Poland Snow Shoe Trek
17th - 24th January 2009
The Challenge
Do something different for The Cedar Foundation and make a difference while you hike through the enchanting Bieszczady range of the Carpathian mountains on snow shoes, exploring traditional local hospitality and culture as you go.
Poland has been in the European Union since 2004 and, as yet, is a relatively unknown tourist destination.
A country of contrasts, from regions of heavy industry, pollution and communist architecture to regions characterized by their savage beauty, large forests (including the oldest forest in Europe), crystal clear lakes, white sand beaches and mountains.
The Carpathian Mountain range is a long mountainous crescent which extends from the Czech Republic to Romania, passing through Slovakia, Poland and the Ukraine. The range stretches across 450km of southern Poland and our challenge takes place in the range of Bieszczady, in the east of Poland, on the border with the Ukraine and Slovakia.
Bieszczady is perfect for snow shoe hiking, the mountains here are gentle, without steep slopes, and with wonderful views.
During this week-long trip you will hike for five and half days, hiking between 4 to 7 hours per day. No previous experience is necessary!
Late afternoons and evenings will be spent discovering local folklore, exploring wooden churches, enjoying trips in sleighs, traditional outdoor barbecues and highland songs and dances. Accommodation en route will be in hostels, hotels and ski lodges, all of which are comfortable and enchanting examples of local wooden architecture.
At the end of your hike, you’ll spend a night and morning in Krakow, the most beautiful city in Poland, with time to wander the narrow streets and explore the Jewish Quarter.
The Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to the beautiful city of Krakow, Poland, and transfer by train and minibus to the village of Wetlina, your base for the next two nights.
Day 2
Today’s hike is relatively short, giving you time to adjust to your new mode of transport – snow shoes!
This evening you’ll also enjoy a sleigh ride and cook sausages around the camp fire.
Days 3-6
Spend the next 4 days hiking in your snow shoes across meadows, through forests, along mountain ridges, along rivers, up peaks and down through valleys.
During your hike you’ll stay in typical wooden chalets, visit wooden churches and charming old villages, ride in horse-drawn sleighs and carts, eat al-fresco around camp fires, stop at isolated farms and enjoy the warm hospitality of the inhabitants of this sparsely populated region.
Day 7
On your final day in this isolated region take a walk with the national park guards in the valley of the River San.
The aim is to see wild animals, but there’s no guarantee! At worst you’ll learn to recognisetheir tracks in the snow. This afternoon take the train back to Krakow and spend an evening enjoying the bars and restaurants of this beautiful city.
Day 8
Enjoy the morning exploring the old city and the Jewish Quarter, shopping or just wandering the narrow streets, before transferring to the airport for your return flight to London.
The Cost
£1450 :
£250 participation fee + £1200 minimum sponsorship
To request a booking form (please state which trek you are interested in),
Tel: (028) 9066 6188
E-mail c.tweedie@cedar-foundation.org
Or write to:
The Cedar Foundation
Overseas Treks
31 Ulsterville Avenue
Belfast BT9 7AS
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