu peak
Entering the forest towards Bratei hut
Malaiesti cabin
The cross marking Padina Crucii
Great views towards Tiganesti peak
Hiking on Padina Crucii Ridge with some great people from “Amicii Salvamont Brasov” association.
Sunny views towards Malaiesti valley and Bucsoiu peak from Padina Crucii.
Located on the northern slope of the Bucegi Mountains, in the valley with the same name, Chalet Malaiesti (1720m) provides shelter for tourists who want to hike in this area.
From Diham Chalet, you can reach Malaiesti on 2 separate paths. I used one path to reach the chalet and the other for the return trip, and I strongly encourage all visitors to do the same.
The first one is trough Glajariei valley, marked with a blue cross and later with a blue stripe.
Last souce of water towards Malaiesti – as we find out after desceding from Diham. At this point we will cross Armasarul river on the bridges built here and start our climb towards Malaiesti.
After climbing all the way from Armasarul river, we can take a break here and admire the nice view. The climb will be much easier onwards.
And finally we reach our destination – Malaiesti chalet
The second path that takes you to Malaiesti is trough Pichetul Rosu glade, marked with a red circle, and onwards trough Bucsoiului glade and Prepeleac pass, marked with a red triangle all the way.
! Please remember that this path is not available during winter or early spring. This path takes you much higher than the one through Glajariei valley and the snow can block the crossings !
Another panorama closer to the rocky tower marking the northern side of the pass.
Prepeleac Pass – from here we start our descent towards Pichetul Rosu / Bucsoiul Glade.A wild glade, on the slopes of Bucegi mountains, and the last glade you encounter before arriving at Pichetul Rosu.