A shortcut suggested by ChatGPT turned into a dangerous detour for two Lithuanian hikers in Poland’s Tatra Mountains. What began as a search for a faster route to the Five Lakes Valley ended with a helicopter evacuation after the pair became trapped on difficult terrain.
The incident highlights a growing problem with using AI chatbots for outdoor navigation, especially in mountainous areas where trail conditions, technical sections, and experience levels can determine whether a route is safe. In this case, the hikers reportedly followed advice that led them away from an appropriate path and into terrain that required advanced climbing skills.
A route that led to technical ground
According to Cybernews, as cited by BeritaSatu on Wednesday, the pair asked ChatGPT to find a quicker way to reach Five Lakes Valley. Instead of directing them to a safer hiking path, the recommendation pointed them toward Niebieska Turnia and the Świnicka Ławka traverse.
That area is known for steep, exposed conditions and is not a simple walking route. It requires rock-climbing ability and more advanced mountaineering experience, which the two hikers did not have for continuing safely.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Hikers’ origin | Lithuania |
| Intended destination | Five Lakes Valley, Tatra Mountains |
| Route suggested by AI | Niebieska Turnia and the Świnicka Ławka traverse |
| Rescue team | Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue (TOPR) |
| Outcome | Evacuated by helicopter without serious injury |
Once they reached the hazardous section, the pair could not continue forward or safely turn back. With no viable way out, they called for help, and the Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue team, known as TOPR, stepped in.
TOPR evacuated both hikers by helicopter, and they were reported to have escaped without serious injury. The operation brought the incident to a close, but it also left another cautionary example of how AI-generated travel advice can fail in complex environments.
Not the first AI navigation mistake
The Tatra rescue is not an isolated case. Digital Trends has reported that in 2025, another pair of hikers in British Columbia, Canada, became stranded on Unnecessary Mountain after following an AI-built route.
That group also lacked the proper equipment and did not account for weather conditions, which left them needing assistance from rescue teams. The pattern is similar: a route that may sound efficient on a screen can become dangerous once terrain and preparation are taken into account.
OECD has also noted cases where chatbots invented tourist destinations. One example cited was a recommendation for the “Sacred Canyon of Humantay” in Peru, a place that does not exist.
For hikers and travelers, the lesson is simple but important. AI can be useful for planning, but it cannot replace verified maps, local trail guidance, or a realistic assessment of difficulty before heading into remote terrain.