Karb, Mountain saddle in High Tatras, Poland.
Karb is a mountain saddle in the High Tatras of Poland, situated between the peaks of Mały Kościelec and Kościelec at 1853 meters. It sits on the main ridge and connects trails running on both sides, with open views toward Świnica and Kasprowy Wierch.
The Tatra Society marked a hiking route through the saddle to Świnicka Przełęcz in 1902, opening the area to organized trekking. After World War II, access rules were changed more than once, with a key shift in 1961 that redirected the routes walkers were allowed to use.
The name Karb comes from the Polish word for a notch or cut in a ridge, which describes the shape of the terrain very plainly. Anyone crossing the saddle can see why the name fits, as the gap between the two peaks is clearly visible from both sides.
The black-marked trail starting from Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy leads up to the saddle and takes roughly 25 minutes on foot. From there, a blue-marked route continues toward Świnicka Przełęcz, so checking current trail markings before setting out is a good idea.
The eastern slope below the saddle has a debris field that was the main way up until 1961, before access rules changed and hikers were sent along different paths. The old line of approach is still faintly visible on the slope for those who look carefully.
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