Retezat Mountain Guide

Retezat Mountains, group of South Carpathians, west point, reaching the highest peak at 2509m Peleaga, represents a mountain group, famous for its views, completely accessible during the summer, and 80% accessible to peaks in winter (other groups can be less during winter 50% even 30% Piatra Craiului). The relief presents certain characteristics which can be considered unique in the world, though human frustation deleted its most famous virgin forests crown; nevertheless, the mountain still keeps its dignity and a trip during winter there can be the best cure for any "course"; it is recommended for advanced and beginners, having completely easy footpaths untill 2000m and above in winter. In summer is it's gracious deep blue-turquoise lakes comfort the eye of the soul!

One more thing you must take into account: we have equipment for winter and training too! It is the only organization doing winter rigdes in the winter! Nobody, EXCEPT US, is climbing peaks in winter - some are scared of avalanche, most have no equipment, and 95% of them hate the job; they, the rest, are doing it for money....they will try to take as much money from you as possible for all kind of shits! We do not ask any money - not before the tour, like the rest (like whores), not after! It's up to you if you want to pay, if you enjoyed your winter tour! But you can also make some advert for us, because, unlike the "whores"-guides you find first page in google and all big travel sites, nobody is doing advert for a small guide which loves his work, loves nature, and doesn't have a whorish bevahiour ripping you of all your money for shitty views under 1800m!

Geographic detais

Retezat is probably the most prominent mountain area of the Southern Carpathians, covering almost 500 square km. Its average elevation is over 1500 m, with a quarter of its territory rising above 1800 m . The region, made up of mostly granite/grandiorite massifs, was formed by glaciers of the Pleistocene era. These glaciers streched over several kilometers (the longest one, in the Bucura Valley, could have surpassed 15 km). As a result of - in geological terms - recent glacial activity, Retezat is rich in beautiful tarns and waterfalls.

  • The range is characterized by its two parallel main ridges that are connected by a short ridge, forming an H-shape. The northern ridge is higher, on average, than its southern counterpart. The west end of the southern main ridge (Piule-Iorgovanu ridge) consists of mainly limestone. This area, often referred to as "Little Retezat" (Retezatul Mic), is rich in karstic formations: steep white walls, gorges, caves and dolinas characterize the scene.

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Due to erosion by frost-cracking, the terrain is almost exclusively rocky in the higher regions. Take caution when walking on this scree, partly because of unstable ground and partly because trail markations are harder to spot here

Wildlife

is rich in..

  • These mountains are inhabited by chamois, wolves, lynx, bears, otters and marmots (re-introduced in the seventies), several species of birds of prey, reptiles like salamanders and vipers (Vipera berus and Cerastes cornutus - take care on sun-warmed rocks, especially in Little Retezat). Trouts are common in lakes and creeks. Cows are brought up from the villages to graze in the summer