Lazeshchyna villageloop, via Kozmeshchyk, Mount Hoverla

At a glance

A loop route of 39.4 km with 1,616 m of ascent, starting and finishing at Lazeshchyna village. 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. 0–10 kmGentle ups and downs at 710–880 m
2. 10–17 kmClimb of 1,120 m to Mount Hoverla (2,061 m)
3. 17–20 kmDescent of 450 m to “Carpathian Highlands” information and tourist centre
4. 20–23 kmAlong the ridge at 1,520–1,580 m
5. 23–28 kmDescent of 580 m (down to 947 m)
6. 28–39 kmGentle ups and downs at 710–950 m

Steepest kilometre: km 17–18, a descent of 270 m (≈26%), near Eco point “At the foot of Hoverla”.

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24 and 27 etc.. There are no springs between km 0 and 9 — carry at least 1.5 l of water. 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 21), Hut on Polonyna Holovcheska (km 24) etc.. Places to stay near the start: Lazeshchyna.

A possible split into days:

1. Day 1: km 0–18, ≈7 h — overnight: Eco point “At the foot of Hoverla” (hut) (hut)
2. Day 2: km 18–39, ≈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 9 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 loop: it brings you back to the start.

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 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24 and 27 etc.. There are no springs between km 0 and 9 — carry at least 1.5 l of water. 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 21), Hut on Polonyna Holovcheska (km 24) etc.. Places to stay near the start: Lazeshchyna. Possible overnight stops: Eco point “At the foot of Hoverla” (hut) (km 18).