Santa Claus festival in the Carpathians

The first Santa Claus festival in the Carpathians will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2011, at the Bukovel ski resort (Palyanytsa village, Ivano-Frankivsk region). The Santas from all over Ukraine will gather here to light the most beautiful and important Christmas tree of the Carpathians.

Within the festival is planned a mass descent on skis and snowboards of Santas and Snow Maidens. It will be a sort of flash mob, simultaneous descent of hundreds of skiers and snowboarders in carnival costumes. Anyone who will have a Santa Claus hat, scarf and gloves can participate in this performance.

The Santa Claus festival in the Carpathians is scheduled with different competitions. The ringing of Christmas bells will notify about the beginning of each of them.

Starting at 15:00 pm you will see:
- Santa Claus sleigh racing
- best New Year’s greeting from Santa Claus and Snow Maiden
- best decorated Christmas tree
- The best Christmas tune of Santa Claus and Snow Maiden
- Christmas Quiz
- The most interesting games for kids and adults
- Hunting Carpathian deer with a lasso
- Santa Claus – rescuer
- Dancing battle of Santa Claus on skis and snowboards at the foot of the Bukovel Mountain.

The winners names will be announced the same night on “Ice disco”.

P.s. You still have a chance to spend this Christmas in the Carpathians. Please contact us. We’ll work-out a tour in the Carpathians for any budget.

Horse riding trip in the Carpathians. 2 days Tour

Overview

Our two days Horseback Riding Tour in the Carpathians is a great opportunity to see the beauty of the Ukrainian Mountains and feel the local flavor that has changed little for centuries. We will take you to a very different world where small farmsteads could be seen scattered across the gentle rolling hills at the foot of the mountains.

Program

Day 1
Our meeting point will be Ivano-Frankivsk, a regional center situated 600 km from Kiev. Early in the morning we’ll have to leave that city and go towards Verkhovyna to start our horseback trip.

We’re starting around midday. After 3-4 hours the track will take us to a dairy farm with over 50 head of cattle, no electricity or running water, only that from a spring. This smallholding is managed by an old man and lads from the village. They milk the cows by hand and make cheese during the day.

After having a rest and lunch we’ll continue our way to another small farm (local name is “staya”). During the next 4 hours you will have a lovely ride, admiring the valleys and woods on your way. One will feel oneself in a sort of Alpine heaven with wild flowers and untouchable nature of the Carpathians.

We will stay for a night in a wooden house overlooking a gorgeous view, just 30 kilometers north of the Romanian border. It’s a really lovely place managed by Vasyl and his son Taras. They have about 30 cows and also make cheese. We’ll have a good supper and good drink. Rest.

Day 2
The following morning we’ll continue our adventure after having a breakfast. Basically on the 2nd day we will take a way back. To addition will be a picknick at the middle of the mountains (toasted pigs fat, bread and other fine morsels (of course with local moonshine).

Returning to Verkhovyna will take us around 7 hours. So after spending 2 days in touch with the Carpathian nature you will see again houses, people and cars.

End of journey. Returning to Ivano-Frankivsk.

What do you need to take

- Small backpack
- Your digital camera or video camcorder
- Rain coat or waterproof jacket
- An open soul to contemplate nature’s beauty

Prices for summer 2013

Included
- transfer Ivano-Frankivsk – Verkhovyna and back (car – Volkswagen T5, distance – 250 km)
- horse for you
- meals during the trip
- staying for night (shepherd’s hut)
- guide/interpreter support
- horseman assistance
- horseman and guide horses

Notes

- difficulty: moderate
- group size: max. 6 travelers. For bigger group please make a query
- this horse riding tour is available from April to late September
- the route can be changed on your request
- it is possible to extend the tour

Personal English Speaking Driver in the Carpathians and Ukraine

[end_tabset]

Pirogovo museum – green island on the outskirts of Kiev

Among the most popular and interesting places to visit in Kiev Pirogovo museum is always in top ten. Pirogovo – is an open air museum situated on the outskirts of Kiev. Museum was built as an original Ukrainian village in very picturesque place. When visiting Pirogovo museum you even loose the sense of being just near the big city.

Museum represents the daily life of Ukrainian villages of 19-20th centuries in different regions of Ukraine. Pirogovo museum is the biggest skansen type museum in Eastern Europe. It’s a unique place because all the expositions on the territory of Pirogovo – traditional houses, windmills, blacksmith house, tavern and many more were the authentic buildings brought here from all over Ukraine.

If among the many tours of Kiev you decided to visit Pirogovo we recommend you to spend there not less then 3-4 hours. Except discovering Ukrainian ancient daily life, you will for sure enjoy the surrounding nature of museum – beautiful small lakes, green hills – so typical landscape for Ukraine. And of course you should taste Ukrainian cuisine in one of the taverns – “shynok”. Salo, varenykyy, borscht – this will be the great ending of your small trip to Pirogovo museum.

Kiev tours with local private guide

[end_tabset]

Your private guide during EURO 2012 in Ukraine

Green Ukraine offers a special service of private guide during EURO 2012 in Ukraine.

During UEFA EURO 2012 Ukrainian cities Lviv, Kiev, Kharkiv and Donetsk will receive a lot of people from all around the world. It is very difficult to orient oneself in a foreign country without a person who speaks English (particularly in Ukraine).

Our team can arrange all the necessary moments for you: transport, accommodation, meals, activities and more.

To BOOK our services please send us an email to greenukraine2010@gmail.com with details of your trip.

Important: To ensure our availability during the dates of your trip, you have to send us a deposit. So you will make sure that we will be with you during your trip to Ukraine, and we’ll make sure you come.

We can offer you:

1. Accommodation in Kharkiv, Lviv, Donetsk and Kiev (from $ 80 per night)

2. Personalized meet and greet at the airport

3. Private roundtrip transfers from the airport to your hotel or private apartments

4. Private guide service during UEFA EURO 2012 ($ 120 per day)

5. Cheap railway (train), bus or air tickets for all destinations in Ukraine

6. All kinds of excursions and entertainment options in the host cities of EURO 2012 and all over Ukraine

Calendar of cultural and tourist events in Ivano-Frankivsk region in 2012

Festivals in Ivano-Frankivsk April 2012

April 1 – MTB race “Funny Open season 2012″. Participate 50 sportsmen from the Western Ukraine. Vovchyntsi village of Ivano-Frankivsk city council. (tel: 066 755 82 30 050 528 70 73, e-mail: velohata@ukr.net, www.velohata.com)

April 6-8 – International Festival of Sacred Music “Peredzvin”; Ivano-Frankivsk, 46 Nezalezhnosti Str., (tel.: 03422 2-52-18, 2-57-45)

April 15 – “Easter in Bukovel” Festival. Bukovel, Polyanytsa village of Yaremche city council.

April 16 – “Easter chimes”, district festival of Easter songs hayivky. Ostrynia village of Tlumach district, (tel.: 03479 2-12-91, 2-21-81, e-mail: t-kultura@rambler.ru)

April 17 – Performance “Farewell Easter”; Pidverbivtsi village of Tlumach district. Folklore groups will reproduce the authentic traditions of Easter. (tel.: 03479 2-12-91, 2-21-81, e-mail: t-kultura@rambler.ru)

Apr 21-22 – VI National Festival “Pysanka 2012” and Easter exhibition of Easter eggs, pieces of arts and crafts. Kolomyya, the square in front of the museum of Easter egg. The program includes ethnographic Easter works of Christian and ritual content. Easter games, hayivkas, vesnyankas, theatrical scenes and dance songs. (tel.: 03433 2-02-45, 2-44-04)

Apr 22 – Easter Opening Day – Galician Easter celebrations with exhibition of arts and crafts. Halych, Nativity Square. (tel.: 03431 2-19-31, 2-14-75, www.hutcul.museum)

Apr 29 – Open Regional Festival of Children’s Ukrainian song “Vodohrai”. Broshniv-Osada small town of Rozhnyativ district. (Tel. 03474 2-05-76, 2-05-38)

Apr 29 – Horodenka district Children Festival of Choreographic Art “Pokutski vizerunky” (“Pokuttya paterns”). Horodenka. (Tel.: 03430 2-14-34)

Apr 29 – Celebration of the International Dance Day (concert with dance groups). Kolomyya. (Tel.: 03433 2-02-45)

April – Environmental action “Freedom to wild animals and natural conditions for those who require retention”. Halych, Halych National Nature Park, (Tel.: 03431 2-21-13)

April – Exhibition of works of Gryvinsky family (embroidery and ceramics). Kosiv, Kosiv Museum of Folk Art. (Tel.: 03478 2-16-43)

Events in Ivano-Frankivsk May 2012

May 4-7 – Ivano-Frankivsk Blacksmith Festival (“Svyato Kovaliv”), Ivano-Frankivsk, Sheptytskyy Square.

May 5-8 – 350th anniversary of Ivano-Frankivsk. Vichevy Square, Market Square, the area near the monument to Ivan Franko.

5 – 6 May – West-Ukrainian festival of extreme sports “X Hutsuliya”, Ivano-Frankivsk, Shevchenko Park (opening of the new skate park, BMX racing, skate, lake jumping, www.velohata.com)

May 12 – Bicycle tour in Dolyna region (opening cycling route in Dolyna – Vytvytsya – Kal’na – Kropyvnyk – Vygoda – Dolyna. Start at 09.00, Gathering participants at the monument of Hrushevsky in Dolyna)

May 12-13 – The Third Youth Art Festival “Part”, Kalush, museum and exhibition center

May 12-20 – IX-th Theatrical festival-competition of the best performances of the “Seasons Premiere 2012″, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ivano-Frankivsk Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre (Tel: 0342 75-24-15, 75-24 -32, e-mail: if.teatr70@gmail.com)

May 17 – Regional festival of contemporary pop songs of youth “Stars Pokuttya” in Horodenka.

May 17 – Opening of exhibition of works of Mykola Varenya, Ivano-Frankivsk, Precarpathian Museum of Art

May 17 – June 30 – Exposition of secular furniture  from collection of Vasyl Matskiv, Kolomyya, National Museum of Hutsul folk art and Pokuttya (www.hutcul.museum)

May 18 – Night in Museum. Ivano-Frankivsk, Precarpathian Museum of Art.

May 20 – Ethno-tourism festival “Halych gate”, Krylos, Halych district, the Museum of Architecture and Life of Precarpathian.

May 20 – Regional Festival of Brass Bands Music, Kalush, Palace of Culture “Youth”

May 20-27 – Festive events, concert programs dedicated to 575 anniversary of Kalush city.

May 22 – Regional festival-competition of the Ukrainian song “Music of Spring”, town of Verkhovyna, Singing Field.

May 22 – Day of Tlumach town “Tlumach – my home town”, Tlumach (children and youth concert programs, shows and other celebrations)

May 25 – The first outdoor competition of the District of humor and satire “Kolomiysky smihohray”, village Nyzhniy Verbizh, Kolomyya district (aim of the competition is to develop conversational genre, promotion of author and authentic works written in Ukrainian language and local dialect, detection of original artists and bands, engagement in creative activities for students)

May 26-27 – Ukrainian action “Veloday”, Yaremche (amateur competition on mountain bicycles. As part of action “veloden» a mass cycle race on the streets. Run will be attended by members of the towns’ bicycle clubs, cyclists from Ivano-Frankivsk and guests from other towns. Meeting at the building of Ivano-Frankivsk city council, www.velohata.com)

May 27 – Halych Choir Academy, Halych, Nativity Sq. (holiday carried out with the best choirs of the district and invited guests)

May 27 – Folk chamber “From Easter to Ascension”, Pidverbtsi, Tlumach area (songs, ceremonies of Easter performed by folklore groups of the area, exhibition and sale of works of arts and crafts masters)

May 27 – Festival of dance in Nadvirna, Nadvirna, Shevchenko square (competition dance performances of the area)

May 27 – Pilgrimage to Pogonya village, dedicated to 16th anniversary of veneration of the miraculous holy icon of Our Lady of Pogonya, Tysmenytsa area. (Father Nicodym, tel.: 067 344 -35-52)

May 31 – June 1 – XX outdoor youth festival of modern Ukrainian songs and popular music, “Apple Blossom” Kosiv, the District House of Culture (Festival of the International Day of dance songs)

May – Hike ‘To Treasures on Kasova Mountain. Krylos, Halych area (a fascinating tour of unique meadow-steppe area in Halych National Park, review of Red Book plants and animals, rest in nature)

May – Festival of Sacred Holy Mary’s Songs in Mariyampil, Mariyampil village, Halych area

May - Celebration of 100th Anniversary of Ukrainian Scouting Organization “PLAST”, resort “Sokil (Falcon)”, Hrynkiw village, Rozhnyativ district, museum – camp “Sokil”

Tourist attractions of the Carpathian Mountains

Part of Europe’s Central Mountain system, the Carpathians are spread across some seven countries. Many tourists reach them from Romania or sometimes from the Ukraine or Austria. The reason for this is that a huge part of the Carpathian range, 55.2 percent to be exact, can be found in Romania and the country’s tourism industry has certainly benefited from the tourist attractions this mountain range has to offer.

Fans of adventure holidays will appreciate the sheer scale and number of exciting landscapes that the Carpathians have to offer. It’s in the southern part of the range that you’ll find Negoiu and Moldoveanu, which are the tallest peaks. It’s not just the size that’s impressive and a tour of many parts of this mountain range provides an opportunity to sample a range of spectacular terrain vistas, such as valleys, karst and gorges.

Flora and Fauna

As travellers explore the Carpathian Mountains, they are treated to the appearance of many types of flora and fauna. Some 1,350 species of flora can be found around this range and a perfect time to head to the Carpathians is in March, when the area’s floral year begins. Visitors to the Carpathians who are interested in flowers should look out for pheasant’s eye and snowdrop varieties.

The fauna of the Carpathian Mountains are equally interesting and in parts of the range, some 100 species of bird alone can be spotted. Some of the animals found in the Carpathians are potentially dangerous, such as bears and tourists are advised to stick to paths and observe local recommendations with regard to where to travel. Tourists will no doubt enjoy finding lizards and squirrels at home among the forests of the Carpathian range, whilst lucky travellers could even spot a rare lynx.

Parks

A range of national parks can be found across the Carpathians, particularly in Romania. These parks contain geographical landmarks such as volcanic mountains and exotic rock formations. The Calimani National Park, for example, contains the biggest volcanic caldera within the Carpathians, alongside interesting rock shapes and the remnants of craters from long ago.

Activities

A major part of the thrill of visiting the Carpathian Mountains for many people is the opportunity to engage in a number of sporting and leisure activities whilst there. The vast nature and scenery of the Carpathians mean that individuals and families can enjoy hiking whilst rarely seeing another soul. In other words, there’s a chance to engulf yourself in nature and explore an environment little touched by humans. Some of the hiking trails in the Carpathians may be tough if you’re not in good shape, so seek advice on this beforehand if you’re unsure.

Some of the sports that are enjoyed on adventure holidays in the Carpathians include horse riding, practised through the trails that lie between villages. Biking is also a popular choice in the mountains and the terrain on offer means that a variety of experience levels are catered for in the area.

The mountain range is home to nine ski resorts. Poiana Brasov is near to the medieval town of Brasov, whilst Sinaia is also close to a suitable base camp for enjoying skiing holidays, as well as local nightlife.

The Carpathians are immense, not only in terms of their scale but also in the array of activities and sights travellers can find there.

Fishing in the Carpathians

Green Ukraine kindly invites fishing enthusiasts to try their luck in the Carpathian Mountains. We offer the tributaries of the Cheremosh River (Chorny and Bily Cheremosh) for fishing. In most of its streams and rivers you can catch trout, barbel and Danube salmon (huchen).

The recommended route in the Carpathians for fishing is Verkhovyna – Iltsi – Krasnyk – Dzembronya – Zelene – Shybene upstream the Cheremosh River. The best time of year to fish is the end of May. The end of August is good as well. The weight of the biggest trout that have ever been pulled out of the Cheremosh catchment is 2 kg, barbel – 5 kg. An average size/ maximum size for barbel is 3-4 kg and 100g – 1,5 kg for trout.

All our tours are private and custom. If you want you’ll be the only participant. The client decides the duration of the fishing.

It is possible to stay for night both in tents and private houses. The conditions are pretty basic. You can always count on warm food and clean bed (or sleeping bag).

The fish you catch can be cooked on spot. The best local food and drinks are up to your service.

It’s possible to mix fishing with horse riding. We can take you to the trout streams by jeep as well.

During the fishing tour you can also try jeeping, atv trips, horse riding, trekking, pick mushrooms and berries, visit local museums. And of course you’ll see the lifestyle of the local people.

We provide: full assistance of English speaking guide (pick-up wherever you need, all necessary transfers and reservations), an expert local fishing, places for staying (tents or private houses), meals, nice atmosphere and good mood.

The fishing occurs mainly at the territory of the National Carpathian Nature Park. So it’s also a great opportunity to see wild animals: deer, wild boar, elk, ermine and rarely bear of wolf.

Our team will do all the best to perform all you requirements to this tour.

Fish with Green Ukraine, discover Ukraine for yourself! And be sure it’s gonna be an unforgettable time!

Hostel in Ivano-Frankivsk

Green Ukraine recommends a good option for cheap accommodation in Ivano-Frankivsk – Pilgrim Hostel.

This Ivano-Frankivsk Hostel offers budget rooms with free Wi-Fi throughout and free parking on site. Breakfast is included in price. In addition, you can order lunch or dinner and taste the national Ukrainian cuisine.

An average price per night is $13, meals – $9. Staff is very friendly and speaks English; 24-hour front desk.

The rooms in Pilgrim feature free bed linens and personal lockers.

Pilgrim is just a 15 minute drive away, and is easily accessible from Ivano-Frankivsk railway and bus station. The nearest bus station is only 30 m from the place.

Exploring Ivano-Frankivsk choose Pilgrim Hostel. It’s a place to stay.

Apartment for rent in the Ivano-Frankivsk city center

Nature protection in Yaremche region

Yaremche region is situated in the southwestern part of Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, occupying the central part of the Ukrainian Carpathians, within the mountainous region of Gorgany, Pokuttia-Bukovyna Carpathians and Chornohora.

Near the town of Yaremche, there are six towns and villages: Vorokhta, Tatariv, Mykulychyn, Yablunytsia, Voronenko and Polianytsia. Natural and climatic conditions exist for the creation and realization of pleasant recreation. Tourism is convenient here, since the region is connected with all Oblast centers of Western Ukraine and also with Kyiv through railway and motor services.

Territory

This territory is interesting and appealing for various kinds of tourists – for those who are environmentally aware and as well as for others, also for those who are not limited by budget concerns or for those who are on a low budget. Some tourists choose to travel on their own and sleep in tents, while others prefer travelling with a guide and staying overnight in private houses or tourist complexes. The choice depends on the comparative accessibility of high mountain pastures and ridges, the inaccessibility of rocky Gorgany and the absence or presence of marked routes on the chosen territory.

For tourists, the attractiveness of the area lies in the fact that there is a variety of nature reserves and accessible forests. Almost half of the territory of Yaremche Town Council is situated within the Carpathian National Natural Park (CNNP) which is the first park in Ukraine that is of national significance and belongs to the Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine. The Western Gorganian neighbor of the park is Gorgany Nature Reserve, a part of the Eastern slopes of the Pokuttia-Bukovyna Mountains and is on the National Park Hutsulshchyna; while the southern Chornohora neighbor is the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve which is situated in the Rakhiv District of Zakarpattia Oblast.

Forests in the system of recreation resources

Yaremche, Tatariv and Vorokhta are surrounded by conifer forests (Spruce, European Pine, Pine Tree, and Juniper). Ethers of conifers combined with the smell of herbage plants enrich the environment with phytoncides. Phytoncides are compounds derived from plants which kill bacteria and fungi. The most active in producing phytoncides is Larch, which is followed by Silver-Fir, Pine, Cedar, Fir, and Birch. Clear mountain air rich in oxygen and ozone regulates the body’s immune system and has a therapeutic effect on diseased or weakened organs of a person. The scientists claim that conifer trees, especially Spruce, create the sense of freedom, while landscape therapy is an important aspect of treatment.

According to the Forest Code of Ukraine, forests by their role and location perform mainly ecological (water protection, protective, sanitary and hygienic, therapeutic, recreational), esthetic, educational etc. functions and have limited exploitation. Thus, our legislation declares the preference of ecological and esthetic functions of forests over the commercial.

According to ecological and commercial significance, forests are divided into two groups.
1. Forests Which Perform Mostly Environmental Functions: water protection functions (forest strips along river banks, around lakes, watercourses and other water bodies etc.);
- protective functions (conservation forests, forests near meadows, protective forest strips along railways, motor roads, forests of residential areas and green zones surrounding them, etc.);
- forests on the territory of the Nature Reserve Fund (nature reserves, national natural parks, natural monuments, protected natural sites, regional landscape parks, forests of scientific or historical value, etc.).
2. Forests of both Ecological and Exploitation Significance – in order to preserve their protective functions the mode of limited forest exploitation has been established.

The forests of the first and second groups might contain particularly protected land plots of forest resources with limited exploitation.

There are two types of using forest resources – general and special. Special types of using forest resources include wood procurement during felling for primary use, procurement for soft resins, secondary timber, (stub, bast, bark, forest greenery etc.) and collateral forest uses. Special usage of forest resources is done with special permission – according to wood chopping permit (order) or forest usage permit.

Citizens are allowed to stay in forests without restrictions, collect wild herbs, flowers, berries, nuts, other fruits, mushrooms etc. for personal use, free of charge, unless otherwise provided by law.
There are other rules in effect on the Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine, as well as on other nature territories and sites of particular ecological, scientific, esthetic, commercial, historical and cultural value. Such territories are created with the aim of preserving the natural diversity of landscapes, genetic conservation of fauna and flora, maintaining general ecological balance and providing environmental monitoring. Any activity which has or may have a negative impact on them or hinders their designated exploitation is forbidden.

Commercial exploitation of these territories as well as procurement of wood, medical and other precious plants, their fruits and hay, cattle grazing, hunting, fishing etc. may be allowed on condition that such activities comply with the designated usage of the territories. The research of territories and sites of the Nature Reserve Fund or other usage is possible only on condition of observing the demands of their reserve status.

This edition emphasizes three Natural Reserve features that are managed by special administrations, created for this purpose, which are responsible for maintaining their reserve status. These are Gorgany Nature Reserve, Carpathian National Natural Park and Carpathian Biosphere Reserve which are environmental and research institutions of national significance. State protection service which has the status of a law-enforcement body is responsible for these protected areas.

In the recreational zones of Carpathian National Natural Park and in the zone of anthropogenic landscapes of Carpathian Biosphere Reserve there is a network of ecological tours which include the most interesting and beautiful protected areas where there is a large number of outstanding natural, cultural and historical sites.

Carpathian National Natural Park

Carpathian National Natural Park (CNNP, www.cnnp.yaremcha.com.ua) was established by the resolution of the Council of Ministers as of June 3, 1980.

Its mission is to preserve the natural complexes typical of Chornohora and Gorgany, as well as to conduct scientific research in environmental protection, to create conditions for recreation and health improvement to promote environmental knowledge and ecological education.

Area

The total area of the park is 50 495 ha. If is situated in the Northeastern part of the Ukrainian Carpathians and occupies the territory at altitudes of 500-2061 m above sea level. The park extension from north to south is 50 km, its width is 20 km. The territory of the park is divided into three geomorphological regions: ridge Chornohora, Vorokhta low-hill terrain and subdued Gorgany.

Forests

Forests of The Nature Reserve Fund of Carpathian Park are divided into twelve environmental Research Departments (ERD), two of which are protected. As with all mountainous regions one can easily trace altitudinal zonality: upper and lower mountain forest zones, as well as subalpine and alpine belts.

There is dense hydrographic network on the park territory. The Prut River is the main waterway. Its length on the park territory is 50 km. It forms numerous rapids and waterfalls in those places where it rises above the surface.

The park is divided into zones: Protected (1.4 thousand ha), Controlled Recreation (25.9 thousand ha), Permanent Recreation (96.2 ha) and Commercial (13 thousand ha).

Mission

Carpathian NNP plays a crucial role in preserving natural and cultural values of the Carpathian region. 600 ha of Spruce and Beech primeval forests are protected here. Within the park there are more than 1100 species of higher vascular plants, among them 70 wood species, and 110 shrub species. The prevailing forest-forming species are Fir spruce, European Pine, European Beech, 95 species are included in the Red Book of Ukraine, in particular: Common Snowdrop, East Carpathian Edelweiss, Crocus Heuffelianus, Alpine Aster etc. Among flora representatives there are relics and endemics (around 60 species) on the territory of the park. These are Rhododendron Myrtifolium, Carpathian Soldanella. Carpathian Bellflower, Northern Twin-flower etc. Four species of plants are included in the European Red List.

Fauna

Fauna on the territory of the park includes 192 species of vertebrata and 723 species of invertebrata, among which there are 53 species of mammals, 19 of which are included in the Red Book of Ukraine. The Carpathians are famous for Red Deer, European Roe Deer and Wild Boar. As for predators there is Brown Bear, Wolf, Fox, Lynx, Marten and Ferret. There are 120 species of birds, 24 of which are included in the Red Book of Ukraine. Among bird fauna of the park there is Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Golden Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Owl, Long-Tailed Owl. Reptiles are represented by 6 species. Among them are Adder, Grass Snake, Slow Worm, Sand Lizard and Common Lizard. Amphibia are represented by 12 species. Triturus Montandoni, Triturus Alpestris, Spotted Salamander and Yellow- bellied Toad are included in Red Book of Ukraine. In rivers there are Bull Trout, Char. Nase, Barbell etc. Among a large number of Entomofauna, 17 species of insects, which are included in the Red Book of Ukraine, are registered in Carpathian NNP (Stag Beetle, Alpine Rosalia, European Swallowtail, Purple Emperor etc.).

Recreation zones

On the park territory there are footpaths (scientific and educational, ecological and educational, tourist), outdoor enclosures (Wild Boars and Deer are kept there), zones and places for recreation.

For tourists there is an Eco-Tourist Visit-Centre. Also there are bee-farming and objects of the Polonyna kind. For unorganized recreation there are 10 recreation zones and 10 leisure areas which are situated near traffic roads.

Scientific research

At the Research Nursery-Garden, “Pidlisniv” research is conducted on the introduction and acclimatization of valuable ornamental plants, selection work on breeding persistent root forest forming species, phenological and ecological and morphological research of Carpathian flora representatives.

A wide range of coniferous and foliage species of wood are grown here for the purpose of landscaping (ornamental and fruit trees).

Carpathian NNP is a kind of an open-air museum of nature, a unique gallery of scenic beauty, therefore it welcomes all visitors. In order for others to enjoy the beauty, it is necessary to keep It all Intact for those who will visit this place after you.

Ivano-Frankivsk tours with local private guide

[end_tabset]

Village of Yablunytsa

The village of Yablunytsia is situated on the border of Ivano-Frankivsk and Zakarpattia Oblasts. Its population is 2,500, with an area of 9424 ha. It is located at attitudes of 850 m to 1288 m above sea level.

Within the village there is one of the main passes of the Ukrainian Carpathians – the Yablunytsky Pass (931 m above sea level), which opens a magnificent view of Transcarpathian mountains.

The history of Yablunytsia village dates back to the 1700s. The first record of the village dates back to 1643 when there was an inn on the way to Hungary. This territory was gradually inhabited by Mykulychyn Hutsuls and in 1688 it appeared under the name of Sloboda. In 1799 the name Yablunytsia appeared in the archives.

Despite the absence of a railroad, the village developed at a fast rate and in the mid 1830s there were about 1500 residents (together with settlements Voronenko and Polianytsa. In those times Yablunytsia was as popular among tourists as the more famous Yaremche, Vorokhta and Mykulychyn. This was due to its beautiful climate and open territories, which contributed to the development of skiing resorts. Tourists were could stay overnight in villas and open houses.

Up until that time, Yablunytsia village was one of the centers of winter tourism in the Carpathians and several ski lifts were there. From December to March, one may ski or sledge on the low slopes of Yablunytsia.

One of the attractions is a cross to commemorate the abolishment of statute labor and a mass grave of the soldiers of Carpathian Ukraine who were killed in 1939. At the pass them is a souvenir market.

Ski lifts of Yablunytsa village

Chernobyl tour

[end_tabset]

Ways in which Casinos are becoming more environmentally friendly

Casinos are well known for their flashing lights, flowing fountains and peppy music. While all of this defines casinos, it definitely has been looked at for ways in which to be more compliant with energy efficient policies. Today’s casinos are looking for ways in which they can still provide customers with the product they expect while protecting the environment.

Unlike older casinos, the newer casinos are using more natural materials in their construction. This may include various types of stone include: slate, marble, limestone and granite. Recycled timber is being more commonly used in building new casinos. Man building materials are salvaged from other buildings or purchased as such. Another way in which these casinos are being eco-friendly is by installing solar panels. Some casinos have used this in a way to generate their own electricity. About one-quarter of all energy emitted by the sun can be reused by the casino. As a result, the casino consumes less energy lessening the demand on power plants.

Not only is the sun’s energy being reused by efforts to do the same with water are occurring. Special water systems have been designed to collect water from kitchens and bathrooms. The collected water can then be filtered. By filtering the water, harmful organisms and impurities can be removed. The water is then reused for purposes such as cleaning or watering the grounds. The water is not intended for human consumption. Other methods for conserving water include rain water barrels that collect any water run-off from guttering systems. Again, this can be used for landscaping needs. Some consumers at home are doing their part by conserving on natural resources needed to transport them to land based casinos. They are opting to remain at home instead playing at a mobile casino. This allows people to gamble right from their personal computer other similar electronic device.

Fight poker burnout with a vacation

Every poker player knows that to get better at the game, you need to play a lot of it. Even the younger stars of the game have probably played thousands of hands even before they became recognizable names. This work ethic of trying to play as many games as possible is one of the many reasons why professional poker players are always jetting around the world for one tournament or another.

Of course, there will also come a point when too much poker is just going to leave you a burnt out husk. As Pokernews columnist Josh Cahlik puts it, no matter how much you may love poker, too much of a good thing can often be overwhelming. After all, even something as essential as water can be harmful if you take in too much of it.

“Taking time away from poker can give you a sense of clarity that you lacked before,” Cahlik writes further. “When playing frequently — or all of your waking hours — your thoughts may become burdened by constant exposure to the game. Putting in many hours where you repeatedly face similar situations also increases the risk of putting yourself on autopilot. Clearly, if you’re not truly thinking through your decisions, then you’re failing to maximize any edge you may have against the competition.”

Every poker player has his or her own way of achieving a sense of balance between daily life and poker. Some take vacations while others focus their attention on another hobby. Eugene Katchalov, who is number one on Hendon Mob’s Ukraine all-time money list with well over $8 million in poker winnings, usually takes an entire month off after the World Series of Poker to recharge and spend time with family and friends.

Still others prefer to spend time outdoors and commune with nature. World Poker Tour host and Partypoker sponsored pro Kara Scott often tries to sneak in a day or two of hiking or camping during weekends and festivals. How she manages to fit those in between a hectic schedule of flying from country to country covering the many different WPT events all over the world escapes us.

If, like Scott, you have a passion for the outdoors, a visit to the Carpathian Mountains may just be what you need. With its picturesque vistas, majestic views, and lush verdant forests, it’s as far from the brightly-lit and glitzy world of poker as you can get. The next time you start to feel a little burned out from playing poker, consider paying the Carpathian Mountains a visit, where recharging in the outdoors has never been so beautifully fun.

Easter Customs of Hutsuls

Easter Day, established by the Christian church as the day of resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated by Hutsuls with numerous rites and rituals.

On Palm Sunday, the Hutsuls bring the blessed willow branches from the church (In Hutsulshchyna It Is called “Biechka”), hit lightly every member of the family saying: “it’s not me, its Biechka hitting you – the Easter Day is in a week!” Hutsuls believed that the blessed willow branches had healing powers, because these branches were used to greet Jesus Christ.

The days before Easter are the time for making Pysankas, Paskas (Easter bread), Pysankas and Krashankas (painted and colored eggs), cheese, butter, sausages, ham and salt were put into an Easter basket to be blessed in church. The “bitter herb” (i.e. horseradish) was essential as it represented the bitterness of Christ’s sufferings, as well as a wax candle symbolizing the divine light and Christ’s resurrection. Rich Gazdas (landlords) rode to the church, while poor people just walked.

Hiking routes in Yaremche region

Marking of walking routes situated in the region was started in 2002 by the regional foundation “Carpathian Paths”. Since 2005, the Program for development of walking routes in Ivano-Frankivsk region called “On a Common Path to the United Europe” (restoring the Eastern-Carpathian Tourist Path) has been implemented, together with the Department of Tourism of Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State Administration.

The concept of ECTP envisages the creation of the network of interconnected routes united around the main one, where tourist refuges and resting places are to be built. For more information, please visit the website of the foundation at www.stezhky.org.ua

In 2009-14, the Foundation marked about 300 km of walking routes for tourists on the territory of Yaremche region.

Besides these, some educational paths, as well as resting areas and places, were created on Carpathian National Natural Park’s territory. For more information, please visit the Reserve’s web-site www.cnnp.yaremcha.com.ua

All walking routes are planned in such a way as to make it possible for a traveler to leave one settlement and return either there or to some other convenient place. The list of walking routes together with their short description is given below.

Hiking routes from Yaremche

1. Dora – Blyi Kamim – Lazok valley – Syniachka mountain – Shchivka valley – Chornogorytsya ridge – Dora
Blue marking, the route length is 22,5 km, the walking time is 10 hours, the climb is 920 m
2. Dora – Makovytsia Mountain – Smerichok Mountain – Perenis – Dora
Yellow marking, the route length is 14 km, the walking time is 7 hours, the climb is 514 m
3. Yaremche – Rocks of Dovbush – Makovytsia Mountain – Yaremche
Green marking, the route length is 9 km, the walking time is 4,5 hours, the climb is 356 m
4. Yaremche – Chornogorytsia Ridge – Yaremche
Green marking, the route length is 12 km, the walking time is 5 hours, the climb is 547 m
5. Yaremche – Divochi Sliozy Waterfall – Torshukuvata Valley – Bukovets Valley – Pereslop Pass – Yaremche
Blue marking, the route length is 20 km, the walking time is 8 hours, the climb is 746 m
6. Yaremche – Yavir Valley – Vovcha Valley – Yaremche
Yellow marking, the route length is 15 km, the walking time is 6 hours, the climb is 690 m

Hiking routes from Mykulychyn

1. Rivna Settlement – Smerichok Mountain – Petrash Mountain – Mykulychyn
Blue marking, the route length is 15 km, the walking time is 7 hours, the climb is 469 m
2. Mykulychyn – Velyka Rokyna Mountain – Traverse Mala Rokyta Mountain – Hundiakova Valley
Green marking, the route length is 22,5 km, the walking time is 10 hours, the climb is 523 m
3. Mykulychyn – Kostel Mountain (Gorgan) – Mykulychyn
Yellow marking, the route length is 10 km, the walking time is 4 hours, the climb is 462 m
4. Mykulychyn – Likivska Mountain – Yahidna Mountain – Mykulychyn
Blue marking, the route length is 14 km, the walking time is 5,5 hours, the climb is 624 m
5. Mykulychyn – Svynianka Valley – Kruhloyavirnyk – Pidlisniv Settlement (Zhenetske Forestry)
Yellow marking, the route length is 11 km, the walking time is 4,5 hours, the climb is 594 m
6. Pidlisniv Settlement (Zhenetske Forestry) – Khomativ Valley – Barania Valley – Veredkivskiy Stream
Green marking, the route length is 11 km, the walking time is 4 hours, the climb is 705 m
7. Pidlisniv Settlement (Zhenetske Forestry) – Barania Valley – Khomiak Mountain – Pidlisniv Settlement
Red marking, the route length is 16 km, the walking time is 5,5 hours, the climb is 888 m
8. Pidlisniv Settlement (Zhenetske Forestry) – Huk Waterfall (Zhenetskyi) – Pidlisniv Settlement
Blue marking, the route length is 10 km, the walking time is 3 hours, the climb is 200 m
9. Pidlisniv Settlement – Yahidna Mountain – Pidlisniv Settlement
Red marking, the route length is 10 km, the walking time is 4,5 hours, the climb is 573 m

Hiking routes from Tatariv

1. Tatariv – Lisnovy Ridge – Yahidna Mountain – Tatariv
Green marking, the route length is 12 km, the walking time is 4,5 hours, the climb is 525 m
2. Tatariv – Poliana Kohannia – Kremintsi Settlement (Strolling Route)
Green marking, the route length is 5 km, the walking time is 2,5 hours, the climb is 214 m
3. Tatariv – Piha Mountain Area – Tatariv (Strolling Route)
Blue marking, the route length is 3,5 km, the walking time is 1,5 hours, the climb is 168 m
4. Tatariv – Bashchechko Mountain Area – Tatariv (strolling route)
Yellow marking, the route length is 5 km, the walking time is 2,5 hours, the climb is 156 m

Hiking routes from Vorokhta

1. Vorokhta – Oseredok Settlement – Labieska Valley – Kukul Mountain – Zakukul Valley – Zavoielia Checkpoint
Blue marking, the route length is 17 km, the walking time is 8 hours, the climb is 798 m
2. Vorokhta – Rizha Mountain – Rizha Pass – Ardeluzha highway
Green marking, the route length is 15 km, the walking time is 6,5 hours, the climb is 549 m
3. Voronenko – Bukovyna Valley – Hryhorivka Valley – Kukul Valley – Voronenko
Yellow marking, the route length is 22 km, the walking time is 9 hours, the climb is 630 m

Marked Routes for Combined Walks

1. Pereslop Pass – Zelenytsia River Valley – Blazhiv Valley
Yellow marking, the route length is 9 km, the walking time is 4 hours
2. Pereslop Pass – Lazok Valley – Pasichanka Mountain – Pasichna Village
Green marking, the route length is 17 km, the walking time is 7 hours

Rules

• Walk on the marked path, do not step aside. You may accidentally scare a bird in its nest or step on some kind of beetle and thus destroy the balance of the ancient eco-system. The only exception is in case of emergency.

• Do not litter the routes. Do not dump or throw anything into natural water basins. Nature will repay for doing so.

• Do not make a fire or new resting places. By doing so, you harm the Earth and its inhabitants suffer from pain. Rest only in specially designated places.

• Do not cut down trees or bushes, even if they seem dead. Their trunks and roots are important elements of the eco-system.

• Do not carve inscription on stones and trees. One should not leave this kind of destructive memory.

• Respect all the animals. Do not startle them with loud noises, never chase or catch them. Remember, the wildlife reserve is their territory, not yours.

• Do not pick herbs or flowers, even for your herbarium. Let them grow and bung joy not only to you, but also, to others.

• Do not take anything as a souvenir but your photographs and memories. These are the most precious gifts from nature.