Mountains and communication heal the soul. Unfortunately, right now thousands of children's (and adults') souls in Ukraine need support. We want to help in our own way: organizing free hikes for children and parents affected by the war.
In addition to the KULUAR club's team leader, we try to have the group accompanied by a psychologist. We believe that the mountains, communication, new friends, and the experience of a psychologist will help children and their parents through these difficult times.
The program route is given as an example and may be changed depending on the season to a similar one in terms of difficulty (easy).
If, thank God, you don't meet the criteria for a free hike, but still want to go to the mountains with your kids, you can find all our hikes for children and parents here
The group meets at Kuluar Hub near the Ivano-Frankivsk railway station. On a pre-arranged transfer, we drive to the very heart of the Carpathians - the Kryvopillia Pass. It is from here that the full-fledged hike into the mountains begins. We climb to the top of Mount Makovytsia, with the Vesnarka glade as our next destination. In this fairy-tale place we will set up camp and spend the night. Here, in the very heart of the Carpathians, you briefly forget about all the hardships and troubles that the war has brought into the fate of every participant. All around are only mountains, forest, and interesting people nearby.
You can visit a wooden shepherds' hut nearby, where sheep are grazed, and see with your own eyes the process of making cheese, brynza, and other dairy products, taste these delicacies, and even buy some to take with you.
The evening is spent getting to know each other and sharing interesting stories by the campfire.
Today an eventful and interesting day awaits us. The trek will be a bit longer than yesterday, rich in new impressions and views. Along the way we will constantly come across glades full of blueberries. There are always plenty of berries in these places. That's why the group often stops to rest and enjoy the gifts of nature.
Nearby, sheep graze on the pastures - their bells can be heard from afar. They are already used to people and often come running up to hikers hoping for a treat.
The overnight camp is once again set up in a beautiful spot. The whole group takes part in setting up the camp. Someone gathers twigs and firewood for the fire, someone prepares dinner.
The group will be accompanied by a professional psychologist, with whom you can talk in a relaxed atmosphere and share your story, your experiences. For a person affected by the war of aggression, it is very important to be heard and supported. Often, a conversation with a professional or simply with ordinary people is a good remedy for many troubles. And wonderful views and great company will contribute to a good mood, a desire to smile again and bring joy to loved ones and those around.
How quickly time flies in the mountains. Here is the last day of our hike. Today we head to the village of Krasnyk. We try to fully enjoy the charming views of the Carpathians as we descend. In season, you may come across glades of porcini mushrooms.
In the village, a pre-arranged car will be waiting for the group to take everyone to Ivano-Frankivsk. We say goodbye and promise to return to the mountains again soon.
Organizing the program requires quite a lot of funding, as we cover both transfers and equipment rental. Estimated costs amount to up to 3000 UAH per participant.
We are considering several funding options:
Depending on weather conditions, the condition of the group, and overall wishes, the team leader has the right to make changes to the route.
The Carpathians are, in general, a fairly rainy region, so you need to be prepared for anything - be sure to bring a raincoat! Better safe than sorry - than getting soaked later!
To take part in the hike, you must not have any illnesses incompatible with active tourism: list here.
The allowed age for participating in the hike in the Carpathians with children is from 5 years old. Ideally both parents should be present, since you'll need to carry gear for yourself and your child, as well as keep an eye on the little one, because there's so much to discover in the Carpathians!
If your child is 3-4 years old, you have hiking experience, and your child has experience camping outdoors, you can also join the group.
As always, we recommend buying tickets in advance, although often there are still free seats on trains even a week before the hike starts. You should buy your ticket there so that you arrive at Kuluar Hub near the Ivano-Frankivsk railway station by 10 a.m. on the day the hike starts. A small delay is acceptable. For the return trip, buy a ticket for the evening, ideally between 8 and 10 p.m., so you'll have time to stroll around Ivano-Frankivsk. You should only buy tickets after we confirm your participation in the hike; you can do this at the railway station ticket office or online on the Ukrzaliznytsia website.
The group meeting point is Kuluar Hub near 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 email you the exact meeting time and the team leader's contacts. Don't forget to check your email!
The weather in the Carpathians is very changeable, so you need to prepare for its surprises in advance. First, remember that rain is not uncommon here, so be sure to bring a raincoat and a rain cover for your backpack. Second, evenings, especially at high-altitude camps, can be chilly. Bring a hat, gloves, and a jacket.
You're probably wondering what we'll eat on the hike? We can tell you right away there's no 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 you don't eat certain foods, be sure to tell your manager so the guide can adjust the menu slightly for you. We also recommend bringing some snacks - nuts or sweets. Appetite on the trail is usually much better than at home.
Please note that the menu shown is approximate. Guides usually have their own signature dishes they like to treat participants to.
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.
To participate in the hike, you must not have any illnesses incompatible with active tourism: see the list here.
In Ivano-Frankivsk, check out 10-ka. The food here is incredibly tasty, portions are huge, and prices are reasonable. If 10-ka is full, you can eat at another pub. Sitting together over delicious food and a glass of beer is a great way to wrap up an amazing hike. Keeping this in mind, it's better to buy return tickets for the evening - around 8-10 p.m.
One of the joys of hiking in the Carpathians is the abundance of berries and mushrooms. But you need to be careful here! Before eating any berries, always ask the team leader whether they're edible. The tastiest and most popular berries are definitely blueberries and raspberries; besides these, you can also eat cowberries, bog bilberries, and blackberries.
There are plenty of mushrooms in the Carpathians, and they can often add variety to your diet. We recommend taking only porcini mushrooms and cooking them well. Ask the team leader about the possibility of adding mushrooms to your diet. If you have a sensitive stomach, it's better not to eat mushrooms.
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.
