Retezat Peaks & Glacial Lakes Trek

Difficulty

Challenging

Comfort

Basic

Basic+

Group size

2-15 tourists,
over 18 y.o.

Escape to the wild Retezat Mountains and live 9 days of pure alpine adventure. Trek along rugged ridges, cross glacial valleys, and explore hidden gorges. Camp in your own tent by sparkling lakes, rest in peaceful meadows, or take shelter in a mountain chalet if needed.

Conquer majestic peaks, from Judele to Peleaga, and discover the 80 glacial lakes, including vast Bucura and deep Zănoaga. Walk past cliffs, caves, and dramatic alpine landscapes, breathe fresh mountain air, and capture panoramic views that stay in your memory forever. Every step brings new sights, challenges, and thrills.

Challenge yourself, embrace mountain freedom, and create memories that last a lifetime. This trek is perfect for experienced hikers and nature lovers who crave long days on trails, alpine lakes, high passes, and authentic camping. Gather around the campfire, sleep under the stars, and return home with stories and moments you’ll never forget.

The price for a group of 2 to 15 people is €1,200

Please note: Transportation costs form a significant part of the tour price (over 60%) and may vary. Final prices for 2026 will be confirmed at the time of booking, as fuel costs and other factors may affect the total cost.

Arin P. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English, German, French, Romanian

I was born in Oradea city where I live now. As a child I wandered the mountain. My parents who were professors took me with them during the summer holidays in camps organized by the Ministry of Education, where we lived three months per year from June until September. Students were coming series after series. So, get accustomed with the every day routes, I memorized them so well, that the marks were useless for me. Then came the faculty, then the job and year after year I targeted the mountains one by one followed of course with a sejour in 2 May, the hippies resort on the Black Sea coast. In 2011, I 've got the opportunity to follow a course for mountain guides, travel guides and travel agents based on European funds which I graduated in 2012. This way I started the business which is a hobby for me. I think it is the best way it might be.

Tour highlights

Climb Peleaga Peak

Reach the highest summit of the Retezat Mountains and enjoy sweeping alpine views over glacial valleys, wild ridges, and dozens of mountain lakes

Discover Bucura Lake

Camp beside the largest glacial lake in Retezat National Park and wake up surrounded by dramatic peaks and pure mountain silence

Explore the Wild Retezat Mountains

Cross rugged ridges, hidden gorges, and glacial valleys in one of Romania’s most spectacular alpine landscapes

Route details

Begin your adventure with departure from Oradea or Cluj-Napoca and travel toward the mountains. Pass through Deva and the historic region around Hațeg before reaching the starting point of the trek.

Follow scenic mountain trails that lead through forests and open valleys toward the beautiful Lacul Gura Apei. Enjoy the peaceful landscape as the trail gradually climbs into the heart of the mountains.

Arrive at the lake after a rewarding day on the trail. Set up your tent near the water and relax in the quiet alpine surroundings. Overnight stay is in tents or a mountain chalet depending on weather conditions.

Trek details

Hiking time: around 6 hours
Distance: around 20 km
Elevation gain: around 700 m
Final altitude: 1091 m (Gura Apei Lake)

Difficulty

Challenging

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in a good physical shape

Tour provider's comments

This multi-day trek involves long hiking days (5–9 hours), distances of up to 20 km, and elevation gains of up to 1,100 m while crossing high ridges and peaks in the Retezat Mountains. It is suitable for experienced hikers with good physical fitness and prior multi-day trekking experience.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Basic+

Throughout the journey, experience a genuine mountain adventure by camping in beautiful locations along the trail.

Participants sleep in their own tents and sleeping bags, set up near alpine lakes, mountain valleys, and high-altitude refuges. If the weather conditions are unbearable, there is also the possibility to stay in a mountain hostel instead (not included in the price).

Spend your nights under the open sky and wake up to fresh mountain air and sweeping views of the Retezat Mountains — a true highlight of this authentic trekking experience.