Winter is slowly swinging in the second half and you may be starting to think about summer vacation spent somewhere in Slovakia. Looking for something cheaper but without reducing quality of holiday moments spent with your loved ones or friends?
If you like hiking, the answer could be the ridge of Low Tatras. During its pass, you will experience the romance in beautiful slovak mountains while you will relax actively. The time needed for complete pass of the main ridge you can plan according to your physical limits. If you have limited time or condition, or bad weather forecast, plan a shorter variant of this hike. You can also decide on the route itself, there are still plenty of escape paths in the valley available. Vacation spent in Low Tatras will not be regret.
During the planning of this trip is necessary to consider, that you will move in alpine environments and must therefore carefully select equipment. It is good if at least some of the participants is an experienced hiker who can set the course of action in problematic situations. Passing the complete ridge requires some degree of stable condition and experience with all day marches.
The main ridge of the Low Tatras begins in Telgárt and ends in Donovaly. It is situated in the middle of Slovakia and spreads one hundred kilometers, a portion that takes by pleasant walk pace four days. Low Tatras are located in the alpine environment and when it passes often across the line of 2000 m above sea level. It is therefore clear to take into account the weather conditions, although directly on the ridge are located all year long open alpine chalets with personnel (Štefániks Chalet under Ďumbier, and Kamenná Chata Chalet under Chopok) and huts (Ramža, Andrejcová, Ďurková under Chabenec peak)
Low Tatras ridge in its wild eastern part Telgárt - Čertovica pass is characterized by a nice forest and mountain meadow environment. Dominated by the peak of Kráľova Hoľa with characteristic transmitter, in which is located an emergency shelter as well. Along the way, the eastern portion of the ridge is enough drinking water and overnight is possible in mentioned in huts with no personnel in it. So in addition to journey to Telgárt you do not have virtually any cash expenses and any physical activity will be repaid to you by beautiful views into distance, especially at the High Tatras view in the north. The ridge is well marked by red colour and a trail beaten by thousands of feet leads on it, so it is hard to lose. However, there was several wind calamities in the past, that made some parts less clear to navigate, due to fallen trees.
In Čertovica pass, that builds a natural border between the mountainous western part of Low Tatras and its more forest-like eastern part, there is a possibility of accommodation as well as replenishment. Čertovica mountain pass is middle point of whole passage. Low Tatras ridge continues towards steeper hike direction Chata M.R. štefánika and Ďumbier peak, which, however, may be omitted, because its summit is located off the main -red marked route. The peak is not far away and a visit of its top is highly recommended. It is the highest point of Low Tatras.
After the Ďumbier part of the ridge, the route continues with mostly pleasant, granite path to the Kamenná Chata mountain chalet situated below the top of Chopok. On both of the above chalets accommodation and warm meals are offered. But one must face certain financial sacrifices. Chopok-Ďumbier area is major tourist and ski center. On the north side of Chopok is located ski resort Jasná, in the south is located Srdiečko. North side provides opportunities for freeride skiing and also it is official ski-touring area. In Chopok area are built several lifts. We recommend to check the map of mentioned location before exploring it on your own. In this part of Low Tatras is located unique Dead Bats Cave as well.
The ridge continues to run in less populated parts in direction Dereše - Donovaly. The unique mountain scenery makes it feel a strong tramp romance here. The trail in this part of the ridge is characterized by relatively pleasant elevations and it remains well marked by the red. Options for overnight and replenishment of food are offered by Ďurková mountain hut below the top od Chabenec. It is a modest cottage equipped with permanent staff.
Final ridge parts from Ďurková to Donovaly are characterized mainly by hard descent from Prašivá - Veľká Chochuľa approximately 700 vertical meters into Hiadeľské sedlo pass, where you can refill water in a stream and sleep in emergency shelter. During mentioned descent hiking sticks will serve you well. Descent is annoying especially with heavier backpack.
The last part of the ridge of Low Tatras in the Kozí Chrbát area is again characterized by meadows and beautiful natural scenery forms a dignified conclusion of a big adventure accomplished.
Your vacation in the mountains ends in Donovaly, which is another important ski resort of Slovakia. There is a number of accommodation options available here. You can also use a good transport connection from here to cities of Ružomberok, or Banská Bystrica.