# Morova Gorge Trail

- **Type:** Page
- **Language:** en
- **Published:** 2026-10-30T12:59:03+02:00
- **Last updated:** 2026-10-30T14:46:51+02:00
- **Canonical page:** https://moldova.travel/en/a/morova-gorte-birdwatching-trail
- **This document:** https://moldova.travel/en/a/morova-gorte-birdwatching-trail.md

### Orheiul Vechi cultural-nature reserve

Orheiul Vechi reserve is a natural, cultural landmark of national significance in Moldova. It is located in the center of the country, along the Raut river’s gorge. It covers an area of 11k km2.

- The reserve is categorized as Category IV through the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), for the protection of the reserves natural habitat.
- Due to its uniqueness, the Orheiul Vechi Archaeological Landscape is included in the UNESCO Indicative List.
- The reserve is part of the Orhei National Park.
- Home to about one-third of Moldova’s bird population, the reserve provides shelter for more than 100 species of birds.

## Sights along the trail

- Albu-Mascauți Cave Complex: Inaccessible, visible only from the outside.
- Ciucului Cave Complex: Inaccessible, visible only from the outside.
- Archaeological sites: Trebujeni Valea Tigancii and Mascauti - Poiana Ciucului. Conserved.
- Assumption Monastery: stone church, dating back to 1904, carved into the Pestera cave, where the monks resided in the XVIth century. Accessible for visiting.
- Butuceni Archaeological Complex: settlement from the IX-II century BC, fortified area of the Traco-Geto-Dacian culture. Conserved.
- Traditional Moldovan Home: dating back to the XIX-XXth century, part of the Exhibition Center of the Orheiul Vechi Reserve. Accessible for visiting based on ticket availability at the main Exhibition Center (10 MDL per person).

## Important information

- The trail is located in the villages of Butuceni and Morovaia. It is recommended for cycling and an easy walk along the bank of the Raut river, the Butuceni village, and the Morova village and gorge.
- The trail runs along country roads and unpaved paths, use caution as some areas may be slippery due to loose rocks. In the Morova gorge, the path is often covered by vegetation.
- This trail is exposed to the sun during summer, especially in the upper part, where there is almost no shade. It is essential to pack sunglasses, a hat and sunblock.
- Public transport to Chisinau and Orhei is available from Trebujeni, Piatra and Furceni villages. More details can be found on https://autogara.md

## Rest stops

guest houses in the villages of Butuceni and Morovaia, as well as anywhere along the trail.

## Birds

The trail provides an opportunity to observe birds in their natural habitats nestled in the rocks, meadows, water and agricultural fields. While the trail goes along the forest, you can view birds in their natural habitat.

## Equipment

- Binoculars. Orheiul Vechi Reserve, as well as the Butuceni and Trebujeni village guest houses have binoculars for rent.Contact the reception desk for details.
- Riflescope.
- Bicycles. The Butuceni and Morovaia village guest houses have bicycles to rent. Contact the reception desk for details.

## What to bring

- Cap or bandana in the warm seasons
- Hat and gloves in the cold season
- Loose and comfortable clothes; dressing in layers is recommended: shirt, blouse, sweater, vest, jacket, depending on the season
- Long hiking pants
- Waterproof clothing
- Field shoes (hiking boots or hiking sandals, depending on the season)
- Backpack
- Water
- Sunglasses
- Sunblock

## When birdwatching, we should follow several rules:

These rules are at the cornerstone of birdwatching and are aimed at both beginners and advanced birdwatchers. Observance of these rules is primarily about the respect for the nature, wildlife and the rights of other beings. We assure you that you will be more successful in your birdwatching if you will abide by them!

1. The safety of wild fowl comes first, therefore we cannot behave in a way that would scare them away or endanger their lives:
   - do not follow them
   - do not get too close to them or their resting place
   - do not stay too long near their nests and do not bother the clucking birds or birds with hatchlings in no way
   - do not listen to music at full volume
   - do not yell
   - do not make chasing away gestures
   - do not try to catch them to make photos or to have a better look at them
2. The habitat is the home of wild animals; hence we should not damage or pollute the place where we birdwatch. The following are strictly prohibited:
   - Littering on the route
   - Cutting down trees
   - Dislodging rocks
   - Taking any object as a memento
   - Smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages
   - Any other behavior that will lead to the damaging of the habitat following your visit.
3. Respect the privacy and property rights of the local people, therefore do not use your binoculars to look into people’s courtyards and houses, do not divert from the marked route and focus only on the things you are interested in.

## Further reading

- Binoculars
- Tent camping tips
- Field equipment tips
- Other birdwatching trails