Bystrytsia village — to Polianytsia village, via Mount Hropa, Mount Bratkivska, Mount Chorna Kleva

At a glance

A multi-day route of 42 km with 2,182 m of ascent from Bystrytsia village to Polianytsia village. Estimated time: 2 days of 7–8 h of walking (about 14 h in total, not counting stops). Difficulty: hard. Waymarking is missing or partial.

Route stages

1. 0–9 kmGentle ups and downs at 730–970 m
2. 9–13 kmClimb of 780 m to Mount Hropa (1,759 m)
3. 13–23 kmAlong the ridge at 1,510–1,770 m, past Mount Bratkivska, Mount Ruska, Mount Chorna Kleva
4. 23–27 kmDescent of 620 m (down to 1,068 m)
5. 27–38 kmGentle ups and downs at 1,060–1,360 m, past Mount Ploska, Mount Dovha
6. 38–42 kmDescent of 440 m to Polianytsia village

Steepest kilometre: km 11–12, a climb of 380 m (≈37%), near Hut below Mount Hropa.

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 2, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 31, 35, 36 and 40 etc.. There are no springs between km 2 and 17 — carry at least 3 l of water. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Hut below Mount Hropa (km 11), Hut (Polianytsia (Bukovel)) (km 35), Shepherds' hut below Mount Dovha (km 36), Hut on Polonyna Bohatska (km 36), Hut below Mount Dovha (km 36), Hut below Mount Dovha (2) (km 36), Shepherds' hut below Mount Dovha (2) (km 38). Places to stay near the finish: Polianytsia (Bukovel).

A possible split into days:

1. Day 1: km 0–20, ≈7 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
2. Day 2: km 20–42, ≈7 h — finish

When to go

Best time: June to September. In winter only for experienced hikers with proper gear: avalanche danger is possible. About 11 km of the route runs above 1,500 m, where the weather changes quickly — check the forecast.

Getting there

Start: Bystrytsia village. This is a one-way route: the finish is 17 km from the start in a straight line, so plan your way back in advance.

Directions to the start in Google Maps

FAQ

How long does the route take?

Estimated time: 2 days of 7–8 h of walking (about 14 h in total, not counting stops).

Is there water on the route?

Springs near the trail: at km 2, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 31, 35, 36 and 40 etc.. There are no springs between km 2 and 17 — carry at least 3 l of water. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Where can I stay overnight?

Huts and shelters near the trail: Hut below Mount Hropa (km 11), Hut (Polianytsia (Bukovel)) (km 35), Shepherds' hut below Mount Dovha (km 36), Hut on Polonyna Bohatska (km 36), Hut below Mount Dovha (km 36), Hut below Mount Dovha (2) (km 36), Shepherds' hut below Mount Dovha (2) (km 38). Places to stay near the finish: Polianytsia (Bukovel).