Walking in the Slovakian Tatras

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 11 reviews.

William Bain

WALKING IN THE SLOVAKIAN TATRAS

Written July 2012
An interesting trip on well made paths connecting the passes and peaks of the Tatra, with numerous chata - mountain huts - at which to refresh oneself.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The chain supported scramble to the pass of Pol'sky Hreben, beneath the highest Tatra peak Gerlachovsky Stit ,with marmot and chamois amongst the spectators, and the return to the roaring fire at Sliezsky Dom.
What did you think of your group leader?
Peter was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, eager to show off his knowledge and showcase his country in excellent English.
His home made local version of a musical horn was expertly crafted and his own photographic skills evident.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Apparently the weather is generally better with later departures, with September definitely drier than July. In July thunderstorms are likely which means avoiding ridges and summits.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The base at the Bilikova Chata was comfortable, but be prepared for 40 minutes walking each way to the local village of Stary Smokovec if you want something different.
The day in Krakow was an added bonus.
Martin Wood

WALKING IN THE SLOVAKIAN TATRAS

Written September 2011
Peter, the local guide in the Tatras, was superb. kracow turned out to be a very pleasant suprise, i usually prefer mountains to cities!
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
On day four we seemed to be high in the mountains, on day five we looked down on the same spot... Wow!
What did you think of your group leader?
Peter was superb. very friendly, very helpful, very knowledgeable
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Arrange your euros in the uk, buy Zlotys from the dealers in Kracow.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
There isn't much variation in the breakfasts, or packed lunches, but good quality.
Carl Jay

WALKING IN THE SLOVAKIAN TATRAS

Written September 2011
A wonderful weeks walking in the mountains. Beautiful views, pleasant weather and great company
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The sight of local Sherpas carrying loads of 100KG+ up the rocky mountain paths
What did you think of your group leader?
Superb! Vast local knowledge and very attentive, it was a real pleasure to spend to week in Peters company
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Good walking boots are a must as the terrain can be pretty rocky, be prepared for sunshine, rain and snow all in the 1 week. Don't expect any late nights, the chalet is in a remote location and the bar closes at 9, if you're after a party town this probably isn't for you. If you're after good walking and nice break then it probably is
Catherine Dickens

WALKING IN THE SLOVAKIAN TATRAS

Written July 2011
Normally my husband and I travel independently, so a group holiday was something new to us. It was a real change not to know exactly where I was going and not to have spend hours poring over walking maps planning our itinerary.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
On our last day it was too stormy to walk high up in the mountains, so we visited the botanical garden at Tatranska Lomnica amongst other places. Being a bit of a devotee of botanic gardens, I found it interesting to see some of the flowers we had seen in our previous 4 days of walking. However, what was really inspirational about it for me was the realisation that we had been walking in a perfect botanical wonderland, far more impressive than the bortanical garden itself. At times the scenery in the High Tatras was dominated by granite boulders but occasionally we walked amongst some amazing flower meadows.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was one of the most caring and knowledgeable people I have come across. From having pictures of the wild flowers on his mobile with accompanying names, to bandaging sore knees, to love of local products and absolute understanding of the terrain we were walking through, his attitude was always cheerful and helpful.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Considering 300 or so bears roam the High Tatras it is a good idea to be in a group with an experienced leader who wears a bear bell. Not long ago one of these bears attacked a man with a chain saw!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The mountain hotel, the Bilikova Chata where we stayed provided an excellent assortment of local cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The soups at the evening meal were especially welcome and we got hooked on the wafery biscuits provided with the packed lunches.
Dominic Bruton

WALKING IN THE SLOVAKIAN TATRAS

Written September 2010
Beautiful scenery, an informative, attentive guide and good company.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
On the first day when we walked to the top of a mountain in about a foot of snow in the middle of a heavy snow shower. A first for me!
What did you think of your group leader?
Very good indeed. Well-informed, attentive, safety-conscious, kind and helpful. A nice guy.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I borrowed walking poles from the guide. While I could have coped without them I found them surprisingly useful and would recommend them.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I chose this trip partly due to the 'moderate/challenging' description. I didn't think I was quite up to the 'challenging' level, but I found the walking easy, so presumably 'challenging' would have been within my capabilities. I've no regrets, though, as it was highly enjoyable.
John Cheverton

WALKING IN THE SLOVAKIAN TATRAS

Written August 2010
A mixture of delights (the scenery, companionship, and Krakow) and disappointments (the lack of evening options, oversize walking group, and unadventurous routes).
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the summit of Slavkovsky Stit (2452m) on the last day was great, a rewarding climb finishing with spectacular views ... sadly with only 2 companions as the rest of the group were doing a slower route to some lakes. The walking itself is undoubtedly excellent, on good granite paths, which do include some quite tough rocky sections and steep gradients (the Exodus grade of 'moderate/challenging' is correct in my view).
What did you think of your group leader?
Peter worked long and hard to make it work for the group, and he had excellent local knowledge. He also helped us identify the wildflowers (numerous) and other wildlife (scant). However, the need to keep 15 walkers of varied pace together meant stopping us every 10 minutes (sometimes every 5) which eventually becomes frustrating for both the slower and faster walkers. The availability of a second guide during the days would have allowed us to split into two groups and have the option of different routes. This would greatly increase the attractiveness of this trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Travellers need to understand (as I did not) that the High Tatras are to Slovakia what the 'Lake District' is to England: a compact, scenic and very popular area that is accessible, well mapped and signposted. If you want good, stress-free, companionable walking in excellent scenery, then this is a trip to consider, provided you are happy to forego any sense of adventure and accept minimal culture (except in Krakow), mediocre food and limited options for post-walking activity. By analogy, if you would be frustrated being guided solely along the blue and red routes for a week in a well mapped ski resort, and wonder why you were not been shown some hidden off-piste treasures, then this is probably not the trip for you.
It seemed that little thought has been given to the needs of the group for social and other activities in the evening. We had to take this into our own hands, with minimal information about the possibilities. The location of the chalet up at Hrebienok, while a good walking base, makes it difficult to do anything in the evenings: after the funicular stops running it is a 30 minute walk down to the nearest town of Stary Smokovec and about 40 minutes back up.
However, Exodus's organisation was first-rate, and Krakow was stunning, with a super little hotel which we will probably use again.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I was lucky enough to go with a really great group, without any whingers, and we entertained each other magnificently! Despite the two stars, I will remember this holiday happily for the companionship, the scenery, and Krakow. All would be well if the Exodus will make a few tweaks and future travellers are a little more realistic about the nature of the Tatras than I was.
Franziska Lucas

WALKING IN THE SLOVAKIAN TATRAS

Written July 2010
This was a wonderful area for hiking, our guide was first rate, the accommodation was good for us, however some of the younger people found themselves isolated because the lack of transport. Breakfast was good, but lunches were repetitive consisting of cheese and ham rolls with perhaps a piece of cucumber. Dinners were uninspiring.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the peaks. We loved each day's hiking.
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent. He was well organised, knowleadgeable, professional, with a warm and friendly manner.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Please let us know when you are doing a similar trip in the Polish Tatras.