Starý Smokovec – Téryho Chata – South-to-North Crossing of the Main Ridge of the High Tatras – Day 1

This tour describes another (see Tours 48 and 49) classic route along the main ridge of the High Tatras. Since the first section of this two-day hike already covers a good 1,000 meters of elevation gain, it is recommended to spend the night at the Téryho Chata. In preparation for the two-day hike, you should check (ideally by calling +421-949650315 at the Téryho Chata) whether the 2,376-meter-high Sedielko (see Tour 53, Waypoint 3) is free of snow. The saddle just before the summit is often covered with snow until the end of June. Since the ascent is extremely steep, there is a risk of falling! In that case, crampons and an ice axe are a must. A life without hiking is meaningless, but possible.> In the upper part of the village of Starý Smokovec01 (1,017 m), between the funicular and the green villa, a trail branches off from the paved road. We walk partly parallel to the funicular and cross the access road to Hrebienok several times. We pass the restaurant above the funicular’s upper station on the right. At the signposts, we do not turn slightly right toward Bilíková chata, but continue straight ahead toward Téryho chata. Informational signs along the trail enrich the ascent. Rainerova chata 02 (1,304 m), built in 1863, is the oldest operating mountain hut in the High Tatras. Snacks are served there, but it is not possible to stay overnight. Back on the main trail, we ignore the right-hand turnoff toward Hrebienok. At the fork near an information sign, we cross the stream and head toward Téryho chata. The next waterfall, the deep, rumbling Obrovský vodopád03 (1,335 m), with a drop of about 15 m, drowns out all other sounds. At an elevation of 1,475 m, we reach a fork in the trail. Here, we do not turn right uphill but continue straight through the forest. Amid ancient trees in the dense forest, we reach Zamkovského chata04 (1,475 m). Afterward, the Malá Studená dolina narrows into a gorge, and we hike right alongside the stream. Shortly afterward, the gorge opens up into a green valley. A high, seemingly insurmountable rock face stands at the end of the valley—above it, we see a fascinating waterfall. The ascent begins through a scree field and along a well-marked trail. We cross below the waterfall, and after a few more switchbacks, we find ourselves above the waterfall and enter a vast high valley. We reach the Téryho chata 05 (2,015 m), where we spend the night.