Picturesque Carpathians in Summer: Five Routes for Beginners and Experienced Hikers

July is one of the best months for hiking in the Carpathians. The weather is stable, the snow has completely melted even in the highlands, and the tourist season has yet to reach its peak. At the same time, there’s still plenty of space in the mountains to move at your own pace — without rushing and without losing the sense of the trail.

We've gathered five up-to-date Carpathian routes — varying in difficulty, format, and scenery. All are organized by trusted providers with good reviews and experience operating under the conditions of full-scale war.

Shpytsi and Rebra: For Those Who Want More Than Just a Hike

This route isn't about a walk with a thermos — it’s for those looking to level up. It runs through the Hadzhyna meadow to the Rebra Mountain (2001 m) and Shpytsi Mountain (1863 m) — one of the most technical areas in the Ukrainian Carpathians. The location is known for its steep slopes, monolithic sandstone outcrops, and sharp buttresses, making it perfect for training.

The Extreme Guide team organizes three-day intensives along this route. Groups consist of up to six people, with overnight stays in tents at camp. The program is best suited for those with some mountain hiking experience who want to deepen their skills in navigating challenging terrain. Google reviews are consistently high: 4.7 out of 5.

Chornohora Ridge: All the 2,000ers in One Hike

Trekking along the Chornohora Ridge offers the chance to conquer the main Carpathian trail with ascents of all the highest peaks in Ukraine — from Hoverla and Petros to Brebeneskul, Rebra, and Pip Ivan, with its mystical observatory. The program also includes the high-altitude Nesamovyte and Brebeneskul lakes, alpine meadows, spruce-covered slopes, morning coffee from a camping stove, and starry evenings at 2,000 meters above sea level.

Hikes along the main Carpathian ridge are organized by KULUAR, which has a 4.8 rating on Google. The trek starts and ends in Ivano-Frankivsk, with a guide accompanying participants throughout the route. Overnight stays are in tents, and daily hikes cover up to 15 km with backpacks. Experienced instructors lead the route and have repeatedly guided both beginners and seasoned hikers through these trails.

Svydivets: Tranquility, Lakes, and Few People

This route traverses the scenic Svydivets Ridge — the second-highest in the Carpathians. You'll climb Blyznytsia Mountain, known for its three "gendarmes," see Dohyaska Lake (with snow patches even in summer), pass by Troyaska and Kotel lakes, descend to the sources of the Tysa River, and cross the border between the Svydivets and Gorgany ranges.

The Author Tour team organizes six-day hikes along the Svydivets Ridge. Overnight stays are in tents under the open sky — near meadows and streams, close to the Dragobrat resort and the Raifalovets River. Each day brings a new peak, mountain meadows, coniferous thickets, rocky screes, and very few tourists.

Khomiak, Syniak, and Malyi Gorgan — in Three Days

This route is an ideal option for those wanting to escape the city and spend a few days at altitude. In just three days, you'll summit three Gorgany peaks — Khomiak, Syniak, and Malyi Gorgan — see rocky ridges, walk forest trails, and immerse yourself in the peace of the true Carpathians.

From the top of Khomiak, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the Chornohora Ridge, with Hoverla and Petros on the horizon. The hike continues to Syniak and Malyi Gorgan, along stone trails and through dwarf pine thickets, with tent camping on alpine meadows. Evenings include hot tea, campfires, and starry skies. Mornings bring the chance to witness sunrise right from your tent.

The route ends on the green slopes of Bukovel, where you can take a cable car ride, walk along green trails, or rent a bike and ride the resort's mountain paths.

KULUAR organizes the hike and is accessible without special preparation.

Pip Ivan Marmarosky and Yalynskyi Waterfall

The hike to Pip Ivan Marmarosky is an escape into the wild, far from tourist crowds. This route follows the border pillars, ascends rocky peaks, passes glacial cirques and mountain lakes, and leads to one of the highest waterfalls in the Ukrainian Carpathians.

The MOUNT DAY team organizes this hike and starts in the border village of Dilove, near Romania. On the first day, participants register with the border service and ascend forest trails to Lysycha Meadow, where they camp overnight. On the second day, the group climbs Pip Ivan Marmarosky (1936 m), with breathtaking views of the Ukrainian and Romanian Carpathians. After lunch, an ascent to the neighboring Berlebashka Peak (1734 m). On the third day, the route continues to Yalynskyi Waterfall — the highest in the Ukrainian Carpathians.

Foto: Eugene Stolyarov