SLOVAKIA - Traverse of the High Tatra Mountains-Walking in the Carpathians

Hut to hut walking in the Carpathian Mountains - Climb Rysy, the highest mountain in Poland - Trekking the high trail of the Tatranska Magistrala-The jagged peaks of the spectacular High Tatra

2 nights Hotels, 5 nights mountain huts, 6 days MODERATE trekking, max. altitude - 2499m/8199ft. All meals included.

moderate

Excellent walking holiday adventure trekking in the High Tatra mountains of Slovakia. Lying at the heart of Europe the beautiful country of Slovakia is almost one third covered by mountains, with the High Tatras being the highest and most spectacular of all. This is a rugged range and where the extensive Carpathian Mountains are at their highest, with rocky peaks which hold snow in their high corries until late in the year. Above the alpine pasture of the lower slopes, there is ancient pine forest which holds a surprising range of wildlife, including brown bears, wolves and lynx. The walking paths structure is well maintained and signposted, not unlike the central European Alps and the huts along the Tatranska Magistrala are charming and traditional for the most part, with the odd Soviet-style concrete box along the way. This very accessible region which offers splendid mountain walking is reached by way of a flight to Poprad-Tatry and a very short, scenic transfer to the High Tatras mountain village of Tatranska Lomnica. It is from here that we begin our trekking up to the Tatranska Magistrala, a well-graded walking trail that connects a series of comfortable and idyllically situated mountain huts. We have put this itinerary together with the intention of providing a flexible walking holiday. The trekking distance between each succeeding hut is not great and we aim to arrive by lunchtime, which gives us the option of relaxing in the afternoons or to explore further by walking up to high cols and airy ridges deeper in the High Tatras. Our walking holiday in Slovakia culminates in an optional ascent of Rysy (2499m / 8199ft) which straddles the Slovakia/Poland border and has the unusual distinction of being the highest walk-up summit in Slovakia and the highest peak in the neighbouring country of Poland. Our week long adventure holiday trekking the Tatranska Magistrala in the High Tatras range of Slovakia is a great introduction into the delights of walking in the Carpathian Mountains.

This trek follows a good walking trail from east to west on the south side of the High Tatras. For 5 nights we will stay in mountain huts which are (with some exceptions) inaccessible by vehicle. However group members will have access to their trek bags on day 4. This means that group members need to carry all of their personal equipment throughout the trip – but with the option to access some clean clothes mid-trip. With careful planning, and considering that neither a sleeping bag nor a camping mattress are needed for this trip, the total weight of your rucksack can be pared down to a comfortable carrying weight. The distance between each succeeding hut is not great and this can usually be covered in 4 hours. However, there is the option on each afternoon to do further exploration from the huts, following marked paths to high cols and ridges and adding considerably to the difficulty of the trip. Of course, during such afternoon excursions and whilst climbing Rysy, just a lightweight pack can be carried, with the remainder of your gear being left at the hut. The ascent of Rysy will involve some easy scrambling (sometimes with chain handrails) and may also include the crossing of patches of old snow. The fact that this trip is not vehicle supported does have a big influence on the overall difficulty. This trip is suitable for regular hillwalkers, looking for an excellent week’s mountain walking in a largely undiscovered part of the world.

You may also be interested in:
BULGARIA - Ridges And Summits Walking
ROMANIA - TRANSYLVANIAN ALPS TRAVERSE WALK
POLAND -Walking The Wild East Carpathians

The trip pages are only a brief summary of the details available within our trip dossiers. It is important that you read the full day to day description and further information for this trip before making your booking.
Download a dossier for SLOVAKIA - Traverse of the High Tatra Mountains-Walking in the Carpathians