Bușteni to Babele via Jepii Mici

The Jepii Mici route is a steep and demanding climb from Bușteni up to the Bucegi plateau in Bucegi Natural Park, Prahova County, ending at the Babele rock formations and the nearby hut. The trailhead is near the Bușteni cable car lower station on Strada Telecabinei. Trains run from Gara de Nord to Bușteni in about two hours, and the start is a short walk from the station. Park rules apply and conditions should be checked with bucegipark.ro before setting out. The route is roughly 7-9 km one way, with more than 1,000 m of ascent from Bușteni at about 900 m to Babele at about 2,200 m. The Jepii Mici climb takes about 3-4 hours, and the plateau stretch to Babele adds about an hour. The surface changes from forest path to scree, rock steps and exposed gullies, and some sections are protected with cables and chains that require careful hand and foot placement. Shade exists in the lower forest but disappears higher up, and exposure to wind, cold and sudden storms increases on the plateau. Landmarks include the steep valley walls, the cable and chain sections and finally the Babele rocks, known for their wind-sculpted shapes such as the Sphinx formation nearby. Sensible turn-around points are before the first chain sections and at the upper edge of the forest, and bailing out is easiest by returning the same way, since the upper valley has few alternatives. At Babele, the cable car runs back down to Bușteni when it is operating, but it stops in strong wind, so a backup plan for walking down is needed. Water is not reliably available on the ascent, so about 2 litres per person should be carried, and the Babele hut and nearby facilities offer food and drink at the top. Winter brings avalanche risk and ice, which makes the route unsuitable for ordinary hikers. Good fitness, sturdy boots and an early start are essential.