Stâna de Râu, the entrance gate to some of the most spectacular routes in Retezat, is over 1,400 meters altitude, in the heart of the mountains, at the end of a forest road over 20 kilometers, which accompanies the spectacular valley of the Man River.
The shelter from the River Stâna. Photo: Daniel Guță. TRUTH
Taul Ţapului, a famous lake for his island, along with the dizzying views of the cities and the Păpușa peak, which exceeds 2,500 meters, and the Ciumfu Waterfall, is depicted to those who venture into one of the most difficult and spectacular mountain trails – Stânulului.
Those who do not dare to follow this difficult route can, however, enjoy the charm of the Stâna de Râu area, located at the foot of the massif, which can be reached on the forest road that accompanies the Valley of the Man Râul.
A mountain road of over 20 kilometers climbs from the village of Hobița (Pui commune) to Stâna de Râu, the place in the heart of the Retezat mountains from where one of the most difficult, but also popular routes from the Retezat National Park.
The road to Stâna de Râu – an old place of refuge for travelers who venture into this wild and hard -to -reach land, at the foot of the highest ridges in Retezat – is difficult to travel by car.
The spectacular road from the male river valley
The route starts from the village of Hobița, where the forest road of Retezat intersects with Via Transilvanica, the hiking route descending from the Șureanu Mountains, bypasses the Retezat National Park and continues to Sarmizegetusa Roman and the Iron Gates of Transylvania.
From the edge of the village, the mountain road leaves behind the most isolated settlements of the locality, slipping on the valley of the River-famous for its crystalline water, used as a source of water supply for the municipality of Hunedoara. The gorge is bordered by steep slopes, covered by thick forests, which dress the rocks for centuries. From place to place, the mountain bears the traces of landslides, rock collapses and forestry – visible scars of stone and bare earth.
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The Men’s River Valley, the Retezat Mountains Photo Daniel Guță Adevărul (96) JPG
Travelers find at almost every step reasons for admiration. The amazed river accompanies the noise of the forest, animated by the trillions of the birds. The route on the man’s valley can be traveled in at least one hour with field cars, but tourists are advised not to hurry. The road, uneven, covered with sharp stones in some areas, affected by the trages, forestry and landslides, can be a risk for cars.
At the end of the road, the travelers can leave their cars in a small meadow, from where the climb continues, passing a bridge at the foot of the hill on which Stâna de Râu was set up. From the parking place is passed by the sheep and you reach the Poiana where the camping is allowed, near a Salvamont refuge, without a permanent team, but open to tourists.
The difficult route to the Tapului Tăulului
From here starts one of the most demanding routes in Retezat: Stâna de Râu – Tăul Tapului – Closed Gates – Păpușa Peak – Păpușa Mică – Custurii Saddle – Stâna de Râu.
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The Men’s River Valley, the Retezat Mountains Photo Daniel Guță Adevărul (53) JPG
The Tapulului from Retezat, at over 2,000 meters altitude, under the closed gates of the massif, between the rocks, is known for its island formed by an avalanche, in the middle of the lake with an area of 2.3 hectares. It has a maximum depth of six meters and is powered by four springs, as well as melted snow after avalanches. His waters flow among the form, along with those of Lake Ciumfu, the spectacular waterfall which, hundreds of meters further in the valley turns into the man’s river, a tributary of Strei.
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Taul Tapului
The lake was populated with trout in 1977, and around it, marbles can often be observed.
“Following the blue dot marking, it reaches in about two hours at the Tapulului, then, crossing portions of Grohotiș, climbs into the ridge area, at the south-western end. The dolls, climb to the Păpușa Mică peak, which it bypasses on the right, and reaches the seam of Custure.informs the Hunedoara Salvamontists, according to the Retezat.ro website of the Retezat National Park.
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The Men’s River Valley, the Retezat Mountains Photo Daniel Guță Adevărul (6) JPG
Crossing this route requires attention, especially in the technical areas: closed gates, doll laundering (where steel cables are mounted) and doll spit. Being a ridge route, the water sources are few, available in the Tăul Tapului area and on the descent from Custurii saddle, warns the lifeguards.
