Okole Pass, sitting at 1193 m above sea level in the Ukrainian Carpathians, is a wild and wonderfully remote mountain saddle that sees very few visitors. Tucked between the Gorgany and Svydovets massifs, it rewards those who make the effort with unspoiled scenery and a genuine sense of adventure.

The pass is framed by two impressive peaks: Bratkivska Mountain (1788 m) of the Gorgany range to one side, and Tataruka (1711 m) in the Svydovets massif to the other. The landscape is raw and authentic — open alpine meadows, dense Carpathian forest, and a stillness broken only by the wind and birdsong. To the south-east, the headwaters of the Black Tysa river begin their journey; to the west lies the Turbat river valley and the Hladyn stream. Summer brings lush greenery, autumn ignites the hillsides with colour, while winter renders the pass completely inaccessible and truly wild.

• From the village of Chorna Tysa (Rakhiv district) — unpaved track, suitable only for 4x4 vehicles, motorbikes or on foot. Hiking time depends on your starting point in the valley.
• From the village of Brustury (Tiachiv district) — alternative approach from the western side, along the Turbat river valley.
• A hiking route crosses the pass, connecting the main ridge of the Svydovets massif (Troiaska peak) with Bratkivska Mountain.

• The road over the pass is an unpaved dirt track — accessible only by 4x4 vehicles, off-road motorbikes or on foot.
• The pass is impassable and potentially dangerous in winter.
• Best time to visit: summer and early autumn.

The valleys around Okole Pass were for centuries home to Hutsul shepherds who drove their flocks up to the highland meadows — even today, this corner of the Carpathians carries an unmistakable spirit of traditional mountain life.