Mizhhiria — to Volovets village, via Mount Zhyd-Mahura, Mount Hemba, Mount Velykyi Verkh

At a glance

A multi-day route of 55.2 km with 2,752 m of ascent from Mizhhiria to Volovets village. Estimated time: 3 days of 5–7 h of walking (about 18.5 h in total, not counting stops). Difficulty: hard. Waymarking is missing or partial.

Route stages

1. 0–7 kmClimb of 790 m to Mount Menchul (1,247 m)
2. 7–18 kmGentle ups and downs at 930–1,230 m, past Mount Kaminna
3. 18–31 kmClimb of 550 m to Mount Zhid-Magura (1,517 m)
4. 31–38 kmDescent of 450 m to Hut below Mount Hemba
5. 38–41 kmClimb of 540 m to Mount Veliky Verkh (1,598 m)
6. 41–55 kmDescent of 1,090 m to Volovets village

Steepest kilometre: km 38–39, a climb of 340 m (≈29%), near Hut below Mount Hemba.

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 3, 8, 9, 11, 13, 16, 17, 20, 22 and 24 etc.. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Hut (Mizhhiria) (km 2), Hut below Mount Hemba (km 38). Places to stay near the start: Mizhhiria; near the finish: Volovets.

A possible split into days:

1. Day 1: km 0–17, ≈6 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
2. Day 2: km 17–38, ≈6.5 h — overnight: Hut below Mount Hemba (hut)
3. Day 3: km 38–55, ≈5.5 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: Mizhhiria. This is a one-way route: the finish is 31 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 5–7 h of walking (about 18.5 h in total, not counting stops).

Is there water on the route?

Springs near the trail: at km 3, 8, 9, 11, 13, 16, 17, 20, 22 and 24 etc.. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Where can I stay overnight?

Huts and shelters near the trail: Hut (Mizhhiria) (km 2), Hut below Mount Hemba (km 38). Places to stay near the start: Mizhhiria; near the finish: Volovets. Possible overnight stops: Hut below Mount Hemba (km 38).