One of the maib people, Mihai Botnariuc, Product Manager in the Premium and Private Banking Division (Band), has a particular passion for... hiking. On some hikes, he ventures out with his colleagues from maib, whom he inspires to discover the beauties of our country. We invited Mihai to share for maib's blog the most fascinating trails and how you should prepare for a hike.
Discover Mihai's experiences and tips.
My passion for hiking spectacularly came to life in 2019 when I embarked on an adventure in the Făgăraș mountains. The camping trip took us to Capra Lake, at an altitude of 2230 meters, near the most famous road in the world, Transfăgărășan. That weekend was a real revelation and completely changed what defined my passions. Our guide assured us that "the first time in the mountains is never forgotten" and that this passion would become a pleasant addiction. That's precisely what happened.
The summer of 2020 brought the pandemic, with closed borders, but the passion for the mountains and travel has remained strong. We've discovered that we can do great hiking in the Republic of Moldova. Although I had the preconception that "there is nothing to see in Moldova", I understood that our country offers us a unique beauty and is a book yet to be discovered. That summer, we discovered the north of Moldova, just a few hundred kilometres from Chișinău, where we found mountain landscapes similar to those in the Carpathians, called Toltre, limestone formations over 15-20 million years old. Moldova is worth exploring for its rural villages and unique landscapes, where eternity seems to have been born.
Hikes, whether long or short, always give me a feeling of freedom and take me back to childhood, peace and eternity. That's why I'm always looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to quiet places where I can reconnect with nature and spend quality time with friends in the group.
The most beautiful hiking routes
I've had the good fortune to explore various routes, both in the country and abroad. Some of my most memorable experiences include:
- Tour du Mont Blanc (2022), Italy, Switzerland, France: Our 11-day adventure took us around the Mont Blanc massif, the highest peak in the European Union, crossing three countries and covering 180 kilometres.
- Alta Via 1, Italy (Dolomites): The Dolomites offer spectacular landscapes, with dolomite cliffs soaring skywards. The route of about 140 kilometres takes around eight days.
- Carpathian Mountains, România: We have explored various routes in the Carpathian Mountains, among which we have discovered and recommend the route from Lake Bâlea to Moldaveanu Peak, the route to Retezat Peak and the route to Omul Peak.
- La Castel Reservation, Gordinești village, Edineț: A fascinating weekend hike through the millennia-old toltre of the Sarmatian sea bed, a jewel of the northern part of Moldova.
- Ciorna Canyon, Șoldănești: A less explored route, which was also my first experience as a guide, organized together with the maib alto team.
- Duruitoarea Veche, Văratic, Rîșcani: A route recommended for its spectacular landscapes, including the largest accumulation lake on the Prut.
These are just a few of my hiking adventures, both in Moldova and elsewhere.
I have a dream of exploring Moldova step-by-step through its villages and its breath-taking rustic landscapes.
Tips if you're still daydreaming about hiking
For those who are just at the stage where they dream of hiking, here are some tips:
- Start slowly: It's not necessary to start a challenging hike the first time. Choose shorter, easier routes to build your skills and confidence. The Old Orhei and surrounding canyons can be great options for beginners.
- Quality equipment: Invest in high-quality hiking equipment such as comfortable and sturdy boots, a backpack tailored to your needs and clothing suitable for the weather conditions.
- Prepare yourself physically: Hiking can be strenuous, so make sure you're fit. Regular workouts will help strengthen your muscles and increase your stamina.
- Plan your route: Study the route beforehand, check the weather conditions and make sure you have a map and compass. Communicate with someone about your plans and itinerary for your safety.
- Respect nature: When hiking, take care of the environment. Don't leave rubbish behind, don't disturb wildlife and respect nature conservation rules.
Hiking is a wonderful passion that can help you reconnect with nature and discover your inner freedom. I hope my story will inspire you to explore Moldova and seek beauty and adventure in every corner of the country and beyond.
