Synevyr Pass — to Volovets, via Mizhhiria, Mount Zhyd-Mahura, Mount Hemba, Shypit Waterfall

At a glance

A multi-day route of 57.3 km with 2,396 m of ascent from Synevyr Pass to Volovets. Estimated time: 3 days of 6–7 h of walking (about 18.5 h in total, not counting stops). Difficulty: hard. Waymarking is missing or partial.

Route stages

1. 0–10 kmDescent of 420 m to Rika River
2. 10–16 kmClimb of 780 m to Mount Menchul (1,247 m)
3. 16–40 kmGentle ups and downs at 930–1,500 m, past Mount Kychera, Mount Hrab, Mount Zhid-Magura, Mount Gemba
4. 40–45 kmDescent of 740 m to "Shypit Waterfall" Pylypets
5. 45–47 kmClimb of 450 m (up to 1,191 m)
6. 47–57 kmDescent of 700 m to Volovets

Steepest kilometre: km 45–46, a climb of 250 m (≈23%).

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 6, 12, 18, 20, 21, 24, 26, 28, 29 and 31 etc.. There are no springs between km 44 and 53 — carry at least 2 l of water. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Hut (Mizhhiria) (km 11). Places to stay near the start: Mizhhiria; near the finish: Volovets.

A possible split into days:

1. Day 1: km 0–19, ≈6 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
2. Day 2: km 19–37, ≈6 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
3. Day 3: km 37–57, ≈6 h — finish

When to go

Best time: May to October. In winter deep snow is possible, so experience and winter gear are needed.

Getting there

Start: Synevyr Pass. Most places to stay near the start are in Mizhhiria. This is a one-way route: the finish is 36 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 6–7 h of walking (about 18.5 h in total, not counting stops).

Is there water on the route?

Springs near the trail: at km 6, 12, 18, 20, 21, 24, 26, 28, 29 and 31 etc.. There are no springs between km 44 and 53 — 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 (Mizhhiria) (km 11). Places to stay near the start: Mizhhiria; near the finish: Volovets.