Sihla Monastery-Poiana Ciungi-Văratec Monastery trail

The trail links Sihla Monastery with Văratec Monastery by way of the Poiana Ciungi meadow, within the Vânători-Neamț Natural Park. It is one of the hiking routes described in the park's management plan and is marked with a blue dot in a white circle. It is 8.8 km long, rises to a maximum altitude of 940 m and descends to 550 m, takes about 4 hours and is graded as medium difficulty. According to the management plan, the trail has moderate and gentle slopes, many viewpoints and a varied flora. From Poiana Ciungi, on days with good visibility, there are views of the Ceahlău Massif, the Cracău valley and the village of Văratec. Other trails described in the management plan also start from Sihla Monastery. The Sihla Monastery-Agapia Monastery route (blue triangle, 7 km, about 2 hours) can be covered on foot or by car, and the Sihla Monastery-Sihăstria Monastery route (blue cross, 3.5 km, 1-1.5 hours) runs entirely through forest. North-east of Văratec village lies the Pădurea de Argint forest reserve. The trail lies in the Vânători-Neamț Natural Park, a protected area declared by Law no. 5/2000, and is included in the park management plan published by the Vânători-Neamț Natural Park Administration.