WALKING IN THE SLOVAKIAN TATRAS

Our Clients’ Reviews

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  Mark Kendrick

  WALKING IN THE SLOVAKIAN TATRAS

  

  Written August 2009

  Enjoyable trip, with spectacular scenery and some hard days walking. Kracow is great for sightseeing and an evening out at the end of the trip. Very nice hotel there. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Reaching the summit of one of the Tatras peaks, with perfect weather and perfect views. Good wildlife;Chamoix and marmots

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Good and personable , although  not quite forceful enough, as to group discipline on the tougher days,particularly with  a couple of members of the group who insisted on going at their own (too fast) pace, which caused the group to spread out, and on occasions caused distress for those at the back ie the less fit and confident, who felt they were being left behind.  In less than perfect weather this could have been a serious problem. As it was (I'm an experienced mountaineer) I took it upon myself to back mark and look out for them. One group member became seriously distressed, and the leader was oblivious to this being a long way ahead of the tail. I had to sprint up (not as easy as in my distant fell running youth!) to catch and alert him.  

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Some of the walks on this trip are quite tough, not because of exposure, length or steepness, but because these mountains are granite the paths are bouldery and rocky, which can be tough on the legs, especially the knees. We had ideal weather. in the wet these parts would be very difficult going indeed.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  it is a shame that most  of the routes are linear, up and down the same paths, rather than circular. For variety it would be good to see another part of the range on one day, rather than starting and finishing at the mountain lodge.

   
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  Peter Gillett

  WALKING IN THE SLOVAKIAN TATRAS

  

  Written July 2009

  July 2009: Some strenuous walking in a beautiful place and thankfully some excellent weather! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I suppose on treks of this nature reaching the highest peak is the goal and the highlight. So reaching the summit of Slavkovsky Stit (2452m) was no exception. Excellent views across the Tatras of Slovakia and Poland. There is no problem with altitude but the terrain is so rocky that it is probably harder than it might be reported in the itinerary. This did give the group a great sense of achievement and the end-of-the-day drink so much more deserved. And in July it was very hot with no shelter on the mountain side so a lot of water was required!

  All the other walks were easier but equally scenic and enjoyable. Some nice sightings of wildlife (chamoix, marmots) but strangely very little birdlife.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Peter Gbur was an interesting and entertaining guide with a vast knowledge of the local history and geography as well as scientific analysis of the local water supply!! He was always very polite, caring, thorough and enthusiastic. The only comment I would make (and this has been mentioned elsewhere in this thread) is that he worked alone and I would suggest that one guide is not enough with a group of 16 people in this sort of landscape.

  This obviously is not his fault but maybe something Exodus should consider. The terrain is very uneven making some of the steeper climbs quite hard work for some of the group while others streaked ahead giving Peter a dilemma: whether to slow down or try and keep up with the front runners. This had the effect of dividing the group and I can imagine in some parts of the journey the ones at the back might actually get lost!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take walking poles and a hydration pack. I really would not have made it without the poles, especially on the return trip down the mountains. The stress on the knees is something to think about so maybe knee supports are essential for those of (cough) advanced years :-) The weather can change dramatically so always have water proofs even if it is sunny when you set out (even in July we had one huge thunder storm to deal with). The walks are long and it seems the downhill journeys take a long time when you are probably already tired from the assents, so take some snacks to keep you going as evening meals at the Chata were around 7pm.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The Tatras part of the holiday is spectacular and Krakow is a great city to spend the last day but we all felt that we didn't have quite enough time there to discover it all (and the hotel was fantastic) a minor point I suppose - can always visit the city again for a weekend break.

  The youngest members of the group were in their 20s, the oldest was 77... that should be encouraging so go for it!

   
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  Barbara Greep

  KRAKOW, PRAGUE & THE HIGH TATRAS

  

  Written July 2008

  This was my first trip with Exodus, the booking was handled well and the office staff very helpful.  The whole holiday went like clockwork and realised my expectations.  Our guide Marcel, was not only good at his job but possessed that something special.  Slovakia, Slovakians and the Tatras magnificent - if you want good walking, value for money and a trip that offers something special this is it. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The mountains and the views combined with an abundance of flora.

  The trip to Krakow really moved me, walking through the Jewish quarter.  The whole group was moved by the tour and the information on how the city remained unscathed in the last world war.  Very moving to be standing in a city so affected by genocide. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  A very patient, knowledgable and special person.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Travelling through 3 different countries with 3 different currencies did catch me out.  The exchange rate in Prague was very bad and we felt we had been ripped off.  Although we could pay bills by card it would have helped to have small amounts of local cash.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  A good trip well organised and surpassed my expectations.  I will definately recommend the company and the trip to friends.

  I have no hesitation in booking with Exodus again.

   
• 

  Richard Calrow

  Garlic soup and rain but still good fun!

  

  Written September 2007

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I loved Krakow and like to go back

  The mountain huts in Slovakia were brill serving big bowls of lentil or garlic soup

  Nice coffee and choclate cakes throughout!!

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  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our leader was a czech girl called Martina who was very good and we also had a local guide in the mountains (can't rember her name).  I can't rate Martina highly enough lovely personality, very on the ball in booking restaurants in Prague and Krakow as well as encoraging the slower walkers.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  We went in September and were unlucky as for our three days in the mountains it rained heavily so pack a good waterproof!!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The hotel we stayed at in Slovakia was a throw back to communist days.  We had to order food for the evening meal 36 hours in adavance (and then wasn't very good) and the bar closed at 10 each night (probable blessing in disguise).  However this was part of the charm and we felt that we were seeing a real part of Slovakia as opposed to some stereotyped hotel.  The packed lunches they supplied were pretty awful and ended up eating in mountain huts.

  In hidsight wished i spent an extra day in both Prague and especially Krakow and encourage anyone too seriously consider it as a day in each not really long enough!!