The Woods are lovely, dark and deep
Robert Frost
Dark thick clouds descended on the mountain roads on a chilly cold morning. We were huddled inside a car, the wipers groaning frantically to beat the onslaught of rain. The prospect of Trek being spoiled by bad weather was real.
As we arrived and parked at Strbske Pleso, the clouds disappeared and the sky cleared. The dark dull sky had miraculously transformed into bright blue with white snow capped mountains beckoning.
I convinced my family to a simple trek from Strbske Pleso to Popradske Pleso which was 5km (1: 15 hr) one way. We lumbered and ambled through a stony track. The sun was out so it was warm and the wind, cool. Soon our luck with weather ran out and puffs of dark rain bearing clouds gathered on the horizon. It started raining and we were soaked to the bone in rain, shivering in cold weather. It was summer in Slovakia but temperature was near 8-10 Celsius (very cold by Indian conditions). We reached Popradske Pleso in more time than prescribed but it was worth every penny.
Lap of Nature
Every morning of the weekday is a mad rush to the office through a maze of concrete jungle. Tall buildings which have replaced once splendid trees resident only in archaic memories. Tarred roads spewing heat which have replaced once ravishing green vegetation, luscious undergrowth and ribbons of earthen trails where humans once tread on foot.
The quest for a break from the chaotic stressful life motivates people to seek tranquility in the lap of nature. Oceans, beaches, mountains, forests help connect with the most primeval human instincts.
In my choice of destination the favorite is an offbeat and not so popular location close to the nature.
Slovakia
Slovakia is a beautiful country in the Eastern Europe which is blessed bountiful by nature. Flanked by the mighty Tatra mountains it is a beautiful laid-back destination, which has a soul of its own. There are mighty snow clad mountains in the North and vast green plains complete with unending grasslands and tree lines. We visited Slovakia in Jun 23.
Offbeat
Not the first choice of the regular tourist, Slovakia does not see much footfall when compared to its Western, more popular, European neighbours. Even between Czech Republic and Slovakia, the former is the preferred destination. That is the precise reason why I chose to visit Slovakia and it was worth every moment of my time.
On the drive from Poland to Slovakia the first glimpse of the majestic Tatras and the mesmerizing countryside was astounding. It was raining, cold, cloudy and a collage of colours grey, white and green everywhere and up until the horizon.
Nova Lesna
Nova Lesna is a quaint picturesque town with fairytale houses, manicured streets, lined with flower laden trees. It is a suitable stopover for use as a base for trekking to the major Slovakian trails. We stayed at Nova Lesna.
AirBnB
Our accommodation was in a cozy, beautiful and well appointed house in Nova Lesna. The owner, Katarina, was warm, friendly and very hospitable. Within no time we could have useful conversation about the town and things to do, especially trekking. It gave me insight into possibilities of trekking in Tatras and the weather.
Trek
It is a trekkers paradise. The Slovaks and the citizens of the neighbouring countries are trekking enthusiasts. Why not? When one has so many well marked trails of different difficulty levels and time duration.
There are numerous well marked trails in Slovakia suited for the novice and the more adventurous trekkers. During our trek we crossed many Slovak families and friends of all age groups, toddlers and old alike.
Strbske Pleso to Popradske Pleso
In Slovakia the trek route are marked in different colours.
Blue marks are used for important regional trails, which lead only thru one mountain chain.
Green marks are used for the trails from valleys to mountain chains.
Yellow marks, marks easy trails, connected to main trails, above all close to the settlements.
Our trek was from Strbske Pleso to Popradske Pleso
# Pleso is a glacial lake in the mountains
After Trek
We treated ourselves to sumptuous local food at Majlathova Chata, a restaurant, in Popradske Pleso.
The return was also a trek of 5km though it was on a tarred road. Overall it was a satisfying different kind of holiday event for us and the trek was successful.
Our visit to Slovakia was fruitful. A country of immense natural beauty and no frills, I would visit again and probably for a longer time
EatVisit 
Nicely written !
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Wow ! Now i must visit slovakia
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