Rychka village — to Volovets, via Mount Zhyd-Mahura, Mount Hemba, Shypit Waterfall, Mount Velykyi Verkh

At a glance

A multi-day route of 40.3 km with 2,510 m of ascent from Rychka village to Volovets. Estimated time: 2 days of 7–8 h of walking (about 14.5 h in total, not counting stops). Difficulty: hard. Waymarking is missing or partial.

Route stages

1. 0–10 kmClimb of 920 m to Mount Zhid-Magura (1,517 m)
2. 10–13 kmGentle ups and downs at 1,440–1,480 m, past Mount Gemba
3. 13–17 kmDescent of 700 m (down to 767 m)
4. 17–23 kmClimb of 650 m (up to 1,413 m)
5. 23–27 kmGentle ups and downs at 1,320–1,560 m
6. 27–40 kmDescent of 1,070 m to Volovets

Steepest kilometre: km 35–36, a descent of 330 m (≈32%).

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 7, 8, 10, 15, 17, 18, 21, 28, 32 and 33 etc.. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Places to stay near the start: Izky; near the finish: Volovets.

A possible split into days:

1. Day 1: km 0–19, ≈7 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
2. Day 2: km 19–40, ≈7 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: Rychka village. Most places to stay near the start are in Izky. 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 7–8 h of walking (about 14.5 h in total, not counting stops).

Is there water on the route?

Springs near the trail: at km 7, 8, 10, 15, 17, 18, 21, 28, 32 and 33 etc.. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Where can I stay overnight?

Places to stay near the start: Izky; near the finish: Volovets.