Self Guided Day Hikes in the Beautiful Slovak High Tatras
Attractive Itineraries in Three Different Areas
Welcome and Tour Induction by English Speaking Guide at Bratislavia Airport
Comfortable Pensions and Hotels on Halfboard Accommodation
Self Guided Day Hikes in the Beautiful Slovak High Tatras
Mountains cover one third of Slovakia and for walkers the High Tatra (Vysoké
Tatry) form the central, highest and most striking section of the
Carpathian mountain range. On this tour we walk in three areas of these
mountains. Firstly The Malá Fatra, an area seldom visited by tourists,
one of Slovakia’s best kept secrets with gorges, rocky towers, crystal
caves and waterfalls; covered with a rich and rare alpine flora. Secondly
is the mountain resort of ‘Slovak Paradise’ (Slovenský Raj), an area
of exceptional natural beauty. Although not high, negotiating the ravines
along the walking trails is a relatively demanding, but popular activity.
Finally you will be taken to the Tatras National Park, now dedicated to
conserving the unique alpine and subalpine ecosystems. Over 25 of the
peaks are over 2500m. The High Tatras have all the usual giant mountain
attributes - long ex glacial valleys, emerald mountain lakes, roaring
waterfalls and mountain torrents.
The
tour starts from the airport in Bratislavia (transfers possible from
Vienna Airport with a supplement), where you will be collected and briefed
by a local rep on the walks ahead of you. Depending upon your arrival
time, there may be time to visit the old town and admire the city from the
castle bastions; before being driven over to the Mala Fatra Mountains and
our pension. You have three days walking here, with ascents / descents of
up 1000m. You could make the ascents through alpine pastures of Maly
Rozsutec 1434m and Velky Rozsutec 1610m involving some steep paths
protected in places by chains. On the following day follow trails into the
Tiesnavy Canyon, the realm of Jural Janosik - a Slovakian Robin Hood - and
climb to some lovely high viewpoints. A third walk takes you up on the
main Mala Fatra ridge where after a rest at Chlebom hut, you can attempt
the highest peak: Velky Fatransky Krivan (1709m).
The
following day the transport takes you to ‘Slovak Paradise,’ with a
stop enroute at the Basenova thermal baths, where water springs from
nearly 2000m below the surface, reaches 61şC. You can also walk in the
environs close to your hotel. The next day you have a long walk, but with
mild elevation gain, to the Kysel pass (600m) taking in views of gigantic
waterfalls. Enroute visit the ruins of Klastorisko Monastery: The oldest
in Slovakia. Our final destination is into the High Tatras National Park,
with a visit to Levoca, one of the best preserved medieval towns in
central Europe. You have two full days walking in the park. The first
takes you high up on the main traverse path: The Magistrala, taking in the
views of the main ridge and river system. A lift system can then be used
to reach the highest observatory station called Slovakia Lomnicky Stit
(2634m). The second walk is particularly picturesque, the target is the
Zelenom Plese hut by the glacial tarn, known as Green Lake from where
other rambles can be made and you can admire skyscraping, sheer granite
walls and rocky giant peaks.
9
nights/10 days - The first 4 nights are normally spent at
a pension situated in the village of Štefanová, close to
Terchová, which is the centre of tourism, folk art and traditions
in the Mala Fatra. Rooms are simple, comfortable mountain chalet
style. The restaurant is open all day and there is a bar and lounge.
Evenings can be spent in a traditional Slovak room with a fire
place.
Two nights are then spent in a 2* hotel, near Spisska Nova Ves
in Slovak Paradise.
Three nights are also spent in the High Tatras at Tatranska
Lomnica in a 2* hotel. Rooms in both these places are more
sophisticated than in the mountain pension, but facilities are
similar.
Sherpa
Notes
Accommodation &
Meals 4 Nights in a 2* mountain pension, ensuite. 5 nights in 2* hotels ensuite. Half board throughout.
Start
and End of Tour
Nearest airport is Bratislava.
