Mouth of Žiarska dolina (valley) - Žiarska chata (chalet) - Jalovecké sedlo (saddle) – Baníkov - Hrubá kopa - Smutné sedlo (saddle) - Žiarska chata (chalet) – Mouth of Žiarska dolina (valley)

Time schedule: Mouth of Žiarska valley – Žiarska chalet 1 ¼ hrs – Jalovecké saddle 1 ½ hrs – Baníkov 1 hr – Hrubá kopa 1 hr –Smutné saddle 1 hr – Žiarska chalet 1 hr – mouth of Žiarska valley1 hr Total: 7 ¾ hr The trail is closed from 1 November to 15 June.

The route begins at the mouth of Žiarska valley (880 m) on the blue marked trail (2707) which, on a short section, runs along with the red and the yellow marked trails. After an easy ascent to the Žiarska chalet (1.300 m) continue alongside the Mountain Rescue Service towards a mark where continuing along the green trail (5610), bringing you to the Jalovecké saddle. Pass the piety place of victims of mountain accidents in the West Tatras traversing the southern slope to the stream. Ascend along the slope´s right side, cross the stream below the waterfall Šarafiov vodopád, and facing left take a long ascent to get to another couloir. Along a serpentine path you´ll step out of dwarf pine trees to get to the wide Jalovecký saddle (1.858 meters).

From the saddle head to right to continue along the grassy (later rocky) ridge to Príslop (2.142 meters). Through the steep rocky ridge descend into a smaller saddle. Go round the left hand side of a part of the "toothed" ridge and climb up the southern rocky top rib to reach Baníkov (2.178 m), the highest peak of the West Tatras main ridge. Continue eastward along the red trail (0862). Here, exceptionally exposed parts are waiting for you, secured with chains (very dangerous in wet and icy weather). Then climb down the rocky cutting with protection around so called rocky needle into a broader terrain. Behind the wide meadow saddle take an ascent up the second highest peak in this place – Hrubá kopa (2.166 m).

After a short rest take a descent into the saddle. Go through Tri kopy (Three mounds) (2.136 m) with help of artificial tools. The technically challenging transition should be undertaken only in good weather. Climb down the last mound along a debris path leading to the Smutné saddle (1.963 m). From the saddle continue along the blue marked trail (2707), which is cut in a very steep slope leading to an offshoot of Prostredný grúň (hill). Go on along a crimped ridge of a small local shallow saddle from which a short serpentine on your left hand side will lead you to the valley. Along a cobblestone path leading through a small patio you´ll get to the crossroads leading to the Žiarske saddle and then after a 45-minute walk you´ll find yourself in front of the Žiarska chalet. You´ll end your trip with a comfortable descent down the Žiarska valley, at a bus stop just below the mouth of the Žiarska valley.