Carpathian Trek

8 Days/7Nights

Hiking, Walking, Backpacking

excellent hiking,

historical towns, original folklore,

fotified castles,

unspoilt nature, caves, lakes, amazing scenery,

superb cuisine... fun!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Budapest, van transfer to Banská Štiavnica(UNESCO); welcome dinner. [D]

Day 2: Tour of Banská Štiavnica town, the New and Old castles, open-air mining museum; hike round nearby lakes - a unique water management system (UNESCO World Heritage) dating back to 16th century which organically blends into the landscape. [B,L,D]

Day 3: Transfer to the foothills of Low Tatras; full day trek along the mountain ridge; night in mountain hut just below Ďumbier - the summit of Low Tatra mountain range. [Day Pack]

Day 4: Descend Low Tatras; visit caves in Demänovská valley and a traditional village in the folk architecture reserve in Pribylina. [B,D]

Day 5: Light hike in Slovak Paradise to the Tomášovský viewpoint on a tall cliff and the river Hornád canyon; visit to the gothic town of Levoča and the monumental Spiš castle(UNESCO). [B,L,D]

Day 6: Ascend Rysy - rugged peak on Slovak/Polish border, one of the most popular hikes in High Tatras (full day hike). [B,P,D]

Day 7: Hiking the Suchá Belá in Slovak Paradise - a long ravine with seven waterfalls on partly submerging stream; farewell dinner; overnight sleeper train to Prague. [B,P,D]

Day 8: End in Prague; optional city tour. [P]

This tour includes:

Professional bilingual guide, support staff

Airport transfers, all local connecting transfers and luggage transportation

Accommodation in selected hotels with en suite facilities, one night mountain hut

Meals: 5 buffet breakfasts[B], 2 lunches[L], 6 dinners[D], 3 packed meals[P] and 1whole-day food pack

Entrance fees to castles, museums and other select attractions plus local payments in National Parks

Not included:

Round-trip airfare, travel insurance, visas, optional city tour in Prague, alcoholic beverages, optional gratuities to guides and staff

Group size:

4 - 12 people

Route rating:

Moderate Plus - a combination of moderate and more vigorous hikes covering 6-12 miles (10-20 km) a day with elevation gain up to 3500 feet (1100 m). Every mountain range has different character: Low Tatras - exposed grassy massifs; High Tatras - Alpine style jagged peaks with few sections only passable holding onto chains fixed to the rock; Slovak Paradise - hidden gorges secured with ladders. There is something interesting for every keen hiker who is reasonably fit.

Weather:

Slovakia has moderate continental climate. Prime visiting months are May through September with temperatures ranging from the upper 50s to the lower 80s (14 - 28°C). October is cooler, usually bringing first frosts in the mountain heights but also the most spectacular autumnal colours and often a beautiful Indian summer.