Self guided High Tatras trekking holiday in Slovakia

Environment

At the beginning of the tour you’ll be welcomed at the national park of High Tatras and settlement of Smokovec or Tatranska Lomnica, surrounded by mountains. Our stay will be located in the territory of this national park, whose mission is to preserve the diversity of flora and fauna and the protection of Tatra nature. During the stay we stress the importance of the principles of ‘responsible travel’. We will act responsibly and will not go off the marked trails without permission. We will respect the visiting rules of the Tatra National Park, and won’t destroy key information boards. We behave quietly and respectfully, so as to not disturb the natural tranquillity of the surroundings, and we do not drop litter, or light fires where prohibited. We act in a way that our behaviour doesn’t cause any damage to plants or lead to harm to animals, and we don’t pick rare flowers or scare animals. We also ensure that we only explore caves that have been deemed safe and accessible.

Community

We organise tours for small groups who experience a real adventure first hand, which in mass tourism and large groups is simply not possible. With such a purposeful connection with the local communities and regions throughout Slovakia that we visit, we are able to provide more pleasant experiences to understand the local customs, way of life and culture.
During this self-guided tour we will be using local services in the areas visited, and will prefer to use these than larger commercial providers. During walks, we visit a number of mountain huts that are supplied with goods by local sherpas, who must carry goods to huts without any support vehicles as the only way how to get to those huts is on foot. By buying refreshments and souvenirs at the huts we support their hard work and the maintenance of the huts. Accommodation is provided in family-run hotels, supporting the economy of the region. We use the services of local representatives and transfer companies for transfers within the Tatras and airport transfers. By using the funicular cable car to Hrebienok and relaxing in thermal pools, we financially support their operation and maintenance.