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Oleksandr is a very calm, attentive, and experienced team leader. Throughout the entire hike, there was never a sense of rushing or pressure. No one hurried us along 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. 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 the 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’s 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-making workshops, we were treated to cheese almost everywhere we went. Moments like these are truly memorable.
Everything was also very well organized at the campsites. He immediately explained where it was best to pitch our 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.
And Oleksandr’s culinary skills are something else entirely. I’ve never eaten so well on a hike before.
The menu was very varied; everything was delicious, filling, and well thought out. We had fresh-brewed coffee, delicious tea, borscht, 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.
For me, this hike was a perfect example of how good organization isn’t about just one thing, but about dozens of small details—from the route and 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.
