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The snow-white Borzhava is a ridge offering stunning views for dozens of kilometers around. In summer, the slopes of Borzhava are a blueberry paradise; in winter, they impress with their harshness and grandeur. This program is designed for more experienced participants who are familiar with trekking life. We will camp in tents, with one of the overnight stays on the summit of Mt. Plai (1323 m).
On this trek, we will climb the peaks of Velykyi Verkh (1598 m) and the highest point of the Borzhava ridge - Mt. Stiy (1681 m). Previously, in the 1980s-90s, an important strategic facility was located on the summit of this mountain - powerful air defense radar antennas. Nowadays, only the round foundations of the radio-transparent dome shelters remain as a reminder of this, which makes the winter landscapes from the summit look completely cosmic. The slopes of the Borzhava ridge are steep, which makes them especially interesting. The highlight of the route is the snowy ridge between Velykyi Verkh and Mt. Stiy. We will cross it using crampons and ice axes.
At the finish of the route, we will pass by a trout farm, where everyone who wants to can taste this Carpathian delicacy.
This trek should not be underestimated in terms of difficulty. 3 days are enough to feel the full harshness of the winter Carpathians. Technically, the trek is not difficult, but physically, you will need to work hard. Therefore, we recommend it to participants who have already been in the mountains before and know what it's like to sleep in a tent. Much of the success of the event depends on the weather - we hope it will smile on us. In most cases, it does :)
We do not cancel or postpone groups. If the manager has given the go-ahead to purchase a ticket, you can safely buy it. The program will not be cancelled due to our fault.
Experienced Kuluar team leaders will accompany the group throughout the entire route, making your trek as safe and unforgettable as possible!
The itinerary has been revised several times, and we've tried to make it as safe and comfortable as possible. A real adventure in the winter Carpathians awaits you - camping on snow, boundless expanses and landscapes of winter Borzhava.
The manager who will consult you before the trip has repeatedly been to the winter Carpathians and will tell you about the details from personal experience!
Over 12,000 participants have already traveled with Kuluar, and 97.8% were satisfied. We're sure you'll love it too!
During the winter hike through Borzhava, you'll experience: ascending the peaks of Velykyi Verkh and Mount Stiy, an overnight stay on the summit of Mount Play (1323 m), snowdrifts along the way, and much more :)
The winter Carpathians look like a fairy tale: mountain peaks covered with snow caps, with beech-hornbeam forests beginning a little lower. Even lower, fast mountain rivers flow, only partially covered with ice. And somewhere far away, Boyko villages can be seen scattered across the river valleys. This is a typical landscape of the winter Carpathians. It's definitely worth getting a little cold to see this!
Today we'll cover 8 km, with an elevation gain of 900 m
The group gathers in Volovets at the railway station. Here you'll meet your team leader and get acquainted with the other participants, who will become your friends by the end of the hike. We get to know each other, divide up the food - and hit the road! Today, our plan is to climb up to the Borzhava ridge, to Mount Play (1323 m). At the summit, there's an avalanche observation station that has been operating here since 1968. Near the station, we "dig in" - learning to build snow walls around our tents to make the overnight stay on the treeless ridge as comfortable as possible. We'll reach Play just in time for sunset. In good weather, the landscapes are enchanting. Sunsets over Borzhava are truly beautiful.
Today we'll cover 11 km, +650 m, -700 m
Today we get up earlier - ahead of us is the brightest and most adventure-packed day of our hike. We'll visit two peaks of the Borzhava ridge and walk along the impressive ridge between them. The slopes of the ridge shine in the sun like silver, and visibility from the ridge extends for dozens of kilometers around. We'll reach the summit of Mount Stiy closer to sunset - in winter, darkness falls early in the mountains. The clouds, like a boundless ocean splashing beneath our feet, and the huge solar disk slowly sinking into this sea. Having enjoyed this unforgettable sight, we'll descend from the ridge along a spur a bit lower, to a gentle spot near a beech forest. There, we'll set up our tent camp.
Per day: 12 km, -1000 m
Today we descend from the ridge through a fairytale winter beech forest. The primeval beech forests of the Carpathians are a natural monument included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. We will descend through the untouched forest to the Zhdymir River. In the lower part of this river there are trout farms. We can stop for an hour and taste freshly caught trout.
At 5 PM the train arrives at Vovchyi station, which will take us 30 minutes to reach Volovets - closing this wonderful three-day circle of impressions. In the evening, many trains pass through Volovets to all corners of Ukraine. Those who wish can take the next train or one of the passing trains to reach Lviv and devote the next day to walking around this beautiful and ancient city.
Depending on weather conditions, the group's condition and general wishes, the team leader has the right to make changes to the route. Following the team leader's instructions is mandatory and not subject to discussion.
Good weather conditions are one of the most important factors for a successful ascent. During fog or snowfall we won't see all the beauty of the Carpathians, but we will still reach the summit. However, if there is a strong wind, we may have to turn back. Remember! Mountains have stood and will stand, the most important thing is the health and safety of the group.
To participate in the hike, you must not have any illnesses incompatible with active tourism: list here.
We sleep in tents on the snow. The tent must be reliable. Please take responsibility when choosing your "hiking home" and consult with a manager before the hike.
As always, we recommend buying tickets in advance, although often there are still seats available in the trains a week before the trip starts. The "there" ticket should be bought so that you arrive at the Volovets train station before 11 a.m. on the day the trip starts. A slight delay is acceptable. Tickets should only be bought after we confirm your participation in the trip; this can be done at the ticket offices at the train station or online on the Ukrzaliznytsia website.
The group meeting point is the waiting hall of the train station in Volovets village. The time is set according to the arrival time of the last participant, usually 11 a.m. About 7 days before the trip, we will send you the exact meeting time and the team leader's contacts by email. Don't forget to check your mail!
We sleep in tents on the snow. The tent must be reliable. Please take the choice of your "trekking home" seriously and consult with the manager before the trip.
You're probably curious about what we'll eat on the trip? Let us say right away that you shouldn't worry. Many participants say that they eat better on the trip than at home. The base of the menu consists of simple food made of porridges and soups. Don't expect fancy delicacies (although they may happen too).
If you don't eat certain foods, be sure to inform the manager so that the team leader can slightly adjust the menu for you. We also recommend bringing some pocket treats - nuts or sweets. Appetite on the trip is much better than at home.
Please note that the menu presented is approximate. Team leaders usually have their own signature dishes that they like to treat participants with.
Nutrition features for vegetarians – if you don't eat meat, be sure to read this. We explain how we'll feed you and offer a 5% discount on our products.
Payment is made on the first day of the trip to the team leader in hryvnia or to a card account (list of payment methods here). To book a spot in the group, foreign participants need to transfer 500 UAH to the card account no later than a week before the start of the trip.
The total amount of mandatory additional expenses not included in the price will be 0 UAH.
There are also optional expenses. Participants buy dried porcini mushrooms, souvenirs, and sometimes have dinner at a restaurant (for example, in the legendary "Desyatka"). We recommend having at least 300 UAH with you. The maximum amount is up to you.
We limit the number of participants in the group. In order for a spot to be reserved for you, you need to make a deposit of 1200 hryvnias. The rest of the amount is paid to the team leader upon meeting. Deposit refund terms and payment methods =>>
