nomád lovasudvar

30/10/2026

STAGE 3 — THE GREAT CARPATHIAN CROSSING
June 19–27, 2027
From Comandău to the Mud Volcanoes

FROM TRANSYLVANIA TO THE DANUBE DELTA & THE BLACK SEA
An Epic 1,000+ km Horseback Expedition Across Romania

The third stage takes us deep into the heart of the Carpathians. Leaving behind the remote mountain village of Comandău, we head south towards the Buzău region, crossing one of the most rugged and remote parts of the Carpathian mountain range.

This is where the character of our expedition changes. We leave the inhabited foothills behind and enter a world of vast coniferous forests, mountain streams, isolated shepherd settlements and long stretches of wilderness.

Over seven days in the saddle, we cover approximately 150 km, riding around 20–25 km per day and spending roughly 4–6 hours on horseback. The distances are shorter than in the previous stages, but the terrain is considerably more demanding. This is a real mountain expedition, where much of our journey takes place at walking pace, following steep mountain trails and crossing significant changes in elevation.

CROSSING THE WILD CARPATHIANS

This stage is probably the most remote and challenging part of the first three stages of our expedition through the Carpathians.

For several days, we travel through extensive mountain forests, following old forest roads and narrow trails, crossing streams and climbing through steep mountain terrain. There are very few villages along our route. Occasionally, we may come across an isolated shepherd settlement or a mountain pasture where shepherds still spend the summer with their flocks.

The landscape is constantly changing. Dense spruce forests open up to reveal high mountain pastures and spectacular views across the surrounding mountain ranges. There are long stretches where we may not meet another person for days.

This is also an area rich in wildlife. The vast forests of the Carpathians are home to bears, wolves and lynx, and although encounters are never guaranteed, we are travelling through their natural habitat.

Unlike the previous stages, where we often ride through villages and inhabited landscapes, here we experience a much wilder and more isolated side of Romania.

This is not about covering long distances or riding at speed. It is about crossing the mountains, travelling with our horses through challenging terrain and experiencing the Carpathians in their more remote and untouched form.

SIMPLE ACCOMMODATION, CLOSE TO NATURE

During this stage, we combine nights in small local guesthouses with camping in tents. We expect to spend two or three nights in guesthouses, while the remaining nights will be outdoors, in remote mountain locations.

Some of our campsites will be in places far from ordinary roads and settlements, adding to the expedition feeling of this stage.

As throughout the journey, our support vehicle follows the route, transporting our luggage and equipment to the next overnight location. Even in more remote and off-road conditions, we organise our camps with the necessary support, allowing us to travel on horseback without carrying our main luggage.

OUR DESTINATION: THE MUD VOLCANOES

After crossing the mountains, we reach the remarkable landscape of the Mud Volcanoes near Buzău, where this stage comes to an end.

This is one of Romania's most unusual natural phenomena. Instead of hot lava, natural gases rising from deep underground push water and clay towards the surface, creating small bubbling mud craters and miniature volcanic cones.

The result is an almost otherworldly landscape. Grey and beige mud formations, cracked and barren surfaces, small volcano-like cones and bubbling pools create a striking contrast with the green mountain forests we have travelled through during the previous days.

Our stage finishes in the area of the Mud Volcanoes, giving us the opportunity to relax and enjoy this completely different landscape after a demanding week crossing the Carpathians.

MORE THAN JUST A RIDING HOLIDAY

This stage represents a real transition in our journey. We leave the familiar mountain villages and the inhabited landscapes of the Eastern Carpathians behind and cross into a much wilder region.

It is probably the most demanding of the first three stages, both for riders and horses. The shorter daily distances reflect the nature of the terrain: steep climbs, forest trails, mountain streams and long hours travelling at a steady pace.

A documentary film will be made about the expedition, capturing parts of the journey and the experiences we share along the way.

For those joining the full expedition, this is the third chapter of our journey across Romania. For those joining just this stage, it is an opportunity to experience a genuine mountain expedition on horseback, crossing some of the most remote landscapes of the Carpathians.

STAGE INFORMATION

Duration: 9 days, including arrival and departure
Dates: June 19–27, 2027
Riding days: 7 days in the saddle
Distance: Approximately 150 km
Daily distance: Around 20–25 km
Riding time: Around 4–6 hours per day
Accommodation: Traditional guesthouses and camping (2–3 nights in guesthouses)
Terrain: Remote mountain trails, extensive forests, steep climbs, streams and mountain pastures
Starting point: Comandău, Romania
Destination: Mud Volcanoes area, Buzău County, Romania

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

From the remote forests of Comandău, we cross the Carpathians and descend towards the unusual volcanic landscape of Buzău. Three stages behind us, and the journey continues south and east towards the Danube Delta and the Black Sea.

Seven stages, ever-changing landscapes, and one long journey across Romania.

For more information about the expedition, all seven stages, dates and prices, visit our website:
www.transylvanianhorsetrails.com

23/10/2026

STAGE 2 — AROUND THE TÂRGU SECUIESC BASIN June 5–13, 2027 From Lake Saint Anna to Comandău

FROM TRANSYLVANIA TO THE DANUBE DELTA & THE BLACK SEA An Epic 1,000+ km Horseback Expedition Across Romania

The second stage begins at Lake Saint Anna, where the first part of our journey ends. From here, we continue on horseback along the foothills of the Eastern Carpathians, travelling around the Târgu Secuiesc Basin and through traditional Székely villages before heading deeper into the mountains towards Comandău.
Over seven days in the saddle, we cover approximately 150–160 km, riding for around 4–6 hours a day. The terrain, distance and pace are similar to those of the first stage, making this a natural continuation of our journey through the Carpathians.

RIDING AROUND THE TÂRGU SECUIESC BASIN

During this stage, we follow routes along the foothills of the Eastern Carpathians, travelling around the Târgu Secuiesc Basin. This region is surrounded by mountains and dotted with small Székely villages where traditional rural life remains an important part of everyday life.
Our route takes us through these villages, across open pastures and along forest tracks. We ride through a landscape of rolling hills and green valleys, with the mountains always close by.
Along the way, we encounter the quieter side of Transylvania, where farming traditions are still alive and the rhythm of everyday life has changed little over the years. As we continue towards Comandău, the landscape gradually becomes more mountainous, leading us further into the forests and hills of the Carpathians.
This stage is about exploring the region at the pace of our horses, discovering traditional villages and enjoying the changing scenery along the foothills of the mountains.

SIMPLE ACCOMMODATION, CLOSE TO NATURE

We spend most nights in traditional guesthouses, staying close to the villages and the people who live in this region. We also plan to spend two or possibly three nights camping in tents, bringing us closer to nature and adding another dimension to the journey.
Our support vehicle follows the route and transports our luggage to the next accommodation each day. This means we only need to carry water, some snacks and a few personal belongings while riding. We can travel light and concentrate on the horses, the landscape and the experience itself.
As on the first stage, we combine the simplicity of travelling on horseback with the comfort of local accommodation. Some nights we sleep under a roof, while others we spend outdoors, surrounded by the quiet landscapes of the Carpathian foothills.

OUR DESTINATION: COMANDĂU

Our destination is Comandău, a small and remote village situated at around 1,000 metres above sea level, deep in the mountains of Covasna County.
Surrounded by extensive forests and wooded mountain slopes, Comandău has a different character from the villages in the basin below. Its location, further inside the mountains, gives it a sense of remoteness and a close connection with the surrounding forests.
Reaching Comandău marks the end of our second stage. After riding around the Târgu Secuiesc Basin and passing through traditional Székely settlements, we arrive in a place where the mountains and forests dominate the landscape.

MORE THAN JUST A RIDING HOLIDAY

Our expedition is about much more than riding from one destination to another. It is about discovering different regions of Romania at the pace of our horses, meeting local people and experiencing the changing landscapes along the way.
Each stage has its own character, and this one connects the volcanic landscape around Lake Saint Anna with the mountain world of Comandău.
A documentary film will be made about the expedition, capturing parts of the journey and the experiences we share along the way.
For those joining the full expedition, this is the second chapter of a journey of more than 1,000 km, crossing Romania from the Eastern Carpathians to the Danube Delta and the Black Sea. For those joining just this stage, it is an opportunity to spend nine days exploring the Carpathian foothills and mountain villages on horseback.
The experience doesn’t necessarily have to end when the stage finishes. We invite participants to spend a few extra days with us at our base camp near Comandău, if they have the time and feel like staying. We share the daily tasks, take care of the horses, organise the camp kitchen, and enjoy the surrounding mountains and forests. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring the area.
During these extra days, participants only contribute towards the cost of food, currently estimated at around €25 per day.

STAGE INFORMATION

Duration: 9 days, including arrival and departure Dates: June 5–13, 2027 Riding days: 7 days in the saddle Distance: Approximately 150–160 km Riding time: Around 4–6 hours per day Accommodation: Traditional guesthouses and 2–3 nights camping Terrain: Mountain foothills, forests, open pastures and traditional villages Starting point: Lake Saint Anna, Romania Destination: Comandău, Romania

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

From Lake Saint Anna, we ride around the Târgu Secuiesc Basin and further into the mountains, discovering more of Transylvania along the way. This is the second stage of our journey from the Eastern Carpathians to the Danube Delta and the Black Sea.
Seven stages, ever-changing landscapes, and one long journey across Romania.

For more information about the expedition, all seven stages, dates and prices, visit our website:
www.transylvanianhorsetrails.com⁠�

18/10/2026

STAGE 1 — THE JOURNEY BEGINS- May 22–30, 2027 From the foothills of the Eastern Carpathians to Lake Saint Anna

FROM TRANSYLVANIA TO THE DANUBE DELTA & THE BLACK SEA An Epic 1,000+ km Horseback Expedition Across Romania

The journey begins at the Transylvanian Horse Trails farm, at the foothills of the Eastern Carpathians. From here, we set off on horseback through remote mountain landscapes and traditional Székely villages, heading towards the beautiful Lake Saint Anna.
Over seven days in the saddle, we cover approximately 160 km, spending around 4–6 hours a day on horseback.

RIDING THROUGH THE EASTERN CARPATHIANS

We follow remote mountain trails through a landscape where traditional rural life is still very much part of everyday life. Along the way, we pass through small, hidden Székely villages, ride across open pastures and forest tracks, and encounter shepherds looking after their flocks in the mountains.
This is a region rich in wildlife, with vast forests and remote areas where nature still has plenty of space. We ride mainly at elevations of around 800–1,000 metres, with some sections reaching higher ground.
This first stage is about discovering the quieter side of the Carpathians, travelling on horseback through a landscape that has preserved much of its traditional character.

SIMPLE ACCOMMODATION, CLOSE TO NATURE

We spend most nights in small, traditional guesthouses, with one or possibly two nights camping in tents.
The nights can still be chilly in the mountains, so we combine nights outdoors with the comfort of local accommodation.
Our support vehicle follows the route and transports our luggage to the next accommodation each day. This means we only need to carry water, some snacks and a few personal belongings while riding. We can travel light and concentrate on the horses, the landscape and the experience itself.

OUR DESTINATION: LAKE SAINT ANNA

The stage finishes at Lake Saint Anna, one of the most remarkable natural landmarks in this part of Romania.
The lake lies at an altitude of 946 metres, inside the crater of the Ciomadul volcanic massif. Surrounded by forest-covered slopes, it offers a very different landscape from the mountain trails and villages we have crossed during the previous days.
The lake is fed mainly by rainwater and snowmelt. Nearby, the Mohoș peat bog occupies another volcanic crater and preserves a fascinating natural environment with distinctive plants and wildlife.
Reaching Lake Saint Anna on horseback gives us a memorable destination after a week of riding through the Eastern Carpathians.

MORE THAN JUST A RIDING HOLIDAY

Our expedition is also about the people who live in these mountains, the horses that carry us, and the simple rhythm of travelling together.
A documentary film will be made about the expedition, capturing parts of the journey and the experiences along the way.
Participants are welcome to arrive at our farm one or two days before the stage begins, at no extra cost, if they would like to experience the preparations and meet the team before setting off.
The experience doesn't necessarily have to end when the stage finishes. We invite participants to spend a few extra days with us at our camp near Lake Saint Anna, if they have the time and feel like staying. We share the daily tasks, take care of the horses, organise the camp kitchen, and enjoy the surrounding mountains. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring the area.
During these extra days, participants only contribute towards the cost of food, currently estimated at around €25 per day.

STAGE INFORMATION

Duration: 9 days, including arrival and departure Riding days: 7 days in the saddle Distance: Approximately 160 km Riding time: Around 4–6 hours per day Accommodation: Traditional guesthouses and 1–2 nights camping Terrain: Mountain trails, forests, pastures and traditional villages Destination: Lake Saint Anna, Romania
This is where our journey begins: the first stage of an expedition of more than 1,000 km, travelling from Transylvania to the Danube Delta and the Black Sea. Seven stages, ever-changing landscapes, and one long journey across Romania.

For more information about the expedition, all seven stages, dates and prices, visit our website:
www.transylvanianhorsetrails.com⁠�

23/09/2026

The season is over.
Now they spend their days mostly just grazing freely. Well… there isn’t that much grass left, so at this time of year they taste pretty much everything they can find — branches, fallen leaves, and whatever fruit is still dropping from the trees.
And they have definitely put some weight on. 😄
They are rested, happy, and always seem genuinely pleased to see us. They come over as if they were asking:
“So… you’re not saddling up? Aren’t we going somewhere?”
Autumn is here. The days are getting colder, and slowly they are starting to look a little more like bears — their thick winter coats are coming in. 🐴🍂
And watching them like this reminds me again that a horse is not just something you ride.
If you spend enough time with horses, you slowly learn to notice the things they don’t say loudly.
A change in their breathing. The way they look at you. A small movement of the ears. A different step. Tension in the body.
These small things tell us a lot.
The better we learn to listen, the better we understand them. And when a horse feels understood, trust starts to grow.
For me, good horsemanship is not about controlling a horse. It is about learning to listen, understand, and communicate with them.

20/09/2026

19/09/2026

Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬

I have wanted to come here for a long time. Horse riding in Kyrgyzstan is almost a legend in Europe, and I was really curious to experience it myself.

So here I am.

The mountains are huge, the landscapes are wild and beautiful, and riding here is certainly a very different experience from riding in Transylvania. I have seen some amazing places and had some really good moments, but I have also seen things that made me think.

And maybe that is the most interesting part of travelling.

I came here expecting to discover a lot of new things and maybe even come home with some ideas about how we could do things differently at Transylvanian Horse Trails.

Instead, I am going home with an even stronger appreciation of what we already have at home.

The horses, the routes, the food, the organisation, the logistics and the way we put the whole experience together. I always knew we were doing things well, but seeing another very famous horse-riding destination from the inside made me appreciate it in a different way.

Sometimes you have to travel quite far to see your own work from a different perspective.

Kyrgyzstan has definitely given me some beautiful memories, but also something else I didn't expect — a lot of confidence and energy for what we are doing in Transylvania.

And I will take that energy home with me, especially for our big 2027 expedition from Transylvania to the Danube Delta and the Black Sea.

I’ll see you in the Carpathians. 🐎

Zoltán

transylvanianhorsetrails.com

01/09/2026

Some reviews are more than just reviews. ❤️

This is probably the most heartfelt and detailed testimonial we’ve ever received — beautifully capturing not only the riding, the landscapes and the horses, but also what it truly feels like to experience Transylvania with us.
And the beautiful footage makes it even more special. 🎥🐎🏔️
A huge thank you to Angelique Peters for taking the time to share her experience with such honesty, warmth and beautiful storytelling.
If you’ve ever wondered what a week on horseback through the heart of Transylvania is really like, take five minutes and watch this. ❤️
Thank you, Angelique, for becoming part of our story. 🙏

www.transylvanianhorsetrails.com

31/08/2026

sweet memories of our Belgian group, who joined in June!

30/08/2026

scenery of our summer ~

sunny days blended with dramatic skies full of rain clouds and thunder - we ride through a myriad of landscapes, but also all kinds of weather conditions 🌦️

this year's riding season is finished, but you can join our adventurous expedition next year: from Transylvania to the Black Sea on horseback, in 7 different stages! Only for the ones who can dance both under the rain clouds and sun rays ;)

Www.transylvanianhorsetrails.com