Wikiloc | Bucura Lake - Peleaga - Șaua Pelegii - Păpuşa

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Photo ofBucura Lake - Peleaga - Șaua Pelegii - Păpuşa - Bucura Lake (08/2023)

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Blackbirds

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Trail stats

Distance: 4.85 mi
Elevation gain: 2,769 ft
Technical difficulty: Moderate
Elevation loss: 2,769 ft
Max elevation: 8,260 ft
TrailRank: 52
Min elevation: 6,716 ft
Trail type: Loop

Moving time: 4 hours 19 minutes
Time: 8 hours 43 minutes
Coordinates: 1465
Uploaded: August 4, 2023
Recorded: August 2023

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near Râuşor, Județul Hunedoara (România)

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Itinerary description

Physical difficulty: 3.5/5
Technical difficulty: 2.5/5

Note #1: There is no mobile reception in the majority of Retezat National Park. You may get some signal on the peaks, but don't count on it. Prepare your maps in advance.

Note #2: Because of no signal, bring an app map with OpenStreetMaps overview that works offline, like OsmAnd or Muntii Nostri. The basic version of OsmAnd is completely free with more than enough features for hikers. Muntii Nostri is the official Romanian hiking app (has English option also). The free version doesn't work online, but they give you the premium features (including online functionality) for 30 days upon first registration.

Note #3: The trail is entirely in the sun, no shade.

Note #4: A source of potable water is located at Bucura Lake. Water from the lakes is not recommended for drinking.

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The trail starts at Bucura Lake, and visits two of the highest peaks in the Retezat National Park. It's mostly a there-and-back circuit, with some looping at the end, just so as not to return the exact same way. The peaks are granite ascents, so bring comfortable hiking boots.

The trail can be lengthened at will, depending on your physical condition. One popular route is to continue from Păpuşa towards Porțile Închise and Galeș Lake, the Mare peak and return via Șaua Zănoagelor. However, this will introduce some hefty elevation gain and extra kilometers to the trail.

Waypoints

Bucura Lake

Lake Bucura is the largest in the National Park, with an area of 8.86 ha, and is part of the 54 permanent glacial lakes, present in the Retezat Massif. On its shores is located an official camping place, a stream of potable water, and a mountain rescue service hut with several on-duty officers

Panorama

View of the Bucura Lake from the ascent to Peleaga peak.

Peleaga (2509 m)

It is the highest point in the Retezat Mountains with a summit elevation of 2,509 metres above sea level. It offers a great overview of a large part of the Retezat National Park area.

Intersection #1 / go right

Continue right to descend towards Șaua Pelegii, and later begin the ascent to Păpuşa peak. On your return, you will return to this intersection and continued in the other direction towards Bucura Lake.

Șaua Pelegii (saddle) / continue straight

A few paths branch at the Șaua Pelegii mountain pass. You will continue towards the Păpuşa peak looming over you from nearby.

Păpuşa (2508 m)

The 2nd highest peak in Retezat National Park, just 1 meter shorther than Peleaga. Personally, I preferred the views from Păpuşa.

Optional waypoint w/ memorial

This waypoint is entirely optional, about 5 mins from Păpuşa peak. It's marked by a small stone mound and a metal cross commemorating a deceased mountaineer. Nearby is also a good flat part of the ground to lie down, get something to eat, and rest.