Retezat National Park is Romania's oldest and wildest protected area — a compact massif of granite peaks, over 80 glacial lakes, and the last remaining virgin forests in the Carpathians. With a small group and a maximum of 8 participants, this trek ventures deep into the core zone of the park, far from roads and crowds.
Arrival in Deva or Petroșani. Transfer to the park entrance village of Râu de Mori. Equipment check, route briefing, and first overnight at a mountain pension before entering the park.
Enter the park and ascend through ancient beech and spruce forests to the Pietrele base area. Camp or hut at Cabana Pietrele, the main staging point for the high ridges. Afternoon acclimatisation walk to the first glacial lakes.
A circuit of the two largest glacial lakes in Romania — Bucura (the largest, at 8.9ha) and Zănoaga (the deepest, at 29m). The route passes a dozen smaller lakes in one of the most concentrated glacial lake landscapes in Europe.
Summit day: Peleaga (2,509m), the highest peak in Retezat. A demanding ascent on loose granite rewarded with one of the most complete panoramas in the Carpathians. Return to hut for the night.
Traverse south along the main Retezat ridge — a series of rocky summits and saddles with views into the Hateg Depression. The least-visited part of the park, with likely encounters with chamois and golden eagle.
Descent through the Retezat virgin forest reserve — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with trees over 400 years old. Return to the valley. Farewell dinner in Râu de Mori or Hateg.
Transfer to Deva, Petroșani, or onward transport. End of programme.
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