Voronenko village — to Staishche village, via Mount Kukul

At a glance

A route of 31.1 km with 1,883 m of ascent from Voronenko village to Staishche village. Estimated walking time: about 11 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. 0–3 kmGentle ups and downs at 830–920 m
2. 3–12 kmClimb of 600 m to Mount Kukul (1,539 m)
3. 12–17 kmDescent of 610 m (down to 907 m)
4. 17–22 kmClimb of 660 m to Mount Kostrycha (1,586 m)
5. 22–26 kmAlong the ridge at 1,410–1,570 m, past Mount Kostrych
6. 26–31 kmDescent of 820 m to Staishche village

Steepest kilometre: km 26–27, a descent of 440 m (≈43%).

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 4, 7, 10, 11, 13, 18, 20, 22, 25 and 29. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Hut (Voronenko, 4) (km 5), Hut (Voronenko) (km 5), Hut (Voronenko, 3) (km 5), Hut on Polonyna Hryhorivka (km 7), Hut on Polonyna Serednia (km 10), Hut on Polonyna Zakukul (km 13), Hut on Polonyna Vesnarka (3) (km 20), Hut on Polonyna Bolota (2) (km 25). Places to stay near the start: Vorokhta; near the finish: Verkhovyna.

A possible split into days:

1. Day 1: km 0–13, ≈4.5 h — overnight: Hut on Polonyna Zakukul (hut)
2. Day 2: km 13–31, ≈6.5 h — finish

When to go

Best time: May to October. In winter deep snow is possible, so experience and winter gear are needed. About 4 km of the route runs above 1,500 m, where the weather changes quickly — check the forecast.

Getting there

Start: Voronenko village. Most places to stay near the start are in Vorokhta. This is a one-way route: the finish is 20 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 11 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 4, 7, 10, 11, 13, 18, 20, 22, 25 and 29. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Where can I stay overnight?

Huts and shelters near the trail: Hut (Voronenko, 4) (km 5), Hut (Voronenko) (km 5), Hut (Voronenko, 3) (km 5), Hut on Polonyna Hryhorivka (km 7), Hut on Polonyna Serednia (km 10), Hut on Polonyna Zakukul (km 13), Hut on Polonyna Vesnarka (3) (km 20), Hut on Polonyna Bolota (2) (km 25). Places to stay near the start: Vorokhta; near the finish: Verkhovyna. Possible overnight stops: Hut on Polonyna Zakukul (km 13).