Hiking Trail
We hiked the “Lakes and Mountain Meadows of Svidovets” trail. It really is very beautiful and varied.
We walked along the ridge, descended to the lakes, passed through forests, strolled through the mountain meadows, visited authentic high-mountain cheese dairies, and tasted fresh cheese.
Although I had already been to Svidovets a few years ago, this time I felt as if I was seeing it in a completely different light.
Teamleader Oleksandr
I’d especially like to mention Oleksandr. He’s a very calm, attentive, and experienced guide. Throughout the entire hike, there was never a sense of rushing or pressure.
No one rushed us or forced us to run to keep up. This is very important to me, because I usually walk a little slower than most groups.
At the same time, I never once felt left behind. Oleksandr gave me a walkie-talkie, and, to be honest, that was a revelation for me.
Even if I fell a little behind, I could still contact him at any moment or get answers to my questions.
Even when the main group was already at a spring or taking a break, I felt completely at ease. Thanks to this, for the first time, I didn’t spend the entire hike trying to catch up with anyone—I simply enjoyed the mountains.
Oleksandr told us a lot about the area, its history, and the people, and answered every question that came up along the way. It was clear that he knows this region very well.
I also really liked that he was friends with the local shepherds and cheese makers.
We were even able to leave our backpacks with friends and take a leisurely walk to the lake, and at the cheese dairies, we were treated to cheese almost everywhere we went.
Moments like these really stick in your memory.
Everything was very well organized at the campsites, too. He immediately explained where it was best to set up tents, where to find water, and what to look out for.
If anyone needed help, he was always there to assist. The safety briefing was clear and free of unnecessary formalities.
Food
This is a special treat. I’ve never eaten so well on a hike before.
The menu was very varied; everything was delicious, filling, and well-planned. They brewed fresh coffee and delicious tea, made borscht, and provided lard, energy bars, snacks, and nuts.
It was clear that Oleksandr really cared about making sure everyone ate well. He constantly reminded us about meals, called everyone over, and checked to make sure no one was left hungry.
You can really feel that kind of care.
Organization
I liked that almost all the gear was available for rent. I rented a very lightweight one-person tent that weighed about 1.2 kg. It was very convenient for the hike.
Although, for those traveling alone, I would still recommend finding a partner and renting a two-person tent. It’s much more comfortable on cold nights.
I was pleasantly surprised that there was a large awning even when it rained. We could sit by the campfire, drink tea, and chat comfortably, instead of everyone scattering to their tents.
That also adds to the camping atmosphere.
I’d also like to mention the Kuluara hub. It was really nice for me to take a proper shower after the hike, freshen up, and then head home.
It might seem like a small thing, but after a few days in the mountains, it’s really appreciated.
Nice Little Touches
I really liked the system of bonuses and small gifts. It’s nothing major, but it’s exactly these kinds of things that make you feel like they care about the participants.
I received a Kuluar-branded headband, a bracelet—which, by the way, I still wear and hardly ever take off—delicious energy bars, nuts, and stickers.
They may seem like little things, but they’re exactly what leave such warm memories after the trip.
A Minor Issue
The only thing I want to mention is that my one-person tent let in a little moisture when it rained. I can’t say for sure if it was water from outside or condensation, since I don’t have much experience with tents yet.
But when it didn't rain, the sleeping bag stayed completely dry, and after a rainy night, it got damp around my feet. It wasn't a big deal and didn't ruin the trip, but I decided to mention it—maybe this particular tent is worth checking out.
Conclusion
For me, this trip was a perfect example of how good organization isn’t about any one thing, but rather about dozens of small details.
From the route and the atmosphere to the guide’s attitude, the food, the gear, and the sense of safety and care—that’s exactly why I want to come back again. Thank you to the entire Kuluar team for these few days in the mountains.