Go52

On both banks of the river there are mountain ranges and to the left, when you leave Dolyna, the hollow Dubovyi Kut spreads itself. Sheep graze nearby – you can learn about it from the bells that are heard through the sound of water. In the afternoon cheerful well-fed sheep run into the shed, where everything is traditional, except for machine milking. For the preservation of culinary traditions the ‘Dubovyi Kut’ sheep farm received the sign of the Carpathian Culinary Heritage Network. Like everywhere on the polonynas (mountain meadows), you can buy cheese. Here the cheese theme develops in a special way, in a Boyko way. Stories about the past of the Carpathian people, Boykos, will be told by a beautiful hostess. The cheese is organic, a little of it is made, but it is delicious: budz, vurda and bryndza (kinds of sheep milk cheese) here are sweet, salty, smoked. But it is not the main zest. Farther from the shed there are houses made of fir boards. You will be offered a night on the polonyna together with tasting of cheese and homemade wine – accomodate in nice houses or at a specially equipped place for camping. Have a romantic evening…

Highlights of the tour:
Two days on the picturesque polonyna, in close proximity to Gorgany peaks;
A wide space, a close and safe acquaintance with the animal world;
An unforgettable experience of sheep farming: from a sunrise to a sunset;
Food worthy of kings;
A journey to Shchavna;
Consolidation of knowledge about the area in the Vyhoda Narrow Gauge Railway Heritage Centre and the wildlife pavilion.

DAY 1. The Change of Scenery

Arrive at the hollow Dubovyi Kut immediately after lunch to be able to accomodate by daylight and successfully organise your weekend in the house near the forest or in your own tent. Children are usually incredibly happy on this polonyna (mountain meadow), especially in the company of the hosts’ three children: playing with kind shepherd dogs, small sheep, running around a large farm.

DAY 2. Leaving the Comfort Zone

A rise at dawn. A snack. Leave the comfort zone and get the experience of a half-forgotten Boyko craft – become a shepherd for a day. Go to the polonyna with the shepherds of the sheep farm. This day will be full of intrigues. Even the hosts do not know and are not able to predict how it will go. Visitros will immerse themselves in the shepherds’ everyday life as soon as they join them. Listen to incredible stories from their experiences. Cheerful remarks and a friendly conversation, watching the behaviour of the dogs, the flock defenders, observing how the sheep graze and create a specific alpine landscape. Conversations by the fire, walks to pick up mushrooms, enjoying the landscapes, relaxing with an interesting book by the fire, simple and incredibly tasty shepherds’ food. Cheerful returning to the farm before evening milking. Baked mutton with vegetables will be served for dinner.

DAY 3. Climbing the Polonyna or Idling Close to Nature

Sleeping in the highlands will quickly restore your strength, return your freshness. Tasting of elite types of cheese. You will be able to buy your favourite ones. Pancakes, syrnyky (quark pancakes) and hot drinks will be served for children. Visiting the Boyko house-museum on the territory of the camping. Interesting stories about the life of the Boyko family - the Luchkivs. Option 1: hiking accompanied by a guide to the polonyna Shchavna. There unforgettable breathtaking landscapes open from two sides: from Ivano-Frankivsk and Zakarpattia regions. Option 2: take a walk to the forest or spend time on the meadow in the kolyba (a mountain hut). Lunch. Checking-out and departure to the urban-type settlement of Vyhoda. Visit the Vyhoda Narrow Gauge Railway Heritage Centre and the wildlife pavilion in its backyard, further deepening your experience of uniting with local nature.

Be a shepherd for a day