Lazeshchyna village — to Kozmeshchyk, via Kozmeshchyk, Mount Hoverla

At a glance

A route of 30.7 km with 1,674 m of ascent from Lazeshchyna village to Kozmeshchyk. 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. 0–10 kmGentle ups and downs at 710–880 m
2. 10–18 kmClimb of 1,120 m to Mount Hoverla (2,061 m)
3. 18–20 kmDescent of 440 m to “Carpathian Highlands” information and tourist centre
4. 20–24 kmAlong the ridge at 1,510–1,570 m
5. 24–31 kmDescent of 640 m to Kozmeshchyk

Steepest kilometre: km 18–19, a descent of 250 m (≈24%), near Eco point “At the foot of Hoverla”.

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 6, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 19, 20, 22 and 24 etc.. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Mountain shelter “Kozmishchyk” (km 4), Mountain shelter “Kozmeshchyk” (km 10), Hut on Polonyna Hropa (2) (km 13), Eco point “At the foot of Hoverla” (hut) (km 18), “Carpathian Highlands” information and tourist centre (shelter) (km 20), Eco point “Peremychka” (hut) (km 20), Hut (Luhy) (km 22), Hut on Polonyna Holovcheska (km 25) etc.. Places to stay near the start: Lazeshchyna.

A possible split into days:

1. Day 1: km 0–13, ≈4.5 h — overnight: Hut on Polonyna Hropa (2) (hut)
2. Day 2: km 13–31, ≈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 10 km of the route runs above 1,500 m, where the weather changes quickly — check the forecast.

Getting there

Start: Lazeshchyna village. Most places to stay near the start are in Lazeshchyna. This is a one-way route: the finish is 8 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 6, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 19, 20, 22 and 24 etc.. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Where can I stay overnight?

Huts and shelters near the trail: Mountain shelter “Kozmishchyk” (km 4), Mountain shelter “Kozmeshchyk” (km 10), Hut on Polonyna Hropa (2) (km 13), Eco point “At the foot of Hoverla” (hut) (km 18), “Carpathian Highlands” information and tourist centre (shelter) (km 20), Eco point “Peremychka” (hut) (km 20), Hut (Luhy) (km 22), Hut on Polonyna Holovcheska (km 25) etc.. Places to stay near the start: Lazeshchyna. Possible overnight stops: Hut on Polonyna Hropa (2) (km 13).