Traseu: Bran – Poiana Gaura – Cabana Omu (cruce roșie)

In short (checked 13 October 2026)

A long, demanding route with over 2,000 m of ascent, from Bran through the Gaura Valley to Cabana Omu (2,507 m); not recommended in winter. Waymark: red cross (code 01MN23). Distance: 15.65 km according to Munții Noștri, 15.8 km according to OpenStreetMap. Elevation: 2,068 m of ascent and 334 m of descent. Duration: 9:30 h; the Munții Noștri description speaks of about 9 h. Difficulty: difficult according to P2, medium/difficult according to the Munții Noștri page.

Where it goes

According to Munții Noștri, the route crosses the village of Poarta to Podul Oprișului, follows the Poarta Valley and climbs Muchia Izvoarelor, on a forest road and then a footpath, for 2–2½ hours towards Muntele Gaura, up to Șaua Polițe (1,623 m). It drops through the forest and climbs to Poiana Gaura, then enters the Gaura Valley; about 20 minutes up the valley floor, a 5-minute detour leads to the Moara Dracului waterfall. It climbs the valley's glacial steps, one of them with cables and a section with chains, to the sheepfold in the upper cirque, then to Șaua Hornurilor and, in 30–45 minutes, to Cabana Omu (2,507 m). The source calls the Gaura Valley one of the most photogenic areas of the Bucegi.

Safety

In winter the route is not recommended and is described as inaccessible. Water: a spring on the left slope of the Gaura Valley. Shelters: the shelter at the sheepfold in the upper cirque of the Gaura Valley, then Cabana Omu and the Salvamont refuge next to it, at the end. Check beforehand whether the huts are open and have room. The source recommends it to experienced hikers used to more than 2,000 m of elevation gain. The glacial steps have cables and chains. The risk of bears is not published in our sources. In an emergency call 112 or 0SALVAMONT (0725 826 668). Salvamont Brașov (county service), information: 0736 628 948.

Getting to the start

From MAX International in Râșnov, take the DN73 towards Bran. The route starts in Bran and first passes through the village of Poarta. Parking at the start is not published in our sources. The route does not return to the start, so plan your way back beforehand. Cabana Omu is at 2,507 m and can only be reached on foot. You can see the distance and driving time with the navigation buttons on this page.