Bystrytsia villageloop, via Peklo tract, Mount Mala Syvulia, Mount Velyka Syvulia, Rushchyna polonyna

At a glance

A multi-day loop route of 42.6 km with 1,815 m of ascent, starting and finishing at Bystrytsia village. Estimated time: 2 days of 5–9 h of walking (about 13.5 h in total, not counting stops). Difficulty: hard. Waymarking is missing or partial.

Route stages

1. 0–5 kmClimb of 480 m (up to 1,230 m)
2. 5–17 kmGentle ups and downs at 1,180–1,450 m
3. 17–19 kmClimb of 340 m to Mount Mala Sivulya (1,815 m)
4. 19–24 kmAlong the ridge at 1,720–1,810 m, past Mount Velyka Sivulya
5. 24–31 kmDescent of 790 m to Hut below Mount Bystra
6. 31–43 kmGentle ups and downs at 750–960 m

Steepest kilometre: km 18–19, a climb of 290 m (≈25%), near Mount Mala Sivulya.

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 10, 13, 15, 18, 25, 35, 36, 38 and 40. There are no springs between km 0 and 10 — carry at least 2 l of water. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Hut (Bystrytsia, 4) (km 6), Hut on Polonyna Plashi (km 7), Hut on Polonyna Gavorska (km 7), Hut below Mount Nehrova (km 15), Hut on Polonyna Negrova (km 15), Hut below Mount Bystra (km 31), Hut by the Salatruk stream (km 32), Hut (Bystrytsia) (km 35) etc..

A possible split into days:

1. Day 1: km 0–15, ≈5.5 h — overnight: Hut on Polonyna Negrova (hut)
2. Day 2: km 15–43, ≈8 h — finish

When to go

Best time: June to September. In winter only for experienced hikers with proper gear: avalanche danger is possible. About 7 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 loop: it brings you back to the start.

Directions to the start in Google Maps

FAQ

How long does the route take?

Estimated time: 2 days of 5–9 h of walking (about 13.5 h in total, not counting stops).

Is there water on the route?

Springs near the trail: at km 10, 13, 15, 18, 25, 35, 36, 38 and 40. There are no springs between km 0 and 10 — carry at least 2 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 (Bystrytsia, 4) (km 6), Hut on Polonyna Plashi (km 7), Hut on Polonyna Gavorska (km 7), Hut below Mount Nehrova (km 15), Hut on Polonyna Negrova (km 15), Hut below Mount Bystra (km 31), Hut by the Salatruk stream (km 32), Hut (Bystrytsia) (km 35) etc.. Possible overnight stops: Hut on Polonyna Negrova (km 15).