Join us for a winter ascent of Strymba, 1,719 m, with accommodation in Kolochava. Over three days we will walk winter trails, head out into the mountains and get to know a Transcarpathian village. The main goal of the trip is to climb the highest peak of Synevyr National Nature Park.
We will stay in a cottage in Kolochava, in the river valley. This is where we come back after our outings, eat well and, if you wish, visit the outdoor hot tubs (chany). Hot tubs are subject to availability and paid separately.
Kolochava is known for its museums and a history in which the different cultures of Transcarpathia are intertwined. Besides mountain walks, we will find time to visit the “Old Village” Museum, the Kolochava Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum and the red deer rehabilitation centre.
We can swap walks and museum visits around to make the most of good weather for mountain outings.
We start the ascent right from where we stay, with no early-morning transfer. After the descent we go back to our own room.
We combine mountain outings with Kolochava's museums, a mineral spring and watching red deer.
Carpathian cuisine awaits us at the guesthouse, and the team leader provides snacks for the outings.
We do not cancel or reschedule groups. If your consultant gives the go-ahead to buy a ticket, you can safely buy it. The program will never be cancelled through our fault.
The consultant who will advise you before the hike has been to the winter Carpathians many times herself and will share details from personal experience!
More than 25,000 participants have already travelled with Kuluar, and 98.7% were satisfied. We are sure you will be too!
We meet the team leader at Volovets railway station, board a pre-booked minibus and head towards Mizhhiria. From there the road climbs to the Synevyr Pass.
The main plan for today is a walk from the Synevyr Pass down to the Tereblia River. We take small backpacks and water and set off on a route of about 5 km that descends all the way. Along the way we pass through small villages and viewpoints overlooking the Pishkonia Ridge. We choose this option because of the short winter day and possible train delays.
If the weather is good and we arrive in Kolochava early, we may climb Mount Kvasnyi Verkh instead. This is a more demanding route, so this outing is only possible in suitable weather and with enough daylight left.
After the walk we check into the cottage in Kolochava and have dinner. If you wish and there are free slots, you can book hot tubs or a sauna. These are paid separately.
Distance: about 5 km
We start the climb right from the cottage. First we follow roads that gradually turn into trails, then enter the forest and gain height. In places the ascent is quite steep.
Strymba stands apart from the neighbouring peaks, so in clear weather it offers a 360-degree panorama. We will see the Krasna Ridge with its tower on the horizon, the Syvulia peaks, the highest summits of the Gorgany, Borzhava and other mountains crossed by our club's camping routes.
We allow about 8 hours for the ascent and descent. Over the day we will gain about 1,100 m of elevation and lose the same on the way back to the cottage. We plan to complete the route in daylight, but you need a headlamp and a thermos with a hot drink in your backpack.
Walking time: about 8 hours
Elevation gain: about 1,100 m
Elevation loss: about 1,100 m
Highest point: Strymba, 1,719 m
After two busy days we set off on a walk from the cottage to the Kolochava Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum and the “Old Village” Museum. We learn about the history of the local railway and the everyday life of the people of Transcarpathia.
From the museums we walk on to the Borkut mineral spring. We will try water with a distinctive aftertaste and an unusual colour. Next to the spring we will visit the red deer rehabilitation centre.
After the walk we drive back towards Volovets railway station.
The order of the days and the walking routes may change depending on the weather, trail conditions, the group's arrival time and how the group is feeling. We do not guarantee reaching the summit. The final decision on the route is made by the team leader.
The ascent and descent take about 8 hours. Over the day we will gain about 1,100 m of elevation and lose the same. In places the trail is quite steep, and snow, wet ground and wind can make progress harder. You need to be in good physical shape and ready to spend most of the day on your feet. If you have doubts about your fitness, discuss your previous experience with a consultant before signing up.
We can change the order of the program: visit the museums on a day of bad weather and move the walk to a better day. The team leader takes into account the forecast, trail conditions and how the group is feeling. We do not guarantee reaching the summit: in dangerous conditions we will choose a lower route or shorten the outing. Snow throughout the trip is not guaranteed either.
We spend both nights in the same cottage in Kolochava. For walks and the ascent we take small backpacks with what we need for the day, and the rest stays in the rooms. We start the climb to Strymba from the house and return there after the descent.
Meals at the guesthouse and snacks on the trail are included in the program price. At the guesthouse we get to know Carpathian cuisine, and the team leader provides snacks for the outings. You need to bring a thermos with a hot drink. Let your consultant know about any allergies, food intolerances or dietary requirements in advance so that we can check what the guesthouse can offer.
We meet at Volovets railway station on the first day and set off from there in a pre-booked minibus. Confirm the exact meeting time with your consultant before buying tickets. The program is scheduled to end in Volovets at 18:00 on the third day. Choose a return train that leaves plenty of time after the end of the program and agree it with your consultant.
Travel to Volovets and back, transfers during the program, gear rental and personal expenses are paid separately. Ask your consultant about the cost of transfers. Hot tubs or the sauna are also paid separately: they are optional and depend on time and availability.
To take part in the hike, you must not have any conditions incompatible with active tourism: see the list here.
The program includes mandatory additional transfer costs. You can check the exact amount with your consultant, as it depends on fuel prices and the number of participants in the group.
There are also optional expenses: hot tubs or a sauna, souvenirs, cafés. We recommend bringing at least 1,500 UAH. The maximum is up to you.
We limit the number of participants in each group. To secure your place, you need to pay a deposit of 2,000 hryvnias. The rest of the amount is paid to the team leader when you meet. Deposit refund terms and payment methods =>>