Volovets villageloop, via Mount Stiy, Mount Zhyd-Mahura, Mount Hemba, Mount Velykyi Verkh

At a glance

A multi-day loop route of 96.1 km with 5,908 m of ascent, starting and finishing at Volovets village. Estimated time: 5 days of 5–9 h of walking (about 34 h in total, not counting stops). Difficulty: hard. Waymarking is missing or partial.

Route stages

1. 0–25 kmClimb of 1,010 m to Mount Stii (1,681 m)
2. 25–34 kmDescent of 1,050 m (down to 420 m)
3. 34–57 kmClimb of 1,030 m to Mount Zhid-Magura (1,517 m)
4. 57–64 kmDescent of 940 m (down to 507 m)
5. 64–71 kmClimb of 1,000 m (up to 1,508 m)
6. 71–96 kmDescent of 1,010 m (down to 495 m)

Steepest kilometre: km 12–13, a descent of 450 m (≈41%).

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 4, 7, 15, 18, 21, 23, 27, 32, 36 and 42 etc.. There are no springs between km 44 and 57 — carry at least 2.5 l of water. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Hut below Mount Hrab (km 42). Places to stay near the start: Volovets.

A possible split into days:

1. Day 1: km 0–18, ≈7 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
2. Day 2: km 18–42, ≈8.5 h — overnight: Hut below Mount Hrab (hut)
3. Day 3: km 42–56, ≈5 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
4. Day 4: km 56–74, ≈7 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
5. Day 5: km 74–96, ≈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.

Getting there

Start: Volovets village. Most places to stay near the start are in Volovets. 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 time: 5 days of 5–9 h of walking (about 34 h in total, not counting stops).

Is there water on the route?

Springs near the trail: at km 4, 7, 15, 18, 21, 23, 27, 32, 36 and 42 etc.. There are no springs between km 44 and 57 — carry at least 2.5 l of water. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Where can I stay overnight?

Huts and shelters near the trail: Hut below Mount Hrab (km 42). Places to stay near the start: Volovets. Possible overnight stops: Hut below Mount Hrab (km 42).