Bears Of The High Tatras

Day 1
On arrival there may be time for a short walk to get acquainted with the surroundings.

Day 2
We make an early start, taking breakfast around 5 a.m. before taking a transfer westward to key valleys known to have the highest concentration of bears in the Tatras. On the way we may make a few stops below the avalanche slopes frequented by bears. Our ranger will set our route for the day, based on factors such as weather conditions and wind direction. The time of year also plays a part. The avalanche slopes are a popular spot for bears after the winter hibernation, when they come looking for food, especially in the fresh grass in spring. Towards the end of the summer, as autumn approaches, the bears turn their attention to blueberries and cranberries. On foot we set out to explore this largely pristine habitat, occupied by deer, chamois and even wolves, as well as our main quarry, the European brown bear. We take a packed lunch, and will aim to be out most of the day. Depending on the route chosen, we can ascend up to 729m and attain an altitude of 1994m. In the evening we transfer back to our accommodation.

Day 3
After another early start we transfer eastwards to an area of the Tatras known as Belianske, where we will experience the mountains from an alternate perspective to that of the previous day. Again our ranger will decide the route, but here there are a number of ridges home to chamois that we can explore as well as two valleys. The Belianske Tatras are home to marmots, lynx, wolves and of course bears. Birdlife here includes the Peregrine Falcon, the Golden Eagle, kestrels and owls to name a few. Depending on our route, we may take lunch at a mountain hut, if not it will be a picnic. In the evening we transfer back to our accommodation.

Day 4
Transfer to Krakow, fly home.