Hidden just above the famous Morskie Oko lake, the Valley behind the Monk — Dolina za Mnichem — is one of the High Tatras' best-kept secrets. A glacially carved, terraced rocky wilderness stretching up toward the main ridge, it rewards those willing to go a step further with dramatic scenery, quiet alpine tarns and an atmosphere that feels genuinely wild.

The valley rises in distinct glacial steps. The lowest terrace (around 1780 m) holds the seasonally drying Lake Staszica. Higher up, the 'Monk's Terrace' (1830–1880 m) hosts a cluster of nine small Wyżnie Mnichowe Stawki ponds set directly beneath the towering north wall of Mnich (the Monk) — a truly unforgettable sight. Above that lies the 'Monk's Back' shelf, and at the very top, the Rear Cubryńska Gallery cradles Zadni Mnichowy Stawek (approx. 2072 m), the highest natural body of water on the Polish side of the Tatras. In summer the landscape is stark and stony; autumn brings golden hues of dwarf pine, while winter transforms the valley into a snow-laden wilderness suited only to experienced mountaineers.

• Morskie Oko (parking at Palenica Białczańska) — red trail to Morskie Oko, then yellow trail to the valley threshold and onward to Wrota Chałubińskiego pass: approx. 1 h from the valley threshold, difficulty: moderate
• From Morskie Oko via the valley threshold and slopes of Miedziane to Szpiglasowa Przełęcz — yellow trail: approx. 2 h 30 min, difficulty: demanding

• The valley is within Tatra National Park — stay on marked trails at all times.
• Serious avalanche risk on the slopes of Miedziane in winter and spring.
• Home to rare endemic plants found nowhere else in Poland: Lachenal's sedge and Tatran bluegrass.
• A small natural shelter (4–5 persons) on Miedziane's slopes can be used as emergency cover.

The valley once served as sheep pasture for the Murzański family for generations, and antimony ore (stibnite) was even mined here in small quantities — a detail that adds a surprisingly industrial footnote to this beautifully untouched landscape.