This three-day programme, featuring a summer ascent to Pip Ivan Chornohirskyi, is ideal for those who want to spend time in the mountains without having to deal with tents and heavy rucksacks. We’ll be staying in a mountain lodge, which will serve as our base: we’ll set off on our routes from here, return here after an active day, and spend our evenings relaxing, having dinner and socialising with the group.
The highlight of the programme is the ascent of Pip Ivan Chornohirskyi. The route follows a footpath with panoramic views of the Chornohora range. Over the course of the day, the group will gain over 1,000 metres in altitude, and then lose the same amount on the descent back to the lodge. So we’ll keep the third day flexible: you can rest after the climb or go for another hike if you’ve got the energy.
Join the programme and choose a pace that suits you.
You may also be interested in other summer programmes in the mountains:
The lodge offers basic comforts: a warm place to sleep, electricity, the chance to socialise with the group, and the opportunity to properly recover after an active day.
You don’t need a large rucksack for a day out. Sometimes a rucksack of around 30 litres is enough to carry the essentials and some food.
The route winds through spruce forests, rocky sections and open slopes offering views of the Chornohora Range. During the season, you’ll come across flowers and berries along the way, so the climb isn’t just about reaching the summit: the trail itself has plenty to offer.
We do not cancel or reschedule groups. If a consultant has given the go-ahead for you to buy a ticket, you can go ahead and purchase it. We will not cancel the programme through any fault of our own.
The consultant who will brief you before the trip has been to the Carpathians many times herself and will share details based on her own experience!
Over 25,000 people have already trailed with Kuluar, and 98.7% were satisfied. We’re sure you will be too!
We’ll meet in Ivano-Frankivsk near the Kuluar hub. The most useful piece of kit to hire for this hike is a pair of trekking poles. Whilst we wait to set off, we’ll get to know the tour leader and the other participants.
The journey to the small village of Dzembronya takes up to four hours. Men must have their military registration documents to travel through the area.
From the village, we’ll have a walk uphill to the mountain refuge. Once we arrive, we’ll have a snack and set off on a short exploratory walk. There’s a dairy hut nearby where you can sample some cheese in the summer. Weather permitting, we’ll take a walk to the Dzembron Waterfalls.
After 7 pm, the team leader will organise dinner, followed by a discussion of the details of the upcoming trip and safety procedures.
We’ll cover a minimum of: ≈ 2.6 km, elevation gain: +360 / -5 m, time on the trail: ≈ 1.2 hours
We plan to set off early, and if conditions are favourable, we may catch the first rays of the sun on the path to the summit of Mount Smotrych. We’ll continue our journey towards Pip Ivan Chornohirskyi, Ukraine’s third-highest peak among those over 2,000 metres.
At the summit stands Ukraine’s highest-altitude building. In winter, the building’s walls are covered in a thick layer of snow and ice, which is why it has been nicknamed the ‘White Elephant’. In summer, we will see the building, which is currently undergoing renovation, and the views that are the very reason we head into the mountains.
From Pip Ivan, there is a view of the Chornohora Range and the surrounding mountains.
During the ascent, we’ll pass several vantage points and varied terrain, which add variety to the route. It will be a busy day, entirely devoted to the climb.
Distance in the mountains: approx. 14.6 km, elevation gain: +1080 / -1080 m, time on the trail: approx. 8 hours
We wake up a bit later, take our time getting ready at the mountain hut, and set off for Ivano-Frankivsk. Once there, we pop into a restaurant to reflect on the trip and share our impressions of the climb up Pip Ivan Chornohirskyi.
We’ll cover a minimum of: ≈ 2.6 km, elevation gain: -360 / +15 m, time on the trail: ≈ 1.2 hours
An alternative route for travellers with plenty of energy: set off from the refuge in the morning towards Mount Mikuleska, heading for the waterfall below Mikuleska.
Once back at the shelter, we’ll quickly pack our things and head to the transfer point, which will be waiting for us in the village. The whole group must agree to this itinerary, making sure to allow plenty of time and energy.
Depending on weather conditions, the group’s condition and general preferences, the team leader is entitled to make changes to the route. The team leader’s instructions must be followed.
A night’s stay in a mountain cottage, standing secluded on a mountain pasture beneath Mount Smotrych. Stunning views from almost every window!
You don’t need a sleeping bag – a set comprising a blanket and a towel is provided.
Rooms accommodate 4 to 6 people; occasionally, you may need to share a double mattress with another guest.
After a long journey and the climb up to the refuge, the group leader and the participants will prepare a snack in the cosy lounge. Everyone is welcome to help themselves to boiling water for making tea or coffee. If you’ve got any treats from the train, now’s the time to bring them out :)
Dinner is prepared by the team leader; participants are welcome to help to reduce waiting times. During the day, participants should help the team leader carry some of the supplies from the minivan to the shelter in their rucksacks (these are very light).
The team leader is in charge of breakfast; participants are welcome to help.
Snacks for the mountains – bring them in your rucksacks; don’t forget your flask.
If there are any foods you don’t eat, please be sure to let the consultant know so that the team leader can adjust the menu slightly to suit your needs.
Dietary guidelines for vegetarians – if you don’t eat meat, be sure to read this. We explain what we’ll be serving and are offering a 5% discount on our products.
Ivano-Frankivsk, Mykhailo Mulik Street, Kuluar Hub. The time will be set based on when the last participant arrives. Around 7 days before the trip, you will be informed via the chat of the exact meeting time and the team leader’s contact details.
To take part in the hike, you must not have any medical conditions that are incompatible with active tourism: see the list here.
The programme includes mandatory additional costs for transfers. You can check the exact amount with a travel consultant, as it depends on fuel prices and the number of people in the group.
There are also optional expenses. Participants buy dried porcini mushrooms, souvenirs, and sometimes have dinner at a restaurant. We recommend bringing at least 1,500 UAH with you. As for the maximum amount, that’s up to you.
We limit the number of participants in each group. To secure your place, you must pay a deposit of 1,800 hryvnias. The remaining balance is to be paid to the group leader upon arrival. Deposit refund policy and payment methods =>>
