Skotarske village — to Vilshanske reservoir, via Borzhava polonyna, Palenyi Hrun polonyna

At a glance

A multi-day route of 72.3 km with 3,487 m of ascent from Skotarske village to Vilshanske reservoir. Estimated time: 3 days of 7–8 h of walking (about 24 h in total, not counting stops). Difficulty: hard. Waymarking is missing or partial.

Route stages

1. 0–19 kmClimb of 850 m to Mount Zhid-Magura (1,517 m)
2. 19–56 kmGentle ups and downs at 900–1,490 m, past Mount Hrab, Mount Kychera, Mount Kruhla, Mount Kuk
3. 56–61 kmDescent of 700 m (down to 321 m)
4. 61–66 kmClimb of 750 m (up to 1,073 m)
5. 66–72 kmDescent of 610 m to Vilshanske reservoir

Steepest kilometre: km 66–67, a descent of 410 m (≈40%).

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 8, 12, 14, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 30 etc.. There are no springs between km 38 and 51 — carry at least 2 l of water. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Hut below Mount Hemba (km 14), Hut on Polonyna Kuk (km 38), Hut below Mount Skala (km 57), Hut below Mount Vala-Techera (km 58). Places to stay near the start: Huklyvyi.

A possible split into days:

1. Day 1: km 0–23, ≈8 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
2. Day 2: km 23–48, ≈8 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
3. Day 3: km 48–72, ≈8 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: Skotarske village. Most places to stay near the start are in Huklyvyi. This is a one-way route: the finish is 50 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 7–8 h of walking (about 24 h in total, not counting stops).

Is there water on the route?

Springs near the trail: at km 8, 12, 14, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 30 etc.. There are no springs between km 38 and 51 — 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 below Mount Hemba (km 14), Hut on Polonyna Kuk (km 38), Hut below Mount Skala (km 57), Hut below Mount Vala-Techera (km 58). Places to stay near the start: Huklyvyi.