POLAND: Trek the Tatras – ‘The Spine’...Zakopane is a delightful small town at the foot of the Polish Tatras and there should be time to explore the town and its fascinating

101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DB Telephone: 01539 433794www.adven

POLAND: Trek the Tatras TREK OVERVIEW The Polish High Tatras are one of the most rugged and spectacular ranges in Europe which separate Poland and Slovakia. There are over 25 summits above 2500m combining doutstanding views. Starting from the picturesque town of Zakopane, we trek hut to hut through these wonderful mountains taking in many summits before a final ascent of Rysy (2499m), we gain a dramatic 360o vista of more than 100 peaks, in both Poland and across the border in Slovakia. The walking is hard and tough but very rewarding and beautiful. Finally we visit Krakow, tfascinating city. Participation Statement Adventure Peaks recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personalinjury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement. Adventure Travel – Accuracy of ItineraryAlthough it is our intention to operate this itinerary as printed, it may be necessary to make some changes as a rschedules, climatic conditions, limitations of infrastructure or other operational factors. As a consequence, the order or loof overnight stops and the duration of the day may vary from those outlined. You should be aware that some eour control and we would ask for your patience.

101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DB Telephone: 01539 433794www.adventurepeaks.com [email protected]

Trek the Tatras – ‘The Spine’

The Polish High Tatras are one of the most rugged and spectacular ranges in Europe which separate Poland and Slovakia. There are over 25 summits above 2500m combining dramatic alpine scenery, great lakes, good trails, comfortable refuges and outstanding views. Starting from the picturesque town of Zakopane, we trek hut to hut through these wonderful mountains taking in many summits before a final ascent of Rysy (2499m), the highest mountain in Poland. From the top of this

vista of more than 100 peaks, in both Poland and across the border in Slovakia. The walking is hard and tough but very rewarding and beautiful. Finally we visit Krakow, to relax and enjoy the delights of Poland's most

recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personalinjury or should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and

Accuracy of Itinerary Although it is our intention to operate this itinerary as printed, it may be necessary to make some changes as a rschedules, climatic conditions, limitations of infrastructure or other operational factors. As a consequence, the order or loof overnight stops and the duration of the day may vary from those outlined. You should be aware that some eour control and we would ask for your patience.

101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DB Telephone: 01539 433794

‘The Spine’

The Polish High Tatras are one of the most rugged and spectacular ranges in Europe which separate Poland and Slovakia. ramatic alpine scenery, great lakes, good trails, comfortable refuges and

outstanding views. Starting from the picturesque town of Zakopane, we trek hut to hut through these wonderful mountains the highest mountain in Poland. From the top of this scramble

vista of more than 100 peaks, in both Poland and across the border in Slovakia. The walking is hard o relax and enjoy the delights of Poland's most

recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personalinjury or should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and

Although it is our intention to operate this itinerary as printed, it may be necessary to make some changes as a result of flight schedules, climatic conditions, limitations of infrastructure or other operational factors. As a consequence, the order or location of overnight stops and the duration of the day may vary from those outlined. You should be aware that some events are beyond


PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE/FITNESS If you are used to regular multi day hill walking you will have the right level of fitness to fully enjoy your time on this trek. Previous walking experience is not essential but will help you get the most out of this trip. Non hill walkers must come with a reasonable degree of fitness. Most days involve 5 - 7 hours walking plus plenty of rest stops.

GROUP AND LEADERS A fully qualified Polishguide will accompgroups.He will speak good English and have a detailed knowledge of the area and will be able to explain the history and culture of the region. On occasions we may also send a UK leader as well. This trip is exclusive to Adventure Peaks. WEATHER It is impossible to predict the weather accurately, but being an inland mountain range the Tatras usually are fortunate to enjoy stable weather over the summer months. Temperatures in the valleys may be 20oC towill be cooler higher up. It can also be chillyin the evening, when a lightweight fleece is recommended.Walkers should realize however that weather in the high mountains is unpredictable and should be prepared for this. WHAT TO CARRY This is a backpacking trek and is unsupported. There are still some regions where this is the only way to (economically) experience the beauty of the remote mountains – and this is one of them! Therefore you will need to carry all your belongings with you all the time. However with careful packing and using modern lightweight clothing, your backpack should not weigh more than 10kg at the most. If you are unsure about your ability to carry this amount we suggest you join one of our Backpacking Training weekends in the Lake District to test yourself out. CATERING ARRANGEMENTS Three meals a day are included during the trek. These will be mostly taken in the huts where you are staying and the menu choice may therefore be limited. However Poles do like food and you can expect to be provided with interesting and plentiful dishes, soups, pasta and goulash. Most lunches will be picnics which the guide will arrange with the huts and you will need to carry with you during the day.


walking you will have the right level of fitness to fully enjoy your time on

s not essential but will help you get the most out of this trip. Non hill walkers must come with a reasonable degree of fitness. Most days

7 hours walking plus plenty of rest stops.

will accompany all He will speak good English and have a detailed

knowledge of the area and will be able to explain the history and culture of the region. On occasions we may

This trip is exclusive to

is impossible to predict the weather accurately, but being Tatras usually are fortunate

to enjoy stable weather over the summer months. C to 25oC, but it

chilly around huts in the evening, when a lightweight fleece is recommended. Walkers should realize however that weather in the high mountains is unpredictable and should be prepared for

ported. There are still some regions where this is the only way to (economically) experience the beauty of the remote

and this is one of them! Therefore you will need to carry all your belongings with you all the time.

ing and using modern lightweight clothing, your backpack should not weigh more than 10kg at the most. If you are unsure about your ability to carry this amount we suggest you join one of our Backpacking Training weekends in the Lake District to

meals a day are included during the trek. These will be mostly taken in the huts where you are staying and the menu choice may therefore be limited. However Poles do like food and you can expect to be provided with

teresting and plentiful dishes, soups, pasta and goulash. Most lunches will be picnics which the guide will arrange with the huts and you will need to carry with you during

ACCOMMODATION Overnight accommodation during the trekcomfortable mountain huts. Rooms are generally small dormitories and facilities will be shared. Hot water is often provided from solar energy, and will be limited. Blankets are supplied but you still need to carry a light sleeping bag ‘just in case’. For the first night you will be accommodated in a family run guesthouse in Zakopane and the last night will be in a hotel in Krakow. LANGUAGE AND TIME Language: Polish. Our guide will speak good English.Time: GMT+1 (CET). No daylight saving time at present. HEALTH All our leaders hold first aid certificates and carry a fully equipped first aid kit for medical emergencies. However you should bring your own supplies of plasters, blister prevention pads (Compeed), Paracetamol etc. and any medication you are taking. Contact your GP around eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centreinformation about healthcare abroad, including a countryby-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choiceswater should never be drunk without first sterilizing with chlorine dioxide tablets or by boiling.

INSURANCE Insurance which covers mountain rescmedical expenses is essentialyour insurance details prior to departure. travel insurance should be sufficient for this trip as there is no technical climbing and we do not go above 4000m. ALTITUDE This trip does not go above 3000m so altitude is unlikely to be a problem. If you are new to altitude you may have concerns about the effectsitineraries allow sufficient time to rarely causes anyone any problems on this trip. way to avoid such symptoms pace and drink plenty of fluid. USEFUL TIPS Just in case your main luggage goes missing en route, it is a good idea to wear your boots on the plane. Most other things can be replaced but comfortable, well worncannot. Pack important items in strong plastic bags.


during the trek is in simple but huts. Rooms are generally small

dormitories and facilities will be shared. Hot water is often provided from solar energy, and will be limited. Blankets

but you still need to carry a light sleeping bag the first night you will be accommodated

in a family run guesthouse in Zakopane and the last night

Polish. Our guide will speak good English.

GMT+1 (CET). No daylight saving time at present.

All our leaders hold first aid certificates and carry a fully equipped first aid kit for medical emergencies. However you should bring your own supplies of plasters, blister prevention pads (Compeed), Paracetamol etc. and any

Contact your GP around eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the

avel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-

country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with NHS Choices. Tap or stream

water should never be drunk without first sterilizing with chlorine dioxide tablets or by boiling.

Insurance which covers mountain rescue, evacuation and essential.We will require a copy of

prior to departure. Your standard travel insurance should be sufficient for this trip as there is no technical climbing and we do not go above 4000m.

This trip does not go above 3000m so altitude is unlikely If you are new to altitude you may have

t the effects. Don’t worry because our itineraries allow sufficient time to acclimatise, and altitude

y problems on this trip. The best way to avoid such symptoms is to walk at a gentle steady pace and drink plenty of fluid.

Just in case your main luggage goes missing en route, it is a good idea to wear your boots on the plane. Most other

gs can be replaced but comfortable, well worn-in boots Pack important items in strong plastic bags.


EQUIPMENT A detailed equipment list is provided on booking butnormal summer walking equipment is all that is requiredFor equipment purchases Adventure Peaks offers a 15discount from their shop in Ambleside or online.

BAGGAGE For your own comfort travel light. Normally airlines restrict baggage to 20kg, but you should be carrying far less. On trek you will need to carry ALL your equipment, as explained above. VISAS AND PERMITS Visas for entry into Poland are not required by nationals of the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and all EU countries. LOCAL COSTS All accommodation and most meals are included; please see the itinerary page for full details. Additional costs would include any drinks or snacks outside of mealtimes and personal spending. Transfers are included from the airport if arriving around the group rendezvousThe transfer from the last hotel to the airport is included as we expect people to return on different flights so taking a taxi gives flexibility in departure times. CURRENCY The currency in Poland is the Zloty (PLN). Zloty in the UK.ATMs and change bureaux are available in the airport and in main towns. There afacilities in the mountains.


A detailed equipment list is provided on booking but walking equipment is all that is required.

dventure Peaks offers a 15% discount from their shop in Ambleside or online.

For your own comfort travel light. Normally airlines , but you should be carrying far

ALL your personal

are not required by nationals of the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand

are included; please itinerary page for full details. Additional costs

or snacks outside of mealtimes Transfers are included from the

rendezvous time. The transfer from the last hotel to the airport is not included as we expect people to return on different flights

taxi gives flexibility in departure times.

. You can obtain s and change bureaux are available

There are no change

TIPPING Tipping at meals and in hotels is normal practice. On this trip you may also like to tip your guide. About £20 should be plenty to cover total tips.

ADVENTURE PEAKS KIT BAGAll Adventure Peaks clients who reside in the UK normally receive a FREE kitbag for any treks outside the UK. However as a kitbag is not required on this trek we will send you some other item of equipment which we stock in our shop which will be useful to you for this trip. This will be posted to you approx. 3 weeks prior to your departure. FLIGHTS AND JOINING ARRANGEMENTSFlights are NOT included as part of this holiday.LOT and Ryan Air amongst othersvarious UK airports to Krakow. Flight costs and schedules can be obtained from the respective airlines websites. Some of these flights may not be suitably timed transfer to Zakopane or may not fit with the trip itinerary and may require extra nightor end of the trip. The rendezvous for this trip is IN KRAKOW AIRPORT at Your leader will meet you at the rendezvous and tranyou to Zakopane. If arriving earlier on Day 1 you may need to wait for others to arrive to share the transfer.Return flights can be booked for later if you wish to extend your stay in PLEASE ENSURE YOU YOUR INTERNATIONAL OTHER) UNTIL WE HAVE GUARANTEED YTRIP IS RUNNING.


Tipping at meals and in hotels is normal practice. On this you may also like to tip your guide. About £20 - £30

should be plenty to cover total tips.

KIT BAG / GIFT All Adventure Peaks clients who reside in the UK would

kitbag for any treks outside the However as a kitbag is not required on this trek we

will send you some other item of equipment which we ich will be useful to you for this trip.

will be posted to you approx. 3 weeks prior to your

FLIGHTS AND JOINING ARRANGEMENTS Flights are NOT included as part of this holiday. Easyjet,

amongst others provide flights from various UK airports to Krakow. Flight costs and schedules can be obtained from the respective airlines websites.

hese flights may not be suitably timed for the or may not fit with the trip itinerary

and may require extra nights in Krakow at the beginning

The rendezvous for this trip is the ARRIVALS HALL at 1700 on Day 1.

r leader will meet you at the rendezvous and transfer If arriving earlier on Day 1 you may

ait for others to arrive to share the transfer. n be booked for anytime on Day 9, or

later if you wish to extend your stay in Poland. ENSURE YOU DO NOT PURCHASE

YOUR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL (FLIGHTS OR OTHER) UNTIL WE HAVE GUARANTEED Y OUR

101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DB Telephone: 01539 433794 www.adventurepeaks.com [email protected]

TREK THE TATRAS – ‘THE SPINE’ ITINERARY No Day, date Today we... We stay at... Accommodation... Meals... 1 Sat Fly Zakopane Guesthouse D 2 Sun Trek Chocholowska(1148m) Hut BLD 3 Mon Trek Ornak(1108m) Hut BLD 4 Tue Trek Kondratowa(1333m) Hut BLD 5 Wed Trek Murowaniec(1500m) Hut BLD 6 Thu Trek MorskieOko(1406m) Hut BLD 7 Fri Trek MorskieOko Hut BLD 8 Sat Trek Krakov Hotel BL 9 Sun Fly Home Home B

Day 1 Fly to Krakow. On arrival you will be met (if arriving at or near to the agreed rendezvous time) and transferred to Zakopane, a drive of about 90 minutes. Zakopane is a delightful small town at the foot of the Polish Tatras and there should be time to explore the town and its fascinating buildings in the early evening. Day 2 A short transfer takes us to Siwa Polana, the start point of our trek. Very easy walking takes us up the beautiful forested Dolina Chocholowska valley, following a route shared by cyclists and sometimes a horse drawn 'bus'. After 2 hours we reach the hut where we will spend the night, so can lighten our loads for the afternoon walk. In the afternoon we climb to the small summit of Grzes (1653m) on the Slovak border. This is an out and back walk of about 3 hours, mostly through forest, but with good views from the top. 5 hours walking. Day 3 We retrace our route part way down the Chocholowska valley to the 'Hanging Hole' and head south down the Starorobocianska Valley and then east up through some meadows and up a steep sided valley to the col of Iwaniacka Przelecz (1459m). From the col we head south along the ridge, steeply up through forest to start with, then emerging onto the open ridge which we follow to the summit of Ornak (1854m) or beyond. We return to the Iwaniacka Przelecz and then descend steeply at first to the Ornak hut down in the Koscieliska valley. 5 to 6 hours walking. Day 4 A longer day today as we head right up into the mountains and the high border ridge. Our 'Z' shaped route climbs up through forested bear country and on up across more open ground to reach the summit of Ciemniak (2096m). We are now on the grassy border ridge which we follow eastwards towards the top of the cable car that tops out on Kasprowy Wierch (which we will summit tomorrow). At the third summit (Kopa Kondraka) we leave the grassy ridge and descend the rocky spur to the north that leads down into the Kondratowa valley, following the Malego stream (literally!) in its lower reaches. 7 to 8 hours walking. Day 5 We follow the valley south, gently at first, to ascend back up to the border ridge, zigzagging steeply across

rocky steps as we near the ridge. (90 mins). Once back on the ridge the path undulates over a series of grassy summits to reach the top of the cable car on Kasprowy Wierch (1987m). We continue along the ridge a little way to the col of Liliowe, from where we descend steeply across bare rock to Sucha Dolina Stawlanska. Easy walking along level ground past some small tarns takes you down to the hut. 5 to 6 hours walking. Day 6 Today we enter the 'Valley of the Five Lakes'. Easy walking along a popular route leads to the 'Black Lake', Czamy Straw. Now leaving most of the crowds behind we continue along the east side of the tarn and soon start ascending steeply, passing Zmarzly Tarn and up, with fixed chains to assist progress, to Zawrat (2158m). From here we follow a section of the Orla Perc (Eagle Edge), an exposed rocky ridge, not for the fainthearted! Chains and railings again assist progress on this section, but great care needs to be taken. From Kozia Przelacka (2137m) we 'escape' the ridge to the south and descend to Wielke Tarn and on to the Morskie Oko hut. 5 to 6 hours walking. Day 7 Ascent of Rysy (2503m). This justifiably popular route takes you from the most beautiful lake to the highest summit in the Tatras. We head out along the shore of the lake to its southern end, and then zigzag up moraine to the Czarny Staw pod Rysami (tarn) above. From here to the summit the terrain increases in steepness, becoming quite exposed as we near the top. Rysy has two tops, one in Poland (2499m) and one in Slovakia (2503m). We return by the same route (very carefully) to the hut. 7 hours walking. Day 8 A choice of routes today take us back north through the forested foothills of the Tatras. Along the way there are monasteries, chapels and some fine viewpoints that we will come across, remembering to turn round and look back to the peaks and ridges we have traversed over the past few days. From the road head we will travel back via Zakopane to Krakow for our final night in Poland. 4 to 7 hours walking. Day 9 Take a taxi to the airport to fly home or extend your stay in Krakow.

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POLAND: Trek the Tatras – ‘The Spine’...Zakopane is a delightful small town at the foot of the Polish Tatras and there should be time to explore the town and its fascinating