Mała Wysoka (Východná Vysoká)

Mała Wysoka stands at 2,429 m above sea level. It is a summit with a misleading name. It is not “small” at all - it is the fourth highest summit in the Tatras accessible by a marked tourist trail! Hikers call it the “Pyramid of Views”. Because it lies at the intersection of three huge ridges, nothing blocks the panorama. This is where you can take photos showing Gerlach, Rysy, Vysoká and Lomnica all at once.

Stage 1: Wielicka Valley (start from the “Hacker”)

We start the trip in Wielicka Valley.

• Pro tip: A boring asphalt road leads to the mountain hotel Sliezsky dom (about 2 hours on foot from Tatranská Polianka). It is a waste of life to walk it. Use the hotel “taxi” (bus/jeep), which will take you right to the hotel for a fee. Book by phone!
• From Sliezsky dom we set off on the green trail. We pass Wielicki Staw and the waterfall “Večný dážď”, which falls from the rocks straight onto the trail (a free shower is guaranteed).
• Farther on we enter Kvetnica, a beautiful flat glacial garden full of flowers and marmots.

Stage 2: Polski Grzebień (the climb to the pass)

From the idyllic meadow the trail turns into a raw climb.

• The approach to Polski Grzebień (Poľský hrebeň) is steep and secured with chains.
• It is the first test of nerves - there is some exposure here and the rock can be slippery.
• At the pass (2,200 m a.s.l.) the view opens to the “other side” - to the White Water Valley (the wildest valley in the Tatras). Many hikers stop here, but you go on.

Stage 3: Summit push (yellow trail)

From the pass to the summit of Mała Wysoka there is a short (45 min), but very intense yellow trail.

• Character: This is not a walk. The path winds through fragile, rocky terrain. You often need to use your hands.
• Hazard: The trail is loose. Hikers above often knock stones down. Watch your head!
• Reward: The summit is quite small, but the view from it makes up for every drop of sweat. You feel as if you are floating in the middle of a stone sea. Gerlach is so close that you can see climbers on its walls.

Return (decision)

From the summit we return the same way to Polski Grzebień. What next?

1. Classic: Return to Sliezsky dom (green trail).
2. Loop via Rohatka (for hard cases): From Polski Grzebień you can continue to Rohatka pass (Priečne sedlo) and descend to Zbojnícka chata (Staroleśna Valley). This extends the hike to a brutal 10-11 hours. Only for very advanced hikers!

Practical information

• Insurance: You are in Slovakia - buy insurance, because a helicopter rescue costs a fortune.
• Season: The trail is closed for winter (1.11 - 15.06).
• Equipment: Good shoes with stiff soles are essential (sharp rocks). Trekking poles help a lot on the climb to the pass, but on the summit section (yellow trail) it is better to put them away and keep your hands free.