This hiking tour takes us to the Eastern Carpathian Mountains of Poland, with their highest peak Tarnica (1346 m) which is a part of Poland considered by many to be a truly wild frontier. A sparsely populated area covered by oak and beech forests and alpine meadows, this is an ideal destination for hikers and adventure seeking travellers. The region was once inhabited by Orthodox Lemkos whose existence left unique examples of their wooden architecture and local traditions. We hike during the day and stay overnight in villages or towns offering comfortable pensions or hotels. A qualified local guide accompanies us throughout the whole hiking trip.

Day 1 Krakow

After arrival in Krakow we take a guided tour of the city. We visit the Old Town, Royal Castle Hill and Jewish Quarter. Overnight stay in Krakow

Day 2 Narrow-gauge rail

In the morning we are transported to Komancza in the Eastern Carpathians. From here we take a remarkable narrow-gauge rail trip to Cisna. On the way we will have our first chance to see the Carpathian landscape. After several switchbacks we reach Cisna. Overnight stay in Cisna.

Day 3 Jaslo and Okraglik Peaks

Today the hiking part of our trip begins. Today we’ll take a moderate trail ascending to Jaslo (1153 m) and Okraglik ( 1101 m). The Carpathian peaks are covered with dense forests which turn into huge alpine meadows at a level of 1100 metres. We hike along well maintained and marked trails. We descend to a quiet settlement for the night. Overnight stay in Wetlina.

Day 4 Carpathian Meadows

Today our route follows a trail through two Carpathian meadows named Polonina Carynska and Polonina Wetlinska. Overnight stay in Ustrzyki Gorne.

Day 5 Tarnica and Krzemien Peaks

This day’s stage reaches Tranica (1346 m), the highest peak in the area and Krzemien (1335m) close to the Ukrainian border. We descend to a settlement called Muczne from where we are transported to Chmiel - our accommodation for the next two nights. Overnight stay in Chmiel.

Day 6 Chmiel and Otryt Range

On day 6 you can take a horse ride in the Otryt Range if you are fit and willing or take a pleasant hike visiting an old Orthodox church and a village ruined after the last World War. The day ends with a bonfire and a dinner in the midst of the delightful Carpathian scenery. Overnight stay again in Chmiel.

Day 7 Lake Solina

In the morning we are transported by bus to Lake Solina, created by a dam on the San river. A passenger boat takes us for a scenic cruise to our destination – the spa town of Polanczyk where we stay in a hotel with a lake view. Overnight stay in Polanczyk.

Day 8 Krakow

We take a charter bus back to Krakow leaving you an afternoon free to discover once again this magnificent city. Overnight stay in Krakow.

Day 9 Return journey

Return trip home or individual stay extension.

Grade: Moderate. There are 3 days when the major activity is hiking. A day’s walk is between 7 – 8 hours moving at an easy pace. The biggest ascent comes on day 5 when the altitude difference is about 600 metres. This trip is meant for people of all ages who are interested in mountain hiking.

PRICE:

596 EUR - Price per person sharing double/twin room

Single supplement - 103 EUR

Services included in price:

Accommodation with breakfast for 8 nights

8 dinners

Bus transport

Luggage transport between hotels

Qualified English speaking mountain guide during the whole trip

Full day guided tour of Krakow without entrances

Narrow-Gauge rail journey in The Eastern Carpathian Mountains

Passenger ship cruise on Solina Lake.

Support vehicle during the whole trip

Services not included in price:

Lunch meals

Horse ride in Chmiel

Insurance