WALKING IN THE TATRA MOUNTAINS
A two weeks tour in which we explore the spectacular scenery of the Tatra National Park on the both sides of Polish - Slovak boundary. During the tour there will be several full day walks amongst high mountains and in close contact with nature. We will also visit Krakow, one Europe's outstanding historic cities.
ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Arrival in Krakow. Transfer to hotel, in the evening - welcome supper.
DAY TWO
We travel by coach to the mouth of Chocholowska Valley (Western Tatra) visiting on the way the famous Chocholow Village, a living museum of folk culture. Then we continue on foot to the mountain hut "Chocholowska" where we spend the next two nights.
DAY THREE
A full day walk along majestic ridges of the Western Tatra including Wolowiec (2063 m) and Jarzabczy Peak (2137 m).
DAY FOUR
We leave the Chocholowska Valley to reach the next hut in Koscieliska Valley, walking along a nice ridge called Ornak (1853). In the afternoon we can also visit the quiet lake Smreczynski. Overnight stay in the hut.
DAY FIVE
A full day walk amongst the limestone scenery of Czerwone Wierchy (Red Peaks, 2122 m) to Zakopane, the capital of the Polish Tatra. We spend the next two nights in a comfortable rest-house.
DAY SIX
Free day in Zakopane, in the evening a meeting with Highlanders and their local culture.
DAY SEVEN
We ascend Gasienicowa Alp to reach "Murowaniec" hut (1500 m), where we can leave heavy sacks, and continue to the higher parts of Gasienicowa Alp or even climb Koscielec (2158 m) a granite pinnacle rising above the mysterious Black Lake. An overnight stay in the atmospheric "Murowaniec" mountain hut.
DAY EIGHT
If the weather is good we will try to climb Swinica (2301 m) via Zawrat Pass (2159 m). This route involves some scrambling, as it partly leads along the famous "Eagles Path". In case of bad weather there are many other possibilities in the area of Gasienicowa Alp. Overnight stay at the same place.
DAY NINE
Transfer to the area of Morskie Oko lake; depending on the weather and participants' preferences, we can choose a route via a high pass (Krzyzne, 2113 m) and the beautiful Valley of Five Polish Lakes, or an easier route through forest and meadows. The next two nights we will spend in one of the charming, but relatively simple huts.
DAY TEN
A full day walking amongst the superb "Alpine" scenery in the vicinity of Morskie Oko Lake. You can choose a relaxing walk around the lake, or e.g. ascend Rysy (2499 m), Poland's highest peak.
DAY ELEVEN
We leave the hut in the early morning and cross the border at nearby Lysa Polana. The walks heads south-east through Koperszady Valley to Brncalova hut in the Kiezmarska Valley.
DAY TWELVE
A full day walk exploring the area of Kiezmarska Valley, one of the most beautiful in Slovak Tatra. Overnight stay at the same hut.
DAY THIRTEEN
Quite a long walk from Brncalova hut to mountain hotel 'Sliezsky dom' in the Wielicka Valley.
DAY FOURTEEN
We leave 'Sliezsky dom' for a final exhilarating walk in the Tatra, returning north to the border at Lysa Polana via Polski Grzebien Pass (2200 m) and the remote Bialej Wody Valley. A coach will take us from Lysa Polana back to Krakow.
DAY FIFTEEN
Time to shop or sightsee Krakow before departure.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
ACCOMMODATION
We stay in comfortable hotel in Krakow sharing two-bedded rooms with adjacent shower and toilet. In the Tatra we stay in mountain huts, basically with communal sleeping arrangements.
MEALS
Full board, from arrival in Krakow until breakfast on the last day. Packed lunches will be provided during mountain tours.
GROUP SIZE and STAFF
Maximum fifteen participants accompanied by licensed Tatra guide.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
During the tour there will be several full day walks amongst high mountains, following routes which are well within the capabilities of any reasonably fit person who enjoys walking. The hardest walking routes in the Tatra use exposed ridges, involving some scrambling and the use of fixed chains or ladders. The choice of these routes will be governed by the discretion of the mountain guide and the preferences of participants. On some days it will be possible to opt out of the walk if you prefer a more restful alternative.
PHOTO GALLERY
