Few visitors to the Slovak Republic (part of former Czechoslovakia) take the trip out to Slovakia’s magnificent mountains, but adventure travelers know what they have to offer: challenging hiking and spectacular alpine scenery. The High Tatras, on the Polish border, are a scaled down version of the Alps, where snow stays all summer atop jagged granite peaks, waterfalls tumble from stark rock walls, and jewel like tarns sparkle in wide, green glacial valleys. And in the Malá Fatra mountains, a subsidiary range, deep narrow gorges and ridgetop trails offer great hiking, while a rich alpine flora is found along its quiet forest paths and richly green meadows.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival to Poprad city and transfer to center of High Tatras. Accommodation in Stary Smokovec or Tatranska Lomnica. Transport from Kracow, Vienna, Budapest may be arrange on request.
Welcome dinner and briefing with local guide.
Day 2: We take an easy hike from the hotel through beautiful forests to Sliezsky Dom, situated at the base of Gerlachovsky (8,710), highest peak of the High Tatras and the focus of tomorrow’s optional climb. Slizsky Dom is on the shore of Velicke Pleso (lake) and the area is known for its abundant alpine wildflowers. Return to our hotel, enjoying panoramic views of the Low Tatras and villages of the High Tatras.
Day 3: We walk from Stary Smokovec to Hrebienok (using funicular is another option) and walk up the Mala Studena valley to Teryho chalet, the oldest in the High Tatras dating from the end of the last century. After stop for a drink in the Hut, we will walk back the same way.
Optional hike over the Priecne saddle (2352m), a fairly tough climb with a section of scrambling. Descending, we follow an undulating path past some small lakes to Zbojnicka chalet before an easy descent down the valley (7 - 8 hours). Way down going through Velka Studena Dolina valley. We are also using funicular on the way down.
Day 4: Depending on the interests of the group, we will make one of the following excursions:
- A day trip to Pieniny National Park, a mountainous park with a rich ecosystem on the Slovak-Polish border. Here we can take a walk along the Dunajec River or possibly take a rafting trip through its scenic gorge. On our return journey we can stop in the lively medieval town of Kezmarok, dating from the 13th century. Tour of Cerveny Klastor, a former Gothic church and monastery of Carthusian monks built in 1319. It was rebuilt in the baroque style of the 18th century and is now a national cultural monument.
- A day trip to historical city of Kracow in Poland.
- A half-day trip to UNESCO cultural site – medieval town of Levoca.
- Relax day.
Day 5: After 30 minutes journey by a bus via polish border we will stop in eastern part of the High Tatras called the Belianske Tatry. Journey by public bus offers you closer touch with local people. This area was closed to visitors until 1993. We will start from village of Zdiar where many houses represent typical wooden architecture. From there it’s a steady climb up the Monkova valley before dropping down to the Brncalova chalet and the main road to catch the bus back. (6-7 hours walking). Return journey by a bus.
Day 6: Transfer by a local train (30 minutes) to Popradske Pleso. We follow a popular route to the summit of Rysy (2499m) one of the jewels of the Tatra and the highest peak in Poland. Its rocky summit gives spectacular views across the nearby peaks and ridges. The ascent takes around 4 hours and the return 3 hours. Popular story said that this summit was climb by communist leader V.I. Lenin in 1912 and his foot-steps are still marked there! In the end of day we will by transferred by private car back to our hotel.
Day 7: Transfer back to the airport or extension in destination.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Accommodations in nicely located mountain hotels and pensions
- Meals - breakfast, dinner
- Sightseeing as noted in the itinerary
- Hiking map and route description
Price Excludes:
- Air-fare
- Transfers
- Insurance
- Additional excursions
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal expenses
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Slovakia
Poland
Hiking & Trekking
Ecotourism
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