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High Tatras Trekking - The Carpathian Mountains

Poland, Slovakia
19 reviews
Available Departures: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

8 days from

US$1,575

without flights
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Walk & Trek
Guided Group
CHALLENGING CHALLENGING

Summit Rysy on this spectacular hut to hut trekking holiday through the High Tatras Mountains in Poland and Slovakia, plus explore Krakow.

Trip Code: HTT
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

High Tatras Trekking - The Carpathian Mountains

Highlights
  • Trek to the top of Poland's highest peak, Mount Rysy
  • Explore UNESCO-listed Krakow, Zakopane and the Five Lakes Valley
  • The Carpathian Mountains home to wolf, brown bear, chamois and golden eagle
  • Superb trekking and easy scrambling through wilderness Eastern Europe
At a Glance
  • Group Size 4 to 12
  • 6 days trekking
  • Max altitude - 2503 metres
  • Join In Krakow
Accommodation & Meals
  • 6 Breakfasts
  • 5 Lunches
  • 5 Dinners
  • 5 nights Mountain Hut / Refuge
  • 2 nights Hotel
Overview

Straddling the border between Poland and Slovakia, the magnificent High Tatras are the highest part of the spectacular Carpathian Mountains and present a genuine wilderness setting for trekking adventures. This secret side of Europe is home to a stunning alpine landscape where excellent trails link together comfortable and scenically-located mountain refuges. In short, the High Tatras are perfect for anyone looking for a classic KE mountain holiday.

We have an introductory hike in the picturesque Strazyska Valley before paying a visit to the Polish mountain town of Zakopane. Next, we hike up to the spectacular lake of Morskie Oko on Rysy’s north side and cross a high pass into the beautiful 'Polish Five Lakes Valley'. We then hike to the famously scenic Rusinowa Meadow for yet another jaw-dropping panorama of the Tatras, before transferring around to Strbske Pleso on the Slovakian side of the range. Climbing Rysy (2499m) from this side is no less special than the northern approach and the trails are generally less busy. Additionally, by hiking up from and back to our lake-side accommodation at Paprodske Pleso, we can leave most of our gear in our rooms and enjoy the day unencumbered. Two further days of trekking take us back across the ‘White Tatras’ via an overnight at the remote Pri Zelenom Hut and we end our incredible journey with a night in the colourful UNESCO-listed city of Krakow. If you are looking for a real hut-to-hut trekking adventure which combines two of Europe’s most welcoming countries, remote mountain overnights and superb wilderness landscape all topped off with a laid-back medieval city – then this is the perfect choice.

Is this holiday for you?

This holiday, which is limited to a maximum group size of 12, follows generally good and well-marked walking trails. However, the ascent of Rysy does include some short sections of easy scrambling (protected by chains) and high up it’s also possible to encounter patches of old snow. The mountain huts we use are generally inaccessible by vehicle and this means that on some days you will be carryi …

This holiday, which is limited to a maximum group size of 12, follows generally good and well-marked walking trails. However, the ascent of Rysy does include some short sections of easy scrambling (protected by chains) and high up it’s also possible to encounter patches of old snow. The mountain huts we use are generally inaccessible by vehicle and this means that on some days you will be carrying all of your personal gear. Since neither a sleeping bag nor a camping mattress is needed, we suggest that you can limit the weight of your rucksack to no more than 8 or 9 kilograms. And, on the longest days (Day 3 and Day 5), you can leave most of your gear at the overnight hut. On average, you can expect to be walking for 6 hours each day and to accumulate 1000 metres of ascent or descent. This trekking holiday is suitable for regular hillwalkers, looking for an excellent week's mountain walking in a largely undiscovered part of the world.

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Why KE?

Very proud to be the Guardian's top holiday choice in Central Europe. With a maximum group size of 12 this superb trekking holiday in the High Tatras of Poland and Slovakia includes Rysy (2499m) the highest peak in Poland. You’ll also get to explore Krakow's UNESCO-listed old town. 

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Itinerary

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The leader will meet the group on arrival at Krakow Airport. From here, we will take the train (15 minutes) into the city. Here we will have time to explore Krakow before heading south towards the Tatras. Arriving at the mountain resort town of Zakopane, we check in to our simple hotel accommodation. The guide will advise on the choice of restaurant for the evening meal.

Accommodation

Hotel
Hide Details

After a short transfer we begin an introductory walk into the forested Strazyska Valley, south of Zakopane. It will take us less than an hour to reach the beautiful Siklawica Waterfall, as we join the 'Bear Trail'. This trail takes us above the tree line to the viewpoint of Sarnia Skala (1377m) Continuing our hike eastwards across the upper reaches of the Bialego Valley we reach the roadhead at Kuznice. Meeting our transport here, we drive to Zakopane and have some time to explore this lively town. Zakopane is a centre for mountain sports, especially for winter sports. The day is rounded off with a 45-minute transfer to the Bialka Valley (on the border between Poland and Slovakia). It is here we enjoy an hour of forested walking to reach the charming Roztoki Hut, our accommodation for the next 2 nights.

Accommodation

Mountain Hut / Refuge

Meals

B D

Ascent

900 M

Descent

750 M

Time

6 hrs trekking

Distance

14 KM
Hide Details

After breakfast, we follow forest trails and gravel tracks up the Bialka Valley to the northern shores of Morskie Oko lake. Here, we can enjoy a coffee stop and enjoy the dramatic views of Mieguszowiecki (2438m) and Rysy (2499m) itself. Onwards, we hike up to the Swistowka Pass (1800m) into the Valley of the ˜Polish Five Lakes™. This is wonderfully wild area threads its way through a prominent boulder field as we descend towards the string of 5 lakes that gives the upper part of the Roztoki Valley its alternative name. Dropping into the lower valley there are sections of steep cobbled steps as we return the Roztoki Hut.

Accommodation

Mountain Hut / Refuge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1000 M

Descent

1000 M

Time

7 hrs trekking

Distance

15 KM
Hide Details

Amongst the forested ridges on the north side of the High Tatras there is a prominent clearing and grazing area known as Rusinowa Meadow. With its traditional, steep-roofed shepherds' huts and flocks of sheep, set against a backdrop of the rocky summits of the Tatras, this is one of the most picturesque locations imaginable. It is a pleasant walk of around 2 hours from the Roztoki Hut to reach the meadow and we can spend some time there, taking photographs and trying the local sheep's cheese, before continuing our morning's walk for a further hour amongst trees and via several smaller clearings to Wierch Poroniec. Here, we meet our transport and set off on a drive of a little more than an hour which will take us across the border into Slovakia and then, looping around the highest part of the Tatras, to the small lake-side settlement and winter ski-resort of Strbske Pleso (1320m). We are now due south of Rysy and our walk-in to the mountain today will take us as far as the hut beside the stunningly-situated mountain lake of Popradske Pleso (1500m). It will take us a little under 2 hours, walking on a great trail, partly in forest, which traverses the west side of the scenic Mengusovska Valley.

Accommodation

Mountain Hut / Refuge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

700 M

Descent

500 M

Time

5 hrs trekking

Distance

14 KM
Hide Details

Today is a brilliant mountain day and we will aim to make a reasonably early start. Climbing Rysy from the Slovakian side is generally less busy (and thus safer) than from the Polish side and also, since we will be returning to the same accommodation tonight, we can leave most of our gear in our rooms and enjoy the day unencumbered. Our ascent into the upper part of the Mengusovska Valley follows a rocky path through an alpine forest with clear trail marking and signposts. Quite soon, we leave the trees behind and the views get better and better. The path zig-zags upwards and then levels out briefly as it crosses a huge boulderfield beside the twin mountain tarns of Male Zabie Pleso and Velke Zabie Pleso. With Rysy ahead of us now, the trail climbs again and there is some easy scrambling and short ladder-assisted sections which are well protected by cable or chain handrails. After 3 hours we reach the Rysmi Hut (2250m) and we can choose to eat our packed lunch here or to save it until we get to the summit which we reach after a further 45 minutes of steep ascent. If it's clear, the views are spectacular and extend across the Tatras and down into both Poland and Slovakia. Returning via the route of our ascent, we are soon back at the Rysmi Hut where we can grab a coffee before continuing the descent for a further 2 and a half hours to Popradske Pleso where we spend a second night.

Accommodation

Mountain Hut / Refuge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1100 M

Descent

1100 M

Time

8 hrs trekking

Distance

11 KM
Hide Details

After breakfast at the Horsky Hotel, it takes an hour to hike out from the valley on the little-used access road. Close to Strbske Pleso we reach a station on the railway line and board a train which takes us eastwards for an hour beneath the Tatras and via the picture postcard village of Stary Smokovec to Tatranska Lomnica. From this small and pretty town, overlooked by the striking peak of Lomnicky Stit (2634m), we take the cable car up to the small lake of Skalnate Pleso (1751m). There is a lodge here and an astronomical observatory and it's also the starting place for today's excellent walk. Setting off northwards, we climb for about an hour to the Svistovkou Pass (2023m) where we cross Lomnicky's North-East Ridge. We can take a short detour from the pass to the small summit of Velka Svistovka, where the views of the Bielskie (White) Tatra and the Kezmerska Valley are superb. Dropping down from the pass we reach the Pri Zelenom (Green Lake) Hut, one of the most picturesque hut settings in the entire Tatras. The surrounding limestone landscape of the White Tatra is quite different from the mountains we have walked through thus far. Leaving any gear we don't need at the hut, there is the option to make a lightweight hike up into a tarn-filled valley below Jagniecy Peak (2230m) where we can usually spot chamois. Exactly how far we climb will depend on our time of arrival at the hut and anyone who has had enough walking for the day can just enjoy relaxing in this spectacular location. Overnight at the Pri Zelenom Hut.

Accommodation

Mountain Hut / Refuge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

700 M

Descent

900 M

Time

6 - 7 hrs trekking

Distance

12 KM
Hide Details

After breakfast, we hike for around 40 or 50 minutes on a gradually ascending trail to Velke Biele Pleso, the 'Great White Lake'. Here there is a path junction with one trail heading east and down out of the mountains to Tatranska Kotlina and the other, which will be our trail today, heading west and climbing to a pass at 1778 metres with spectacular views. We descend momentarily before climbing to a second pass at 1750 metres which we should reach in less than an hour from the trail junction. From this second pass we begin our descent dropping first to flower-strewn meadows and then into the wooded Javorova Valley. We follow the river which heads west and then swings north to take us out of the mountains. Reaching the road-head above the town of Tatranska Javorina, our transport will be waiting and start to make our way Krakow. Please be aware that the transfer at the end of the trek back to Krakow is a combination of private and public transport. A brief private transfer will take us to Zakopane. Depending on our arrival time in Zakopane there may be time to enjoy some refreshments before we board a public bus (2.20 hrs) back to Krakow. Arriving in Krakow we will check in at our hotel, freshen up and then head out for our final dinner.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L

Ascent

350 M

Descent

900 M

Time

5 hrs trekking

Distance

12 KM
Hide Details

Your holiday ends after breakfast. There will be an escorted group transfer on public transport to Krakow Airport in the morning.

Hide Details
Download Trip Notes
The Route
Point Point
Peaks Peaks
Direction Direction
Trek
Cable_car
Train
Transfer

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • A professional and qualified tour leader
  • A second leader on the ascent of Ryzy for groups of 10 or more
  • Single timed airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • All accommodation as described
  • Meals as detailed in the Meal Plan
  • All land transport required by the itinerary

  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Some meals as detailed in the Meal Plan
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.

TRAVEL TO YOUR DESTINATION

If flying from the UK there are low cost airlines available to the start and from the end of your holiday.

To benefit from full financial protection, ease your holiday planning, and avoid dealing with airlines, we can book scheduled flights from the UK as part of a flight inclusive package. Scheduled flights are usually more expensive that low cost alternatives, however potentially less stressful if your flight is cancelled or delayed. If you book flights through KE Adventure Travel we will offset the carbon of your flight.

The group will meet at Krakow Railway Station in the afternoon of Day 1.

On Day 1 there will be a group, escorted transfer on public transport from Krakow Airport into the centre of Krakow.

On Day 8, there will be a group escorted transfer from the hotel in Krakow back to Krakow Airport in the early morning.

Anyone may join the group transfers by prior arrangement. Travelling as a group or on public transport saves energy. If this is not practical, we can provide private transfers at an additional cost. Taxis are also available.

Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners are included in the holiday price. Where there is a wide variety of dining options we have not included these meals in the price preferring to leave the choice of where to eat and the budget for these meals to you. We recommend that you allow from £7 to £20 for each of these meals for a total of 2 lunches and 2 dinners.

Water from the taps may not be drinkable in all locations on this trip - please check with your guide. We recommend taking water purification tablets and a reusable bottle with a filter such as Water-to-Go, which can both be used to help make safe other water sources. Please note that we do not encourage the purchase of single use plastic bottles.

In the hotels in Zakopane and Krakow, breakfasts are normally buffet style with cereal, fruit, eggs toast and a selection of cheeses and meats with bread.  Both Zakopane and Krakow have a very wide range of restaurants with international cuisine plus inexpensive cafes and local fast-food outlets.  In the huts, breakfasts are usually bread with a selection of meats and cheeses and sometimes cooked eggs and ham.  Dinners normally consist of filling, home-made soups, pasta, goulash etc.  Packed lunches of sandwiches and fruit are also provided at each of the huts.  Additional snack food items, such as chocolate bars, can be purchased at the huts alongwith beers and soft drinks.  Beer has been brewed in Krakow for the last thousand years and is excellent.  The city has an abundance of pavement cafes and local bars to sit and watch the world go by.

During this holiday the group will spend 1 night in a hotel in Zakopane and 1 night in a hotel in Krakow. Accommodation in these places is twin sharing with either en-suite or shared facilities.

There are 5 nights staying in huts, which are mostly maintained by the Mountaineering Association of Slovakia. These are wooden or concrete structures usually with 4-6 bedded rooms or dormitory style with communal facilities, which usually include restaurant area, toilets and showers. Hot water at these huts is normally provided by solar heating and in some huts may be available only for a limited period each evening. In the more inaccessible mountain huts, facilities will be more rudimentary - each hut does have mains electricity and some have basic, although sometimes unreliable, wifi.. Sleeping bags are not required at the huts, as bed sheets and blankets are supplied. However, you may wish to carry a cotton or silk sheet sleeping bag.

If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex for the 2 nights in the hotels. Single rooms for these 2 nights are available for a supplementary cost. If you are planning on extending your holiday additional nights at the group hotel are available on request.

The group will be led by a professional and qualified tour leader. For larger groups on Rysy a second leader will accompany the group.

The altitudes attained on this holiday are not extreme and the maximum altitude attained is no more than the equivalent of a pressurised cabin on an international flight. You may ‘feel’ the altitude the first time you trek above 2000 metres but all that is required is a slower pace to compensate. You should pay particular attention to your hydration levels while trekking above 2000 metres.

The local currency in Poland is the Polish Zloty and in Slovakia it's the Euro.  We estimate that the equivalent of £150 should be sufficient to cover your incidental expenditure including tips for local staff, drinks and souvenirs, it is possible to purchase beer, wine and soft drinks at all the huts in Poland and Slovakia.  An approximate split is £100 changed into Polish zloty and 60 euros for your time spent in Slovakia.  Please be aware you will need your Polish Zloty and Euros before you start trekking.  Euros, dollars and sterling can be changed into Polish Zloty at the airport or in Krakow centre.  Cash in Polish Zloty can be withdrawn from ATMs on arrival at the airport, in Krakow centre and in Zakopane.  Please do not bring travellers cheques as these can be time-consuming to exchange.

Tipping is the accepted way of saying ‘thank you’ for good service.  It is important to remember that tipping is voluntary and should be dependent on good service.  On this trip we recommend that you give a tip to your guides on the trek and also on the city tour of Krakow.  We estimate that €20 – 25 per person will be sufficient for these tips.

Since you will be carrying all the personal equipment you need for this trip you should make every effort to keep this to a minimum and we recommend that you have a trial walk with your packed rucksack.  With careful planning and considering that you will not have to carry a sleeping bag, it should be possible to keep the weight of your sack down to 8 or 9 kgs / 20 lbs.  It is possible to leave any items not required on the trek at the group’s hotel in Zakopane.  Please note we have a walk of around ¼ mile between the bus station and the group’s hotel in Zakopane and we therefore recommend that you travel with only your rucksack and an additional small fold-away bag to store travel clothes etc which you wish to leave at the hotel.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in the ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)

  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.

GHIC / Medical cover

UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.

The currency for part or all of this holiday is the Euro.

The unit of currency in Poland is the Polish Zloty.

It makes a lot of sense to spend some time before coming on a trekking or climbing trip getting some additional exercise.  The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience.  The best preparation is regular hill-walking with mountain walks every couple of weeks or so where you are out for 7 or 8 hours with several hundred metres of ascent.  Failing this, we would suggest that you adopt a weekly exercise regime leading up to your trip.  Running, squash and swimming are good for developing better stamina.  Whatever your exercise programme, we recommend that before departure, you try to fit in a number of long walks in hilly country.

The main season for mountain trekking in this part of Poland / Slovakia is from July to September and the weather is generally very good.  We can expect daytime, valley temperatures of between 20ºC and 25ºC, dropping to 12ºC or lower at night dependent on the altitude we stay.  As with any mountain area, there is always the risk of some poor weather, with rain and wind and the occasional storm.  However, this area usually enjoys a very pleasant and stable climate at this time of year.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

EKO-GRAF Polish and Slovak Tatra Mountains

This map covers the three main groups of the Tatra Mountains: the High Tatras, Western Tatras and the eastern Beliansk Tatry. Coverage extends from Zakopane in the north to the southern boundary of the Tatra National Park in Slovakia. West/east the map extends from the Sivy Vrch peak and Liptowsk Mikul to Tatransk Lomnica. Contours are at 20-m intervals and shading and graphic relief give a very detailed picture of the areas topography. Numerous peaks, passes, valleys, etc. are name, and waymarked trails are indicated. Also marked are cable cars and huts. Also included is a street plan of Zakopane showing main streets and an overview road map at 1:600,000 of the area between Krakw and the Tatra Mountains. The map legend includes English.

Tatras High and Western - Belaer Kompass 2100 (1:50000)
Kompass Map & Guide - High Tatra (1:25,000)

 

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.

You  should bring the following items:

  • Walking boots

  • Trainers or sandals (for hut use)

  • Socks

  • Spare laces

  • Trekking trousers

  • Lightweight waterproof overtrousers

  • Underwear

  • Shorts

  • Baselayer shirts (at least one long sleeve)

  • Shirt or mid-layer

  • Warm fleece jacket or jumper

  • Lightweight waterproof jacket

  • Sun hat

  • Warm hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Lightweight thermal gloves

  • Daypack 35 to 40 litres

  • Headtorch and spare batteries

  • Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)

  • Water bottles 1 litre (x2) (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)

  • Water purification tablets

  • Minimal toiletries

  • Antibacterial hand wash

  • Small travel towel

  • Basic First Aid Kit including : Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium) painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, Insect repellent (DEET), and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).

The following items are optional:

  • Wet wipes

  • Trekking poles

  • Camera

  • Pen-knife

  • Travel clothes

  • Small padlock (to lock trek bag)

  • Earplugs (Especially if you are not the one snoring)

  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

You will need to carry all of your personal gear for the 5 or 6 days that are spent in the Tatras. On account of this, we advise that you take a rucksack of around 40 litres capacity.
Note that bedding including sheets is provided in the refuges and, therefore, a sleeping bag is not needed. The refuges all have hot showers but towels are not provided.

Many of the equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive a 12.5% discount with Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need. The discount code can be downloaded from your MyKE account and you can use this code at the checkout, either in store or online.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 from 19 reviews

High Tatras Trekking ★★★★★

Jakub was passionate about the Tatras and cared about their management as a place of recreation. He took great care to ensure the safety of the group when terrain became challenging. His enthusiasm and good humour was infectious and he contributed significantly to the success of the trip.

By Adam from Mamer | 14 September 2024

Mountains and sunshine ★★★★

What a fantastic trip we had. Jacob was an excellent guide, encouraging and attentive in an understated way and he told us a lot about the mountains and the climbing history of them. The food in the huts was a suprise..... excellent and lots of it. And we enjoyed the choice of beers at the end of each day. The first two days felt a little slow. The bus to Zakopane was 2 hours 20 minutes and it felt like there was too much time in the town really, when I'd have preferred to be out walking. T he rest of the trip was full-on though so maybe a slow lead in was needed. A well organised and really enjoyable trip in a stunning part of Poland/Slovakia which I recommend if you want to try a Hut-to Hut trip.
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By Jane from Brighton | 13 September 2024

Lovin' the mountain huts ★★★★★

I've come to trust K.E. for accurate descriptions, fair gradings & great itineraries - as well as good organisation & support. Same again then, in the High Tatras. Thank You. Mountains are rugged & beautiful, transfers not too long - relative to the time trekking. Mountain huts are a real highlight and a proper getaway from the 'white noise' of modern society ... one of the important reasons for me to go. Guide - 'Carlos' - gave us everything from geography lessons, to history, geology & horticulture, famous composers to pathetic jokes! A star attraction. (I bet he sleeps really well!) Only frustration was the knarly paths - especially on the Polish side. (I don't expect steps & carpet !!!) ... but, most of the paths were poorly made up of round, cobbled stones ranging from cricket ball-sized rubble to rocks the size of large pumpkins. It just made for uncomfortable walking/climbing some of the time and you spent too much time looking down at foot placement. ... imagine walking on a stony beach, slowly, barefoot. They're not going to re-lay them just for me (!!!), but be aware of this if you have dodgy ankles or knees. ... not a complaint, just a "heads-up". AND a suggestion for K.E. ... having more than one noble summit as an objective within a week-long trek would be better. We lost our Rysy summit day to awful weather. Had our Guide not been able to suggest an early start to catch up the next day, we wouldn't have topped out for summit pictures and celebratory jelly babies anywhere. My star rating would be 4.5 if I could, but only because a little too much time was spent walking into the mountains on approach roads i,e, tarmac. (I think 'off-road' alternatives would have been possible). Very Good trip overall.
By Guy from nr Tenbury Wells | 12 December 2023

Poland/Slovakia

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By Jennifer from Littleborough | 24 July 2023

Tatras in July 2023

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By Trevor from Keswick | 22 July 2023
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Traveller Reviews
4.8 out of 5 from 29 reviews
Leave a Review
High Tatras Trekking
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Jakub was passionate about the Tatras and cared about their management as a place of recreation. He took great care to ensure the safety of the group when terrain became challenging. His enthusiasm and good humour was infectious and he contributed significantly to the success of the trip.

By Adam from Mamer | 14 September 2024
Mountains and sunshine
★ ★ ★ ★
What a fantastic trip we had. Jacob was an excellent guide, encouraging and attentive in an understated way and he told us a lot about the mountains and the climbing history of them. The food in the huts was a suprise..... excellent and lots of it. And we enjoyed the choice of beers at the end of each day. The first two days felt a little slow. The bus to Zakopane was 2 hours 20 minutes and it felt like there was too much time in the town really, when I'd have preferred to be out walking. T he rest of the trip was full-on though so maybe a slow lead in was needed. A well organised and really enjoyable trip in a stunning part of Poland/Slovakia which I recommend if you want to try a Hut-to Hut trip.
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By Jane from Brighton | 13 September 2024
Lovin' the mountain huts
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I've come to trust K.E. for accurate descriptions, fair gradings & great itineraries - as well as good organisation & support. Same again then, in the High Tatras. Thank You. Mountains are rugged & beautiful, transfers not too long - relative to the time trekking. Mountain huts are a real highlight and a proper getaway from the 'white noise' of modern society ... one of the important reasons for me to go. Guide - 'Carlos' - gave us everything from geography lessons, to history, geology & horticulture, famous composers to pathetic jokes! A star attraction. (I bet he sleeps really well!) Only frustration was the knarly paths - especially on the Polish side. (I don't expect steps & carpet !!!) ... but, most of the paths were poorly made up of round, cobbled stones ranging from cricket ball-sized rubble to rocks the size of large pumpkins. It just made for uncomfortable walking/climbing some of the time and you spent too much time looking down at foot placement. ... imagine walking on a stony beach, slowly, barefoot. They're not going to re-lay them just for me (!!!), but be aware of this if you have dodgy ankles or knees. ... not a complaint, just a "heads-up". AND a suggestion for K.E. ... having more than one noble summit as an objective within a week-long trek would be better. We lost our Rysy summit day to awful weather. Had our Guide not been able to suggest an early start to catch up the next day, we wouldn't have topped out for summit pictures and celebratory jelly babies anywhere. My star rating would be 4.5 if I could, but only because a little too much time was spent walking into the mountains on approach roads i,e, tarmac. (I think 'off-road' alternatives would have been possible). Very Good trip overall.
By Guy from nr Tenbury Wells | 12 December 2023
Poland/Slovakia

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By Jennifer from Littleborough | 24 July 2023
Tatras in July 2023

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By Trevor from Keswick | 22 July 2023
An awesome way to explore the High Tatras
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Everything is well organised. The huts are more luxurious than I'd have expected. Bring good quality full waterproofs - there's always a chance of getting soaked!

By Ben from Woking | 21 September 2022
Fantastic mountain trek
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great trekking and peak bagging with superb views and coverage of the High Tatras and White Tatras ranges. The group was one of the best I have trekked with and the mountain hut standards were way above what I have experienced in the past. Landscape reminiscent of Canadian rockies on the Slovakian side which was much wilder. Level was perfect for me. Loved it and will be booking another KE trek soon.

By Karen from Sandwich | 28 August 2019
I had a memorable time on my first KE adventure
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
As a first timer I was a bit apprehensive of the whole idea, but my worries proved unnecessary. The whole trip was very well organised and led by a really experienced, friendly and knowledgeable guide. Weather conditions meant that one days planned trip needed to be changed due to possible electrical storms and this was organised without detracting from the experience. The only comment is that on day 5 we stayed at the Zamkovskeho hut rather than the Bilcova listed in the trip notes. The stay wa s very good anyway so did not detract, but it might be worth updating the notes. Overall the whole trip was marvellous with breathtaking scenery, good accommodation, great food and super companions.
By Charles from Middlesbrough | 27 August 2019
Varied, demanding and rewarding
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Good sized international group of 12 from mid twenties to early seventies! All got on well and supportive of each other. The option of walking with lighter rucksacks having reached the huts was an excellent, unexpected bonus as hiking everyday with full packs would have been extremely tough. Unfortunately, due to the aggravation of an existing injury, we were unable to finish the last day and a half with the group. The leaders were excellent; Martyn accompanying us down from the hut to catch the bus to Zakopane, while Weronika continued on with the group. We were all together for a well earned celebration in Krakow. Recommend this trip!
By Linda from London | 27 July 2019
A great walking holiday
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Really enjoyed this very well organised group walking week in the High Tatras. Beautiful mountains and the huts had great character, all had their quirky differences. Could not have wished for a better guide than Jacob. He was extremely knowledgeble about the area and made sure he looked after one and all. After a first day walk in the Zakapane area, it was obvious that my husband and I were not as fit as the rest of the group (our bad!), but with the option of shorter days and a second guide (V eronica) on day 3 (who was also very good), we were able to enjoy each day, while not holding back the others, who were up for each and every peak! Hints: get as fit as you can, be prepared for all weathers (we had snow in July!), remember your passport! (you'll need it for your first hut in Slovakia) and don't pack your bathers as swimming in the lakes is banned in both countries! (boo-hoo).
By Sally from Parkdale | 16 July 2019
19 August 2018 High Tatras

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By Blaine from APO | 11 September 2018
High Tatras

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By Paula from HUNTINGTOWN | 11 August 2018
High Tatras

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By Paula from HUNTINGTOWN | 11 August 2018
Well organised trip with an excellent guide
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Excellent trip with an expert guide who was very knowlegeable in all aspects of the ecology and history of the region. Everything was well organised despite one change due to weather issues. Beautiful unspoilt scenery in the national park with dramatic lanscape.

By Peter from Taunton | 23 September 2017
this trek ticks all the boxes
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Poland flat? No, it has amazing mountains bordering Slovakia. I took this trip on my daughter’s recommendation. It had the three elements important in my opinion for a successful trip – Location-Organisation –Good Guide. The location was amazing, the mountains so majestic and the people so very friendly. The organisation was what you would expect from KE, first class in every way from the initial booking, being met at the airport, hotels, huts and food. Oh and the professional way the team at KE hq dealt with my endless questions!!! Due to an unexpected drop in temperature causing ice on the Polish ascent of Rysy, we were bussed around to the Slovakian side to ensure a safe ascent and that we did not miss out on this great climb with its amazing views. The most impressive aspect was out guide Antoni, a most knowledgeable and enthusiastic young graduate who bent over backwards to ensure everything went well for his clients. He is without doubt the best KE guide I have been on a trek with. He always had a smile and told us that he believed he had a the best job in the world because the Tatras were his office.
By Andrew from St. Andrews | 19 September 2017
a great trip with a great team our guide Antoni was the best, so enthusiastic

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By Andrew from St. Andrews | 19 September 2017
Great trekking adventure with excellent guide Hubert
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Long trekking days with beautiful scenery and our guide was excellent (Hubert)

By Lisa from Portland | 01 September 2017
A good cross section of the High Tatras
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This trek fully justifes its rating. The scenery is wonderful, and Hubert the leader added greatly to its enjoyment. He has a remarkable knowledge of the area and was always receptive to the mood of the group and individuals.
The accomodation we stayed at was generally as good or better than I expected. All the transfers went without a hitch, even when modified.
A drawback on most days was the volume of local walkers on the majority of the trails,


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By Trevor from Hebden Bridge | 10 August 2017
Excellent trip, excellent guide
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Just finished the High Tatras trek with Hubert, an excellent, informative guide. Although our itinerary was changed slightly the trip was most enjoyable and gave a great insight into what the area has to offer. We will be back!

By Martin from TOTANA | 03 July 2017
Excellent trekking holiday in dramatic scenery
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Our Tatra mountain guide, Hubert, did a fantastic job and was incredibly knowledgeable, telling us many interesting stories and facts about the Tatras and surrounding areas. It was evident that he was keen to ensure every member of the group enjoyed the holiday. The scenery was gorgeous - both because of the dramatic rock walls and the lush vegetation, particularly the profusion of wild flowers. The huts were better than expected, especially the evening meals. I hope to revisit before too long.

By Udo from STOCKPORT | 03 July 2017
High Tatras Trekking Laurence Hallett Photos

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By Laurence from Congleton | 28 December 2016
Brilliant point to point trekking holiday
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A fantastic point to point trekking holiday. I enjoy light weight back packing so know to pack light. Pack light and get in shape to make the most of this holiday. Our guide was brilliant. An accomplished guide and leader but also a wonderful teacher about the landscape and the history of the areas we trekked through. One of the best guides I have ever travelled with. The ascent of Rys is a technical scramble with the aid of chains, make sure you are okay with scrambling and a little bit of expo sure.
By Kulraj from London | 23 September 2016
Trekking in the Tatry

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By John from LOUGHBOROUGH | 13 August 2016
Great trek with good accommodation and food
★ ★ ★ ★
Very happy with Hubert as guide - personable, knowledgeable, helpful, and relaxed but on-the-ball. Good to have second guide on Rysy ascent day, especially with group of 14.
Beautiful and quite varied trekking/scenery. Busy route in places - too busy for comfort now and again, but not enough to spoil the experience overall. Enjoyed seeing the chamois above the last hut.
My first KE trek, but the grading seems appropriate - not very demanding, but you do have to carry your own gear . My advice is to take as light a bag as possible on the trek, unless you are used to carrying plenty - got everything I needed into a 33 litre backpack no problem, plus some other bits and pieces I left at hotel in Zakopane. I took trekking poles, but didn't find them useful as much of the route is stepped rather than sloping - personal preference, though.
The hotels (first and last nights) were fine and the huts were very comfortable - we had rooms for between 2 and 8 people. Some huts had drying rooms, which was a bonus. Food in the huts was good and filling. Good selection of extra snacks and drinks available. Most days there are also stops en route at other huts where you can pick up extra supplies or get a coffee, beer or a snack, depending on what keeps you going.
An exception to the comment on huts is Bilikova (Day 5), where the rooms were fine, but the service was poor - the evening meal was inadequate (they'd run out of food after a busy day, they said) and they unapologetically stopped serving anything at all by 9pm, which was disappointing.
As someone new to the ways of KE, I wasn't over impressed with the travel arrangements on Day 1 and Day 7. For example, at the end of the trek "our transport will be waiting and we drive for approximately 2 hours back to Krakow, where we check into our hotel" (from itinerary shown on website) actually means a private bus back to Zakopane (great), a two-hour spell in Zakopane (we were wet after the morning's rain, with nowhere to get changed), a 2 hour 20 minute public bus back to Krakow, and a tram from the bus station to the hotel. For this reason, I found the website description misleading. I suggest the wording is changed, as "our transport" (also used on Day 1) implies private not public transport. The airport transfers were fine, however.
By Timothy from Bradford-on-Avon | 09 August 2016
First time with KE, absolutely excellent holiday & fantastic guide.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great trek. Had no problems. Antoni, the local guide was best guide I've ever experienced. He was a friend as well as a knowledgable & patient guide. As a vegie I have often experienced problems finding reasonable meals but Antoni always sourced them. Great challenging trek with fantastic mountain scenery & comfortable, picturesque accommodation. I stayed on in Krakow after trek & it was a revelation - cheap, friendly & just a beautiful place & very safe to wander + many vegie restaurants!

By Andrew from Melrose | 08 July 2016
Good walking routes with some summit scrambling
★ ★ ★ ★

One of the two best leaders I have been with.
Antoni was a fountain of knowledge about the High Tatras, he has been qualified mountain guide for 7 years and is on the way to a Ph.D. in the ecology of the Tatras.
Krakow, the group meeting place, was well worth staying a few days (very cheap flights from Leeds/Bradford).
Because of hut location (good huts too!) some days are shorter/longer/have a short rail journey.

By David from GUISBOROUGH | 07 July 2016
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By Michael from UK | 25 September 2015
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By Paul from UK | 24 September 2015
Tatra mountains - a hidden gem.
★ ★ ★ ★

Excellent and fit group who gelled well together. Hubert was a knowledgeable, friendly and reliable guide who looked after us very well. Weather co-operated which always helps. Scenery wonderful and locals friendly. A successful trip I would happily recommend to others and which represents very good value for money.

By Peter from SHREWSBURY | 11 September 2015
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  • High Tatras Trekking - The Carpathian Mountains
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: HTT /01/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 22 Jun and ends on Sun 29 Jun
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$130 - Zakopane and Krakow hotels only
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • High Tatras Trekking - The Carpathian Mountains
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: HTT /02/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 6 Jul and ends on Sun 13 Jul
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$130 - Zakopane and Krakow hotels only
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • High Tatras Trekking - The Carpathian Mountains
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: HTT /03/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 20 Jul and ends on Sun 27 Jul
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$130 - Zakopane and Krakow hotels only
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • High Tatras Trekking - The Carpathian Mountains
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: HTT /04/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 3 Aug and ends on Sun 10 Aug
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$130 - Zakopane and Krakow hotels only
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • High Tatras Trekking - The Carpathian Mountains
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: HTT /05/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 17 Aug and ends on Sun 24 Aug
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$130 - Zakopane and Krakow hotels only
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • High Tatras Trekking - The Carpathian Mountains
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: HTT /06/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 31 Aug and ends on Sun 7 Sep
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$130 - Zakopane and Krakow hotels only
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • High Tatras Trekking - The Carpathian Mountains
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: HTT /07/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 7 Sep and ends on Sun 14 Sep
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$130 - Zakopane and Krakow hotels only
  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

We sell this holiday on a Land Only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. The holiday starts meeting at Krakow Railway Station for an onward transfer to Zakopane. There will be a single, escorted group transfer from Krakow Airport.

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The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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