[EN] The Leaota Mountains, part of the Carpathians, are a unit with pronounced massivity, tied closely to Bucegi Mountains. Unlike the mountain group in which it is included, in terms of petrography, Leaota Mountains represent a core of crystalline formations. These mountains are bounded in the north and west by Rucar-Bran-Dragoslavele corridor, on the eastern side by the Bratei valley, and the south limit is given by Subcarpathians.
From a biogeographical point of view, Leaota Mountains are conspicuous through a attitudinal leveling of vegetation. Most of the forests are dominated by deciduous forests, mainly beech, up to altitudes of 1200m, then to 1450m a transition level in which beech is mixed with resinous, followed by growing coniferous forests, especially the fir tree. At 1800 m, subalpine and alpine meadows are present, dominated by shrubs, rhododendrons, blueberries, cranberry, juniper, dwarf azaleas, etc.. Life inside the forests of Leaota mountain is particularly agitated. The brown bear, wild boar, squirrel, wolf, badger, tree marten, wildcat and lynx inhabit these forests. The grouse, blackbird, jay or the dormouse delight the forest with their singing. The cold waters, fast and oxygenated, are populated by indigenous trout, chub and barbel.
The following routes, that can be made by hiking enthusiasts, will delight you for sure, but will test your endurance as well: Saua Giula – Pasul Giuvala; Stoenesti Village– Leaota Peak; Rucar Village – Runcu Village; Cantonul Bratei – Leaota Peak; Badeni Village – Leaota Peak; Cotesti Village – Leaota Chalet; Runcu Village– Podu Dambovitei Village; Podu Dambovitei Village – Dragoslavele Village; Braduletu Valley – Bucsa Peak; In addition to hiking trails, Leaota mountains are allowing Racing Enduro, Road bike trails, rock climbing, winter sports, etc..
Remember, no matter how friendly this mountain may seems at the first glance, every time will prove otherwise for careless tourists. Adequate mountain equipment, the knowledge of weather conditions, and orientation are essential for a pleasant trip!
[RO] Munţii Leaota posedă un potenţial natural excepţional, oferind turiștilor posibilitatea practicării unor sporturi sau activități specifice ca drumeție, mountain bike, schi de tură, escaladă, canyoning, speologie etc., fapt datorat culmilor sale domoale, străbătute de numeroase drumuri pastorale, respectiv sectoarelor de chei de pe cursurile râurilor Dâmbovița, Ghimbav, Urdărița, Rudărița, Orăția etc
Totodată, comunităţile situate la poalele sale sunt păstrătoare ale unor vechi obiceiuri şi tradiţii populare: “nedeia”, "masura laptelui", "însemnarea vacilor”, "ravasitul oilor", Focul lui Sumedru, Brezaia etc.
Istoria locului este legată de întemerierea primului stat centralizat din Țara Românească și de existența celui mai important drum comercial dintre aceasta si Ardeal. În zonă există numeroase vestigii istorice cvasinecunoscute, care pot constitui puncte de atracție pentru turiști: Cetatea Orăției, crucile vechi cu inscripții slavonești de pe Drumul Voievozilor, Drumul Roman, Cetatea "Negru Vodă", schitul rupestru de la Cetăţeni, Manastirea Negru Voda din Campulung-Muscel, Castrul Roman Jidava etc