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

At a glance

A multi-day route of 39.5 km with 2,613 m of ascent from Krasnyk village to Kozmeshchyk. Estimated time: 2 days of 6–8 h of walking (about 14 h in total, not counting stops). Difficulty: hard. Waymarking is missing or partial.

Route stages

1. 0–7 kmClimb of 760 m (up to 1,418 m)
2. 7–11 kmGentle ups and downs at 1,400–1,450 m, past Mount Kostrych
3. 11–16 kmDescent of 550 m (down to 850 m)
4. 16–24 kmClimb of 1,020 m to Mount Shpytsi (1,863 m)
5. 24–31 kmAlong the ridge at 1,710–2,020 m, past Mount Turkul, Mount Dantsizh, Mount Breskul, Mount Hoverla
6. 31–40 kmDescent of 1,150 m to Kozmeshchyk

Steepest kilometre: km 2–3, a climb of 310 m (≈30%).

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 4, 8, 10, 20, 23, 25, 29, 31, 32 and 35 etc.. There are no springs between km 10 and 20 — carry at least 2 l of water. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Hut on Polonyna Vesnarka (5) (km 4), Hut on Polonyna Bolota (2) (km 8), Hut on Polonyna Psarivka (km 12), Hut (Dzembronia, 2) (km 18), Hut (Dzembronia) (km 18), Eco point “At the foot of Hoverla” (hut) (km 32), Hut on Polonyna Hropa (2) (km 35), Mountain shelter “Kozmeshchyk” (km 39). Places to stay near the start: Verkhovyna; near the finish: Lazeshchyna.

A possible split into days:

1. Day 1: km 0–18, ≈6.5 h — overnight: Hut (Dzembronia) (hut)
2. Day 2: km 18–40, ≈8 h — finish

When to go

Best time: June to September. In winter only for experienced hikers with proper gear: avalanche danger is possible. About 13 km of the route runs above 1,500 m, where the weather changes quickly — check the forecast.

Getting there

Start: Krasnyk village. Most places to stay near the start are in Verkhovyna. This is a one-way route: the finish is 22 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: 2 days of 6–8 h of walking (about 14 h in total, not counting stops).

Is there water on the route?

Springs near the trail: at km 4, 8, 10, 20, 23, 25, 29, 31, 32 and 35 etc.. There are no springs between km 10 and 20 — 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 on Polonyna Vesnarka (5) (km 4), Hut on Polonyna Bolota (2) (km 8), Hut on Polonyna Psarivka (km 12), Hut (Dzembronia, 2) (km 18), Hut (Dzembronia) (km 18), Eco point “At the foot of Hoverla” (hut) (km 32), Hut on Polonyna Hropa (2) (km 35), Mountain shelter “Kozmeshchyk” (km 39). Places to stay near the start: Verkhovyna; near the finish: Lazeshchyna. Possible overnight stops: Hut (Dzembronia) (km 18).