Rebuilding Ukraine

The Land of the Brave

Overview

Rebuilding Ukraine - The Land of the Brave

An adventure to a unique country, offering some of the wildest and most scenic trekking experiences in the world.

The Ukraine is a country still in it’s infancy, rarely visited by the Western world, yet has so much to offer…. hospitable people, great food & drink, fantastic culture, not to mention the most awesome wilderness areas anywhere, just waiting to be explored!

This remarkable trip will have you venturing into both the western and eastern parts of the Ukraine; taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Carpathian mountains followed by the splendour and luxury of Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine.

Along the way, you will have the opportunity to reach 4 mountain summits, each one being higher than anywhere in the UK! After this, Kyiv will seem a great place to relax and recover, including discovering some of the capital’s history and true culture.

Rebuilding Ukraine - Adventure Highlights

  • Explore the beautiful city of Lviv in Western Ukraine, the gateway to the Carpathian Mountains
  • Trek through lush forests and fresh water streams, along ridges and summits, enjoy incredible views of the Carpathians and wild camp underneath Ukraine’s highest peaks
  • Meet the friendly and hospitable locals in mountain villages along the way and try local homemade delicacies
  • Summit Doboshanka at 1754m, Ukraine’s highest peak
  • Finish your journey in Ukraine’s proud capital Kyiv

DURATION

8 Days

TECHNICAL AND FITNESS LEVEL

No special technical skills are needed but a good level of fitness will benefit the overall experience. You will be in the hands of some of the finest Expedition Leaders who will make the trip as comfortable for you as possible.

RECOMMENDED GROUP SIZE

4-12 People

ACCOMMODATION

  • 1 night in a boutique hotel in Lviv
  • 1 night on an overnight train
  • 1 night in Kyiv
  • 4 nights camping in the Carpathian Mountains

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best times of year to visit Ukraine, especially when trekking is over the summer months between May and September.

Brief itinerary

Your itinerary at a glance

Day Destination Accom. (B/L/D) Highlights
1 Arrive in Lviv, Ukraine Boutique Hotel in Lviv (D) Explore the beautiful city of Lviv by night!
2 Tatariv, Carpathian Mountains Camping (B/L/D) Start of trek
3 Carpathian Mountains Camping (B/L/D) Ridges, Forests and Summits
4 Carpathian Mountains Camping (B/L/D) Shepherd’s Hut and base of Doboshanka
5 Carpathian Mountains Camping (B/L/D) Sumnmit of Doboshanka
6 Lviv Boutique Hotel (B/L/D) Overnight train to Kyiv
7 Kyiv Boutique Hotel (B/L/D) Kyiv and surroundings
8 Kyiv (B) Time to reflect on your journey before your departure home

*B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Detailed itinerary

Rebuilding Ukraine - Your Itinerary in Detail

DAY ONE

Arrive in Lviv

We will fly to Lviv; situated in western Ukraine. Lviv will be used as our base for journeying into the Carpathians. Transfer to overnight accommodation in the city centre. Enjoy your first dinner in this buzzing metropole. Welcome to Ukraine!

DAY TWO

Transfer from Lviv to the Carpathians

After breakfast we will have a private road transfer close to a town called Tatariv, which is in the heart of the Carpathians. From here we will start our trek through lush forests and fresh water streams, gradually gaining altitude as we head steadily ever higher. Before long the ridge will be gained with views of the Carpathians opening up before us. Our first night’s camp will be situated here, close to the base of the ascent route for our first mountain summit, Khomiak (1542m). Lunch will be made, and after a short rest those that are willing can make the short ascent to the top of Khomiak, offering further views of the Carpathians.

DAY THREE

Khomiak to Shepherd’s Hut, with ascents of Syniak and Malyi Gorgan

This day begins with a ridge walk allowing splendid views from both sides deep into the valleys. There will be a brief interlude where we once again enter the forest, before we soon exit into the subalpine zone. If the weather is clear we will see the highest and 3rd highest mountains of Ukraine in the far distance, Goverla and Petros respectively, sometimes set against the stunning backdrop of a cloud inversion. The trail will continue gradually upwards until we enter the alpine area. From here we will make our way to the summit of Syniak (1665m) over sandstone rocks. The second summit of Malyi Gorgan (1592m) lies not far along the ridge. Following the success of these 2 summits we will descend until we pass through a forest to reach a clearing close to a Shepherd’s hut. This area will provide refuge for the night as we set up camp. We may also have opportunity to taste some special local cheese, called Brynza, which we can freshly purchase from the shepherd if available.

DAY FOUR

Shepherd’s Hut to base of Doboshanka

This day will be a gentle day and allows us to recover from the previous day’s exertion in preparation for the ascent of Doboshanka, the highest mountain we will attempt to summit the following day. 

After breakfast we will amble down the hill for a short while until we cross over a mountain stream. We will then make our way up to reach as close as is viable to the base of Doboshanka to set up camp. The day will be yours to relax, take short side walks to ease any aching muscles.

DAY FIVE

Ascent of Doboshanka

For those that feel up to it there is the opportunity to ascend Doboshanka today, situated at 1754m, and the highest peak we will encounter on our itinerary. For climbing Doboshanka, the day will start after breakfast with a steady up, making your way closer to the sandstone rocks which line the ridge. To gain the ridge we will need to carefully pick our way through the maze of boulders and rocks, which may sometimes require easy scrambling. From the top of the ridge we will have an amazing ridge walk that leads us to the summit of Doboshanka. From here the views are stunning, and looking back along the ridge we will have views of the 3 mountains we’ve climbed the last few days. We will descend Doboshanka and make our way to the evening’s camp.

DAY SIX

Tour of Lviv and overnight train to Kyiv

On the final day’s walk we will travel through the Carpathian forest once more. We will be picked up from a road and taken back to Lviv for a tour later in the day and an overnight train to the capital, Kyiv.

DAY SEVEN

Kyiv and surroundings

A special treat is in store today as we are taken to a local forest on the outskirts of Kyiv. Here, some friendly locals will join us to share in one of the favourite pastimes now embedded into Ukrainian culture, having “shaslick” over an open fire with a few friends. Today we’ll enjoy true Ukrainian hospitality.

DAY EIGHT

Departure

Pricing information

Pricing Information

This trek will depart with a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 12*.

Please contact our team to get information on prices.

Included

  • Expedition Leader from ‘The Adventure Boutique’
  • Local guides, local chefs and porters
  • Park fees and permits where applicable
  • All scheduled accommodation
  • Scheduled meals
  • All scheduled transfers

Excluded

  • Travel insurance
  • International Flights
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Tips

 

* We can accommodate private groups less than 4 or more than 12 people. Please contact us for further information.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weather going to be like?

It depends a little on the time of year you go. Ukraine experiences got summers and cold winters. At night, it can drop substantially in the mountains, even in summer.

What clothing/equipment do I need?

The Adventure Boutique team will give you a full comprehensive kit list when you sign up and be on-hand if you have any questions before the trek.

Will I require any spending money?

Throughout the experience, you won’t need much spending money as the trip is comprehensively covered in the initial cost. You may require money for the very occasional meal not shown on the schedule and any alcoholic drinks. You may also wish to buy some souvenirs or make a satellite phone call home or for work purposes. It will be best to bring your usual currency and this can be changed into local currency soon after arrival.

Do I need special insurance?

You should not need specialist insurance for an altitude of up to 2000m, but check with your insurer that you are covered for trekking experiences. If you do not have adequate insurance cover, The Adventure Boutique team can refer you to appropriate insurers.

Do I need a visa?

This is dependent on your nationality, our team can advise you on this before signing up. British and EU citizens do not need a visa.

Do I need any vaccinations?

Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide. You should take health advice about your specific needs as early as possible. Sources of information include: www.fco.gov.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, www.nathnac.org, your General Practitioner or a specialist travel clinic.

How large are the groups?

The group size should be a maximum of twelve people. The number of participants is kept to a level where quality can be maintained. We at The Adventure Boutique do not want you to become a number on the mountain or a blur after the trek has finished. We normally have a maximum number so as not to allow the groups to become too large. We believe that by doing this, the Expedition Leaders will be able to look after you more carefully, in turn you will find the group dynamics work better and your success rate and enjoyment level increases immeasurably. If you are a group of friends of more than twelve, then obviously we will work together to accommodate you. If you would like to have a more personalised trip below the recommended group size, we would happy be to facilitate this for you too.

What is the minimum age a person has to be to go on this adventure?

The minimum age is 16 years old accompanied by a legal guardian or 18 years old otherwise. We have the expertise and would be happy to make necessary arrangements to accommodate a young person into a private group.

Is there a maximum age?

There is no maximum age limit, providing you are fit and in good health.

Will my mobile work? Can I stay in touch with the office or my family?

You will have decent coverage in Kyiv and Lviv. However, you may find only little mobile phone reception in the mountains so don’t be surprised if your phone does not work during the trek. We specially carry a satellite phone in case of emergencies, but we also realise people may need to keep in touch with their loved ones or have some work commitments to deal with. The satellite phone can be used for a charge.

Can I organise this adventure exclusively for myself, my friends and family?

If you have a group of friends or family who want to travel together, a bespoke date can certainly be arranged to suit your party. If you do have your own group and want to discuss any variations in the schedule or particular objectives, feel free to discuss this with The Adventure Boutique team.