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

At a glance

A multi-day route of 51 km with 2,992 m of ascent from Volovets to Mizhhiria. Estimated time: 3 days of 5–7 h of walking (about 17.5 h in total, not counting stops). Difficulty: hard. Waymarking is missing or partial.

Route stages

1. 0–11 kmClimb of 1,070 m to Mount Veliky Verkh (1,598 m)
2. 11–16 kmDescent of 770 m to "Shypit Waterfall" Pylypets
3. 16–22 kmClimb of 700 m to Mount Zhid-Magura (1,517 m)
4. 22–51 kmGentle ups and downs at 420–1,480 m, past Mount Hrab, Mount Kychera, Mount Kruhla, Mount Opolonok

Steepest kilometre: km 2–3, a climb of 420 m (≈42%).

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 15, 17, 22 and 24 etc.. There are no springs between km 39 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 39). Places to stay near the start: Volovets; near the finish: Mizhhiria.

A possible split into days:

1. Day 1: km 0–14, ≈5.5 h — overnight: Hut below Mount Hemba (hut)
2. Day 2: km 14–31, ≈6 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
3. Day 3: km 31–51, ≈6 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. This is a one-way route: the finish is 33 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 17.5 h in total, not counting stops).

Is there water on the route?

Springs near the trail: at km 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 15, 17, 22 and 24 etc.. There are no springs between km 39 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 39). Places to stay near the start: Volovets; near the finish: Mizhhiria. Possible overnight stops: Hut below Mount Hemba (km 14).