Vovchyi village — to Nyzhnii Bystryi village, via Mount Stiy, Mount Zhyd-Mahura, Pryslip Pass, Kuk polonyna, Mount Korytyshche, Shyroke village

At a glance

A multi-day route of 60.7 km with 2,680 m of ascent from Vovchyi village to Nyzhnii Bystryi village. Estimated time: 3 days of 6–7 h of walking (about 19.5 h in total, not counting stops). Difficulty: hard. Waymarking is missing or partial.

Route stages

1. 0–5 kmGentle ups and downs at 290–510 m
2. 5–13 kmClimb of 1,130 m to Mount Stii (1,681 m)
3. 13–33 kmGentle ups and downs at 940–1,640 m, past Mount Gemba, Mount Zhid-Magura, Mount Hrab, Mount Kychera
4. 33–41 kmClimb of 390 m to Mount Kuk (1,361 m)
5. 41–61 kmDescent of 1,010 m to Nyzhnii Bystryi village

Steepest kilometre: km 5–7, a climb of 250 m (≈25%).

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 0, 11, 15, 22, 24, 25, 28, 29, 31 and 33 etc.. There are no springs between km 39 and 61 — carry at least 3.5 l of water. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Hut on Polonyna Kuk (km 39), Hut on Polonyna Hulnyky (km 50). Places to stay near the start: Svalyava.

A possible split into days:

1. Day 1: km 0–17, ≈6.5 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
2. Day 2: km 17–39, ≈6.5 h — overnight: Hut on Polonyna Kuk (hut)
3. Day 3: km 39–61, ≈6.5 h — finish

When to go

Best time: June to September. In winter only for experienced hikers with proper gear: avalanche danger is possible. About 3 km of the route runs above 1,500 m, where the weather changes quickly — check the forecast.

Getting there

Start: Vovchyi village. Most places to stay near the start are in Svalyava. This is a one-way route: the finish is 42 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 6–7 h of walking (about 19.5 h in total, not counting stops).

Is there water on the route?

Springs near the trail: at km 0, 11, 15, 22, 24, 25, 28, 29, 31 and 33 etc.. There are no springs between km 39 and 61 — carry at least 3.5 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 Kuk (km 39), Hut on Polonyna Hulnyky (km 50). Places to stay near the start: Svalyava. Possible overnight stops: Hut on Polonyna Kuk (km 39).