Tour details

Please, make your reservation not later, than 3 days before the trip starts.

To guarantee your booking, we kindly ask to send us prepayment by bank transfer or Western Union service. Required deposit amount is 30% from the tour price. The rest of the amount you will pay in cash at the meeting point before we start our trip. We accept Ukrainian currency (hryvnia), US dollars and Euros. Before our trip starts, we will send you all payment details. After making a prepayment, please send us a scan/photo copy of the deposit slip.
Your prepayment is non-refundable. If you cancel your reservation no later, than 10 days before the tour starts, you can switch it for another tour or date.
If a prepaid reservation is cancelled by us (due to the small number of tourists or bad weather conditions), the deposit will be refunded in full.

• kids under 10 years – 20% off
• teenagers 11-18 years old – 10% off
• students – 5% off
• people over 60 – 10% off
• group reservation for 4-6 people – 5% off
• group reservation for more than 7 people – 10% off

* Only one discount can be used per booking. Discount does not apply to equipment rental. Please, make sure to have your ID (passport), student card, or any other document, that can confirm your age or status.

In case of any kind of emergency (bad weather, serious health problems etc.) for group safety our guide has a right to slightly change the itinerary or decide to stay in a campsite for the day.

Minimum age for tourist is 18 years. People under 18 can also go hiking but they must be accompanied and supervised by a legal guardian. 

Minimum number of tourists in a group should be 5 (or 7 for one day tour). The trip can be arranged for a smaller group as well. In this case, the group will pay total price like for 5 people (or 7 for one day tour).

If for any reason you’ll have to get off the trail before the trip finishes, you will be charged for the days you were travelling with the group plus 1 day to compensate all the expanses for organization: food, guide service etc. Also, unplanned return transfer is not included in the price of the tour.
We count each new day in the morning (from 7am).
If you want to get off the trail on one-day trip, in that case the payment for the tour is non-refundable.

Outdoor equipment and clothing list

Deciding what type of outdoor gear you need can be a hard task to take up. The most important rule is to take on your trip only essential items, which are truly necessary. You can travel more quickly and cover greater distances with a lightweight backpack. Of course, the equipment you need to carry will vary according to the type of outdoor trip, you planned (hiking, rafting, combitour). Here is a sample-packing list to help you remember what things you might bring with you on your 1-day adventure.

Backpack essential

The backpack is the most important item of equipment. For long hiking trips there are two main designs: internal frame backpack, which depends on support from metal or plastic stays incorporated into the pack and the external frame backpack, which consists of metal bars to which the bag attaches. The recommended size of your backpack for 3-7 days hiking trip is: for men – min. 75 liters (4600 cubic inches); for women – min. 50 liters (3100 cubic inches).

Tent essential

The best option will be three-season tent. What to look for in a tent: quality: good waterproof flysheet coverage and tent floor, two or more poles for stability in wind; size and weight: look for the lightest tent available, that meets your size requirements such as number of people and equipment. It’s a plus, when the tent has vestibule areas for gear storage. Winter camping tents have thicker walls, they are more durable and designed to shed snow and to protect hikers from the strong wind.

Sleeping bag essential

The proper sleeping bag can help you to sleep comfortable. The best option is three-season sleeping bag with the temperature of comfort +5 – -5°C (45 – 22°F). It will keep you warm in different weather conditions. For winter hiking you will need warmer sleeping bag with down or feather filling. Temperature rating must be -10 to -20*C.

Sleeping mat essential

An air or foam mat will not only help you to sleep more comfortable on hard or uneven ground, but will also provide insulation, preventing body heat from being lost through contact with the ground. It also acts as a barrier between your body and moisture that may have seeped inside your tent.

Sitting mat

Will help to keep you warm, dry and comfortable when sitting out during your hiking trip. You can use either air or foam sitting mat.

Kitchen set essential

Your kitchen set should contain: a spoon, a bowl and a cup, preferably heatproof, lightweight and robust. Choose heatproof plastic or metal. More expensive, but extremely durable and light is titanium material. Insulated cup will keep your drink hot in cold weather.

Water bottle essential

Carrying water during hiking trip is usually not a problem – you need only a lightweight water bottle (1-2L or 30-50oz will be enough). You can use plastic or aluminum bottles. More expensive but comfortable is hydration pack, that has a tube, which allows you to take a sip of water while the move. For cold weather travelling, it’s good to take thermos.

Knife essential

A good knife is only useful if it is sharp. Which one is better, normal (hunting or army) knife or multifunction tool? Many hikers prefer the second one. Usually, multipurpose pocket knife includes: blade, can opener, corkscrew, scissors etc. Around camp your knife handles many chores, from slicing cheese to cutting small pieces of wood for fire.

Flashlight essential

Flashlight is helpful on a hike and at a campsite when it’s dark. The best design for hiker is a headlamp that frees up your hands and allows you to direct your light where you need it. Always remember to take spare batteries for your flashlight.

Personal gear essential

Personal kit contents will vary and depend on your personal needs, the basic are: toothpaste and toothbrush, toilet paper, soap, small comb, face/hand cream, hygienic wipes, sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, contacts/glasses, women: feminine hygienic products.

First aid kit essential

During hiking trip your safety is number one, that’s why proper completed First aid kit is essential to have with. Kit contents:

• bandage (gauze);
• medicine tape;
• rubbing alcohol for disinfection;
• moleskin (for blisters);
• cotton balls;
• scissors;
• pain killers;
• antibiotic;
• cold tablets;
• stomach medicine;
• personal prescription drugs.

Matches or lighter essential

Spending time outdoor you will need a fire to cook, to warm up in cold weather or just to sit around, relaxing and talking with your friends. Take with you small pack of matches or lighter. Do not forget to put them in a waterproof bag (ziplock). More expensive, but very helpful is special fire starter that can help you to make fire without any problems.

Dry sacks essential

To keep your extra clothes dry or to protect your electronic equipment, money, documents and food from moisture, you will need a waterproof sack. The best option – nylon dry sack with buckle. If you do not have one, you can use ziplock bags or just ordinary trash bags.

Mobile phone

Being out of home it is very important to keep in touch with your family and friends. So take your mobile phone with you. As addition you will get clock, alarm clock, music, camera, some phones have GPS. Before you leave home, make sure your phone battery is full charged, always keep your mobile phone in dry place. And do not forget Powerbank charger.

Watch

Always be in time! A watch will help you to organize your time during travelling. Better if it is waterproof. Some watches have timer, alarm clock, compass, time zones, which is very useful when you are travelling.

Camera

Taking photos is an excellent way to record the places you have visited during your hiking trip. To protect your camera you should carry it in a waterproof and durable camera bag. Always have spare batteries for your camera and extra film (for film cameras).

Passport (personal documents) essential

Travelling outside your country, you must have an ID (passport). You will need to present your photo ID at the airport, railway/bus stations, crossing national parks etc. Check with your embassy if you need a visa or special permission to visit Ukraine.

Money essential

You should have enough money for your travelling needs. Calculate all expenses that you might have during your trip: transportation, extra food, hiking tour, souvenirs etc.

Notepad and pen

Very useful to have a small notepad in your trip just in case you’ll have to note some information or even to write down phone numbers and addresses of your new friends.

Trekking poles

Hiking poles reduce the pressure on the back, legs and especially knees by transferring weight onto the arms, help to keep a balance when crossing the river or descending steep slopes. For winter hiking this is essential item.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses will protect your eyes from the bright sun. Make sure to have your glasses with you not only in summer, but in winter as well.

Hat essential

A baseball hat is great for keeping the sun off. Better if it’s synthetic than cotton. Get with you wool or fleece hat also to wear at cold night by the campsite. For winter hiking you’ll need warmer hats or balaclava, which protect your head and face from cold weather.

Jacket essential

More hikers prefer lightweight waterproof and wind resistance jacket. Very good if it has adjustable hood. Breathable fabric like Gore-Tex will be the best choice for hiker. This fabric keeps rain out and allows water to vapor from sweat to escape. For winter travelling take with you additional warm jacket that will keep you warm during the cold evening.

Rain cover (poncho) essential

For extremely wet weather you’ll need a rain cover with a hood. The best option is poncho that covers both hiker and his backpack.

Pullover essential

You will need pullover for cold weather or when resting in a camp. Choose insulating fabrics such as fleece or wool. Always make sure to have one, as even in summer it might be chilly at night. It’s a plus to have spare light pullover too to hike in during cold weather. For winter hiking you must have couple of pullovers.

T-Shirt essential

For your hiking trip you’ll need at least 2 T-shirts. Better synthetic, that wick away moisture and dry more quickly than cotton.

Pants essential

The best for hiking are lightweight nylon or polypropylene pants. They are comfortable and dry faster. Very useful are convertible pants with legs that zip off and convert into shorts, saves you from carrying a pair of both. Avoid jeans or any cotton pants – they dry longer and are very heavy and uncomfortable when get wet. You can take also an additional pair of fleece pants for camp site or to sleep in. In winter you’ll need warmer pants (something like pants for snowboarding) or just use two layers: polypropylene long underwear and nylon hiking pants on top.

Gaiters

For extra protection gaiters cover your boots and keep moisture and snow away from your feet. Better when they are made of waterproof and breathable material. A bag zip makes gaiters easy to get on and off. In winter this is essential item.

Shorts

When travelling in summer season make sure to have your shorts with you.

Underwear essential

If you have an option between synthetic and cotton fabric of your underwear, chose first one – it dries faster and keeps you warmer.

Shoes essential

Hiking footwear ranges from lightweight trekking sandals to fully fledged mountaineering boots. The best option for Carpathians are lightweight or middleweight boots. Choose waterproof leather or Gore-Tex. Hiking boots will support your ankles; they are very flexible and comfortable. Some people prefer to hike light, choosing lightweight trekking shoes or sneakers. It always good to take with you additional pair of sandals or sneakers for use on the camp site. Be sure that your boots are well broken in before your hiking trip will start.

Socks essential

Socks are an important part of your footwear system. Socks made from wool and polypropylene are smooth against the skin and are comfortable to wear if you have blisters. Thick wool socks will keep you warm in cold weather. Take with you at least 2 pairs of lightweight synthetic socks and 2 pairs of wool socks.

Gloves

For hiking you usually don’t need gloves but in a camp during cold and windy weather it’s good to have a pair of fleece or wool gloves. In winter it’s good to use two layers: fleece gloves and waterproof gloves on the top. And do not forget extra pair for camping.

 The group equipment below is provided:

• Group tarp;
• Cook stove and fuel canisters;
• Ax for firewood;
• Cooking gear.

If you do not have some of those items, there is no reason to cancel your trip! Please contact us if you have any questions about items on this list or you need to rent some equipment. We are always ready to help you with that and make your trip comfortable and safe!

Preparing for hiking

Hiking on uneven ground or climbing and descending long inclines is more physically demanding, than walking on pavement, especially while wearing hiking clothing and boots, and carrying a backpack. To prepare adequately, you need to try out your gear and get your body in shape.

Conditioning your body for hiking. Your pre-hike training should include both aerobic exercise and weight training (look for exercises, that work the quads, thighs and hamstrings), as well as stretches for your leg, arm and back muscles.

Test your gear and clothing. Prevent equipment problems by ensuring that it is in good condition. Check your equipment before you go and be sure, that old gear is still functional and new gear, especially boots, fits properly and is broken in.
Try your clothing on. Note the weather expected on your hike, whether the clothes, you are wearing, will be comfortable at specific temperatures and conditions.
Break in your hiking boots. Wear your boots around the house to double check they  fit before breaking them in. Go on short hikes to soften your boots and toughen your feet. Walk on uneven ground, that forces your feet to bend in different directions. But be sure to take blister treatment along just in case your boots still rub. To prevent blisters you can also apply a tape on commonly potential blister spots (the back of the heel, side of foot, toes) before you start your hike.
 

Pack your backpack. There are few important principles you should keep in mind when packing your backpack. It should be well organized, comfortable, and water protected. Here are some recommendations about how to pack your backpack: 
Keep items you might need during the day handy. Water, lunch food, raingear, maps, flashlight, pocketknife, first-aid kit, extra shoes, pack cover, and other emergency supplies all go in external pockets or try  to put them on upper side of your backpack. Clothes go deep inside. Sleeping bag inside lowest compartment. Depending on the configuration of your pack and the weather, the tent can go inside or outside. Same with sleeping pad, you can strapp it on outside or just roll it and stuff into the pack body.
Heavier supplies as food and cooking gear try to keep as close to your back as possible. It’s more comfortable to carry a backpack when the weight is in line with your body. Remember! The heavier your backpack is – more difficult to hike with it. Your pack weight basically shouldn’t be heavier than 1/4 of your body weight.
Try to keep all gear well protected from water and moisture. In addition to pack cover use waterproof stuff sacks or just trash bags especially for your clothes, sleeping bag and food.

Hiking safety rules

• Always pay attention when your tour guide gives you some recommendations. Stay with your group, don't split up and take different trails.
   
• On the campsite and along the trail do not create dangerous situations. Never climb on waterfalls. A high number of injuries occur on waterfalls and slippery wet rocks. Do not smoke inside tents and never use open fire in or near a tent. Never use your mobile phone during a thunderstorm, better to switch it off.
   
• You must be very careful on the trail. Do not step on the wet, slippery stones or woods. Steep and rocky areas and slippery stream crossings require extra attention and careful footing. Always try to find more safety ways to cross these places.
   
• Participants must inform the guide if: they feel not good or got injured, they need extra stop for the rest, etc.
   
• Usually there are no special toilet facilities along the trails. Try to choose the toilet place at least 200 feet from any open water and your campsite.
   
• Local wild animals will always try to avoid people. There are several kinds of snakes, but only one is poisonous – it’s “Vipera berus” – will never attack first. You’ll just have to be careful and watch your steps.  If you meet a wild animal while hiking – don’t panic slowly without noise step back and you’ll not get in trouble.
   
• Leave local plants and animals alone. Don’t eat berries or mushrooms you find, even if they look familiar. Do not break trees. Leave everything as you found it. Take your trash with you.
   
• Travelers must respect the local people, culture and environment they are visiting.
   
• Drinking alcohol on the trail is not permitted. However it is not strictly prohibited. In the evening you can relax and enjoy our dinner with a glass of wine or any other drink. Dear smokers, please try to smoke away from others.
   
• In case of any kind of emergency (bad weather, serious health problems etc.) for group safety our guide has a right to slightly change the itinerary or decide to stay in a campsite for the day.

Hiking menu

If hikers have anything in common, it is the appreciation of a good meal. Right selection of food, taken in a journey, is very important in preparing for a few-days hike. And it’s no wonder, as regular and healthy food here is a good source of energy, needed on the trail, positive spirit and, the most important – guaranty of a great time, spent outdoor. Our menu can range depending on how long is the hike. On day hikes we offer lunch and snacks. Examples of good foods on short trips include sandwiches, cheese, meat, dried fruits, nuts, chocolate and energy bars.  For overnight hikes in addition to the lunch and snacks we provide breakfast and dinner. During the trip we cook our food on the fire or using the tourist stove.

Breakfast (at 8:00). Our breakfast must provide a good source of energy. We eat cereals, oatmeal, wheat porridge or rice with dried milk, sugar and dried fruits. After the main course we have also tea and crackers. 

Lunch (at 1 pm). Our midday meal should require no preparation or cooking. Usually we have tasty sandwiches with salami, cheese, eggs, canned fish, beans and meat, paste and different sauses.

Dinner (at 7 pm). Dinner is the biggest meal, the most filling, and usually the tastiest. There are few main choices of food for an evening meal: meat and vegetable soups, pasta with canned fish or meat, buckwheat porridge or rice with meat. If you like, you can also add some other products to your dinner menu: bread, ketchup, garlic, onion and others. After dinner we usually enjoy a cup of hot tea and crackers.

Snacks. We need to eat also small amounts of food throughout the day to keep our energy and blood sugar up. Chocolate, dried fruits, nuts and different energy bars are the most delicious treats for hikers.

Local food. During our hike you can enjoy local products such as berries and mushrooms. Also it might be interesting for you to buy milk and traditional cheeses from locals. 

Alcohol. It’s not allowed to drink alcohol on the trail! However it is not strictly prohibited, in the evening. After long day hiking you can relax and enjoy our dinner with a glass of wine or any other drink you’ll get with you on your trip.