Mount Pip Ivan of Marmarosh is one of the highest peaks of the Ukrainian Carpathians, located on the border of Ukraine and Romania in the unique Marmarosy region. It is formed by the Rakhiv Mountains (often called the Hutsul Alps), the Chyvchyn Mountains, and mountain ranges on the Romanian side. This is part of the border area, and therefore you need a special permit to stay here. It is impossible to cross the border by accident, but it is quite possible to touch a post marked with the Romanian flag 😉
Hiking in the Hutsul Alps, you will find not only magical landscapes, but also a chance to find real Marmarosh diamonds! Yes, yes, there are such wonderful stones here that you don't even need to dig for them - just look carefully under your feet. If you are lucky enough to find your rock crystal, it will protect you from all kinds of evil spirits and give you confidence.
Pip Ivan of Marmarosh is a 1936-meter-high peak of the Hutsul Alps. This pyramidal peak, together with the adjacent peaks of Zherban, Berlebashka and high mountain meadows, forms a separate massif called the Pip Ivan Mountains. The nearest settlement is the Dilove village, which is why it is most convenient to go to the mountain from here (more about the routes below).
Small lakes are formed around Pip Ivan seasonally, and meadows occupy a large area. One of the closest is Lysycha.
Do you think that visiting the Alps is not a reality but a dream? Well, it's not! As you have already realized, there are slopes similar to the Alps in Ukraine! What are the similarities?
The Marmarosh massif, with its peaks at a considerable height (over 1900 m), unique geological structure and deep valleys, is a unique and diverse place in the Ukrainian Carpathians. On the Marmarosh ridge, Pip Ivan is perhaps the only mountain with preserved alpine vegetation, which is why it is called the Hutsul Alps. In addition, the snow-covered slopes of this massif are very similar to the outlines of the eternally white ridges of the Alps.
As we mentioned at the beginning, before traveling to Pip Ivan Marmarosky, you need to get permission from the border service in the biosphere reserve and in the Dilove village. If you go hiking with Kuluar, our team leader will take care of this issue, and you can pack your things in your backpack and get ready for a wonderful trip.
Since it is too difficult to climb Mount Pip Ivan of Marmarosh in one day due to the large elevation difference and distance, we will write several options for 2-3-day routes:
Pip Ivan Marmarosh mountain. Map of the mountain. The route
Let's focus on it separately, because the hike to Mount Pip Ivan Marmarosh from Dilove along the White Stream is the most popular route, both in summer and in the cold season.
So, if you choose to hike in the Hutsul Alps, you can take a bus from Ivano-Frankivsk, Kolomyia, Uzhhorod, or Mukachevo to get to the starting point. The route starts in the northern part of Dilove near the bridge over the Tisza river to the other side. It passes through the Shchevora meadow with a shepherd's hut, Lysycha, and reaches Pip Ivan.
On the way, we enjoy the views and beauty of the surrounding mountains. Then we continue on to Mount Berlebashka. The locals call it Lutundur (1734 meters). Then, past Magura, we climb to the top along a well-trodden path that runs along the southern slopes to the top of Menchula. And along the ridge line we reach the top of Vybychyn, from which we descend to Rakhiv.
In winter, Marmarosy is generously covered with snow. Many trails run through the forest, where the snow is deep because it is not blown away by the wind. And on the ridge, especially on Pip Ivan on the northeastern side, dangerous cornices are formed. To make the route more comfortable, you should have snowshoes. And for a safe one, remember that in addition to the avalanche hazard on the slopes, there is also a danger of tearing off the cornice.
Don't forget to register with the rescuers and follow all the safety rules in the winter mountains. Do not go to the top in the fog, keep a safe distance from the edge of the cornices. There is more than one case when rescuers and foresters simply banned winter hiking on Pip Ivan for insufficiently equipped tourists because of snow on the mountain, the threat of avalanches, severe frosts and continuous winds, and the danger from hungry wolves. It's also worth remembering that mobile communication is available only on the border strip. In winter, the temperature on the mountain can drop to 8 degrees below zero, the snow can be deep, and it gets dark early. Traveling through the Alps in winter is rightly considered the most difficult route in Ukraine.
In the spring, the Marmaros, like the rest of the high ranges of the Ukrainian Carpathians, have long snow cover. On the crest of Pip Ivan, powerful snow cornices can melt until summer. The most attractive time to visit in spring is late April–May, when primrose fields bloom in the meadows and southern slopes of the mountains. At the same time, you can admire crocuses on Hoverla and Petros.
However, in the spring, the mountains can be quite precipitous, cool and windy, so don't forget a hat, warm socks and gloves. Also, keep in mind that all border routes often go along the northern slopes. And if there is little or no snow on the ridges, then on the northern slopes, in the forest zone, it melts much longer, which makes it difficult to move and guarantees wet feet if you are not properly equipped. So don't forget gumboots and good boots.
In June, the alpine meadows of the Marmaros are covered with the pink color of red rue (rhododendron east Carpathian). The beginning and peak of flowering depends on the spring. Recently, rue blooms in late June and early July. Along with rhododendron, narrow-leaved daffodils and white dormice bloom on the slopes. In July, the blueberry season begins, and from August to September you can enjoy lingonberries.
July is the hottest month. On average, the temperature reaches 20°C during the day in July, but it can rise much higher when a cyclone arrives. It is worth remembering that at an altitude of 2000 meters, the temperature is usually 10-12°C lower than in the valley. Evenings and mornings can be cool. I recommend taking long-sleeved clothes and pants with you, as well as a raincoat - it takes up little space, but will help out in case of rain. Rains in summer are short and warm, and showers are not so frequent. Precipitation can end quickly, and clear weather sets in. Snow can remain on mountain peaks in summer, especially on the highest points.
Since the Marmarosy are dominated by coniferous forests and thickets of fir, and beech forests are located mostly on the southern slopes and in the valleys, this is not an area where you will see a classic golden autumn. However, yellowed alpine meadows, berries, mushrooms, the first snow and already deserted (compared to summer) trails are a good reason to go here in the fall. It is worth remembering about frequent lingering rains, so despite the forecast, take a raincoat for yourself and your backpack.
Some interesting things that will decorate the hike:
Anyone who has ever been to the Carpathians feels an irresistible urge to come back here again!
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