Coming home from war is not just about physically arriving back in your hometown or village – it's about finding inner peace, balance, and support once again. The Power of the Mountains program was created specifically for veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war, where the mountains become a space for recovery and fellow soldiers become a source of strength and inspiration. Under the guidance of an experienced veteran team leader – military psychologist Maksym Chubyk – veterans will complete radial ascents of Hoverla over 3 days, as well as hikes to Lake Nesamovyte and the Prut Waterfall.
The camp will be located near the Zaroslyak Training and Sports Base, where veterans will once again find themselves among people who know firsthand the difference between the calm of a rear-area city and the "zero line." Groups of up to 10 people. We promise – the daily routes will be accessible, around 10 km per day without heavy gear, so you can focus on yourself, your thoughts, and your feelings.
The Carpathians are not just a picturesque landscape – they are a place where it's easy to breathe, speak, and hear one another. Here you'll have the chance to share your experiences, learn about others' journeys, and feel that true comrades are by your side, ready to support you in difficult moments.
Take a step toward your inner peace. The Carpathians are waiting for you!
⚠️ Important:
A documentary film about veterans' rehabilitation through nature and shared experience will be filmed during this trek (project). Trek participants may appear on camera – both during the route and during moments of live conversation and reflection. The first part – Power of Winter – is already available on YouTube.The "Power of the Elements" project is a long-term one. A veteran rafting trip was also filmed as part of the documentary.
We meet in the morning at Kuluar Hub near the Ivano-Frankivsk railway station. We travel by transfer through Yaremche to the Zaroslyak base. Along the way, spruce-covered slopes flash by the windows, and conversations gradually warm up: here, everyone is a comrade, so we get acquainted quickly.
At Zaroslyak, we set up camp among tall firs, check our gear, and have a snack. After a short rest, we take light backpacks and follow the trail to the Prut Waterfall. The mountain water loudly washes over the rocks, and in its spray it's easy to take a deep breath. We "ground ourselves" – listening to the sound, touching the cold water, releasing tension.
The evening greets us with a campfire, fragrant tea, and stories. Everyone who wishes can share how the road to the Carpathians intertwines with their own path after the front.
Distance: ≈ 6 km on foot
We wake up before dawn: have a hearty breakfast to have plenty of energy for the day ahead – and set off. We walk without heavy backpacks, so our steps are confident. We climb through the forest, then through blueberry-covered highland meadows, where the highest point of our Motherland – Hoverla with its blue-and-yellow flag, important to every one of us – already comes into view.
After the last two steep climbs, we reach the summit. The flag flutters, and a sea of mountains surrounds us. A minute of silence for the fallen – and a circle of support. We restore our strength with a snack that will have been handed out to everyone in advance. We descend along the same trail, where a hot dinner awaits us at camp, along with time to rest and heartfelt conversations by the fire.
Distance: ≈ 8 km on foot
After breakfast we head out onto the Chornohora ridge towards Nesamovyte. The trail winds through rocky scree, with mist sometimes drifting overhead.
The lake greets us with rippling waves – even when there's no wind. According to legend, it grants the wishes of those who speak sincerely to the water. We take a group photo and enjoy some tea.
Back at camp, we pack up our things and return to Ivano-Frankivsk, where we say goodbye to the group and head home – refreshed and full of energy.
Distance: ≈ 14 km on foot
Depending on weather conditions, the group's condition, and overall preferences, the team leader has the right to make changes to the route.
Overall, the Carpathians are a fairly rainy region, so you need to be ready for anything – make sure to bring a rain jacket! Better safe than soaked!
The meeting with the team leader takes place at Kuluar Hub, located near the Ivano-Frankivsk railway station. Group meeting times are set with consideration of arrival times of trains from major directions. So feel free to apply for this veterans' hike no matter which city you're in!
To participate in the hike, you need to be in physical shape that allows you to cover routes of about 10 km per day. Also, you must not have any illnesses incompatible with active tourism: list here.
We invite veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war to participate in this trip.
After filling out the form, we will process it manually as it comes in and contact you to clarify the details.
Participation in this hike is free for veterans. We highly value the role of every veteran in defending our country.
That's why Kuluar takes care of everything – preparation, accommodation, transfers, meals; if necessary, we also provide equipment if you don't have it.
A participant of the hike for veterans should be able to walk about 10 km a day.
In Zaroslyak, we will have a cook who will provide the team with tasty and nutritious food throughout the entire hike.
Hot breakfasts and dinners are included, as well as high-calorie snacks at lunchtime.
There are also optional expenses. Participants buy dried porcini mushrooms, souvenirs, and sometimes have dinner at a restaurant (for example, at the legendary "Desyatka"). We recommend having at least 300 UAH with you. The maximum amount is up to you.
