Păpușa Peak

Păpușa Peak rises to 2,508 meters (8,245 feet) as the second highest summit in the Retezat Mountains of the Southern Carpathians. The peak sits within a landscape of alpine meadows and rocky terrain, surrounded by other significant summits and glacial valleys in this mountain chain.

This peak stands within Retezat National Park, Romania's first protected natural area established in the late 1800s. The park's creation marked a turning point in the nation's approach to preserving wild mountain landscapes for future generations.

Shepherds still bring their flocks to the alpine meadows surrounding the peak during summer months, following patterns of seasonal movement that have shaped life in these mountains for centuries. This practice remains visible to hikers who cross paths with herding communities on the high pastures.

Several marked hiking trails reach the summit, with the main route starting from Bucura Lake and clearly marked along the way. These paths are best traveled during warmer months when snow and ice do not block passage.

This summit sits just one meter below neighboring Peleaga Peak, creating an unusual geological feature that draws scientific interest. The near-identical heights of these adjacent peaks make this formation distinctive among mountain ranges.