Annapurna Lodge Trek & Safari – 2027

We offer this walking tour in the fall season (early October) since we have learned from many years of experience that the weather then is usually pleasant and perfect for hiking and exploring and we can enjoy the fall colors.

World weather is hard to predict these days but if it rains there are many other things to do such as visit nearby UNESCO caves, castles and villages.  Of course mountain weather is unpredictable so best to follow our recommended packing list and be prepared for adverse or colder conditions.

Not in early October.

No, not really as we do not hike over 8,000 feet.

The basic answer is that it is up to you how much you walk.  On all of the walks you can cut them short or extend them.  The trails in the High Tatra mountains are quite rocky and so you will need good walking/hiking shoes.  Our average walk is 6 – 8 miles with an average elevation gain and loss of 1,000 feet.

Absolutely. Over the last 15 years, we have organized many private tours that accommodate various groups of friends and families, often at the same price as our regular tours, with no group size or age restrictions.  We charge half of what our competition charges, and they usually have large groups of 16 – 20 people.

While our regular scheduled tours cater to adults over 18, we welcome families with children of any age on a private tour, tailoring the experience for all ages.

We offer a full refund if you cancel for any reason within the first ten days of booking. Our cancellation policy aims to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. We advise guests to review our travel industry standard Terms & Conditions here. We also highly recommend travel insurance to cover any unexpected situations. You can read more about travel insurance here.

It’s not an issue. Hotels and restaurants in our area are accustomed to accommodating various dietary needs, offering a range of options to suit all preferences. The food is very healthy, and the culinary level is very high. Most supermarkets also provide snacks for people with special dietary requirements.  We cover breakfasts so you can have choices where to eat lunches and dinners.

No need to be. We attract fun people with us for a fun and stress-free experience. Our small group tours – limited to 8 guests – foster a friendly, casual atmosphere akin to hiking with friends. Guests can choose their level of group engagement and pace, ensuring a comfortable experience for all. You can be as “groupy” as you want or not.  Many of our guests remain lifelong friends with others in the group, as well as with Katarina and me. The high number of our guests who come back on another trip testify to how much fun our trips are.

It rarely happens. Our guides ensure no one is left behind, and we always have a guide bringing up the rear. There are usually going to be faster and slower hikers in a group. We are very used to handling that, and with two guides, we can even split up the group if necessary to accommodate everyone. Our walking tours are about enjoying the trails and the views, not rushing through them as fast as possible. After 200+ tours, we have taken every fitness level, ages 8 to 89, every shape and size, and had many guests with different injuries come on trips. We know how to juggle them all. We also stop for a mid-morning coffee break and a lunch stop, giving guests time to rest. Our guests are encouraged to walk at their own pace, and those with concerns should contact us before booking a trip.

We want our guests to be super happy.  We prioritize guests’ satisfaction by hand-selecting hotels based on quality, cleanliness, amenities, location, staff, and guest feedback.  Some of the hotels in Slovakia are more rustic than say in the Dolomites but usually have a charm that makes them unique and special.

We’ll send you a recommended packing list before the trip. Still, since we are doing day hikes, all you need is everyday hiking attire (often synthetic shorts and a T-shirt) and low-cut hiking shoes with a Vibram-type sole. And a small day pack with a water bottle, extra upper layer, waterproof jacket, and your phone to take photos – that’s about it. We have sunscreen and hiking poles for everyone. Comfortable clothing for walking around the villages, dressier for dinner at the hotels, and a puffy evening jacket are all you need.

They are not demanding for a person in reasonable physical shape.  You should be able to walk four to six hours a day for eight days in a row on a variety of surfaces but you can always cut a walk short or extend them with one of our guides.

We will average about 2 hours of driving a day, some more, some less.  The longest driving day is the first day from Bratislava to the High Tatra mountains which takes about four hours.

Yes. We have ample rest stops during our drives and when on the trail.

Yes. All the hotels have WiFi and cell coverage on the trails 95% of the time. Your cell phone is the best way for people to contact you, and we recommend that our guests use WhatsApp to stay in touch with us. We encourage our guests to be “at the moment” as much as possible and to avoid using devices at meals with other guests (unless it’s to look at the fabulous photos you have been taking on the trip, of course).

No, and you don’t need to.  We’ll send you a recommended packing list before the trip. Still, since we are doing day hikes, all you need is everyday hiking attire and low-cut walking shoes with a Vibram-type sole. And a small day pack with a water bottle, extra upper layer, waterproof jacket, and your phone to take photos—that’s about it. We have sunscreen and hiking poles for everyone.

Absolutely.  Slovakia has many UNESCO caves, castles and villages and on the last night you’ll stay in a 600 year old renovated castle.

You can fly into Vienna (or Bratislava) airports and take a bus or a taxi from there to Bratislava (60 euros).  Our pick up point at the Loft Hotel is walking distance from the old town area and the main railway station.