Kryvopillia village — to Zaroslyak base, via Mount Shpytsi, Mount Hoverla

At a glance

A route of 33.3 km with 2,538 m of ascent from Kryvopillia village to Zaroslyak base. Estimated walking time: about 12.5 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. 0–6 kmClimb of 560 m to Mount Kostrycha (1,586 m)
2. 6–14 kmDescent of 680 m (down to 877 m)
3. 14–22 kmClimb of 1,020 m (up to 1,901 m)
4. 22–27 kmAlong the ridge at 1,720–1,910 m, past Mount Turkul, Mount Dantsizh
5. 27–30 kmClimb of 300 m to Mount Hoverla (2,061 m)
6. 30–33 kmDescent of 720 m to Zaroslyak base

Steepest kilometre: km 30–31, a descent of 370 m (≈36%).

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 19, 21, 23, 27 and 29 etc.. There are no springs between km 9 and 19 — carry at least 2 l of water. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Hut on Polonyna Psarivka (km 11), Hut (Dzembronia, 2) (km 15), Hut (Dzembronia) (km 15), Hut on Polonyna Hadzhyna (km 17). Places to stay near the start: Kryvopillia; near the finish: Vorokhta.

A possible split into days:

1. Day 1: km 0–17, ≈6 h — overnight: Hut on Polonyna Hadzhyna (hut)
2. Day 2: km 17–33, ≈6.5 h — finish

When to go

Best time: June to September. In winter only for experienced hikers with proper gear: avalanche danger is possible. About 14 km of the route runs above 1,500 m, where the weather changes quickly — check the forecast.

Getting there

Start: Kryvopillia village. Most places to stay near the start are in Kryvopillia. This is a one-way route: the finish is 11 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 12.5 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 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 19, 21, 23, 27 and 29 etc.. There are no springs between km 9 and 19 — 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 on Polonyna Psarivka (km 11), Hut (Dzembronia, 2) (km 15), Hut (Dzembronia) (km 15), Hut on Polonyna Hadzhyna (km 17). Places to stay near the start: Kryvopillia; near the finish: Vorokhta. Possible overnight stops: Hut on Polonyna Hadzhyna (km 17).