We invite you to the first of our series of "fast and light" hikes - hikes with lightweight backpacks and overnight stays in the comfort of the cabins. These hikes are designed for people who like to walk a lot and see more, respectively. In one day we pass about 15-20 km with decent elevation gain. These hikes are suitable for participants who want to go to the big mountains or run trail runs in the Carpathians. And our guide will tell you all the nuances of the preparation and participation in trail races.
Hiking in Borzhava is a great opportunity to see the biggest valley of Ukraine - Borzhava. After climbing the ridge you will be accompanied by panoramic views the whole way. You will also see many sights - Shipot waterfall, Stoy and the abandoned radar base, a working weather station, etc.
We do not cancel or reschedule groups. If the manager has given permission to buy a ticket, you can buy it with confidence. There will be no cancellation through our fault.
Experienced Kuluar teamleaders will accompany the group on the whole route, will make your journey as memorable and safe as possible!
In this tour you will see the picturesque region of the Carpathians - Borzhava, climb to the highest peak of the Borzhava - Stoy mountain (1681 m), climb to the most popular peak of the range - Veliki Verkh (1598 m) and all this with a small and lightweight backpack on the back.
The consultant, who will advise you before the trip, herself has been in the Carpathians many times and will tell you the details from personal experience!
The teamleader will meet you at the train station in Volovets, and with him you will go to the mountains.
More than 25000 participants have already been with Kuluar, and 97.8% were satisfied. We're sure you will, too!
IMPORTANT: this hike is not for beginners. It is designed for physically active people. The participant must have hiking experience (the participant hiked for more than 3 days and felt good during the hike), or running experience (the participant can run 10 km or more). For beginners we have developed a route Blueberry Borzhava and Shipot waterfall - six days of leisurely admiring all the beauties of Borzhava, it is available for everyone :)
Hiking time: 7-9 hours; distance 18 km; elevation gain: 1500 m, elevation drop 1000 m.
Our journey starts in Volovets. We meet in the morning at the train station, get acquainted and begin our journey. The trail to the mountains starts from the village, so there is no need to go anywhere. Today we will get acquainted with the beginning of the Borzhava range - mountain Voskresensky Top, mountain Temnatic and Great Peak - the top of the height of 1598 meters. In winter, there are a lot of freeride skiing and snowboarding here.
From the ridge on the picturesque river valley down to the village Pilipets. Our path will wind through forgotten paths in the wilds of the beech forest. Somewhere among the thicket of trees is hidden picturesque waterfall cascade Upper Shipot, where ordinary tourists do not reach. There is a narrow path through the forest to the second waterfall - the Lower Shipot waterfall (height of 14 meters) with noisy roar of water. On the way we have to refresh our feet and cross the river through a shallow ford. At the end of the day we have a delicious Hutsul dinner in one of the farmsteads of the village Pilipets.
Hiking time: 8-9 h; distance 21 km; climbing 1400 m, dropping 1400 m.
Some of our things can be left at the lodge, take only a snack, cameras and a container for water. Our path will gently gain altitude, along the trail we will pass several springs where we can refill drinking water for the day. Next, the trail takes us between spruce and beech trees on the gentle slopes of the Borzhava. Traverse to the beginning of the ascent to Magura Gide Mountain. On the way there will be one small ford over the mountain stream, but it can be jumped over without taking off shoes. After the main ascent to the ridge and the exit from the forest we will see breathtaking landscapes of the Carpathians. Here you should recover your strength and have lunch with a view of the mountains. Then we are waiting for the second summit - Gymba, from it we will see the part of the ridge we came yesterday. And on the way down we will visit the Tea House Surya at the top station of the elevator, here you can buy sweets and drink fragrant tea. The descent to the valley takes a path through the Beech Alley - a very cozy place. In the evening we can relax to our heart's content and, if desired, order a sauna with a swimming pool.
Hiking time: 6-7 hours; distance 15 km; elevation gain: 700 m, height drop 800 m.
After a delicious breakfast we pack our things and go out on the route. Today we should go back to Volovets. The way back will be different from the route of the first day. Therefore in our list we will have a few more new peaks - Ryapetska mountain, Horn mountain, Kakivets mountain. Depending on the overall condition of the group we will choose the path according to our strength. We will also pass several settlements, where we will see the life of local people. The trail ends with a beautiful river valley near the village of Volovets. We will celebrate the end of the hike and rest in a local cafe in Volovets.
Depending on the weather conditions, condition and general wishes of the group, the team leader has the right to make changes to the route.
"Fast and light"(quick and easy) is a format for those who have hiking experience (have hiked for more than 3 days and felt good during the hike) or running experience (can run 10 km or more) and want to try a new way of getting around the mountains. The main advantage: it's a "weekend trip" without complicated packing and logistics, equipment, but with the same breathtaking mountain views. We leave everything to the mountains themselves and minimize everyday life: meals and overnight stays in more comfortable conditions. This allows us to go six days with all the sights of Borzhava in 3 days, but with an increase in physical activity.
For this hike we recommend preparing - running will help you the best.
To take part in the hike, you need to fill out a membership form, wait for our confirmation and buy tickets, collect the necessary equipment and arrive on time to the meeting point.
The complexity of this trek is above average, as it is a long distance trek (16-22 km) with significant drops in altitude (up to 1500 m).
Special feature: from lodges, possibility to see and pass a lot in three days.
As always, we recommend that you buy tickets in advance, although there are often seats available a week before the start of the hike. You should buy your ticket so that you can be at the train station in Volovets at 09:00 on the day of the start of the hike. Try not to be late. Back you buy a ticket for the evening, best of all after 18:00, to be sure to catch your train. You can buy tickets at the ticket offices of the railway station or online on the site "Ukrzaliznytsia". It is worth it only after our confirmation of your participation in the hike.
The meeting place of the group is the waiting room of the Volovets railway station. The time is set by the last arriving participant, but it is desirable that it will be no later than 09:00 am. About 5-7 days before the hike we will send you by e-mail the exact time of the meeting and the contacts of the guide. Don't forget to check your mail!
Surely you are wondering what we will eat on a hike? Let's just say that you don't have to worry. Many participants say they eat better on the hike than they do at home. The basis of the menu is a simple meal of cereals and soups. You should not count on gourmet delicacies (although they can be).
If you do not eat any products, be sure to inform the manager so that the guide can slightly adjust the menu for you. We also recommend taking some yummies with you - nuts or sweets. Appetite on a hike is much better than at home.
Please note that the menu shown is indicative only. Guides usually have their signature dishes that they love to pamper participants with. And if you have dishes that you would like to receive on a hike, be sure to tell the manager about it, as the guide may have completely different preferences.
Features of nutrition for vegetarians - if you do not eat meat, be sure to read. We tell here how we will feed you and at the same time we give you a 5% discount to the hiking.
To participate in the hike you must be free of diseases that are not compatible with active tourism: the list here.
This hike is not for beginners. It is designed for physically active people. The participant must have hiking experience (the participant hiked for more than 3 days and felt good during the hike), or running experience (the participant can run 10 km or more).
Carpathians, in general, very rainy region, and our route is no exception. We must be prepared for anything - it is necessary to take a raincoat! Also on the ridges and at the tops there can be strong winds. Depending on the weather, the day can be both hot and cool.
The total amount of obligatory additional expenses not included in the price will be 0 UAH.
There are also optional expenses. The participants buy dried porcini mushrooms, souvenirs, and like to dine at the restaurant. The minimum we recommend to take from 300 UAH. And the maximum is up to you.
Payment is made on the first day of the tour to the team leader in UAH or on the card account (list of payment methods here). To book a place in the group you need to make 1800 UAH to the card account no later than a week before the start of the hike.
