Wandering into the world of the Salt Canyon

We start our hiking tour in the mining town of Balan (840 m) as we embark on our trail gradually climbing to the Lonely Stone Hut (1504 m). This trail is part of the Bicaz Gorges - Hasmas Mountains National Park and it can be accessed only by foot or by horse riding. After having a break at the mountain hut, the brave ones can climb the 1608 m high rock cathedral, called Lonely Stone and be rewarded by the gorgeous panorama that reveals from the top. We continue our trail either to the top of the Great Hasmas Mountain (1792 m) or to the top of the Ecem Mountains (1707 m). We descend back to our car on the same trail. Those who choose to extend their trip with one extra hiking day, can stay for overnight at the mountain hut and enjoy the sunset around the Ciuc Basin and a traditional polenta with cheese and drinks served by the hosts.The hut has electricity, bunk bed style rooms and meals served in the dining room with long wooden tables and seats. There is no running water, but you can find a spring a couple hundred meters away.

Our easy walking tour is recommended especially to families with kids or groups of friends who like being outdoors in nature. The trail can be easy to moderate and tailored to the specific interest and physical fitness of the group. During the tour we hike up to one of the best belvedere points of the Gyimes Valley, the rocky towers called Fortress of Owls by the locals.

The Ciuc Region Transylvanian Carpathian Association is a not-for-profit non-governmental association. The goals of EKE are to: protect the natural environment; practice and promote hiking and ecotourism in general; and know, popularize, and protect cultural and ethnic values.

Carpathian Escapes was created to allow the world to discover a most beautiful part of Europe, a hidden secret, the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania.  Carpathian Escapes is a fully bonded travel agency that was funded with an EU grant obtained by local enthusiasts who have joined together to provide various trips for those seeking an active holiday with breathtaking sights whilst surrounded by the peace and tranquility rarely found today. Guided by the volunteers from the mountain rescue team the Escapes daily programs offer snow mobile trails, hiking routes and ski touring to challenge all levels. These Escapes take you back in time to where the local people still live as they have for the past fifty years. Accommodation has been selected to allow you to experience the life there, in essence an Escape from the modern day world and stresses of the western lifestyle.

Hargita Outdoor was founded by a group of friends who are enthusiastic about sports in nature and have a strong local knowledge of the mountains and wildlife in the Hargita Region. Our vision is to promote the importance of preserving one of the largest untouched forests in Europe - our common natural heritage - while riding, biking or walking through it in an environmentally friendly, active way. Let it be skis, snowshoes, mountain bikes or hiking boots, we’ll guide you through breathtaking places while you can learn about this amazing habitat.  Ski and snowboard instruction Skiing/snowboarding is a complex form of movement. With qualified help you can save a lot of time and energy during the learning process. Our instructors help you master the basics of skiing/snowboarding, correct your technique or develope your knowledge, while you are having a great time. Our main working point is the Harghita Madaras, but we are open to arrange courses in the surroundings, as well. Feel free to contact our qualified instructors!