Breath-Taking Scenery, Remote Trekking Paths, Compass and Map Only
Then it happens and you find yourself in Ukrainian Carpathians, be ready to experience an incredible journey into the world of mind-boggling landscapes, ancient local traditions and hospitable people. All you need is a nice quality camera and a couple chocolate bars to keep you in shape while ascending and descending mounts, trotting trails through dewy alpine meadows in the morning and hearing stories about misterious half-human creatures.
The secret of the Carpathians attractiveness is simpler than you might have ever thought of. These mountains are not spoiled or touched by the civilization’s finger and have managed to preserve their genuine beauty as it is described in the ancient legends and stories. You can hear such true confession in lovely chat with Czech or Polish tourists while meeting them on the camping site aside of your trekking trail. There is no asphalt, no prohibition on deviation from the designated paths, just breath-taking scenery, fresh air and hospitable local villagers.
You can launch get-to-know Carpathian campaign making one-day trips from the town of Yaremche or the village of Tatariv. The hiking and cycling marked paths will lead you to the Dovbush Rocks or to beautiful mountain waterfalls. On your way to these landmarks you may stop for picnic or stay overnight at camping site.
The Carpathian Natural Reserve is another worth visiting attraction where wild bores and deer reside.
More suitable options for more experienced trekkers are provided by the Svydovets Range, the Chornohora Range and the remote Maramaros Range, nick-named Ukrainian Alps. This is the hub of mountain curiosities: old astronomic observatory White Elephant (2028 m.a.s.l.), the Nesamovyte Lake (1750 m.a.s.l.), rigorous Zhandarm Cliff and the Prut Waterfall. When you reach highland meadow do not miss a chance to buy in shepherds’ hut brundza and budz - home-made sheep cheese with unforgettably fine taste.
The Gorgany Range is the most unordinary and pleasant place for trekking or hiking. Giant spruces, fern shrubs and soft, deep moss under your feet make you feel being present in the ancient, prehistoric forest. However, once you find yourself on the alpine meadow the scenery chances dramatically. Every peak of the range is covered with big chunk stones. The Hyk, Bukhtivets and Maniavskyi Waterfalls, the true diamonds of Gornany mountains, strike with blindfolding beauty and energy.
If you feel fit enough and would like to improve your climbing skills, welcome to the White Rock in Yaremche or the Skeli Dovbusha Complex in Bubnyshche, local climing sanctuaries, that is only 2 hours drive from Ivano-Frankivsk. Unforgettable and impressive rafting is waiting for you on the countryside spot near the village of Dzembronia on the Chornyi Cheremosh River.
Horse riding and quad tours have already gained wide popularity and are easily available at every tourist spot in the area.
