Slovakia · Hiking

3-Day High Tatras Hiking Trip with Historic Chalets and Alpine Valleys

3 Days Moderate pace

Hiking Trip In Slovakia At Tatra Mountain National Park

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Hike through the High Tatra Mountain Ranges
02 Walk the Malá Studena Valley to historic Teryho Chata
03 Admire alpine flowers and the unique fauna of Tatra National Park
04 Explore the Belianske Tatry, a limestone region reopened to visitors in 1993

Join us for an exciting 3-day journey in the High Tatras, passing through scenic valleys and historic chalets. Explore the highest and only truly Alpine portion of the Carpathian Range, much of which is protected as Tatra National Park, the oldest national park in former Czechoslovakia, and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This remarkable landscape is rich in unusual flora and fauna, including endemic Alpine flowers, Brown Bear, Lynx, Wolf, Chamois, Eagles, and Marmot. There is also an optional ascent of Gerlachovsky, the highest peak in Slovakia, for experienced hikers seeking a longer and more challenging day.

There is also an optional ascent of Gerlachovsky, the highest peak in Slovakia, for experienced hikers seeking a longer and more challenging day.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities High Tatras Mountains, Low Tatras

Languages English, Slovak

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Malá Studena Valley Hike to Teryho Chata

Short transfer by local train or car to Stary Smokovec (transfer of luggage will be arranged separately). Take the funicular from Stary Smokovec to Hrebienok and hike up the Malá Studena Valley (Small Cold Valley) to Teryho Chata (6,609'), a hut built more than a hundred years ago and surrounded by five lakes and huge mountains. The hike takes about three hours.

Along the way, we may see a few young men portaging supplies up to the hut, with loads averaging close to 180 lbs. We will also see many local Slovaks on the trail. The Slovaks love to hike, and this is one of the most popular trails. They are also very hardy hikers, so do not be surprised if you are passed by a nun in tennis shoes.

Return by the same route and transfer to the Grand Hotel in Stary Smokovec, our base for the next few days. An optional return via a more challenging route is also available.

B, L, D... Grand Hotel

Walking profile: 1200 m.a.s.l-1,5km-1400-2,5km-20131-1km-2352-2km-1650-5km-1200

Day 02

Forest Walk to Sliezsky Dom and Velicke Pleso

We take an easy hike from the hotel through beautiful forests to the hotel situated at the base of Gerlachovsky (8,710'), the highest peak of the High Tatras and the focus of tomorrow's optional climb. The hotel stands on the shore of Velicke Pleso (lake), and the area is known for its abundant alpine wildflowers.

Return to the Grand Hotel, enjoying panoramic views of the Low Tatras and the villages of the High Tatras.

B, L, D... Grand Hotel

Walking profile: 1200 m.a.s.l-3km-1660-4,0km-1200

Day 03

Belianske Tatry and Monkova Valley Hike

Transfer for 30 minutes to the eastern part of the High Tatras, a limestone region called the Belianske Tatry, which was closed to visitors until 1993. It is known as a wildflower paradise for its high density of alpine flowers, including many orchids and endemic plants.

From the village of Tatranska Javorina, with its many houses of typical wooden architecture, we will hike steadily up the Monkova Valley before dropping down to the Brncalova Chata (hut), one of the most beautifully situated mountain chalets. It is over 100 years old.

Return journey by coach.

Accommodation: as previous day

Walking profile: 896 m.a.s.l-3km-950-4,5km-1830-1,5km-1749-1km-1832-1km-1690-2km-1545-6km-920

Where this trip takes you

Malá Studena Valley, Teryho Chata hut, Velicke Pleso, Belianske Tatry

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Slovak/English-speaking tour guide

Accommodations in nicely located mountain pensions and chalets
Meals - Breakfast
Ground transportation within the mountains

What's Not Included

Airfare
Airport-mountain transfers
Insurance
Drinks
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities

What to bring

Outdoor gear
Good boots

Know before you go

In Tatra National Park (TANAP), walkers must keep to the marked footpaths to help prevent erosion and preserve the environment for native animals and plants.
Paths are generally of a high standard, with chains fitted in some places.
In the Mala Fatra, some narrow canyons include metal walkways, ladders, and chains.
These sections are not difficult or overly exposed, and if you are comfortable on Striding Edge or Crib Goch, you should find them straightforward.
If you wish to ascend Gerlachovsky, the highest peak in Slovakia, you are required to use the services of a TANAP/UIAGM guide, who must be booked a day or two in advance.
The extra cost for the Gerlachovsky ascent is about EUR 150 and can be shared by up to five clients.
This optional ascent can be a long and fairly difficult day of 8-10 hours and is really an airy scramble with some easy climbing.
A rope is carried by the guide and may be used for part or all of the ascent and descent at the guide's discretion.
If you are used to scrambling and do not mind big drops, it is an enjoyable outing; however, the ascent should not be underestimated.
Your local guide and leader will provide more information and a detailed description while you are in Slovakia.

Logistics