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The ridge of Kliuch mountain is not as high as the other mountain ranges in Skolivski Beskydy, and for that reason it is sometimes considered as not a too attractive destination for the experienced hillwalkers. Which might be true if you don’t know what to look for: the place is full of exciting geological sites. The lengthy but easy walk will lead you to Polyanytske Lake, the picturesque tectonic canyon-like rift, and rocky groups nicknamed Stonehenge and Easter Island. The ridge is also known as a WWI battle place.

We’ll discover unknown peaks in the famous tourist destinations around Lviv. Slavske is a well-known local ski resort, and Skole is a popular place for hikers and mountain bikers. And just next to those hot-spots there is little known Ilsa mountain - easily walkable yet visually rewarding trail for a pleasant one-day hike. On the way there, we’ll stop near the neo-baroque Groedel Palace, to find out about the rich industrial heritage of this region.

It is an enjoyable walk for beginners and experienced hikers alike. Pikuy Mountain (1408 m asl) is the highest peak of the Lviv region, covered with scattered steep cliffs and virgin beech forests. The place was known for many centuries as an accessible and safe passage through the Carpathians; a famous medieval trade and transport route was running through the ridge. It also marks the beginning of the Great European Watershed, which divides the basins of Black and Baltic seas. Here, you can get a real mountaineering experience just a couple of hours away from Lviv.

Epiphany (locally called «Vodokhrescha», literally «Taking baptism in the water» or «Jordan», according to the Biblical river) is one of the most important events in the series of Ukrainian winter holidays. They last from the end of December till the end of January, combining rich traditions of both Orthodox and Catholic Christianity with the echoes of pre-Christian Slavic pagan beliefs. Each holiday during this winter celebration marathon has its own colorful and meaningful routine; Epiphany includes a sermon on the frozen river over a cross-shaped hole in the ice and its own set of carols. We invite you to see this peculiar tradition in the Ukrainian Carpathians among the Hutsuls - the indigenous mountain community, which cherish their authentic heritage.

The starting point of your travel is Lviv, the biggest city in Western Ukraine, and the center of the historical region of Galicia with beautiful architecture and rich history. Being a medieval fortress on the crossroads of many transcontinental trade routes, Lviv (also known as Leopolis, Lemberg or Lwów) was a melting pot for many cultures, like Ukrainian, Polish, German, Armenian, Austrian, Jewish, Italian, and many more. They all left their legacies, which create unique atmosphere of contemporary Lviv. You’ll proceed to the Carpathian mountains, to the Hutsul region. This journey to the wild side of Ukraine will take you back in time!
Hutsuls are one of the Ukrainian ethnic groups who inhabited the Carpathians. Living in desolate mountain areas, they preserved their long-time traditions, handicrafts and way of life. We will visit Hutsul sheep shepherds, who still keep their ancestors’ lifestyle. We will make Hutsul traditional handicrafts such as pottery, blankets weaving and woodcarving. We will see traditional Hutsul wooden architecture which is on the UNESCO world heritage list. And we’ll indulge ourselves with traditional local cuisine. All that will be happening in the breathtaking landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains.

Our ancestors believed that Christmas is the magical time. And the best place to feel the magic is in the Carpathians! Hutsuls, Ukrainian indigenous mountain community, cherish their authentic heritage. Their traditions are colorful and impressive. In this 4-days tour you will experience a festive Holy Supper of 12 meals, solemn holiday church service, famous men’s caroling and traditional Hutsul hospitality. This will be an unforgettable Christmas!