In reply to redsonja:
Bivvying is prohibited in Tatras and the ban is quite strongly enforced - probably to improve the business in the Sliezska Chata hotel - it's a luxury hotel, not a mountain hut - but unfortunately the prices match the standard.
The descent from Gerlach is quite tricky if you choose to go down the east normal route through "Wielicka Proba", route finding can be problematic, there are cairns but best bet can be to simply follow some guided party if there is one descending this way.
The descent via "Batizovska Proba" is a bit more straightforward, I am guessing should be the preferred option if time/weather is closing in - allows to loose altitude fast and is not that complicated when it comes to route finding. As the route follows the couluir, watch for loose stones coming your way from parties ahead.
When on Gerlach proper, take care of the guided parties - they seem to be a local variation of Matterhorn parties, with the right of way inherited from their grandfathers and where you are an intruder if you don't pay for the guiding service.... Of course that's not a rule, but just an observation I had.
Have fun!
RS
Post edited at 11:39
