Poland: Carpathian Mountains Guided Hike

Our trip begins at 9.00am from central Krakow. From here we transfer to Jaworki in the heart of the Little Pieniny Mountain Range, about a 2 hour drive. Here we'll stay in comfortable guesthouse 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 hiking. This afternoon, a warm up hike through the gorge will ensure we have worked up an appetite for the welcome dinner that will be prepared by our hosts at a campfire. We spend time tasting local grilled cheese and sausages and of course home-made vodka.

Our first hike 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, elevation +/-600m/1968ft

This morning by local 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 (747m), 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

Our day starts with a short minibus transfer to the village of Rzeki (35km/21.7mi), where we begin our climb of the highest mountain in the region, Mt Turbacz (1310m/4298ft). 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. In blueberry season (July) or raspberry season (early August) the trail is lined with bushes brimming with fruit, slowing the pace of the walk to harvest speed. 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: 12km/7.5mi, Elevation +900m/2952ft, -350m/1148ft

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 a comfortable wooden pension in a local style. Distance: 11km/6.8mi, elevation +150m/492ft, -700m/2296ft

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. This could be either in the high Tatra for a challenging day hike or a more gentle but equally scenic walk in the western Tatra.

There will be a short transfer to the Krowiarki Pass. On the way we stop in Chocholow Village were we will walk the main street to admire the beautiful wooden houses. Krowiarki Pass is located 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. Dormitory accommodation. Distance: 8km/5mi, elevation: +700/2300ft -500m/1640ft