Incentive Tours in Ukraine

Carpathians: Hutsulshcnyna

• Type: biking, white-water, trecking, ethno
• Duration: 7 days
• Difficulty: moderate
• Accomodation: hotels, mountain lodges
• Map: travel to Hutsulshcnyna
• Price: €360

A trip through the Hutsul Region (Hutsulshcnyna) – biking and/or walking trips through majestic, dark fir tree forests; a hike up Mt. Goverla, the tallest peak in the Ukrainian Carpathians; rafting through the most turbulent rivers in the area – the Prut and Cheremosh Rivers; a visit to the heart of Hutsulshchyna and arguably the most interesting ethnic region in all of Ukraine – the Kosiv Region; a chance to spend the night in a real Hutsul house in the highlands and the opportunity to taste genuine Hutsul cuisine.

Hutsulshchyna occupies the highest and most picturesque area of the Ukrainian Carpathians. Although the gentle rolling mountains are located at a fairly high elevation, the area is still quite densely populated and agricultural life thrives there. In addition, thanks to the nearby Black Sea climate, the average temperature is higher in this region than in other parts of the Carpathians. Widespread lush valleys in this area are ideal for shepherding.

The climate of Hutsulshchyna is Temperate Continental with clearly defined altitudinal zonation. In the foothills the winters are almost snowless, the summers are warm and the spring is rainy. In the Carpathians the winters are longer and harsher while the summers are cooler. The Ukrainian Carpathians are extremely humid and precipitation here is not uncommon.

Two thirds of Hutsulshchyna is covered in forests. Amongst the different types of trees in the area, spruce and fir trees are the most predominant. As for wildlife, Hutsulshchyna is home to over 60 different animal species: deer, roe deer, wolves, foxes, lynx, bears, otters, badgers, rabbits, etc. Rare types of birds and fish can be found in the region as well.

There are quite a few mineral springs in the Hutsul Region that have valuable medicinal properties.