Hiking with kids into the world of mountains is an exciting journey for the whole family. Together you'll share the joy of being in the mountains, conquering peaks that aren't difficult but are still mountains, and learn how to set up camp. Borzhava mountain ridge is an easy route, but it will stay with you for a lifetime. Passing by Shypit Waterfall, you'll climb up to the ridge. This is the largest alpine meadow in Ukraine, its slopes covered with a dense carpet of blueberries. But the brightest highlight is the panoramic views that will accompany you throughout the whole journey. You'll surely remember these landscapes long after you return home.
This hike is designed for children aged 10 and up. And although the hike is considered easy, it shouldn't be underestimated, since mountains remain mountains. Much of the trip's success depends on the weather, and we hope it will smile upon us. In most cases, it does :)
We don't cancel or reschedule groups. If the manager gave the go-ahead to buy a ticket, you can safely purchase it. There will be no cancellation of the program due to our fault.
Experienced Kuluar team leaders will accompany the group throughout the entire route, making your trip as safe and unforgettable as possible!
During the hike, you will climb the highest peak of Borzhava - Mount Stiy (1681 m), reach the summit of Velykyi Verkh (1598 m) and Mount Plai, as well as visit the famous Carpathian Shypit waterfall.
The manager who will consult you before the trip has been to the Carpathians many times and will share details from personal experience!
Over 12,000 participants have already hiked with Kuluar, and 97.8% were satisfied. We're confident you'll love it too!
A real adventure in the Carpathians awaits you - camping overnight, an old abandoned military station, and you'll also see a meteorological station that's still operating to this day.
Today we'll cover 8 km, with an elevation gain of 840 m
Our journey begins in the village of Volovets. Here we meet in the morning at the train station and get acquainted. After a short transfer to the village of Pylypets, we'll start our route from the Shypit waterfall, which is 14 m high. This waterfall is hidden in the forest, quietly beckoning to passing hikers. In spring, it's full of water and looks mesmerizing. We'll take a few photos, enjoy the sound of the water, and head up to the ridge. The forest road will take us past campsites where a yoga festival is held in summer. The trail winds through a dense beech forest, gradually climbing upward. As we exit the forest, Mount Velykyi Verkh and a view of the Borzhava highland open up before us. It's the kind of feeling where you want to embrace the vastness. The expanses of these places are mesmerizing. Next, we'll head to Mount Velykyi Verkh - a peak 1598 m high. Standing at the summit, you can take in the entire ridge and the surrounding landscapes in a full 360 degrees. After admiring the views, we'll head to our overnight spot to watch the sunset.
Today: 12 km, +700 m, -500 m.
Today, according to plan, we will climb the highest peak of the ridge - Mount Stiy, 1681 m high. There used to be a radar station here called the "all-seeing eye." Interesting structures - white domes - once stood at the summit, blending harmoniously with the dark mountain landscapes. Now only ruins remain. After resting and refueling at our stop, we'll continue toward Mount Plai, where an operating weather station is located. We'll have a descent and a nearly flat path along the ridge ahead of us. Today we'll be able to fully enjoy the Borzhava landscapes, calmly walking the trail, singing songs or playing word games. We'll camp overnight with a view of Mount Pikuy, watching the sun set behind the mountains.
Per day: 10 km, +250 m, -1000 m
The final day of our trek will be unforgettable! First, we'll climb to the summit of Mount Temnatyk (1340 m), where you can feel the full grandeur of the Borzhava ridge and reflect on the journey we've made over these days! This is our last peak, after which we'll descend into the forest zone and then to the village of Volovets. A light sadness and the warmth of memories will accompany us on the way down. And then - the train, home. This is where our Borzhava trek comes to an end.
Depending on weather conditions, group condition, and general preferences, 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. In fog or snowfall, we won't see the full beauty of the Carpathians, but we will still reach the summit. However, if there's a fierce wind, we may have to turn back. Remember! The mountains have stood and will continue to stand - the most important thing is the health and safety of the group.
To participate in the trek, you must not have any illnesses incompatible with active tourism: list here.
We sleep in tents. The tent must be reliable. Please approach the choice of your "trekking home" with full responsibility and consult with the manager before the trek.
As always, we recommend buying tickets in advance, although there are often still seats available on trains a week before the hike starts. You need to buy your ticket there so that you arrive at Volovets railway station by 11:00 on the day the hike starts (or in Lviv by 6:30, and from there continue to Volovets by electric train or bus). You should only buy tickets after we confirm your participation in the hike; you can do this at the ticket office at the railway station or online on the Ukrzaliznytsia website.
The group meeting point is the waiting hall of Volovets railway station. The time is set based on the last arriving participant, usually around 11 a.m. About 7 days before the hike, we will send you an email with the exact meeting time and the team leader's contacts. Don't forget to check your email!
Bring raincoats and warm clothes. The weather in the Carpathians is very changeable, so you need to prepare in advance for its surprises. The first thing to remember is that rain is not uncommon here, so be sure to bring a raincoat and a rain cover for your backpack. Second, in the evenings, especially at high-altitude campsites, it can get cool. Bring a hat, gloves, and a jacket.
You're probably wondering what we'll be eating on the hike? Right away, we'll say you don't need to worry. Many participants say they eat better on the hike than at home. The base of the menu consists of simple food - porridges and soups. Don't expect gourmet delicacies (although there might be some).
If there are any foods you don't eat, be sure to let the manager know, so the team leader can slightly adjust the menu for you. We also recommend bringing some pocket treats - nuts or sweets. Appetite on the hike is much better than at home.
Please note that the menu presented is approximate. Guides usually have their own signature dishes they like to treat participants with.
Dietary 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.
Citizens of Belarus need either an internal or international passport to visit Ukraine - whichever is more convenient for you.
To participate in the hike, you must not have any illnesses incompatible with active tourism: list here.
Payment is made on the first day of the hike to the team leader in cash (hryvnias) or to a card account (list of payment methods here). To reserve a spot in the group, foreign participants need to deposit 500 UAH to the card account no later than a week before the hike starts.
The total amount of mandatory additional expenses not included in the price is 0 UAH.
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 is up to you.
We limit the number of participants in a group. To reserve your spot, you need to make an advance payment of 1000 hryvnias. The remaining amount is paid to the team leader upon meeting. Advance payment refund terms and payment methods =>>
