Iltsi village — to Zaroslyak base, via Mount Smotrych, Mount Pip Ivan Chornohirskyi, Mount Shpytsi, Lake Nesamovyte

At a glance

A multi-day route of 51.4 km with 2,872 m of ascent from Iltsi village to Zaroslyak base. Estimated time: 3 days of 5–7 h of walking (about 17.5 h in total, not counting stops). Difficulty: hard. Waymarking is missing or partial.

Route stages

1. 0–9 kmGentle ups and downs at 0–10 m
2. 9–10 kmClimb of 750 m (up to 757 m)
3. 10–13 kmGentle ups and downs at 750–840 m
4. 13–19 kmClimb of 1,020 m to Mount Smotrych (1,898 m)
5. 19–42 kmAlong the ridge at 1,750–1,970 m, past Mount Pip Ivan of Chornohora, Mount Menchul, Mount Brebeneskul, Mount Rebra
6. 42–51 kmDescent of 600 m to Zaroslyak base

Steepest kilometre: km 9–10, a climb of 780 m (≈74%).

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 3, 5, 8, 9, 16, 20, 21, 25, 29 and 31 etc.. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Cabin “The Dairy” (km 16), Mountain shelter “White Elephant” (km 23). Places to stay near the start: Verkhovyna; near the finish: Vorokhta.

A possible split into days:

1. Day 1: km 0–16, ≈6 h — overnight: Cabin “The Dairy” (hut)
2. Day 2: km 16–32, ≈5.5 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
3. Day 3: km 32–51, ≈6 h — finish

When to go

Best time: June to September. In winter only for experienced hikers with proper gear: avalanche danger is possible. About 29 km of the route runs above 1,500 m, where the weather changes quickly — check the forecast.

Getting there

Start: Iltsi village. Most places to stay near the start are in Verkhovyna. 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: 3 days of 5–7 h of walking (about 17.5 h in total, not counting stops).

Is there water on the route?

Springs near the trail: at km 3, 5, 8, 9, 16, 20, 21, 25, 29 and 31 etc.. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Where can I stay overnight?

Huts and shelters near the trail: Cabin “The Dairy” (km 16), Mountain shelter “White Elephant” (km 23). Places to stay near the start: Verkhovyna; near the finish: Vorokhta. Possible overnight stops: Cabin “The Dairy” (km 16).