Dragobrat — to Rakhiv, via Mount Blyznytsia

At a glance

A route of 37 km with 746 m of ascent and 1,849 m of descent from Dragobrat to Rakhiv. Estimated walking time: about 10.5 h, not counting stops — a very long day, so it is easier split into 2 days. Difficulty: hard. Waymarking is missing or partial.

Route stages

1. 0–3 kmClimb of 270 m to Mount Bliznytsia (1,883 m)
2. 3–8 kmDescent of 510 m (down to 1,322 m)
3. 8–27 kmGentle ups and downs at 1,090–1,420 m, past Mount Stara, Mount Terentyn
4. 27–37 kmDescent of 680 m to Rakhiv

Steepest kilometre: km 4–5, a descent of 210 m (≈20%).

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 0, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15, 17, 20, 21 and 29 etc.. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Hut on Polonyna Staryi (2) (km 10), Hut on Polonyna Perelisok (km 15), Mountain shelter “Perelisok” (km 17). Places to stay near the start: Drahobrat; near the finish: Rakhiv.

A possible split into days:

1. Day 1: km 0–17, ≈5 h — overnight: Mountain shelter “Perelisok” (hut)
2. Day 2: km 17–37, ≈5.5 h — finish

When to go

Best time: June to September. In winter only for experienced hikers with proper gear: avalanche danger is possible. About 6 km of the route runs above 1,500 m, where the weather changes quickly — check the forecast.

Getting there

Start: Dragobrat. Most places to stay near the start are in Drahobrat. This is a one-way route: the finish is 21 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 walking time: about 10.5 h, not counting stops — a very long day, so it is easier split into 2 days.

Is there water on the route?

Springs near the trail: at km 0, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15, 17, 20, 21 and 29 etc.. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Where can I stay overnight?

Huts and shelters near the trail: Hut on Polonyna Staryi (2) (km 10), Hut on Polonyna Perelisok (km 15), Mountain shelter “Perelisok” (km 17). Places to stay near the start: Drahobrat; near the finish: Rakhiv. Possible overnight stops: Mountain shelter “Perelisok” (km 17).