I’ve written about similar trips before so was excited to hear that the UK’s leading trekking holidays company, Walks Worldwide, is now working closely with conservation group, Projekt Medved, and has created a unique trip called ‘Walking with Bears’ in the High Tatras mountains of Slovakia.
The High Tatras are the highest mountains in the Carpathian Arc which stretch from Romania to the Czech Republic. The range is small in area but they are very steep and provide the only High Alpine environment in Europe north of the Alps. There are a number of well-marked tourist trails but the highlight of this new trip are the days spent off the trail, following animal tracks and ancient smuggling paths in the company of guides who know the region and wildlife inside out.
This trekking holiday with a big difference, provides the chance to walk not only in a spectacular mountain area populated by bears, but with the intention of seeking the mighty beasts on foot! The tour actually begins in Poland and initially follows recognised way-marked trails across the High Tatras, descending into Slovakia. On reaching the Ticha, the group will be joined by a Park Ranger who will take the group ‘off piste’ and walk among the mountains and valleys in an area where tourists are normally forbidden. This unique opportunity is restricted to a maximum group size of eight people in order to minimise disturbance. Walking is graded as demanding, hiking at altitude in mountainous terrain for up to 9 hours per day.
The one-off trip departs on Sunday 14 August and costs from £985 pp (land only). This includes ground transportation, 7 nights’ accommodation, most meals and the services of and expert walking and wildlife guide. Call 0845 301 4737 or visit www.walksworldwide.com
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