Retezat Mountains Trekking Tour
Retezat Mountains
The Retezat Mountains, a natural reservation park since 1931, are unique among Romania’s mountain ranges. They feature characteristic glacial landscapes, including valleys, lakes, and glacial domes, along with numerous gorges, caves, and cliffs. The Retezat Mountains captivate visitors with their stunning 80 lakes, including the largest one, Lake Bucura, and the deepest, Lake Zănoaga.
Trip information:
Main category: Mountain
Difficulty: Very hard
Number of days: 9
Minimum number of participants: 2; Maximum capacity: 15
Price: €100 per day per group (price includes tour guide fee only)
Seasons: Summer, Autumn (May – October)
Focus areas/activities: Landscapes, Nature monuments, History, Hiking
Required equipment: Mountaineering tent, sleeping bag, waterproof boots, thermal clothing, backpack, food for 9 days, aluminum thermos, raincoat, warm clothing, excellent physical fitness
Day 1: Start at Oradea or Cluj → Deva → Hateg → Lacul Gura Apei (overnight in tents or chalets, depending on weather conditions). Trip duration: approximately 6 hours. Elevation gain: about 700 meters. Altitude: 1,091 meters. Distance traveled: ~20 kilometers.
DAY 2: Lacul Gura Apei → Păliugii meadow (camp overnight in tents). Duration: approx. 6 hours. Elevation change: ~500 meters. Altitude: 1,600 meters. Distance traveled: ~20 kilometers.
DAY 3: Păliugii meadow → Lake Bucura (camp overnight in tents). Duration: approx. 2 hours. Elevation gain: ~400 meters. Altitudes: Păliugii meadow 1,600 meters — Lake Bucura 2,040 meters. Distance traveled: ~10 kilometers.