Zanoaga Gorge

On the southern side of the Bucegi, the Ialomita river runs down between limestone walls, fir forests and mountain lakes. One of the most beautiful places in this valley is Zanoaga Gorge (Cheile Zanoagei), a narrow, wild gorge next to Lake Scropoasa. The area lies in the commune of Moroeni, in Dambovita county, about 116 kilometres from Gherghita.

The Ialomita Valley, in brief

The Ialomita rises in the very heart of the Bucegi, near Ialomita Cave, and flows south through a series of gorges, lakes and clearings. Along its course you find Ursilor Gorge, Lake Bolboci, sometimes called "the sea of the Bucegi", Tatarului Gorge, Zanoaga Gorge, Lake Scropoasa and, further down, Orzei Gorge. Each has its own charm, and together they form one of the most beautiful valleys in the Carpathians.

What you see at Zanoaga Gorge

• The limestone walls rising steeply on either side of the river
• The blue-green water of the Ialomita and Lake Scropoasa, especially on clear days
• The Scropoasa Dam, an old structure with an almost mysterious air, set among the rocks
• The fir and beech forests on the slopes, giving shade and coolness even in summer
• The meadows in the area, where in the warm season you come across flocks of sheep and sheepfolds

The area is good for short walks, photos and picnics, and also as a starting point for longer trails to the Bucegi plateau.

Lake Bolboci, nearby

Further up the valley is Lake Bolboci, an artificial reservoir holding almost 18 million cubic metres of water. On its shore stands the Bolboci Hut, built in 1928. The lake, surrounded by forests and mountains, is one of the finest stops on the road to Padina and Ialomita Cave.

When to go and how much time to allow

The best time is from late spring to autumn, when the mountain roads are open and the weather allows walks. In autumn the forest colours make the valley spectacular. In winter access can be difficult or impossible. For Zanoaga Gorge and the lakes in the area allow half a day; combined with Padina and Ialomita Cave, it is a full day.

One-day itinerary in the Ialomita Valley

• 07:30 – leave Gherghita, via the A3 and DN1 towards Sinaia
• 09:30 – mountain road up to the Bucegi plateau and down into the Ialomita Valley
• 10:00 – stop at Lake Bolboci
• 11:00 – Zanoaga Gorge and Lake Scropoasa
• 13:00 – lunch at a hut in the area
• 14:30 – continue to Padina and Ialomita Cave
• 17:30 – drive back to Gherghita

With children

Walks along the lakes and at the entrance to the gorge are suitable for children too. Keep them close in areas with steep banks and around the dams. Take warm clothes: it is cool in the mountain valleys even in summer.

At a glance

• Distance from Dracula Land: about 116 km, around 2 hours, via Sinaia
• How much time to allow: half a day; a full day with Padina
• Best time: late spring – autumn
• Suitable for: families, hikers, photographers
• What you will find: Lakes Bolboci and Scropoasa, huts along the valley

How to get there from Dracula Land

The distance from Gherghita to the Zanoaga Gorge area is about 116 km, around 2 hours:

• the A3 to Ploiesti and the DN1 to Sinaia
• from Sinaia take the mountain road (DJ713) up to the Bucegi plateau and down into the Ialomita Valley
• alternatively, you can come from the south, through Moroeni, along the Ialomita Valley

Mountain roads can be closed in winter or after bad weather; check them before you set off.

Practical tips

• There are few shops in the valley: bring water and food from home.
• Bears live in the area; do not leave food scraps and keep your distance.
• Respect nature: the area is part of Bucegi Nature Park.
• In an emergency call 112.

Bucegi Nature Park

Zanoaga Gorge and the whole Ialomita Valley are part of Bucegi Nature Park, a protected area that preserves forests, alpine meadows, caves and rare species of plants and animals. The park has simple but important rules: camp only in permitted places, do not light fires outside designated fire pits, do not pick flowers and do not leave rubbish behind. By following these rules you help keep the valley just as beautiful for those who come after you.

Seasons and photography

In summer the lakes take on shades of green and blue, and the forests are an intense green. In autumn the beeches on the slopes turn yellow and copper, and the morning mist slowly lifts from the lakes. For the best photos, arrive early in the morning, when the light is soft and there are few visitors.

Where to stay

After a day in the Ialomita Valley, return to quiet accommodation near Dracula Land.