Lazeshchyna village — to Mount Shpytsi, via Kozmeshchyk, Mount Hoverla

At a glance

A route of 24.5 km with 1,884 m of ascent from Lazeshchyna village to Mount Shpytsi. Estimated walking time: about 9.5 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. 0–9 kmGentle ups and downs at 720–880 m
2. 9–17 kmClimb of 1,130 m to Mount Hoverla (2,061 m)
3. 17–20 kmDescent of 310 m (down to 1,697 m)
4. 20–25 kmClimb of 200 m (up to 1,918 m)

Steepest kilometre: km 9–10, a climb of 240 m (≈24%).

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 5, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 19 and 23. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Mountain shelter “Kozmishchyk” (km 3), Mountain shelter “Kozmeshchyk” (km 9), Hut on Polonyna Hropa (2) (km 13), Eco point “At the foot of Hoverla” (hut) (km 16). 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 13–25, ≈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 11 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 19 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 9.5 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 5, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 19 and 23. 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 3), Mountain shelter “Kozmeshchyk” (km 9), Hut on Polonyna Hropa (2) (km 13), Eco point “At the foot of Hoverla” (hut) (km 16). Places to stay near the start: Lazeshchyna. Possible overnight stops: Hut on Polonyna Hropa (2) (km 13).