Vf. Omu and Bucura Dumbravă, Bucegi Mountains

1. Babele Cable Car (2.200) - Babele - Sphinxul (2.216)

15 minutes // yellow stripe

We went up from Busteni with the first cable car. Up on the Bucegii Plateau, it was clear, but windy.

Start hiking from the station Babele cable car. The tourist signpost indicates 2 - 2,5 hours to Omu Peak, our destination, following the marker yellow band.

In a few minutes we pass Babele Hut, closed, as is the Caraiman Hut, situated a little lower, just above the Prahova abrupt.

We also pass the tired formations Babele, a monument of naturebehind the lodge. They are the result of wind erosion of the different geologic layers of conglomerates of which they are composed.

In 20 minutes we reach the Sphinx. Here are the pictures taken with Sphinx, a few minutes further north, also on our way, also monument of nature. The Sphinx measures 8 meters high and 12 meters wide. The best shooting angle is somewhere to the left of the Sphinx at 45 degrees to the Sphinx. The Sphinx is also a geological formation made of conglomerates similar to the Babel. Its name comes from its obvious resemblance to a sphinx, with a human face. It's the interesting mane above the sphinx's head. The Sphinx is the most popular attraction on this route and is visited by many tourists due to its attractiveness and easy accessibility. In the area of the Babelor and the Sphinx and a few other points in Bucegi are considered to be energy centers, hence the many theories and legends related to places.

2. Sphinx (2.216) - Șaua Șugărilor (2.350)

45 minutes // yellow stripe

Ahead, to the north, is our almost flat "boulevard" type route. Because of the flat landscape, the markers are affixed to metal poles quite thickly to facilitate orientation in fog.

In 5 minutes, we leave the left Busteni Mountain Rescue Refuge yes Baba Mare Peak (2.292 mdm). To the west in plan 1 is Muchia Obarsia and in plan 2 is Muchia Doamnele and further back the ridge Strungile Mari - Coltii Tapului - Batrana - Gutanu, which makes the junction to the north with Doamnele. To our right, to the East, at the edge Bucegi Plateau is Coștila Peak (2.498 mdm), easily identifiable by the relay. The summit of the relay is higher than the summit of Omu!

On the left will remain the peak of Obârșia (2.405 mdm) and soon we will reach the Saddle of the Saddles (2.350 mdm), where we intersect a marked path coming from Costila.

3. Șaua Șugărilor (2.350) - La Cerdac (2.400) - Șaua Cerbului (2.308)

30 minutes // yellow band

The Șaua Șugărilor opens a new perspective. On the horizon in our direction of travel to the north, the summit and the Omu hut will be clear. But the big WOW is triggered by view of the Deer Valley to the right of our path, deep and impressive and The Fangs of Moraruluisharp, jagged, unmistakable. A perfect place for lots of pictures.

From here the path climbs to the left for a short while and joins the summer trail below Fangs of the Peak (2.480 mdm), on the left of our road. We reach some other spectacular points La Cerdac again with a splendid panorama towards the Deer Valley and Moraru and immediately after that Deer Saddle, branching off with the blue band route, where the view opens towards the Turkish Mecetul and the Upper Caldarea above the Ialomite springs.

4. Șaua Cerbului (2.308) - Bucura Dumbravă Peak (2.503)

15 minutes // yellow stripe

From here the joined routes continue either under or over Bucura Dumbravă Peak (2,503 m) where there is still an energy center. We climb the summit, which is actually the winter version of the route. The climb is a bit more strenuous compared to the leisurely walk so far. The wind seems to get stronger.

After 15 minutes of climbing out of the saddle we reach the Bucura Dumbravă Peak (2.503 mdm).

5. Bucura Dumbravă Peak (2,503)

We're taking the top photo on Bucura Dumbravă Peak (2.503 mdm) and the horizon tour. The summit of Bucura Dumbravă is also called the Bypassed Peak, because there are two contour curves that surround it on two sides that meet before and after the summit, without the path that climbs the mathematical ridge.

A video of the skyline tour on Bucura Dumbravă Peak (2.503 mdm) can be found on the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u905V7sBZcE&list=PLlH9tlgCODG8Bl-3vzuVTpUAIunWRLMmr&index=14.

6. Bucura Dumbravă Peak (2.503) - Omu Peak (2.507)

15 minutes // yellow stripe

We didn't stay more than 5 minutes on the summit. The view of the Omu Peak just a stone's throw away, but especially the gusts of wind made us continue our hike. From Bucura Dumbravă Peak it drops down into a little saddle, from where you're suddenly Omu Huts.

Two hours after the start, we arrive on Omu Peak (2.507 mdm).

7. Omu Peak (2,507) and Omu Hut (2,503)

Omu Cottage, at 2.503 mdm, let's say right on the summit, was closed, Next to it, on the right as we came, is Omu meteorological station. And between them a bender that marks the summit, although the maximum height I think it is considered at the top of the cliff near the hut, which is not climbed.

At Omu many trails converge and from here the horizon opens towards Bucsoiu to the North, Creasta Morarului to the East, Valea Cerbului and behind Costila to the South-East, Vârful Bucura Dumbravă and then Obârârșia to the South, Doamnele to the South-West, the spectacular Gaura Valley to the West-South-West, Saua Hornurilor and Vârful Scara to the West, Padina Crucii to the North-West.

Continue watching the skyline tour footage on Omu Peak (2.507 mdm)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzmhMW1Xg40&list=PLlH9tlgCODG8Bl-3vzuVTpUAIunWRLMmr&index=15

and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1DZjee3Xpc&list=PLlH9tlgCODG8Bl-3vzuVTpUAIunWRLMmr&index=16.

8. Omu Peak (2,507) - Bucșoiu Mare Peak (2,492)

45 minutes // red stripe

After a fifteen-minute break at Omu Peak (2.507 mdm) we start from the metal signpost of the summit, behind the meteorological hut to the North, on the red tape. Half-facing to the left we admire once again the deep Gaura Valley, overlooked by Mount Doamnele and Mount Scara. Towards the second one a path descends through the Saua Hornurilor Malaesti. In plan 2 we enjoy the view of Piatra Craiului Mountains, and in plan 3 of Iezer - Papusa Mountains.

We continue forward. The wind becomes strong and blows from the side. Bucsoiu can be seen ahead of us and seems a stone's throw. It's not far, but even the stick isn't true because there's a deep sa - Bucsoi Saddle.

From here horizons open up. On the left is shown in its splendor Malaesti Valley, and we can even see the Malaesti cottage, on the right Morarului Valley straddled by Morarului Ridge and Creasta Bucsoiului Mic or Creasta Balaurului, spectacular in their shapes.

From Saua Bucsoiului to Bucșoiu Mare Peak (2.492 mdm) we have to climb up a steep and rocky passage, equipped with safety cables.

In three quarters of an hour after leaving Omu, we find ourselves on Bucșoiu Mare Peak.

9. Bucșoiu Mare Peak (2.492) - Omu Peak (2.507)

45 minutes // red stripe

From the top you can see the Zarnestilor Depression, Postavaru Mountains and Piatra Mare Mountains.

After a few pictures and greetings with other tourists, we return to Omu on the same route.

The descent on the chains required some care, not that it was dangerous, but you can't disregard the section either.

From Saua Bucsoiului we look once more in the four zari: north to Bucsoiu, west to Hornurile Malaesti and Padina Crucii behind, south to Omu - yes, we still have to climb! -, east to Creasta Balaurului and V. Morarului.

From Bucsoiu to Omu I traveled the same 45 minutes one way.

10. Omu Peak (2.507) - Morarului Cape

5 minutes // unmarked

After another 5 minute break at Omu Peak, we descended for 2 minutes, that's how long it takes, to the cross that can be seen on the crest of Morarului in the near view. There is the so-called Head of Moraruluiconsidered by some to be the country's 14th 2500th Ar. The cross marks the demise of Mr. Gore, former meteorologist at Omu.

To me this place doesn't look like a summit to me, neither by its shape nor by the fact that it is not separated from another summit by its own.

11. Omu Peak (2.507) - Cerbului Valley - Poiana Coștilei (1.310)

2 hours and 15 minutes // yellow stripe

We start the long descent from Omu Peak (2.507 mdm) towards Bușteni. I opted for the Deer Valley, marking yellow stripe.

The sign at the entrance to the trail indicates that the descent to Busteni via Deer Valley takes 5,5 - 6,5 hours, which I think is (much) overestimated, but maybe better.

At the beginning we go down in serpentines down to the bottom of the Cerbului valley, where we enter the forest. The wind has died down, we are a little better sheltered now. While we're still in the uncovered area, we look towards Omu (2.507)yes Bucura Dumbravă (2.503) at the back, Costila and Obarsia on the right, Creasta and Coltii Morarului on the left. Deer Valley takes place at the beginning between Costila and Moraru. The view over the Acelor or Manusii Morarului is spectacular. At about 1.750 meters we enter the coniferous forest, at the beginning of the larches that are just beginning to shed their needles.

The forest now provides shelter. We no longer feel the wind at all. We enter another world. On the rocky cliffs towards Coltii Morarului, which are still visible, we spot several black goats.

After 2 hours and 15 minutes of descent from Omu Peak we arrive in Poiana Coștilei.

12. Poiana Coștilei (1.310) - Plaiul Fânului (950)

50 minutes // yellow stripe

In Poiana Coștilei is an important intersection of tourist trails. Here crosses the red lane Busteni - Caminul Alpin - Poiana Costilei - Pichetu Rosu - Bucsoiu Mare - Omu (also the variant that we could have descended from Bucsoiu or at least from here from Pichetu Rosu) and the yellow lane Busteni - Plaiul Fanului - Poiana Costilei - V. Cerbului - Omu (our route). According to the signpost in the poiana we still have 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 hours on the yellow lane until Bușteni.

After the glade, we re-enter the deciduous forest that has dazzled us with its wonderful autumn colors. The path is covered with a carpet of colorful leaves, although the children haven't shaken it all off yet. Right on our way there is a spring where we replenish with water, not that we really need it, but it's cold and good mountain water, directly from the natural source.

We finish the descent on the forest path at the point called Hay Plain at 950 meters altitude.

13. Plaiul Fânului (950) - Bușteni Train Station (880)

35 minutes // road

In Hay Plain we meet the road that leads to the Gura Diham hut and we will descend to Busteni, our destination.

After 3 hours and 40 minutes of rapid descent from Omu Peak we reach the Bușteni Train Station. it was quite a hike, with nice October weather, but windy on the ridge. We enjoyed beautiful scenery, generous settings, very good visibility up high and wonderful colors in the deciduous forest.