09MN04: Stațiunea Durău - sub Vf. Toaca - Cabana Dochia

From the centre of Durau Resort, walk up to the headquarters of Ceahlau National Park Administration and enjoy a beautiful landscape of the massif towards Piatra Lata, Panaghia, Toaca and Piatra Ciobanului rock formations. After approx. 100 m from the headquarters of the Administration, the paved road ends in front of Cascada Hotel and the path enters the forest, first along the secondary ridge between Nican creek (on the right) and Fantana creek (on the left). Then, walk up on the left bank of Fantana stream, at the edge of the forest, through a large meadow, until you reach DJ 155F Durau - Izvorul Muntelui county road. Cross the county road and first climb gradually through the mixed forest to a place where you can stop for a break. Further, the slope increases and after 15-20 minutes, you reach Fantanele Hut in Poiana Fantanele meadow. When you get in front of the hut, there is a panorama looking towards Durau Resort and Bistrita Mountains in the foreground, and to the left towards the western side of the massif, with Toaca Peak and Panaghia Cliff. Continue from the hut on the path that climbs gently to “La Morminte” Saddle, where there is a halting place. Further, the slope increases gradually until the path reaches an open place with a beautiful panoramic view of Stanisoara Mountains, bordered by the waters of Izvorul Muntelui Lake. The area is known as Curmatura Piatra Lata saddle and it is marked by the isolated rock of Caciula Dorobantului. Further, the path follows the gentle slope through the forest and when it gets to the point called Saua Muntelui saddle, it continues between the dwarf mountain pines. The trail continues below Panaghia Cliff and Toaca Peak (1,904 m) to the weather station lodge. There is a wide panoramic view of Lespezi Peak (1,805 m) and Ocolasul Mare Peak (1,907 m) and plateau. On the right side of Toaca Peak, you can see Scaldatoarea Vulturilor (Eagles’ Pool) and Piatra Ciobanului (Shepherd’s Rock) cliffs. From the weather station lodge, follow the path on the plateau, and after about 20 minutes walk over Lespezi Peak and reach Dochia Hut. Along the way, you can admire Izvorul Muntelui Lake to the left, as well as the settlements scattered on the slopes of Stanisoara Mountains and descending to the lake. The entire route from Durau up to Dochia Hut is also a thematic route, part of a Life Natura program.