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Have you already hiked the Ukrainian Carpathians countless times, walked the Chornohora and Marmaros ridges, climbed Hoverla and Petros? And now you want other, higher mountains? But not too far away and not too expensive? You're in luck! Because we've designed a new hike through the Polish Tatras with an ascent of Rysy (2499 m) – the highest peak in Poland. Besides the summits, this Tatras hike offers countless mountain lakes, including Morskie Oko – the lake considered the most beautiful in the country. Just 6 days, but enough impressions for a whole year!
All overnight stays take place in mountain refuges for hikers. This is where we sleep and eat. Sometimes we leave our belongings behind while heading out on radial hikes. A Tatras hike isn't just a walk along a trail up and down. Be ready for steep ascents, winding paths along narrow ridges, and sections of the route passed with the help of fixed ropes (via ferrata). In some cases it will be a bit extreme, in others – challenging. But you will definitely overcome all the obstacles and reach your goal, for which you'll receive the main reward – stunning landscapes and breathtaking views of the Tatra mountain range with its incredible ridges, peaks, and blue-eyed lakes.
On the route we'll have several very interesting sections that we'll pass using chains fixed to the rocks, also known as via ferrata
We don't cancel or postpone groups. If the manager gives the green light for ticket purchase, you can safely buy it. There will be no cancellation of the program due to our fault.
Experienced Kuluar team leaders will accompany the group throughout the entire route, making your journey as safe and unforgettable as possible! They have already been to Iceland multiple times and know the country in detail.
The manager who will consult you before the trip has been to Iceland herself and will share details from personal experience!
Over 12000 participants have already traveled with Kuluar, and 97.8% were satisfied. We're confident you will be too!
We will climb the highest point of the country - Mount Rysy, 2503 m. The way to it isn't short, but we'll conquer it without backpacks.
We will see the true treasure of the Polish Tatras and the pride of Poles - Morskie Oko lake
We meet with the group in Zakopane - a very colorful resort town. Today we'll take a short walk around the town and get to know each other, because a real mountain adventure awaits us ahead. We stay overnight in a cozy hostel.
Today begins the hiking part of our journey. We will walk up to the most "pilgrimage" mountain of all Poland - Giewont. From the mountain there is an excellent view of all Zakopane and the Polish part of the Tatras. On the way down we will visit a small waterfall and end the evening with a delicious Polish dinner.
Early rise, breakfast - and off we go. Today we have to overcome perhaps the most difficult and interesting section of our route. We will be climbing the rocks with the help of chains to the Zawrat Pass, from which we will see a true miracle of the Polish Tatras - the Valley of Five Polish Lakes, where 5 lakes are located at an altitude of more than 1600 meters, surrounded by mountain peaks. It's an incredible phenomenon. After catching our breath and having a snack, we will descend to the next shelter, where we will rest and share impressions of the day.
Today we leave the Valley of Five Polish Lakes and move to the valley where the true treasure of the Polish Tatras and the pride of the Poles is located - Lake "Morskie Oko". Seeing this wonder of nature at such a height, surrounded by sharp mountain spears, you will want to stay here forever. The purest water, roe deer and stags peacefully grazing near the trails - this is exactly how nature should be protected, when it is raised to the level of a national treasure. After lunch, we will settle into the shelter and take a walk to "Czarny Staw pod Rysami", from where we will be able to enjoy the highest point of Poland - Mount Rysy, and assess the seriousness of tomorrow's climb. We descend to the shelter and prepare for the ascent of Mount Rysy, 2499 m.
Early rise, because today we have a responsible mission - the ascent of Mount Rysy. We need to be extremely careful, as this climb is not an easy one. After going through a difficult path, we will find ourselves at the highest point of Poland, from where we will be able to admire the beauty not only of the Polish Tatras, but also of the Slovak ones, since we are located on the border of two states. After taking plenty of photos and having a good rest, we descend to the parking lot, from where we go to the hostel we already know well. Those who are too tired can use the "horse taxi". The Poles take great care of nature, so motor vehicle access to Morskie Oko is prohibited.
Early in the morning we receive the long-awaited certificates for successfully completing the hike and head home. You can stay in Zakopane for a day or visit Krakow, spending another day getting acquainted with the history and culture of this Polish city.
To book a place in the group, you need to make a deposit of 50 euros (can be paid in hryvnias at the exchange rate), but no later than 10 days before the start of the hike. You give the rest of the money to the guide on the first day of the hike. If you drop out of the route or cancel the trip, the money is not refunded, but can be transferred to the account of another participant of the hike or used by you on the next hike.
The manager will advise you on equipment, help you choose the best flight, and share information on hotels and excursions. You make payments and purchases yourself. If you want the manager to buy a ticket for you, this is possible, but for additional money, as it is a great responsibility. More in the article: additional services and service fee.
Depending on weather conditions, the condition and general wishes of the group, the guide has the right to make changes to the route.
The hike takes place on the territory of Poland, which is part of the EU. Therefore, to visit this country, you must have an open Schengen visa or a valid biometric foreign passport.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date — please check this before buying flights.
To participate in the hike, you should not have any illnesses incompatible with active tourism: list here.
The Tatras, like our Carpathians, are a fairly rainy region, the weather here changes very often. Therefore, so that rain does not catch you off guard, be sure to take a good raincoat! Keep in mind that there is usually a strong wind on the ridges and peaks, so a jacket or windbreaker will not be unnecessary even in the middle of summer. Depending on the weather, it can be either very hot or cool during the day.
In addition to physical fitness pay attention to your equipment. It should be of high quality and reliable, to withstand northern rains and wind. Your comfort and enjoyment of the hike depends on the choice of equipment. Good membrane pants and jacket, a wind-resistant waterproof tent, comfortable waterproof boots are a must have on this hike.
You can get to Zakopane via Krakow. There are Kyiv-Przemyśl trains (convenient, as they run strictly on schedule, and you won't waste time at the border while all documents are checked). In Przemyśl, you can take a train or bus to Krakow, and from Krakow a bus to Zakopane. This is the most budget-friendly option. You can fly to Krakow by plane, and from there take a bus to Zakopane (1.5 hours travel time).
We recommend buying tickets in advance. Return tickets from Zakopane can be taken for the afternoon, so you're in no rush. But we recommend staying an extra day to see Zakopane or Krakow. You should only buy tickets after we confirm your participation in the hike. You can do this at ticket offices at the train station or online on the Ukrzaliznytsia website. We will help with purchasing tickets to Poland. You just need to confirm your participation in advance.
To find the best flight options, use the form below:
To participate in the program you need good insurance. Please don't neglect this point. For some participants, this has saved thousands of dollars. You'll find our recommendations for getting insurance here: "Insurance for Kuluar hike participants"
We prepare breakfast and a midday snack ourselves. In the morning it's usually porridge with meat or a milk porridge with dried fruits. For lunch – sandwiches, cheese, cookies, canned food. We have dinner at the shelters where we stop for the night. After an eventful day, you just want to eat and rest while reflecting on the landscapes you've seen. Moreover, this way we'll have the chance to try national Polish dishes over the week, which is an essential part of discovering a new country.
We prepare breakfast and a midday snack ourselves. In the morning it's usually porridge with meat or a milk porridge with dried fruits. For lunch – sandwiches, cheese, cookies, canned food. We have dinner at the shelters where we stop for the night. After an eventful day, you just want to eat and rest while reflecting on the landscapes you've seen. Moreover, this way we'll have the chance to try national Polish dishes over the week, which is an essential part of discovering a new country.
The total amount of additional expenses will be about 150 euros + transfer to Zakopane. Just in case, you should also have an extra 50-100 euros with you.
*Please note: it is not the manager's task to arrange a separate flight for each participant. The manager gives general recommendations based on their experience and shares other participants' flight details so you can fly together. Choosing and purchasing a convenient flight ticket is up to each participant. If you would like the manager to buy you a flight ticket, book a hotel, or arrange an additional excursion, please check the conditions on the page: additional services.
