Păpușa Peak, Mountain summit in Retezat Mountains, Romania

Păpușa Peak is a mountain summit in the Retezat Mountains of the Southern Carpathians, Romania. Romanian military maps give its height as 2,503.5 metres, while other sources list 2,504 or 2,508 metres; it is the second-highest peak of the Retezat massif after Peleaga. The name Păpușa recurs three times in these mountains: Păpușa, Păpușa Mică and Păpușa Custurii.

Păpușa Peak lies within Retezat National Park, the first area in Romania to be designated a national park. The park was created in 1935, when Romania placed about 100,000 hectares of the Retezat under protection. The decision followed years of campaigning by Romanian scientists and mountaineers who wanted the glacial lakes and virgin forests safeguarded.

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.

The name Păpușa ("doll") recurs three times in the Retezat Mountains alone: Păpușa, Păpușa Mică and Păpușa Custurii. The summit can be reached from Șaua Pelegii, Porțile Închise or Vârful Custura. The Romanian military topographic map L-34-94-D-d gives 2,503.5 m.