Żleb Kulczyńskiego

Żleb Kulczyńskiego (2,240 m above sea level) is an option for hikers looking for raw mountaineering experiences away from the crowds. The trail is dark, cold and technically demanding. It is an alternative approach to Orla Perć (in the area of Zadni Granat).

This is not a scenic trail in the usual sense - most of the time we spend in a deep rocky notch, fighting the terrain.

Trail description: scree and chimney

We start in Kuźnice, heading to Hala Gąsienicowa, and then to Czarny Staw and Zmarzły Staw.

1. Kozia Dolinka: From Zmarzły Staw we enter the raw world of Kozia Dolinka. Here the trails fork - we choose the one leading left (black trail).
2. Scree: The lower part of the gully is a laborious climb over loose gravel and stones. The terrain is “alive” - every step can trigger a stone slide.
3. Key section (chimney): Halfway up the gully the trail turns into the wall. We have to overcome a vertical rock step (chimney/groove) secured with chains.
   • This is a damp place, often icy (even in summer) and requiring good hand skills.
   • It is one of the most technically difficult sections on the approach routes to Orla Perć.

Where next? (a logical loop)

The trail ends at Przełączka nad Buczynową Dolinką. From there we have two sensible options:

1. To Granaty (recommended): Turn left onto Orla Perć and climb Zadni Granat. From there, descend safely to Kozia Dolinka on the green trail and close the loop. This is the safest variant.
2. To Kozi Wierch: Turn right towards Kozi Wierch. This is a very difficult option (a section of Orla Perć with the “Chimney below Czarny Mnich”).

Safety (helmet mandatory!)

• Falling stones: This is the biggest hazard on this trail. The gully acts like a funnel. If a hiker above dislodges a stone, it falls straight onto the heads of those below. Entering this terrain without a climbing helmet is extremely risky.
• Direction: The trail is two-way, but we strongly discourage descending it. Going down loose scree and a wet chimney is dangerous and exhausting. Treat this trail as an “up only” route.
• Getting lost: In the lower part, in the scree, it is easy to lose the markings, especially in fog.