We believe that water has a special power: its flow clears the mind, and quiet conversations on the shore help say what has long remained unspoken. That is why we created the "Power of Water" program for veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Together we will travel one of the most beautiful stretches of the Dniester Canyon — from the village of Nyzhniv to Khmeleva — and give ourselves time to recover.
The Dniester flows without asking what happened yesterday, but it helps you move forward. In the simplicity of a paddle stroke and the rustle of water, it's easier to hear yourself, and nearby are brothers-in-arms who understand without words. We don't promise to erase memories, but we offer four honest days where you can share, be silent, laugh, and recover under the protection of nature and the support of the team.
Team leader: military psychologist Maksym Chubyk, who will also be present every day to ensure safety and create space for conversations when it's needed most.
Group: up to 15 brothers and sisters in arms, each with their own story, but with a shared desire — to move forward.
Three-seater kayaks — the middle seat is comfortable for participants who have experienced upper limb amputation or have limited range of motion in the shoulder girdle.
Throughout the entire route, the team is accompanied by a vehicle that transports the main part of the participants' belongings.
⚠️ Important:
As part of this trip (project), a documentary film will be shot, dedicated to the rehabilitation of veterans through nature and shared experience. Participants of the trip may appear on camera — both during the route and in moments of live communication and reflection. The first part – Power of Winter – is already available on YouTube.The "Power of Elements" project is long-term. As part of the documentary filming, a summer trip to the Carpathians is also planned, as a continuation of the path of recovery, adaptation, and return to an active life.
Gathering at Kuluar Hub near the Ivano-Frankivsk railway station, briefing, transfer to the bridge over the Dniester in Nyzhniv. The first paddle strokes and the first sense of the canyon's calm.
Camp on a cozy meadow: a walk to the hermit monk's grotto and the Dumka karst cave. In the evening — a circle around the campfire: introductions, stories, reflection.
Morning panoramas from the paragliders' viewpoint.
On the water we observe the cave near the village of Styhla and the ancient cave temple near Stinka.
Swimming under the Kosmyrynskyi waterfall.
Photo hike to the Vozylivski waterfalls and travertine rocks that are 20 million years old.
We watch grey herons, if we're lucky — a reminder that life goes on.
Camp near the Monk's grotto and the ruined Maiden's Tears waterfall.
The highlight of the fourth day of the trip is the ruins of the Rakovets Tower above the Dniester, built 400 years ago. The entire route runs along the steep slopes of the Dniester Canyon. We will encounter numerous pebble beaches and several crystal-clear springs.
We take walks to the Kopachynski waterfalls. Those who wish can also climb to the highest point of the Dniester Canyon — Chervona Hora, which rises over 300 m above sea level and offers stunning views of the Dniester's meander.
And so this rehabilitation journey comes to an end. A transfer will take the group to Ivano-Frankivsk. Estimated arrival around 20:00.
Depending on weather conditions, group condition, and general wishes, the team leader has the right to make changes to the route.
The meeting with the team leader takes place at Kuluar Hub near the Ivano-Frankivsk railway station at 07:00. The meeting time for groups is set with consideration for the arrival times of trains from major destinations. So feel free to apply for the veterans' trip no matter which city you're in! We recommend buying return tickets for after 20:00.
To participate in the trip, you must not have health conditions incompatible with active tourism.
Participation in this trip is free for veterans. We deeply value the role each veteran has played in defending our country.
That's why Kuluar takes care of everything - preparation, accommodation, transfers, meals - and, if needed, we also provide equipment if you don't have your own.
You're probably wondering what we'll be eating on the trip? Let us reassure you right away - there's no need to worry. Many participants say they eat better on the trip than at home. The menu is based on simple food - porridge and soups. Don't expect fancy delicacies (although they might happen too).
If there are foods you don't eat, be sure to let your manager 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 trip is usually much better than at home.
Please note that the menu shown is approximate. Team leaders 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 your own supplies.
Sample menu for a basic rafting trip, adaptable for vegetarians or vegans:
| Menu for 3-day rafting trips | ||||||
Day 1 | Breakfast | Buckwheat porridge with mushrooms, chicken, vegetable salad, sauces, bread | ||||
| Lunch (snack) | Sandwiches with cheese, meat, lard, fresh vegetables, boiled egg, sauces, herbs, sweets | |||||
| Dinner | Red borscht with smoked ribs, sour cream, bread, lard, sauces, sweets | |||||
Day 2 | Breakfast | Pilaf with meat (chicken), fresh vegetables, herbs, sauces, bread (lavash), sweets | ||||
| Lunch (snack) | Sandwiches with cheese, meat, lard, fresh vegetables, boiled egg, sauces, herbs, sweets | |||||
| Dinner | Kharcho soup with meat, bread, lard, sauces, sweets | |||||
Day 3 | Breakfast | Pasta with hard cheese and sauce, fresh vegetables, herbs, sauces, bread, sweets | ||||
| Lunch (snack) | Sandwiches with cheese, meat, lard, fresh vegetables, boiled egg, sauces, herbs, sweets | |||||
The group arrives at the overnight site at around 18:00, where the support vehicle is already waiting and the process of setting up camp and tables is underway, a fire is blazing, and herbal tea is brewing. The team leader and camp manager will help you choose a spot and set up your tent. Every evening we plan to sit by the campfire and chat in the circle of new friends.
In the morning we pack up the tents, the assistant loads the group gear and heads to the next overnight location.
