Do you plan a summer vacation in High Tatras? We have a tip for you on a hike outside of marked trails, which belongs to an unforgettable experience in slovak mountains. We are talking about the ascent to Gerlach with 2655 m highest peak in High Tatras and entire Carpathian arc.
Officially it is possible to do the hike with a mountain guide. This article describes the ascent through Batizovská próba, however you can agree with a guide upon a different route. Ascent to Gerlach with a mountain guide can be recommended especially if you are unsure wiht orientation and planning tours in High Tatras unmarked terrain, or you are unsure of the solution of crisis situations that may occur in the higher mountains for different reasons. The other possibility is to choose one of the climbing routes, which ich more demanding.
If you decide to ascent with the guide, the tour usually starts very early in the morning at the mountain hotel Sliezsky dom . There is the possibility to get here by car, but it is necessary to order it in advance. From Sliezsky dom the ascent continues mostly along the contour of Tatranská magistrála hiking trail (red mark) up to a nice mountain tarn Batizovské pleso.
From there the ascent continues to the right under the wall of Gerlach to Batizovská próba, that leads almost directly to the top of Gerlachovský štít peak. Orientation in the wall itself can be complicated especially in low visibility conditions.
The gully comes across snow fields and therefore it is not unusual if you have to use winter gear - crampons, harness, rope or trekking poles. A guide is able to rent such material, so there is no purchase necessary. The ascent of the gully itself is technically undemanding. Good physical condition is required.
Usually a maximum of two to three clients on a rope is lead by a guide. The ascent throug Batizovská próba gully is secured by iron aids at the most technical spots.
From top double cross in the case of good weather conditions there are magnificent views across the Tatras. Descent from the summit is quite demanding on knee joints, but the experience of beautiful hike makes you forget all the pain.
Ascent to Gerlachovský štít belongs to a unique experience on your vacation in High Tatras.