Mala Fatra Ridge and Velky Krivan

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Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 11.8 miles / 19.0 km
Duration: Full day

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Overview: Hike through Lesser Fatra Ridge through Velky Krivan, Maly Krivan and Suchy peak and enjoy fantastic views on the surrounding mountain ranges.

A moderate trip from Chleb Upper Station nearby of Chata Vratna to Strecno is about 19.4 km, gaining about 674 m in elevation. It generally takes about 7:30 hours for an average hiker to complete the trip, allowing a reasonable time for refreshment stops.

Arrive at Chata Vratna. Take a cableway to Chleb upper station. Undertake a long, beautiful ridge tour of Lesser Fatra and finish in Strecno village famous for its castle‘s ruins.

This was the official trip organized by Lokomotiva&Biotika hiking club in 2010.

Tips: Options:
1.Shorten the trip significantly (to 2.6 km) and make it easy by dropping POI 4 to POI 7. Once you reach Velky Krivan (POI 3), return back following the same trail.
2.Drop POI 5 to POI 7. Once you reach Maly Krivan (POI 4), return back following the same trail. The trip will be about 9.8 km.

At the end of your trip, visit or at least admire from the distance the ruins of the castle in Strecno.

What to bring:
Snacks and enough water. While hiking (POI 2 - PO 6), there are no possibilities to replenish the supplies.

Points of Interest

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1 Cableway Chleb Upper Station (1477 m)

Get by bus to Chata Vratna and take the cableway to get to Cableway Chleb Upper Station which will be your trailhead.

Next POI (Snilovske Sedlo) is 160 m. Head S upwards.

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2 Snilovske Sedlo

Snilovske Sedlo (Snilov Saddle) is an important marked crossroads. Enjoy first beautiful panoramatic views. No time to dilly-dally.

Next POI (Velky Krivan) is 1.1 km. Head SWW uphill. Ascend gently until Turnoff Velky Krivan. Then ascend steeply through rocky trail to Velky Krivan.

A view from Snilovske sedlo (POI 2). Photo

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3 Velky Krivan (1708 m)

Velky Krivan peak is the highest peak of Lesser Fatra Mountains. The peak offers spectacular panoramic views on the surrounding mountain ranges. Spend significant time here in identifying what you see.

Next POI is 3.8 km. Go back to Turnoff Velky Krivan and from there move first NWW and then SW until you arrive at Maly Krivan peak. All the way, practically to POI 5, enjoy a wonderful ridge hiking.

Heading for Maly Krivan from Velky Krivan - 3. Photo

Heading for Maly Krivan from Velky Krivan - 1. Photo

Heading for Maly Krivan from Velky Krivan - 2. Photo

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4 Maly Krivan

This is your second excellent viewpoint. Enjoy other viewing angles including the view of Velky Krivan.

Next POI (Suchy) is 3.8 km principally SW. Start W and continue experiencing a fantastic ridge hiking until you come to Suchy peak.

Between Maly Krivan and Suchy peak - 3. Photo

Between Maly Krivan and Suchy peak - 2. Photo

Between Maly Krivan and Suchy peak - 1. Photo

After leavin Maly Krivan and heading for Suchy. Photo

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5 Suchy

Suchy peak (Dry peak) is another splendid viewpoint. The summit area is rather small but for panoramic views perfect.

Next POI is 6.2 km principally W. From now on you will descend and slowly emerge into the forest trail. Continue hiking until you see the ruins of an old castle.

Between Suchy and Old Ruins - a view on Vah river. Photo

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6 Old Ruins

Examine the ruins and enjoy excellent views on Vah river deep down below.

The trip destination is 4.3 km. Head W, first through the forest, then on the meadows and along Vah river. Enjoy the view of Strecno castle. Cross the bridge and arrive at the parking lot in Strecno village.