Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: On Pasture Camping - tourist destination nearby highest peak of Moldova

If you are tired of the urban agitation, we suggest you a perfect destination, where you can shelter yourself and enjoy the nature. The camping, Pe toloacă (On Pasture), is the place where you can see the most spectacular sunrises, as it is placed in the Milesti village, central Nisporeni district, about 4 km far from the famous Balanesti hill.     

The camping belongs to the Botescu family. The spouses Ana and Octavian worked abroad more years. After returning home, they wanted very much to start their own business.  

„We opened in 2022; we are a seasoned boarding house, for the time being. After we had discovered this place, we ruled to buy the plots of land; we elaborated the project, collected all authorizations, cut the orchards which were here and so, we opened in the last summer,’’ Octavian told us.   

The first investments were made just on the second day of war in Ukraine. The family won its first grant provided by the Organization for Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises’ Sector Development (ODIMM) and did not want to give up.     

„Everybody was stressed; some people were taking money out of cards, the others were buying petrol to flee, while we were waiting for the delivery of wood for the platforms of tents. Everything has been already ordered; we could not cancel. Some friends were urging us to give up the project. Yet, the circumstances did not allow us doing this. The wood represented our financial contribution, without which we were not able to receive the grant. We could not move back, although more participants did it,’’ Ana said.       

Presently, five glamping tents are placed on the area; each one is endowed with bed, chair and table. Guests can deposit their products, as well as cook in the common kitchen. An annex with the sanitary unit was constructed nearby.  

„We have a grill, as well as terrace with min-bar. We also have a tub with a capacity of 4-6 people for relaxation in nature. Interested people can rent bicycles and discover the surroundings,’’ Octavian noted.   

The grant got on behalf of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) allowed young entrepreneurs to buy and set solar panels.  

„In August, we applied for a programme of grants provided by USAID. We are expecting the answer. We want to purchase two houses with a shape of dome, which will allow us working also during winter, as they are endowed with stoves. We also want to buy a caravan for food, we might cook quick snacks, such as forcemeat balls,’’ Ana told us.     

An unusual playground, the concept of which was worked out by Mihail Stamati, was arranged behind the terrace.

„The playground was made of wood and metal. These small bells which you see are connected by pipes and children can afford vocal messages,’’ Octavian said.  

The spouses also said that the number of tourists was increasing, including of foreign ones.  

„They come from all over Europe and last week, people came from as far as Korea, by their own car. There are more travelers coming by carriages and make halts here. Taking into account this, we want to extend the period of the camping’s activity,’’ Octavian said.  

During the week, the renting of the tent for one night costs 1,000 lei and in the week-end, the price is 1,500 lei. This sum includes the breakfast as well.  

„All tourists have access to all facilities of the boarding house. Also, people can come with their own tent, paying a tax of 400 lei,’’ Octavian added.  

The season will end on 11 November, with the holding of the semi-marathon titled, Balanesti Hill. Known with the name, Peak of Miron, the Balanesti Hill is the highest peak from Moldova, with an altitude of 430 metres.