The Carpathian Mountains have their own Golden Valley and it was discovered centuries before its famous sister in America. The Aries River runs through most of the Apuseni Mountains (the Western part of the Carpathian chain) and has been a place of attraction aver since the Romans discovered gold in this region.

Today we will hike along this river and visit some breathtaking landscapes alongside the Apuseni Mountains. We visit small, isolated villages, where people live only during summer, when they climb the mountains in search for reach grasslands. Then we will get the chance to discover two of nature’s miracles: Huda lui Papara and Vanatarile Ponorului Waterfall. The first one is one of the largest caves in the world, with a a monumental gate, over 40 meters high; it is also the place where Romania’s largest bet colony lives in. We invite you to discover the huge rooms and galleries (the Wonder Hall is over 50 meters high and 40 meters wide) and the spectacular underground river, that is over 2000 meters long. At lunch, we will enjoy a delicious picnic with homemade Transylvanian products.

In the afternoon, we will hike past the spectacula

r Vanatarile Ponorului Waterfall, where an underground river enters the huge cave.

We will return in Cluj only in the evening.

Price: 30 € /person

Price includes transportation in modern van, English speaking specialized mountain guide, picnic with local products, entrance fees and welcome drinks. Private tours are also available

Recommended gear: Hiking boots/rain coat/small backpack/hiking sticks/water bootle

Difficulty: Easy – (3 – 3.5 h hiking 300 m level difference ascending and 300 m descending)