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 The following hiking options in Romania's Retezat National Park (Parcului Naţional Retezat) will be available on the Mountains of Romania trip. The Retezat Mountains are a compact cluster of peaks at the western end of the Transylvanian Alps, known in Romanian as the Carpatii Meridionali. Choose the hike that's best for you!  |
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  Lac Pietrele |
OPTION 1 Curmătura Bucurei Start: Cabana Pietrele (4,856 ft) Destination: Curmătura Bucurei (Bucura Pass) End: Cabana Pietrele (4,856 ft) Estimated time: About 5.5 hours, round trip Elevation: Gain of 2,382 ft; loss of 2,382 ft Highest point: Curmătura Bucurei (7,238 ft) Total distance: About 7 miles, round trip |
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View of Lac Bucura from Curmătura Bucurei. |
From the Cabana Pietrele, the trail ascends steadily through lovely coniferous woods. The trees gradually give way to more open country as the trail makes its way up-valley following the course of the Pietrele stream. In about two hours, reach Lac Pietrele whose calm, shallow waters reflect the surrounding peaks. The trail then begins to ascend more steeply to reach the mountain pass known as Curmătura Bucurei (Bucura Pass) from where you'll enjoy wonderful views over Lac Bucura nestled in a mountain basin to the south of the pass. Retrace your steps to return to the starting point. | ||
 The
peak of Custura Bucurei reflectedin the waters of Lac Bucura. |
OPTION
2 Lac Bucura & Peleaga Start: Cabana Pietrele (4,856 ft) Destination: Loop hike via Lac Bucura and over the summit of Virful Peleaga (Peleaga Peak). End: Cabana Pietrele (4,856 ft) Estimated time: 8 hours Elevation: Gain of 3,918 ft; loss of 3,918 ft Highest point: Virful Peleaga (8,232 ft) Total distance: About 9.5 miles |
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Descending from Virful Peleaga intothe upper Valea Rea. |
Follow Option 1 as far as the Curmătura Bucurei. Descend to the shores of Lac Bucura, the largest glacially-carved mountain lake in the Retezat Mountains. A rocky trail leads from the lake to the summit of Virful Peleaga (second highest peak in the Retezat) from where you'll enjoy far-reaching mountain panoramas. The trail then drops into the basin of the upper Valea Rea filled with numerous mountain tarns. Continue down the unfrequented Valea Rea to return to Cabana Pietrele. | ||
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© Mountain
Hiking Holidays, Inc. |
Evening light bathes the peaks of the
Retezat Mountains.
