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Duration
9 days
Activities
  • guided walk
Accommodation
  • hotel / mountain huts / pension
Meals
  • 7 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 8 Breakfasts

Price

$1950USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: POL

Trip highlights


  • 4 different national parks, 4 different mountain ranges
  • Enjoy a unique protected area of flora and fauna
  • Stay in charming mountain huts and pensions brimming with warm hospitality
  • Enjoying the camaraderie of a group of like minded walkers

The massif of the Carpathians is a long crescent which runs from the Czech Republic to Ro-mania through Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine. This massif runs through 450km in the south of Poland. The best known range, the most "Alpine" but also the most popular among tourists, is the chain of the Tatra Mountains with the famous resort in Zakopane. However, there are also Polish ranges of medium altitude there, which are perhaps less known, but at the same time due to the fact that they are not so often visited by tourists, best preserved. Among them we may name: the Beskidy, the Gorce, the Pieniny or the Bieszczady Mountains (with unpronounceable names!) which are still unknown in Europe.

Our trip takes place in the Pieniny and the Tatra Mountains. Our itinerary is designed to combine the best of both these mountain ranges. These two massifs have very different lie and characteristics. During 2 days in the massif of the Pieniny Mountains, we are at the balcony of the Tatra Mountains with very beautiful views. First day we walk through the Little Pieniny: the slopes are gentle, mountains preserve many mountain pastures, and contacts with shepherds are frequent. Second day we visit National Park of the Pieniny. This park is famous for its characteristic limestone lie, eroded with the passage of time. It is cut by deep gorge of the Dunajec River. Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains are very popular tourist destinations. Zakopane is a bit like a Chamonix of the Carpathians. We passage the Tatras from the west to the east. Western Tatras have gentle topographie. Scenery of the eastern part is very alpin.

Mountains are inhabited by rich fauna; very often we can find the traces of the following animals: wolves, foxes, lynxes, chamois and game. Bears still live in their land. With a bit of luck we can find animals on our way, especially in the National Park of the Tatra Mountains.

This region has strong folklore and highland traditions. The shepherd's life is very developed, wooden architecture has a magical charm. Our trip is a great opportunity to see the most interesting cultural attractions. We will visit Krakow, Zakopane, the castle of Niedzica and Debno wooden church

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Our trip begins with an arrival transfer in the morning from the airport or Krakow centre to Jaworki in the heart of the Little Pieniny Mountain Range. Here we'll stay in comfortable farm accommodation for 3 nights. Our hosts are very friendly and serve tasty food. Jaworki is a small, charming village located in a valley in the mountains, a great place to base ourselves for a few days of outstanding walking. A welcome dinner will be prepared by our friends at a campfire, where we spend time tasting local grilled cheese and sausages and of course home-made vodka. Depending on on our start from Krakow schedule, there is an option to visit Wieliczka Salt Mine (UNESCO) on the way. Additional cost applies - allow EUR35-40pp.

Meals:  D

Our first walk begins from our pension. We take a trail along White Water’s Valley then climb steadily onto the mountain ridge straddling the border with Slovakia. This track offers magnificent views of both countries with the high peaks of the Tatras mountains in the background. Our route will meander through vibrant, green pastures, used in the summer by the shepherds as they graze their livestock. Return to Jaworki in the afternoon. Distance 15km/9.3mi +/-600m/1968ft

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning by bus we head to the beginning of the trail near Szczawnica. Crossing the river by barge due to the absence of a bridge, we will enter the Pieniny Mountains National Park. This park is made up of limestone and dolomite rock strata, eroded over time. A steep climb awaits us to the peak of Sokolica, from where we will have a splendid view down to the gorges of Dunajec. Continuing the hike along the ridge with the deep gorge of Dunajec River on the left we will now climb the highest peak in the national park, Okraglica (982m). It offers great views of the Podhale region and the Tatras. While descending we will have an opportunity to refresh with the sour milk sold by shepherds to the tourists. Return to Jaworki for dinner and overnight accommodation. +-650m/2130ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Our day starts with a short minibus transfer to the village of Rzeki (35 km), where we begin our climb of the highest mountain in the region, Mt Turbacz (1310 m). Passing the massif of Kudlon, where we'll see beautiful mountain pastures and charming traditional wooden cabins, we are now in the heart of the national park of Gorces. The climb is steady, crossing Borek Pass before reaching the plateau of Turbacz - another spot with splendid views of the rugged Tatra Mountains. *Please note that as our overnight accommodation is a mountain hut which cannot be accessed by road, you will need to carry all of your overnight requirements including toiletries and spare clothes with you Distance: 12 km | Altitude gain 900m, loss 350m

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we will explore the heart of the Gorce National Park with its beautiful mountain pastures and charming, traditional wooden cabins. Descending from the plateau of Turbacz, we head east passing the mountain huts at Stare Wierchy and Maciejowa. We will stop at one of these for lunch, before continuing on to our minibus and clean clothes in the town of Rabka, from where we transfer by road to Zakopane. Arriving in Zakopane late afternoon, considered the capital of the Tatras. The town is a hub of activity in winter and summer. With its charming architecture and busy mainstreet we can relax and enjoy the local hospitality as we spend the evening in a local restaurant with good food, drinks and hospitality. 2 nights in comfortable wooden pension in a local style. Distance: 11 km | Altitude gain 150m, loss 700m

Meals:  B,L,D

Another great day in the Tatra National Park, the highest mountain range in the Carpathians. The guide will choose the trail today depending on the weather conditions.

Meals:  B,L,D

There will be a short transfer to the Krowiarki Pass, at the border of Babia Gora National Park where we will commence our hike to the peak of Babia Gora (1725m). This massif is located on the border between Poland and Slovakia and is colloquially known as 'Queen of Beskidy'. From this peak you can admire one of the most impressive panoramas of the Polish mountains. Descend into the valley for our overnight stay at the refuge Markowe Szczawiny. Distance 8km/5mi +700/2300ft -500m/1640ft

Meals:  B,L,D

There is a short descent to the village of Zawoja where we will board the bus to Krakow (100km), one of the most beautiful cities of Eastern Europe. On the way we will stop at Chocholow village and walk the main street to admire the quaint wooden houses and visit a local sculptor's house. On arrival in Krakow, the rest of the day is free for shopping, wandering the small streets or people watching in one of the numerous tea/coffee houses.

Meals:  B,L

Trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners - Continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, meats, cheeses, coffee, tea and juices and may be more more basic in the huts. Lunches will generally consist of bread, fillings and fruit. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which is generally soup followed by a main meal and dessert.
  • 5 nights in pensions on a twin or triple share basis with shared facilities, 2 nights refuges on a multi share basis with shared facilities, 1 night 3 star hotel on a twin or triple share basis with private facilities
  • Welcome and tour information
  • Qualified English speaking Mountain Guide
  • Internal transfers as described
  • National Park Entry fees

  • Travel to and from Krakow
  • Luggage transfer on day 2
  • Items of a personal nature including beverages, laundry, phone calls etc
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Entrance fee and additional transfers for optional visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine - allow EUR35-40pp

Grading

moderate  

MODERATE – GRADE 3 This is a guided walk that is approached in stages of 8 - 15km per day, at a medium altitude. There will be a maximum of 6 hours of walking per day. As with all of our moderate graded trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, jogging, three or four times a week for at least three months prior to your departure. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds.


Departure dates


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Priceper person from

$1950USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Supplement - except hutsUSD$260
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

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With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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