Zawrat Pass – Dolina Pięciu Stawów (Five Polish Lakes Valley) – Morskie Oko
Difficulty Level: **
Walking Time: 3h 30′ (8,2 km)
334m (1096ft)
1080m (3543ft)
Climbing Features – NO
Highest Point: Zawrat Pass – 2159m (7083ft) a. s. l
Descent into the Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich (Five Polish Lakes Valley) is much smoother than the approach to the pass from the Gasienicowa Valley and without technical difficulties. We descend down a convenient route to Pod Kolem Valley and traversing slopes of Kolowa Czuba we get to the outlet of Dolinka Pusta (Empty Valley).
Trekking along the valley floor, we have the opportunity to see all the lakes, including the largest at almost 80m deep, Wielki Staw. Along the route, we cross or join up other trails, leading to the surrounding peaks and passes (including at Kozia Przełęcz (Chamois Pass), Kozi Wierch (Chamois Peak), Szpiglasowa Pass and Krzyzne Pass). The first part of the trek is completed upon reaching the shelter.
Following the blue signs, we initially trek a flat route along the edge of the Przedni Staw, then, moving away from the valley, we climb the steep grassy slope below the small pass lying to the right of Swistowa Czuba (1763 m a.s.l). Here, the trail turns sharply to the right toward the Kopa (1855 m a.s.l) as the path weaves and leads out onto a broad peak. Kopa is the highest point on the entire route. It is also the last place where you can admire a view of the Five Polish Lakes Valley. The setting of Swistowa Czuba has seen many tragic accidents, mainly by the 300-metre high cliff on the side of Roztoka Valley which poses a real risk to inexperienced hikers. The trail above Swistowa Czuba once led through the pass and bypassed the peak on the left. Preserved to this day, but closed to tourists, the path led across the steep slope of Kopa, which is undercut by the aforementioned cliff.
A constant layer of snow, which sometimes remains throughout the summer months, has caused many tourists to slip here, which at times ended tragically. For this reason it was decided to change the course of the trail, which now runs through much safer terrain. Walking among the mountain pine, a beautiful panorama rising over Morskie Oko and Czarny Staw (Black Lake) appears almost out of nowhere which exposes Rysy, Wolowy Grzbiet and Mieguszowieckie Summits.
Further on, the trail descends, crossing the gullies of Opalony Wierch. The most difficult to cross is the Żleb Żandarmerii – Gendarmerie Couloir (again, dangerous drops so caution is advised!) but the latter part of the trail is fairly mild and we soon come to the highway, from where we only have a few minute walk left to the shelter. Due to the high risk of avalanches in the area of the gully, part of the trail from the Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich (Five Polish Lakes Valley) is closed during the winter!
