Trekking the Peaks of Chornohora – All of Ukraine’s 2000-Meter Mountains!
Chornohora is the highest mountain range in the Ukrainian Carpathians, home to the country’s tallest peak, Hoverla (2,061 m), as well as other well-known mountains such as Petros and Pip Ivan.
Life on the trail is simple. You carry your tent, fetch water from mountain streams, and cook meals with a camping stove. But the reward is immense: stunning views over forest-covered valleys, encounters with semi-wild horses, and perhaps a conversation with a local shepherd who still lives by ancient traditions — traditions that predate the modern borders of this region. Chornohora is a destination for those seeking peace and beautifull nature.
Trek Highlights:
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Enjoy breathtaking views and solitude in the wild nature of the Carpathians
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Summit peaks like Petros, Brebeneskul, and Pip Ivan — home to an old observatory
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Camp under starry skies or stay in simple mountain huts
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Discover a truly unique and still relatively unknown trekking destination without tourist crowds
Is it safe to travel to the Ukrainian Carpathians?
Yes – While there is war in Ukraine, Western Ukraine — including the Carpathian region — has remained peaceful and safe for travelers throughout. The area is far from the conflict zones, and locals are used to welcoming visitors warmly and kindly. Trails, villages, and accommodations are operating normally, and the local hiking infrastructure is functioning well. Right now, the Carpathians offer both an escape from everyday life and a way to support responsible, local tourism. People here have lived for three years without foreign visitors. By coming, we show our support for their struggle. It means a lot to them that we dare to visit — it shows we haven’t forgotten them.
The tour leader, Roope Roine, has visited Ukraine nine times in the past two years. He has been active in the organization Karavanen till Ukraina (karavanen.org), delivering vehicles, hospital supplies, and generators to Ukraine. He has also hiked in the Carpathians.
Your tour leader is with you from start to finish – beginning at Kraków Airport.
You won’t be alone – from the very beginning at Kraków Airport, your tour leader is with you throughout the entire trip. He will handle all the logistics and ensure everything runs smoothly and safely. During the hike, a Ukrainian guide will also join, offering the chance to engage and learn more about Ukrainian culture, nature, and the current situation.
This trek is suitable for those in good physical condition. The route mainly follows mountain trails and rocky terrain at elevations between 1500–2000 meters.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Tour leader Roope meets you at Kraków Airport. We travel by bus to Lviv and stay in the charming old town at the excellent Hotel Leopolis, a perfect base to explore the city.
Day 2:
Guided city tour of Lviv, offering a deep dive into the city’s history, culture, and main attractions. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore cozy cafés or wander on your own.
Day 3:
Lviv – Vorokhta – Dzembronia – Smotrych
Transfer by bus/train to the Carpathian foothills via Vorokhta to the small village of Dzembronia. The first hike (3.3 km) leads us up to a high ridge where we overnight in a cozy mountain hut near Smotrych — the best lodging in the area, simple yet charming.
Day 4:
Smotrych – Pip Ivan (2028 m) – Lake Maricheika
We ascend to the summit of Pip Ivan, reaching the clouds. The ruins of an old observatory remind us of the region’s history. From the summit, views are indescribable. We descend to Lake Maricheika (10.6 km), where we set up camp by the shore.
Day 5:
Maricheika – Brebeneskul – Hutyn Tomnatyk – Lake Brebeneskul
At dawn, we head uphill again – this day includes summiting two peaks over 2000 meters and reaching the shores of Ukraine’s highest lake, Brebeneskul (1801 m). The route (12.3 km) is challenging but highly rewarding.
Day 6:
Brebeneskul – Rebra – Hoverla (2061 m)
Today we reach the roof of Ukraine – Hoverla, the highest peak in the country. Before that, we pass via Rebra (2001 m), possibly offering the trip’s most beautiful views. We descend to a tourist hut for the night, where hot soup and well-earned rest await. Distance: 12.2 km.
Day 7:
Mountain hut – Petros (2020 m) – Kvasy – Lviv
Our final trekking day includes one more climb – to Petros summit – followed by a long, mostly downhill route to the village of Kvasy (21.4 km). We return to Lviv in the evening.
Day 8:
One more day to enjoy Lviv’s ambiance — perfect for relaxing and recovering after the trek. Spend the day at your own pace: stroll through the old town, relax in a café, or shop for last-minute souvenirs.
Day 9:
After an early breakfast, we head by bus back to Kraków. Evening Finnair flight from Kraków to Helsinki.
Trip Information
Location: Chornohora Mountains, Ukraine
Dates: September 10–18, 2025
Duration: 9 days, 4 trekking days
Difficulty: Challenging
Group size: 4–6 participants
Price: 1650€
Included in the price:
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Accommodation in Hotel Leopolis (4 nights, twin rooms with breakfast). Mountain hut and tent accommodation during the trek.Tent and camping stove for the hike. All meals during the trek (excluding restaurant meals)
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Train and bus transport within Ukraine according to the program
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Bus transfers Kraków–Lviv–Kraków
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Guidance by two guides (including local Ukrainian guide)
Not included:
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Travel insurance (participants must arrange their own)
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Travel to/from Kraków
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Restaurant meals outside the trekking days