CARPATHIAN GOLD

Complexity: medium.
Length: 14 kilometers.
Elevation gain: 663 meters.
Main checkpoints: Bukovel – Blazhiv meadow – Mt. Malyi Gorgan – Bukovel.

The greatest treasure of the Carpathians lies not in stone or metal, but in its abundant mushrooms and wild berries, often lovingly referred to as "Carpathian gold". This route winds through one of the most mushroom-rich forest zones in the region. Depending on the season, you might come across porcini, birch boletes, chanterelles, or slippery jacks – not to mention wild blueberries, lingonberries, and raspberries.

This hike is perfect for those who wish to combine a mountain experience with the joy of quiet foraging, all in a setting of authentic and untouched nature.

The highlight of the route is the summit of Malyi Gorgan (1592 m) – one of our region's signature peaks. Its ridges are covered in massive, moss covered sandstone boulders. These striking formations are the result of Alpine orogeny and millions of years of weathering. Today, they create rocky landscapes that "come alive" underfoot, resonating with each step. In fact, this distinctive terrain gave its name to the entire range.

Part of the trail runs along the border of the Gorgany Nature Reserve – a strictly protected zone, preserving virgin spruce and beech forests, wetland ecosystems, and rare species of plants and animals. Among the trees, hikers may spot the European stone pine (Pinus cembra) – a relict species listed in Ukraine’s Red Book, found only in a few isolated corners of the Carpathians, including the area around Malyi Gorgan.

The forested section of the trail is also home to a wide variety of wildlife. Red deers, foxes, badgers, black grouses, owls, and salamanders inhabit this area. While sightings are rare, the signs and sounds of the wild often accompany hikers throughout the journey, offering a deeper connection to the mountain environment.

Days of availability: daily (except Sunday).
Start: 08:00.
Duration: 6 hours.
Price: 1000 UAH.

The price includes: 

• transfer,
• guide support,
• lunch box,
• medical insurance.

Not included / Extra cost:

• Trekking poles hire.

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 (Garmin, Wahoo, Alltrails, Mapy.cz)
Marking example