Complexity: medium.
Length: 14 kilometers.
Elevation gain: 576 meters.
Main checkpoints: TC "Bukovel" – Tomnatyk mountain meadow – Mt. Syniak (1665) – TC "Bukovel".
This moderate-level route follows the Vilshynets river, leading hikers to the summit of Mt. Synyak (1665 m) and across the Tomnatyk mountain meadow. Along the way, you'll pass through a range of altitudinal zones – from mixed forests to subalpine meadows and rocky scree fields typical of the high mountain terrain.
Mount Synyak and the surrounding ridge belong to the Eastern Gorgany, a physical-geographical region of the Ukrainian Carpathians known for its steep forested slopes, deep valleys, and stone ridges and talus fields. The name "Gorgany" comes from a Hutsul term meaning “large stone screes,” referring to the massive sandstone boulders that cover the slopes. These ridges are a unique natural phenomenon, formed by weathering and gravitational processes over millennia.
Geologically, the Gorgany range is part of the Carpathian flysch zone, created by the collision of the Eurasian and African tectonic plates during the Alpine orogeny, approximately 25–30 million years ago. The mountains here consist of alternating layers of sandstone, shale, and argillite, which, shaped by natural forces, gave rise to the rugged, rocky landscape characteristic of this region.
Tomnatyk Meadow is a classic feature of the Eastern Gorgany landscape, retaining its traditional role in highland pastoral life. In the warmer months, you'll find working shepherd camps, herds of sheep, and a chance to taste freshly made cheese prepared accodrding to traditional recipes.
The route’s flora includes blueberry and lingonberry shrubs, alpine grasses, and moss-covered forest floors. One of the highlights is the rare Carpathian salamander, a species listed in Ukraine’s Red Book, which can be spotted in cool, shaded parts of the forest, especially after rainfall. The area also supports a diversity of insects, amphibians, and small mammals, making it an appealing trail for nature lovers and wildlife observers.
What makes this trail even more special is the opportunity to view Bukovel from a summer perspective, as a vibrant mountain destination beyond the ski season. Along the way, you may spot parts of the resort’s infrastructure – chairlifts, trail sectors, and mountain roads – which in summer are repurposed for biking, hiking, and exploration.
This route offers not only physical challenge and natural beauty, but also a deeper understanding of the cultural landscapes and living traditions of the Carpathians.
Days of availability: daily (except Sunday).
Start: 08:00.
Duration: 6 hours.
Price: 1000 UAH.
Who is this route for:
- Suitable for guests aged 8-70.
- Conducted in small groups of up to 12 people – ensuring comfort, safety, and a personalized experience.
- Recommended as a first mountain hike for those with good physical fitness, or a second one for beginners with some prior experience.
- May be challenging for first-time hikers due to the terrain, elevation gain, and hike duration.
The price includes:
- transfer to the starting point,
- guide support.
Booking:
Dear friends, we strongly recommend that you book our services in advance. In order to make a reservation, please provide our manager with the following info via Telegram, WhatsApp or Viber:
- the name of the tour;
- desired date;
- full names of each participant from your group;
- the hotel you reside in.
In response, the manager will send you a confirmation letter and a payment invoice. As soon as the payment is complete, you will receive another letter containing your travel schedule, time and place of meeting on the day of the tour.
Route info at strava.ua
Google Maps track
GPX track (select "Save target as..")
Marking example