Voina - Iezeru Mare - Roșu - Bătrâna - Păpușa - Cuca - Voina

Read Reviews

Trail Details

Difficulty

medium/hard

Distance

35,13km

Duration

15:00-26:00h

Ascent

2025m

Descent

1943m

Peak

2460m

Gallery

Tabs

Directions

IMPORTANT! I've started day one at around 9am and at around 7pm I was ready to set camp next to Păpușa peak. Next day it was a relativelly short but abrupt descent.

My Garmin recorded as follows:

...Please login in order to view more

Stages

Here is how I did it:

I've started at around 9am in the morning mid-August from Cabana Voina after parking right in front of it.
By August 2021 the blue circle trail was badly affected by the rain falls and everyone was going on the blue cross trail (I did as well).
The first stop I made is Lacul Iezer.
Right after Lacul Iezer you have the first peak Iezerul Mare (the trail is circling this to the left of it).
My second stop was at Roșu peak.
After Roșu peak straight to Bătrâna peak (no hustle). By now, every other hiker is getting ready to descend on the red triangle trail. I've searched for the Izvorul din Plai water spring hence the circling around on my gpx but I wasn't able to find it.
From Bătrâna to Păpușa is not that that difficult but lonely.
Last bit of the route is the descent (straight forward, no surprises).

Description

A 33km route packed with amazing views, a sharp ascent and similar descent, a magnificent glacier lake, some strong winds and numerous peaks you will definitely enjo...

Please login in order to view more

Observations

Things you should know about (in my opinion):

Camping is possible alongside the route and above the treeline. You will have to check for local regulations and see where exactly is or not allowed. I've seen tents at Lacul Iezer (and I recommend this spot as best for staying overnight) and during my descent at Șaua Grădișteanu (right after Păpușa peak).
If you camp above the treeline be advised of the changing weather, low temperatures, and strong winds.
Romania has the brown bear so, make sure you start your journey properly equipped for all types of circumstances.
Make sure you resupply with water at Lacul Iezer. Your next water spring is after Păpușa peak at Șaua Grădoșteanu.
From Lacul Iezer to Șaua Grădișteanu you are above the treeline so, take care of nature as much you can.
This is an amazing 33km journey possible to finish in one day only if you start before 7am, have had previous experiences with walking this kind of distances on the mountain and pack light (no more than 10% of your body weight). I don’t advise you trying this alone and only during the months of June and July.