PRZEŁĘCZ POD CHŁOPKIEM IN THE HIGH TATRAS OF POLAND

Mięguszowiecka Przełęcz pod Chłopkiem (yes, that’s the full name!) is no joke! In fact, this hike is considered one of the toughest in the Tatra Mountains. Fun fact is that it took me two attempts to tick it off. I was all ready to do it in July 2022, but after speaking to some hikers at a mountain hut, I ended up changing my plans, and climbing Rysy instead. “There are no chains” – they kept stressing me out. A month later, I got back there, and this time everything went to plan. Was there really anything to be afraid of? Let’s find out!

PRZEŁĘCZ POD CHŁOPKIEM: NEED TO KNOW

Mięguszowiecka Przełęcz pod Chłopkiem (2308 m) is a saddle in the High Tatras of Poland, connecting two prominent mountains, Mięguszowiecki Black Peak & Middle Peak. Walking tracks in Poland are open all year round, but I would strongly suggest doing this hike only in summer, from July to September. With that being said, it’s crucial to check the weather forecast beforehand. Even a light rain will make it much harder for you. Entry to Tatra National Park in Poland costs 8 PLN for an adult. It’s best to purchase the ticket online, and download it to your phone. Alternatively, you can also print it out, and carry around with you.

PRZEŁĘCZ POD CHŁOPKIEM: TRAIL DIFFICULTY

Do people exaggerate or is this hike really that tough? I think it all comes down to your experience. Yes, there are some exposed sections with no chains or foot holds provided, but if you are a confident hiker with no fear of heights, you should be good. In fact, the number of metal aids on the track has increased over the last couple of years. So currently, there are some exposed sections secured with chains and foot holds, as well as some very steep walls with no aids at all. Those bits are not technically difficult, but they get sketchy after even a light rain. This is why it’s not recommended to go up there when the weather is uncertain. For me, Przełęcz pod Chłopkiem wasn’t more challenging than hiking Rysy from the Polish side. Nevertheless, please keep in mind that this is a hard hike, suitable for people with prior alpine experience.

PRZEŁĘCZ POD CHŁOPKIEM: ITINERARY

A hike to Mięguszowiecka Przełęcz pod Chłopkiem will most likely take you the entire day. The walking track is 23,3 km long, with an elevation gain of 1606 m, and the average walking time of 11 hours. No breaks included. Navigation is easy. The trail is well-marked, so no issues here. First, you need to get to Morskie Oko, which is best done from a carpark in Palenica Białczańska. Next stop is Czarny Staw pod Rysami, where you will leave the red trail and jump on the green one. Then, you will start the most exciting part, which is the climb to Przełęcz pod Chłopkiem. More details about each section of the hike are included below. Enjoy!

PALENICA BIAŁCZAŃSKA – MORSKIE OKO

The walking track starts in Palenica Białczańska. The carpark there is not free, and needs to be booked online (45 PLN per car/day). It’s best to do it before arrival as the Internet connection around that area is not reliable. Save the ticket on your phone or print it out and take with you. The adventure begins with a 2-hour walk on a sealed road to Morskie Oko. Once you leave your car, take the red trail, and follow the signs until you reach a mountain hut. Most hikers truly hate this concrete bit, but you can’t do anything about it.

Walking track: 7,8 km, 2 hours 20 minutes (one way)
Elevation gain: 486 m

MORSKIE OKO – CZARNY STAW POD RYSAMI

It’s worthwhile starting this hike early in the morning. Why? Because this is the only chance to enjoy the view of Morskie Oko in peace, surrounded by very few people. If you don’t know that yet, Morskie Oko is the most popular destination in the High Tatras of Poland, receiving thousands of visitors every day in high season. I started the walk at 4:00 am and made it to the mountain hut at 6:00 am. Unfortunately, the kitchen opens at 8:00 am, so you better bring your own breakfast. Continue on the red trail to the next lake.

Walking track: 1,8 km, 55 minutes (one way)
Elevation gain: 222 m

CZARNY STAW POD RYSAMI – SIODŁO ZA KAZALNICĄ

Czarny Staw pod Rysami is another beautiful lake. From there, take the green trail, and start the climb towards your final destination. It’s going to be uphill for most of the time. You will go up a path of rocky steps, followed by some vertical walls. Some of them are lacking metal aids, others have chains and foot holds to make your life easier. In many places, you will have to use your hands to move forward. As I mentioned before, those sections are not technically difficult, but they are exposed, so be careful up there.

Walking track: 1,6 km, 2 hours (one way)
Elevation gain: 559 m

SIODŁO ZA KAZALNICĄ – PRZEŁĘCZ POD CHŁOPKIEM

Continue on the green trail. This very last section is a steep, narrow gully on a mountainside. The walking track is quite loose, and there are no chains to help you out, so extreme caution is needed. Saying that this whole hike is picturesque, would be an understatement. Views are crazy beautiful all the way up, but what I saw at the end was beyond my wildest expectations. In short – it was worth it! The view from Mięguszowiecka Przełęcz pod Chłopkiem (2308 m) pretty much blew my mind. Hope you will enjoy it too!

Walking track: 0,5 km, 40 minutes (one way)
Elevation gain: 194 m

PRZEŁĘCZ POD CHŁOPKIEM – PALENICA BIAŁCZAŃSKA

Mięguszowiecka Przełęcz pod Chłopkiem lies between two prominent mountains, Mięguszowiecki Black Peak (2410 m), and Mięguszowiecki Middle Peak (2393 m). The walking track ends exactly at 2308 m, and doesn’t go any further, so you need to return the same way. Hiking back from Przełęcz pod Chłopkiem to Palenica Białczańska takes around 5 hours on average. No breaks included. Thinking of doing other challenging hikes? Make sure to read a separate blog post with 7 toughest hikes in the Tatra Mountains (coming up soon).

Walking track: 11,6 km, 5 hours (one way)
Elevation gain: 145 m

This is all you need to know about Mięguszowiecka Przełęcz pod Chłopkiem in the High Tatras of Poland. When are you planning to do this hike? Let me know by leaving a comment below!

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Hey, it’s Karolina, the author of this blog. If you find my content valuable and helpful, I would be more than grateful, if you could support my work, and buy me a coffee. I do love writing my blog, and creating content for you guys. Thank you!