Tatras Explorer
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POLAND –Tatras Explorer TREK OVERVIEW This ‘softer’ itinerary in the Polish Tatras has been created for those of you who do not feel up to continual backpacking along the spine of the Tatras but still want to explore this delightful area. You will visit the most picturesque lakes and valleys and have opportunities to reach some of the summits. The first three days walking will be daytrips out from your comfortable guesthouse in Zakopane, visiting a different valley with opportunities to ascend different peaks each day. On the fourth day we use a cable car to take us up to Kasprowy Wierch, and for the last two nights we use comfortable mountain huts each evening. Our final day is a long day on the ascent of Rysy, returning to Zakopane in the evening. Driving times between Zakopane and the start point of the walks are short, so most of your days will still be on foot rather than on wheels! Finally we visit Krakow, to relax and enjoy the delights of Poland’s most fascinating city. Participation Statement Adventure Peaks recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personalinjury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement. Adventure Travel – Accuracy of Itinerary Although it is our intention to operate this itinerary as printed, it may be necessary to make some changes as a result of flight schedules, climatic conditions, limitations of infrastructure or other operational factors. As a consequence, the order or location of overnight stops and the duration of the day may vary from those outlined. You should be aware that some events are beyond our control and we would ask for your patience. 101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DB Telephone: 01539 433794 www.adventurepeaks.com [email protected] PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE/FITNESS If you are used to regular multi day hill walking you will CATERING ARRANGEMENTS have the right level of fitness to fully enjoy your time on All meals are included on this trip. When staying in the this trek. Non hill walkers must come with a reasonable huts the dinner menu choice may be limited. However degree of fitness. Most days involve 4 - 7 hours walking Poles do like food and you can expect to be provided with plus plenty of rest stops. At times chains are in place to interesting and plentiful dishes, soups, pasta and goulash. assist progress across steeper, rocky ground. Most lunches will be picnics which the guide will arrange with the huts and you will need to carry with you during GROUP AND LEADERS the day. A fully qualified Polish guide will accompany all groups. He will speak good English and have a detailed knowledge of the area and will be able to explain the history and culture of the region. On occasions we may also send a UK leader as well. This trip is exclusive to Adventure Peaks. WEATHER It is impossible to predict the weather accurately, but being an inland mountain range the Tatras usually are fortunate to enjoy stable weather over the summer months. Temperatures in the valleys may be 20oC to 25oC, but it will be cooler higher up. It can also be chilly around huts in the evening, when a lightweight fleece is recommended. Walkers should realize however that weather in the high mountains is unpredictable and should be prepared for rain and cold as well. ACCOMMODATION Five nights are spent in a family run guesthouse in Zakopane to where you will return each night after a good day’s walk in the mountains. Two nights will be spent in comfortable mountain huts. Here rooms are generally small dormitories and facilities will be shared. Hot water is often provided from solar energy, and will be limited. Blankets are supplied but we strongly recommend that you carry a light sleeping bag for these two nights. The last night will be in a hotel in Krakow. LANGUAGE AND TIME Language: Polish. Our guide speaks good English. Time: GMT+1 (CET). No daylight saving time at present. HEALTH All our leaders hold first aid certificates and carry a fully equipped first aid kit for medical emergencies. However you should bring your own supplies of plasters, blister prevention pads (Compeed), Paracetamol etc. and any medication you are taking. Contact your GP around eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country- by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices. Tap or stream water should never be drunk without first sterilizing with WHAT TO CARRY chlorine dioxide tablets or by boiling. On days 2, 3 and 4 you return to Zakopane each night so will only need to carry a light daypack during the day. A INSURANCE 35 litre rucksack is a useful size to comfortably fit in Insurance which covers mountain rescue, evacuation and essential items such as water bottle, camera, wet-weather medical expenses is essential.We will require a copy of gear and extra layers etc. On days 5 and 6 you will need to your insurance prior to departure. Your standard travel add a lightweight sleeping bag, a few spare clothes and a insurance should be sufficient for this trip as there is no small washkit (3kg maximum) for the nights that will be technical climbing and we do not go above 3000m. spent in mountain huts. On day 7 (ascent of Rysy) you will be able to leave the extras in the hut and collect them on the way back down. 101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DB Telephone: 01539 433794 www.adventurepeaks.com [email protected] ALTITUDE This trip does not go above 3000m so altitude is unlikely ADVENTURE PEAKS KIT BAG / GIFT to be a problem. If you are new to altitude you may have All Adventure Peaks clients who reside in the UK would concerns about the effects. Don’t worry because our normally receive a FREE kitbag for any treks outside the itineraries allow sufficient time to acclimatise, and altitude UK. However as a kitbag is not required on this trek we rarely causes anyone any problems on this trip. The best will send you some other item of equipment which we way to avoid such symptoms is to walk at a gentle steady stock in our shop which will be useful to you for this trip. pace and drink plenty of fluid. This will be posted to you approx. 3 weeks prior to your departure. USEFUL TIPS Just in case your main luggage goes missing en route, it is a good idea to wear your boots on the plane. Most other things can be replaced but comfortable, well worn-in boots cannot. Pack important items in strong plastic bags. EQUIPMENT A detailed equipment list is provided on booking but normal summer walking equipment is all that is required. For equipment purchases Adventure Peaks offers a 15% discount from their shop in Ambleside or online. BAGGAGE For your own comfort travel light. Normally airlines restrict baggage to 20kg, but you should be carrying far less. FLIGHTS AND JOINING ARRANGEMENTS Flights are NOT included as part of this holiday. Easyjet, LOT and Ryan Air amongst others provide flights from VISAS AND PERMITS various UK airports to Krakow. Flight costs and schedules Visas for entry into Poland are not required by nationals of can be obtained from the respective airlines websites. the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand Some of these flights may not be suitably timed for the and all EU countries. transfer to Zakopane or may not fit with the trip itinerary and may require extra nights in Krakow at the beginning LOCAL COSTS or end of the trip. All accommodation most meals are included; please see the itinerary page for full details. Additional costs would The rendezvous for this trip is the ARRIVALS HALL include any drinks or snacks outside of mealtimes and IN KRAKOW AIRPORT at 1700 on Day 1. personal spending. The transfer from the last hotel to the airport is not included as we expect people to return on Your leader will meet you at the rendezvous and transport different flights so taking a taxi gives flexibility in will be arranged to take you to Zakopane. departure times. Return flights can be booked for anytime on Day 9, or CURRENCY later if you wish to extend your stay in Poland. The currency in Poland is the Zloty (PLN). You can obtain Zloty in the UK.ATMs and change bureaux are available PLEASE ENSURE YOU DO NOT PURCHASE in the airport and in main towns. There are no change YOUR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL (FLIGHTS OR facilities in the mountains. OTHER) UNTIL WE HAVE GUARANTEED YOUR TRIP IS RUNNING. TIPPING Tipping at meals and in hotels is normal practice. On this trip you may also like to tip your guide. About £20 - £30 should be plenty to cover total tips. 101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DB Telephone: 01539 433794 www.adventurepeaks.com [email protected] TATRAS EXPLORER ITINERARY No Day Today we... We stay at... Accommodation... Meals... 1 Sat Fly Zakopane Guesthouse D 2 Sun Trek Zakopane Guesthouse BLD 3 Mon Trek Zakopane Guesthouse BLD 4 Tue Trek Zakopane Guesthouse BLD 5 Wed Trek Five Valley Hut BLD 6 Thu Trek Morski Oko Hut BLD 7 Fri Trek Zakopane Guesthouse BLD 8 Sat Transfer Krakow Hotel BL 9 Sun Fly Home Home B Day 1 Fly to Krakow.