Incredible Borzhava: Velykyy Verkh and Shypit Waterfall (private tour)

Lviv , Ukraine

Incredible Borzhava: Velykyy Verkh and Shypit Waterfall (private tour)

Active

(2 reviews)

15h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Polonyna Borzhava is one of the largest mountain ranges in the Ukrainian Carpathians. It stretches between the rivers Vicha, Borzhava and Rika in the Transcarpathian region. The landscapes here are very distinctive, being defined by their rhythmic structure and velvety terrain covered with grass and bilberry bushes. A one-day hike here is an easy and enjoyable walk. Borzhava has some of the most picturesques vistas in the Ukrainian Carpathians.

This hike is of moderate complexity with the length of the route appr. 16 km. Sections of rocky terrain in combination with snow may increase the complexity of the path. Duration is appr. 15 hours. Small-group format ensures a personalized experience. Make sure your clothes and your hiking boots (trekking shoes) are comfortable for the hike. Trekking shoes are obligatory!

Available options

1d hike to Borzhava for 4-7 p.

15-hours private hike for maximum 7 people, including an expert guide, meals and transportation by minivan

1d hike to Borzhava for 2-3 p.

15-hours private hike for maximum 3 people, including an expert guide, meals and transportation by car

What's included

guiding services

hotel pickup and drop-off

private tour

Snacks

transportation by private vehicle

travel insurance

meals during the hike

What you'll see

As a private tour it starts with hotel pick-up (centrally located hotels or apartments).
• departure from Lviv (7:00)
• ascent to Borzhava range from the Volovets pass
• snack break
• ascent to the summit of Velykyy Verkh Mountain (1598 m asl)
• descent to the Shypit Waterfall
• snack break
• return to Lviv (appr. 22:00)Polonyna Borzhava is a mountain range in the Ukrainian Carpathians. It has the longest woodless mountain meadows in Transcarpathia, stretching for about 50 km. Borzhava is mostly covered with grass and bilberry bushes, which creates the characteristic velvety appearance of its slopes and makes it a favourite destination for berry foraging from July till September.

Velykyy Verkh (in Ukrainian, the Big Peak) is one of the mountains of the Borzhava Range (1598 m asl). The summit is a great viewpoint with the panorama of the whole range stretching from southeast to northwest in the form of a huge bow. Velykyy Verkh, together with a nearby Hymba Mountain, is the main destination for paragliders in the Carpathians.

Play mountain is one of the peaks of the Borzhava Range (1330 m asl). On the summit, there is a television transmitter and a functioning meteorological station.

Shypit Waterfall is one of the most popular and attractive falls in the Ukrainian Carpathians, with its 5 cascades and the height of 14 m. It is an easy-accessible place, therefore it could be a crowded place during the high season. The place is also famous for the informal festival of alternative music, which takes place annually in the beginning of June.

Special terms

The program of the tour is designed for physically healthy people who are interested in outdoor activities. The length of the route is 16 km. Sections of rocky terrain may increase the complexity of the path. This tour is of moderate complexity. During the tour, everybody carries his/her own backpack with personal equipment and a share of food supply for the group.

Higher in the mountains, the temperature may be significantly lower than that at the foothills, and strong winds may occur. Unpredictable weather changes are possible, too.

The guide reserves the right to make changes in the program depending on the weather or the condition of the participants.

What's not included

extra drinks and meals

equipment rent (if required)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Minimum age is 10 years (recommended)

Dress code: check our recommended equipment list below

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

We kindly ask to double check our

to avoid any misunderstandings. The company reserves the right to reject your participation in a hike provided you don’t have appropriate footwear. This requirement was based on the necessity to guarantee your safety and convenience.

Please inform us if you need any of the below mentioned equipment while booking the tour. The prices are given per person per day. We kindly ask you to reserve the equipment in advance. We don't demand any deposit from our clients.

Light backpack for hiking (daypack) with a rain cover (3 euro)

Trekking shoes (waterproof)

Gaiters (2 euro)

Warm socks (and a spare pair)

Thermal underwear (both top and bottom)

Wind stop and waterproof pants and jacket

2 Fleece jackets or sweaters (1 light and 1 warm)

Warm hat and buff

2 pairs of gloves, a light and a warm pair (waterproof and wind stop)

Sitting mat with a fixing belt

Thermos with hot tea

Headlamp

Cellphone

Trekking poles (2 euro)

Personal portable first-aid kit

Sunglasses or goggles

Sunscreen

Set of clothes for transfers during the tour (shoes, socks, underwear, outerwear): please mind that the clothes after hiking may be wet or dirty

Important notes

Other local supplier telephone numbers: +380 93 884 40 68, +380 32 290 26 05

Open hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, closed on Saturday, Sunday

If you need to get in touch with us urgently on our days off, please send us an email at info@karpaty.travel

We kindly ask to double check our recommended equipment list to avoid any misunderstandings. The company reserves the right to reject your participation in a hike provided you don’t have appropriate footwear. This requirement was based on the necessity to guarantee your safety and convenience.

Recommended Equipment
• Light backpack for hiking (daypack) with a rain cover (3 euro)
• Trekking shoes (waterproof)
• Gaiters (2 euro)
• Warm socks (and a spare pair)
• Thermal underwear (both top and bottom)
• Wind stop and waterproof pants and jacket
• 2 Fleece jackets or sweaters (1 light and 1 warm)
• Warm hat and buff
• 2 pairs of gloves, a light and a warm pair (waterproof and wind stop)
• Sitting mat with a fixing belt
• Thermos with hot tea
• Headlamp
• Cellphone
• Trekking poles (2 euro)
• Personal portable first-aid kit
• Sunglasses or goggles
• Sunscreen
• Set of clothes for transfers during the tour (shoes, socks, underwear, outerwear): please mind that the clothes after hiking may be wet or dirty

We provide travel insurance for each of tourists under age of 70 during a hike. For insurance please inform us your citizenship and the address where you are going to stay in Lviv.

Also we would like to take into concideration if you have any food preferences: allergies (e.g., shellfish), sensitivities (e.g., lactose intolerance), dislikes (e.g., Brussels sprouts), likes (e.g., chocolate), diet food.

If you arrive before the tour starts, we can also offer you additional accommodation and guided tours in Lviv. Just let us know!

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

About Lviv

Lviv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a cultural and architectural gem in western Ukraine. Known for its well-preserved old town, vibrant café culture, and rich history, it offers a unique blend of European and Ukrainian influences. The city is often referred to as the cultural capital of Ukraine.

Top Attractions

Rynok Square

Rynok Square is the heart of Lviv's old town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's surrounded by colorful buildings, cafes, and historic landmarks.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Free

High Castle Hill

High Castle Hill offers panoramic views of Lviv and is home to the remains of a 14th-century castle. It's a great spot for a picnic or a walk.

Historical/Scenic 1-2 hours Free

Lviv Opera House

The Lviv Opera House is a stunning example of Austrian architecture and hosts world-class performances. It's a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.

Architecture/Cultural 2-3 hours (including a performance) Moderate to expensive (depending on the performance)

Lychakiv Cemetery

Lychakiv Cemetery is a historic burial site with elaborate tombs and monuments. It's a peaceful and fascinating place to explore.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Pharmacy Museum

The Pharmacy Museum is housed in a historic 18th-century building and showcases the history of pharmacy and medicine in Lviv.

Museum 1 hour Moderate (around 50 UAH or 2 USD)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Varenyky

Dumplings filled with various ingredients like potatoes, cheese, cabbage, or meat, often served with sour cream.

Main Course Vegetarian options available

Borscht

A beetroot soup that is a staple of Ukrainian cuisine, often served with sour cream and garlic bread.

Soup Vegetarian and vegan options available

Deruny

Potato pancakes, usually served with sour cream or mushrooms.

Side Dish Vegetarian and vegan options available

Lviv Coffee

Lviv is famous for its coffee culture, with historic cafes serving high-quality coffee.

Drink Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby Carpathian Mountains Cycling tours around the city Visiting historic cafes for coffee and pastries Strolling through Rynok Square and the old town Attending a performance at the Lviv Opera House Exploring museums like the Pharmacy Museum and Lychakiv Cemetery Skiing in the nearby Carpathian Mountains Visiting the Christmas Market in December

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, it is also the busiest tourist season.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Ukrainian
Widely spoken: Russian, Polish, English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH)

Time Zone

GMT+3 (Eastern European Time)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Lviv is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Getting there

By air

Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport • 6 km from city center

By train

Lviv Railway Station

By bus

Lviv Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The tram system is efficient and affordable, with routes covering most of the city. It's a great way to see the city and get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Staryi Rynok) Halychyna District Sykhiv District

Day trips

Zhovkva

25 km from Lviv • Half day to full day

A charming town with a well-preserved old town, historic churches, and a castle. It's a great place to explore Ukrainian history and architecture.

Olesko Castle

50 km from Lviv • Half day to full day

A beautiful Renaissance castle with a rich history, including ties to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The castle houses a museum with historical artifacts.

Bridges of Love

30 km from Lviv • Half day to full day

A series of picturesque bridges over the Stryi River, known for their romantic atmosphere and beautiful views. It's a popular spot for couples and photographers.

Festivals

Lviv International Film Festival • October Lviv Christmas Market • December Lviv Jazz Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit the historic cafes, such as Café Central, for a taste of Lviv's rich coffee culture.
Explore the underground tunnels of Lviv for a unique and fascinating experience.
Try traditional Ukrainian dishes like varenyky and borscht at local restaurants.
Walk along the High Castle Hill for stunning panoramic views of the city.
Attend a performance at the Lviv Opera House for a cultural experience.