Stana de Rau shelter
On the track from Stana de Rau shelter to Taul Tapului
Arriving at Taul Tapului (the Goat’s lake)
Enjoying a well deserved rest close to Taul Tapului.
The views from Hornul Tapului pass (the Goat’s Horn pass) are breathtaking. It’s easy to see the rock that gave the pass it’s name.
The upper end of Valea Rea (Bad Valley).
And our destination for today, Papusa peak, at 2508m altitude.
We started our hike from Valea Vinului (Wine valley) and on the first day we had an easy climb to Curatel shelter. The weather was warm and cloudy, so perfect for hiking.
This is us arrived at Curatel pass and we get a splendid view of the surrounding areas. We noticed quite a few cows, horses and sheep grazing in both valleys.
This is the place we chose to spend two nights, there’s minimal furniture inside but it’s clean. For us it was perfect, so please, remember to keep it clean and lock the door when you leave.
Higher up, the snow becomes more and more fun to climb.
On our second day, we hiked up to Ineu peak. On the way we found a lot of snow remaining. In this point the track coming up from Lala lakes joins with our track, but the snow made the crossing unsafe.
This shelter is called “Under Ineu peak”. Plenty of snow left around it, we didn’t try to get in since we didn’t have the snow shovel with us.
Finally, we arrive on Ineu peak at 2279m altitude. The clouds would come and go, making the scenery spectacular. It wasn’t too cold, we spent a bit of time here looking in all directions and making plans for a future visit to the Lala lakes.
We then went back to Curatel shelter, and decided to spend another night here and enjoy the “mountain hut” a bit more. The next day we chose to walk down on the winter path, in case we would come back in winter time.
An easy walk towards Harghita Madaras peak (1801m), with low clouds hiding our target.
Unfortunately the clouds persist, so we try to find the crosses and monuments hidden from us.
We can only imagine the nice views we would get on a sunny day from the highest peak of Harghita mountains.
This is part of tour spanning several days. Check the end of the post for links to other days.
On day 2 we hiked to Peleaga peak (yellow cross mark), then Papusa peak and went back to the base camp at Bucura lake through Bucura pass.
Starting the hike to Peleaga peak on the yelow cross mark.
Piciorul Pelegii – close to the peak now
Peleaga peak, at 2509m, is the tallest peak in the Retezat mountains
Papusa peak, 2508m alt, just 1 meter less than Peleaga. Unfortunately surrounded by clouds.
Coltii Pelegii area
Custura Bucurei peak at 2359m alt. From here we descend to Bucura pass and to our basecamp close to the lake. This continues on Day 3.
Full tour links: Day 1 – Bucura camp, Day 2 – Peleaga, Papusa, Day 3 – Retezat peak, Day 4 – Judele peak – Slaveiu ridge.
This post is part of a tour that spans several days. On day 1 we hiked to Bucura lake, our base camp. After pitching up the tend we did a bit of exploration around the lake.
A fitting end – a colorfull evening – at Bucura Lake, Retezat, Whis will continue on day 2.
Full tour links: Day 1 – Bucura camp, Day 2 – Peleaga, Papusa, Day 3 – Retezat peak, Day 4 – Judele peak – Slaveiu ridge.
Hiking to Giumalau peak.
The monument close to Giumalau peak
Giumalau peak, 1857m
Giumalau hut
Back at the crossroads, after completing the loop.
The track to Duruitoarea waterfall from Durau resort
Duruitoarea waterfall
Viewpoint on the track to Dochia hut.
Pietrele Doamnei rock formation, Rarau mountains
Rarau peak, 1651m altitude
Climbing from Negoiu hut to Serbota peak.
Serbota peak, 2332m
Serbota saddle.
Climbing to Scara peak. Behind us, the ruins of Scara refuge, recenly destroyed.
Scara peak, 2308m.
Garbova vest saddle.
Avrig lake.
Crossing Porumbacelu Valley, on the track from Curmatura to Negoiu huts.
Ciomatu Mare peak, the tallest in Harghita mountains, at 1301m.
Sf Ana Lake, 946m altitude