Carpathian Mountains Ukraine

Overview: 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 its infancy, rarely visited by the Western world, yet has so much to offer.... hospitable people, great food and 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 culture.

Day 1: Fly UK to the Ukraine

We will fly to Lviv situated in western Ukraine, via the capital Kyiv. Lviv will be used as our base for journeying into the Carpathians. Overnight in Lviv.

Day 2: 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 (1,542m).

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 3: 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 (1,665m) over sandstone rocks. The second summit of Malyi Gorgan (1,592m) 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 'Brynza' which we can freshly purchase from the shepherd, if available.

Day 4: 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 acsent 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, or even have a dip in the refreshing mountain stream.

For those who wish to gain new outdoor skills, there will be time to learn how to properly make a fire and the chance to live off the land, picking wild berries and making simple brews using local plant life.

Day 5: Ascent of Doboshanka

For those that feel up to it there is the opportunity to ascend Doboshanka today, situated at 1,754m, and the highest peak we will encounter on our itinerary. For those who wish to have an easier day, one can move further down the valley to set up camp located by a fresh water plunge pool.

For the group climbing Doboshanka, the day will start after breakfast with a steady climb, 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 which 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. After a hard day's walk this camp is ideal if you wish to have a swim or bathe under a natural waterfall, as the camp is located next to a natural plunge pool supplied by fresh water from the mountain tops. After the swim it is ideal to dry and warm up by the evening fire.

Day 6: To Yaremche

On the final day's walk we will travel through the Carpathian forest once more. The track will lead us to Yaremche, our final destination. Upon arriving we will be transferred by private vehicle back to Lviv where we will stay in upmarket apartments located in the centre. A chance to finally shower and change followed by a well deserved celebratory meal in the evening.

Day 7: Tour of Lviv

For those that wish, there will be a tour of Lviv, detailing the fascinating history, both from the distant past and the recent struggle during the World Wars (part of Schindler's List was filmed in Lviv), when Lviv once belonged to Poland. The historic centre of Lviv is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Overnight in Lviv.

Day 8: Fly to Kyiv

The morning is free to relax, followed by an afternoon flight to Kyiv.
You will be taken to your private apartments located in the centre of Kyiv with the rest of the day yours to explore and settle in.

This evening will be a special night beginning with an authentic Ukrainian meal. There will be a talk by a professional vodka distiller who will join us and educate the group on how some of the finest vodka in the world is made. This will be the perfect chance to wash down the traditional meal with some of the distiller's special vodka, something which he doesn't sell to the general public but keeps specially for guests.

Day 9: Tour of Kyiv

This professional tour will take in some of the spectacular sights of Kyiv. You will learn about the capital's history, from its creation and prominence as a major player in the world over a thousand years ago, to its destruction by the Mongol Empire, in addition to twentieth century and contemporary political history accounts.

Some of the sights you will see include the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Sophia, a centre of the prominent Christian Orthodox religion; the Pechersk Lavra, the oldest monastery in the Ukraine, allowing us exploration of the catacombs housing the deceased monks and saints; the Ukrainian War Museums which offer a powerful tribute to those that suffered from World War II right upto the recent conflict in Afghanistan.

Day 10: Food with locals

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 favorite pastimes now embedded into Ukrainian culture, having 'shaslick' over an open fire with a few friends.

The professional vodka distiller will again join us with some of his wares as a wonderful barbeque is prepared to honour our stay in the Ukraine. Today we'll enjoy more of the true Ukrainian hospitality.

Day 11: Day at Leisure in Kyiv

The final day is a free day for you to enjoy at your leisure. As you are based at the heart of Kyiv you have great access to a variety of activities. Of course help is at hand from your 360 Leader.

You may wish to spend the day buying souvenirs or shopping at some of the upmarket stores. Perhaps you would like to relax at a beach on the banks of the Dnipro River or go for a walk at one of the central parks. Then there is the famous Kyiv nightlife for you to enjoy.

Day 12: Fly to the UK

Morning flight to the UK.