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This hike to Hoverla and Petros is not difficult and offers the opportunity to see the Ukrainian, and even part of the Romanian Carpathians from the highest peaks of Ukraine. You can spend less time climbing Hoverla, but why not fully enjoy the Carpathian air, wonderful mountain landscapes and panoramas without rushing? Give the Carpathians a chance, and a part of them will stay in your heart forever!
Current routes:
We do not cancel or postpone groups. If a consultant has given the go-ahead to buy a ticket, you can safely purchase it. There will be no cancellation of the program through our fault.
Experienced Kuluar team leaders will accompany the group throughout the entire route, making your journey as safe and unforgettable as possible! They have hiked the Carpathians many times and know them in detail.
You will summit Hoverla (2061 m) – the highest and most popular peak in Ukraine, as well as one of the most popular two-thousanders of the Ukrainian Carpathians – Petros (2020 m).
The consultant who will advise you before the trip has herself been to the Carpathians many times and will share details from her personal experience!
The team leader will meet you at the Ivano-Frankivsk train station, and together you will travel to the starting point closer to the mountains on pre-arranged comfortable transport.
Of course, many of you will say that climbing Hoverla and Petros can be done in just two days. Yes, it can. But we offer you a getaway in the Carpathian Mountains, not a marathon run. Over 6 days of the trek, you will be able to fully enjoy all the beauty of hiking, breathe in the fresh mountain air, feel the taste of freedom, and fall in love with the Carpathians all over again.
More than 25,000 participants have already gone with Kuluar, and 97.8% were satisfied. We're sure you'll love it too!
The group gathers at the train station in Ivano-Frankivsk. There, everyone gets acquainted, and the instructor distributes the group gear and trail food. After that, we head to the village of Kvasy, famous for its mineral springs of sour water. We'll dedicate this day to acclimatizing our bodies to the unusual mountain conditions. We'll take a short hike to the nearest mountains. After covering about 3 km, we'll set up camp. It's important to rest well and gather strength, as our trek begins tomorrow.
The first full hiking day of our route. After breakfast, we'll head towards Petros. The deciduous forest gradually turns into coniferous, as we gain elevation. Suddenly, dense thickets of delicious blueberries appear around us. We won't be able to resist such temptation, so we'll treat ourselves to nature's forest gifts. We won't reach the summit of Mount Petros today, but will stop near the Sheshul Pass. The campsite is densely overgrown with huge burdock leaves, so hikers commonly call it "Burdocks." From here, we'll have an amazing view of the Carpathian Mountains. We'll enjoy the sunset, have dinner, and go to sleep.
A wonderful morning in the Carpathian Mountains! Rare clouds hang in the numerous mountain valleys, timid sunbeams shyly break through the mountains behind our backs, illuminating the milky mist beneath our feet. Such silent splendor takes your breath away! We are in the shadow of Sheshul Pass. It's quite cool here, the duty team is preparing breakfast while the rest quickly pack up the camp. After a hearty breakfast, we confidently set off to conquer Petros. A short climb along the Chornohora ridge – and we're at the summit. We take photos and admire the beautiful views that open up before us. We unhurriedly begin the technically challenging descent. On the way down, we watch our step carefully and don't rush. Closer to the edge of the coniferous forest, we'll set up camp. A wonderful blueberry meadow with plenty of berries awaits us again, so let's not waste any time.
Today we'll meet the main goal of our hike – Mount Hoverla – and ascend the highest peak of Ukraine. Hoverla is also the most popular peak. Hundreds of tourists from Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Russia and many other countries climb it every day. The height is 2061 m. The mountain offers unmatched panoramas of the Carpathians. After long contemplation of the neighboring peaks and a photo session, we'll begin the descent to our camp. There, a delicious dinner and cheerful songs with a guitar await us.
Petros and Hoverla are behind us now – it's time to descend to civilization. We'll walk past a pasture and shepherds along a forest trail to the Kozmeshchyk shelter. Time flies very fast in good company, and before we know it, we'll be stopping at the shelter. We'll spend the night on the bank of the mountain river Lazeshchyna. If desired, part of the group can thoroughly comb through the surrounding forests in search of delicious porcini mushrooms. If the foragers are lucky, a tasty porridge or mushroom soup will await us for dinner.
Our hike is coming to an end. Of course, we want to stay as long as possible in this place, where time flows quite differently. But we need to return to the city. We pack up camp and head to Lazeshchyna village, and from there – on to Ivano-Frankivsk. If desired, part of the group can stay in the Carpathians and continue their active vacation.
Depending on weather conditions, the condition and general wishes of the group, the team leader has the right to make changes to the route.
The Carpathians are a quite rainy region. So you should be prepared for anything – be sure to bring a raincoat! There can also often be strong winds on the ridge. Depending on the weather, it can be both hot and cool during the day. Most campsites are at high altitude, and even on summer evenings and nights it can be cool – don't forget to bring a hat and gloves!
To participate in the hike, you must not have any illnesses incompatible with active tourism: the list is here.
As always, we recommend buying tickets in advance, although often there are still seats available on trains even a week before the hike starts. Buy your ticket there so you arrive at the Ivano-Frankivsk railway station by 10 a.m. on the day the hike starts. A slight delay is acceptable. For the return trip, buy a ticket for the evening, preferably between 8 and 10 p.m., so you'll have time to walk around Ivano-Frankivsk. You should only buy tickets after we've confirmed your participation in the hike, which you can do at the ticket counters at the railway station or online on the Ukrzaliznytsia website.
The group meeting point is the waiting hall of the Ivano-Frankivsk railway station. The time is set based on the last arriving participant, usually 10 a.m. About 5–7 days before the hike, we'll send you the exact meeting time and the team leader's contacts by email. Don't forget to check your inbox!
Bring raincoats and warm clothing. The weather in the Carpathians is very changeable, so you need to prepare in advance for its surprises. First, remember that rain is not uncommon here – be sure to bring a raincoat and a rain cover for your backpack. Second, evenings, especially at high-altitude campsites, can be chilly. Bring a hat, gloves, and a jacket.
You're probably wondering what we'll eat on the trek? We'll say right away that there's no need to worry. Many participants say that they eat better on the trek than at home. The menu is based on simple food – porridges and soups. Don't expect fancy delicacies (although there may be some).
If there are certain foods you don't eat, be sure to let your consultant know so the team leader can slightly adjust the menu for you. We also recommend bringing some pocket snacks – nuts or sweets. Appetite on the trek is much better than at home.
Please note that the menu shown is approximate. Team leaders usually have their own signature dishes that they love to treat participants with.
Meal features for vegetarians – if you don't eat meat, be sure to read this. We explain how we'll feed you and give a 5% discount on your own products.
Citizens of Belarus need an internal or international passport to visit Ukraine – whichever is more convenient for you.
To take part in the trek, you must have no illnesses incompatible with active tourism: the list is here.
The program includes mandatory additional costs for transfers. You can check their amount with a consultant, as it depends on fuel prices and changes constantly.
