Sphinx of the Carpathians

There are very few valleys in Romania which can show such a diversity of extraordinary mountain sights like Prahova Valley. Thus, we invite you to pass "The Gateway to Bucegi" in order to see for yourselves the beauty created by the nature, a spiritual gift from God, which was protected and defended in such a way by the Romanian people, that it increased its value.
As a tribute to the sacrifices of the Romanian soldiers lies The National Heroes' Cross on Caraiman Mount, at the foot of which yet another well-known resort in the Carpathian Mountains can be found - Buşteni.
The holiday balneary and climatic resort lies at an altitude of 882 metres, at the foot of Caraiman Mountain, whose walls descend dazzlingly from almost 2000 metres, rendering a wild greatness to the landscape. It has a wonderful location, because from here there are numerous ways to Bucegi Mount, cradle of mountain tourism.
A true "natural citadel", with the interior suspended at 1600 – 2500 metres, supported by strong escarpments, it is the favourite region of many nature lovers, being also the ideal spot for those seeking a short break for charging their batteries.
The cable car and the cable chair in Buşteni allow the fast access to "the rooftop" of Bucegi, comprising several strange megalithic elements whose forms amaze everybody; it is not surprising that many legends have immersed in relation to them, like the one stating that they are prehistorical religious monuments. The most enigmatic are: Babele (The Old Ladies), Sfinxul (The Sphinx), Ciupercile (The Mushrooms), Columna (The Column), Altarul (The Altar), and Acvila (The Aquila).

This mystery has not yet been solved, and a mystic atmosphere surrounds this mountain considered as the saint mountain of the Dacians - the ancestors of Romanian people -, where Zamolxis, the supreme King of the Dacians, used to live. And due to he fact the Bucegi Mountains are the place where contrasts are obvious, their hidden side, from Izvorul Dorului and Ialomiţa, reveals a high plateau, resembling a unique natural explosion: bald cliffs and impressive heights near smooth plateaus, winding paths and noisy waterfalls, shadowy forests and glades full of light, but render extremely various nuances from one season to another.
By going through this valley and by admiring the beauty of the scenery, we reach Ialomiţei Cave, where we discover a religious atmosphere offered by the monastery guarding the entrance to the beautiful cave holding its name, as an impressive guard. The cave hides lit galleries and offers the visitor special carst elements. Before exiting this awesome scenery, by Cheile Tătarului (Tătarului Keys), we will stop near a natural dam - Lake Bolboci -, where great fir trees mirror their beauty in the water.