You are waiting for a diverse hike through two completely different but equally beautiful mountain ranges of the Carpathian Mountains. The first of them is called Svidovets. It is notable primarily for the abundance of clear mountain lakes and glacial forms of relief. The mountains here flow smoothly into passes, which, in turn, again imperceptibly go to the tops, occasionally winking with the blue eyes of the lake. Gorgan is characterized by stone placers and coniferous forests. Compared with Svidovets, the massif of Bratkovskaya looks more severe, but no less attractive. The route promises to give you a lot of beautiful landscapes and adventures, join us!
The hike is of medium difficulty and is perfect for everyone. It is interesting first of all by the difference between Svidovets and Gorgan - their contrast fascinates and you can see absolutely different Carpathians during one trip!
We do not cancel or shift groups. If the manager approved the purchase of a ticket, you can surely buy it. The hike will not be canceled due to our fault.
Experienced Kuluar teamleaders will accompany the group on all route, will make the trip as safe and unforgettable as possible! They have been to Turkey many times and know the country in details.
During the hike through Svidovets and Gorgany you will find many mountain lakes, the enchanting Svidovets Ridge, the rugged stone slopes of Gorgany, and much more
The manager, who will advise you before the trip, herself has been in the Carpathians many times and will tell you the details from personal experience!
More than 12,000 participants have already gone to the mountains with the Kuluar and 97,8% were satisfied. We're sure you will, too!
The team leader will meet you at the train station of Ivano-Frankovsk, and with him you will travel to the mountains in a previously ordered comfortable transport.
We traditionally meet at the railway station in Ivano-Frankovsk, where it is desirable to arrive before 10:00. First, we will go to the village of Kevelev. In Kevelev we will finally put on our backpacks. The walking part of the hike will start here! Walking over the rapid mountain stream Gropenets through beech forest, we will gradually gain altitude and come out on the hollow of Gropa.
We breathe the invigorating and fresh mountain air. The Gropa valley is at the bottom of a huge glacial cirque, which consists of several stepped hanging valleys. We will stop at the valley at the border of the forest and alpine meadows, and go to get firewood for the evening fire. In the first day of the hike in the Carpathians, we'll walk 5 km, gaining an altitude of 760m.
We have breakfast, pick handfuls of lingonberries and blueberries and hit the road. We are going to climb the pass and reach the first summit of the tour - Bliznitsa mountain (1881 m). Rumor has it that the mysterious edelweiss flower can be found there. Look not only under your feet, but also by the sides, and you might find a mountain edelweiss of marvelous beauty! We continue to walk on Svidovets and enjoy the scenery. The slopes of Bliznitsa massif are steeply sloping down, and from the top you can clearly see Hoverla and Petros - they are very close. At the bottom you can see the bright rooftops of Dragobrat skiing resort.
Let's go down to the jump between the massif of Bliznits and Stog Mountain and continue walking across the spaces of Apshynets range. Ahead of us can see a huge glacial cirque under the mountain Gerishaska, and we will turn down a little earlier to the descent to Lake Vorozheska. This lake (or rather, there are two of them) is striking for its purity and blue water. We will gladly set up our tents on its shore. In one day we will walk 12 km.
We drink aromatic tea with mint and thyme, pack our bags. Today's crossing is simple enough, in the first half of the day we will walk through Svidovets. There are no big differences in elevation, around indescribable beauty. The time, as well as the covered kilometers, passes quickly. The panorama is simply breathtaking! We pass lakes and mountain peaks. The first look at the lake Dogiaska, the largest lake in Svidovets. In May there is still snow on its shores under the steep slopes of Gerishaska.
Between the tops of Gerishaska and Trojaska, on the slopes of the ridge, but on the other side of it, there is another mountain lake - Apszyniec. Passing Trojaska and coming to Tataruka mountain, we will start descending to Okole pass. Okole can be called the conditional middle of our route. The pass is between the two ridges - Svidovets, which we have already passed, and upcoming Gorgany ahead. From the pass, we will go a little further to the source of the Black Tisza River, which is the largest tributary of the Danube. Here, on the picturesque large mountain meadow we will stay for the night. Nearby is a dense pine forest, which means a fire, warmth, comfort, and hearty evening conversations :). All in all, we'll hike 12 kilometers in one day.
On this day we will plunge into the world of wildlife. In the second part of the hike we move to Gorgany, and we are waiting for the second mountain range of the route - Czhorna Polonyna. This ridge is headed by the Bratkovskaya peak (1788 m). We will climb quite steep path, first through a beautiful fir forest, and then through thickets of mountain pine, popularly known as "Zherep". The top will meet us with stone placers and wonderful panoramic views. After admiring the scenery from Bratkovskaja we will continue up the ridge. On the way we will meet small poles sticking out of the ground - the old border line between Poland and Czechoslovakia. Today it is the border between Ivano-Frankovsk region and Transcarpathia. Then we are going to climb the second peak of the day - Gropa Mountain. A little tired, but in high spirits, we will go down the ridge and spend the night in a spruce forest. In one day we'll cover 11 km.
We have a delicious breakfast, quickly set up camp and head for the Legion Pass. We will pass by two very beautiful glens - Pantyr and Rogodza. Even from afar we will see the memorial cross, towering over the Pass of the Legions. The pass was named after the Polish legionnaires of the Austro-Hungarian army, who in a very short time built here the road for the transfer of troops to the Eastern Front. Also on our way there are overgrown trenches and dugouts crumbling from old age everywhere. Then we take the same path of the Legions down to the Raifalowiec River. We will walk a few more kilometers and not reaching the village Bistritsa, we will put our camp on the bank of the river. We will have a great opportunity to swim. In one day we'll cover 14 km.
Our relatively short, but very interesting hike has come to an end. We leisurely descend along the picturesque banks of the Raifalovets River to the village of Bystritsa. Enjoying the heady clear air of the Carpathian Mountains, and recalling everything we have seen for these days. After walking 3 kilometers, we get into the waiting van and go to Ivano-Frankivsk.
Depending on the weather conditions, condition and general wishes of the group, the teamleader has the right to make changes to the route.
Carpathians in general are very rainy region, and our route is no exception. So we must be ready for anything - rain gear is a must! Also on the ridges and at the tops there can be strong winds. Depending on the weather during the day can be both very hot and cool. Most of the camps are high-altitude, and even summer evenings and nights can be cold - don't forget to take a hat and gloves!
To participate in the hike you must have no diseases incompatible with active tourism: the list is here.
As always, we recommend that you buy tickets in advance, although there are often vacant seats on trains a week before the start of the hike. You should buy your ticket so that you'll be at the train station in Ivano-Frankovsk by 10 a.m. on the day of the start of the hike. A slight delay is acceptable. Back you buy a ticket for the evening, best of all for 20-22 hours, then you'll have time to walk around Frankovsk and have a drink in one of its pubs. Buy tickets is worth it only after our confirmation of your participation in the hike. You can do this at the ticket offices at the railway station or online on the website "Ukrzaliznytsia".
The meeting place of the group is the waiting room of the Ivano-Frankovsk railway station. The time is determined by the last arriving participant, usually it's 10 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 team leader. Don't forget to check your mail!
The weather in the Carpathians is very changeable, so you should prepare for its surprises in advance. The first thing you should remember is that it rains a lot here, so you should bring a raincoat and a rain cover for your backpack. Second - in the evenings, especially at high-altitude parking lots, it may be cool. Take with you a hat, gloves and jacket.
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.
When you arrive in Ivano-Frankivsk, go to "10". The food here is extremely tasty, the portions are huge, and the prices are small. If the 10 is busy, you can eat at another pub, too. Sitting down together for a delicious meal and a glass of beer is a great ending to a great outing. With that in mind, it's best to buy your tickets back for the evening - about 20-22 hours.
The program has mandatory additional costs for transfers. Their amount you can check with the manager, as it depends on the cost of fuel and is constantly changing.
There are also optional expenses. Participants buy dried porcini mushrooms, souvenirs, and like to have dinner in a restaurant (for example, in the legendary "Ten"). Minimum recommend to take from 300 hryvnias. And the maximum is up to you.
We limit the number of participants in a group. To reserve a seat for you, we need to make an advance payment of 1500 UAH. The rest amount we surrender to the team leader at the meeting. Refund policy and payment methods =>>
