Description

Climbing Mnich (Monk) with a guide is a great opportunity to start an adventure of conquering hard and looking inaccessible (at first) Tatra Peaks. Mnich is situated away from popular tourist paths. This outing has a truly climbing character, however it is not that difficult and in reach of every hiker without climbing background.

How do you climb Mnich (Monk) with a guide?

The most popular and the easiest way to climb Mnich (Monk) with a guide, goes through the slab on the north face and it is called Droga przez Płytę.

The day starts by, the most popular in the whole Tatras, Morskie Oko (lake) and at first we hike a yellow signed path towards hanging valley named Dolinka za Mnichem. Once we are there, we leave the bitten track and ascent tiny path used by climbers to reach the bottom of Mnich north face. It usually takes 2 hours to get to this point, and it is a good point to make a little brake for drink and food. 

With new energy you will be ready for the main part of an ascent. Before we start climbing, I will always give a short instructions of rope techniques, safety and all necessary information. 

Shortly after we leave flat ground, we climb through the system of ledges which lead towards famous slab. Short vertical step is now on our way, but thanks to a good holds and foot-steps, it is quite straightforward to overcome difficulties. Once on the slab, the route turns into famous east face of Mnich and therefore the last meters before the top are very interesting. Approximately 650 meters under your feet you will see the lake - famous Morskie Oko. 

On the Mnich peak there is enough space for few people and lots of air around :)

This is not the end of adrenalin rush however. Now we have to get down. It is certainly far easier then climbing up. I will lower you down 35 meters to the big ledge. From there short and easy down climbing will take as to another and final rope abseil. 

Do not worry about abseiling. The rope techniques used by qualified guides on this type of outings guarantee maximum safety and give you strong confidence. Guide will always climb first to make sure you are on the top rope all the time. When down climbing, guide will go last and above you for the same safety reason. 

Other routes to climb Mnich with a guide

For everyone, who already have some climbing experience but have never led a climb in the Tatra mountains, I offer climbing Mnich on harder routes. One of the interesting options would be Robakiewicz route (grade III UIAA) or the Classic route graded IV UIAA.

Both of them will give you a good introduction to climbing in the Tatras and both are known for an excellent quality of rock and protection. 

Guided climbing in the Tatra Mountains will give you some confidence as well as safety training, before heading there on your own. I will always lead the climb therefore you can comfortably familiarise yourself with specific Tatra granit and protection.

Why Mnich?

Mnich (2068 m.) is one of the iconic peaks in the Tatra Mountains. Its smooth and sharp outline attracts attention of everyone who visits famous lake- Morskie Oko. Despite it is not the highest peak in the area (neighbouring Mięguszowiecki peak is 500 meters higher!), Mnich has become the arena of the hardest climbs in the whole Tatra range. It raises 675 meters above Morskie Oko lake with its steep east face overlooking the valley. For many years, Mnich was recognised as unclimbable. However the first ascent, through fames Slab route, took place already in 1879 and was performed by one of the best local guides at this time - Maciej Sieczka and his companion Jan Gwalbert Pawlikowski. This achievement started the era of polish mountaineering.

Climbing Mnich with a guide. Prices and other useful informations

• Prices for climbing Mnich with a guide is 1500 PLN (max 2 person)
• Time required to climb Mnich is 5-8 hours (hut to hut)
• All necessary climbing equipment for a safe climb (helmets, harnesses, etc.) is provided without any additional cost

Other important information you will find here
Life time experience is waiting for you!