Hi
I am planning a trip to the high Tatras in mid-September and have a few questions, I hope some people might be able to answer. I am planning some day trips and overnight trips and try to figure out the most interesting routes. I am using the following map sources
VKU Vysoke Tatry 1:25.000 (1999 version or so)
http://www.mapytatr.net/PRODUKTY/MAPY_T ... wys_ii.htm
http://www.turistickamapa.sk/?ref=navigator
1. We are arriving with plane in Krakow. What's the easiest way to get to the city centre and to Zakopane?
2. Do you need to make reservations in the huts? We are planning on using Murowaniec, hut at Przedni Staw Polski and Chata Pod Rysmi.
3. Do you need to bring sleeping bag, or do they have blankets in the hut, so the Alpenverein cover is enough?
4. Are there any via ferrata routes in the area?
5. We are planning on doing the Orla Perc. I see in the trip reports that it is secured with cables. Would you recommend bringing via ferrate gear (slings and harness) or will a helmet be sufficient?
6. Is it possible to sleep at the Kasprowy Wierch top lift station?
7. As I read it, you are allowed the cross the Polish/Slovak border on all trails. Right ? As I remember it this was not allowed 5 years ago.
8. Siroka. It looks like there is an unmarked trail following the border from Tatransja Javorina, over the peaks Kosiar, Svistocky, Siroka, Zamky, Horvatov Vrch and down to Bielovodska Dolina valley. You can even see the trail on Google Earth.
Is this peak/area still forbidden to climb? And if no, does anybody know the conditions/difficulty of this route, and how long it will take? It looks like 15-20 km and 1.500 m climb.
9. Our rough route is Zakopane, Orla Perc, Rysy, climb something on the Slovak side with a guide. We have already been on Gerlach, Krivan, Rysy and Vysoka Vychodna. Can you recommend other peaks/routes?
10. What is the easiest way to get from the Slovak side to Zakopane or Krakow?
Wow that ended up being quite many questions....
best regards
Jesper