Routes / Valdai National Park · Russia

Great Valdai Trail

Forests, lakes and wetlands of the Valdai Hills. The park trail’s published figures are a reference; the guided group itinerary still needs confirmation.

Duration6 days
Distance77 km
Ascent+650 m
Difficulty3/5
From age18
Valdai National Park · Russia

Indicative season: May–October; check trail conditions and park rules before travel.

About the route

Provisional guided-trip outline. The official Valdai National Park page lists the Great Valdai Trail at 77 km and 5–7 days. Those figures describe the park’s self-guided route; MinimumOdin’s format, pace and overnight stops need separate confirmation.

The trail crosses woodland and lake landscapes, including wet sections. This page shows an estimated six-day format, not a confirmed schedule.

Before you plan

Safety, access and provisional details

All guided-trip figures are estimates; no departures are available. Before booking opens, the route and permits must be agreed with Valdai National Park, and seasonal access and weather checked. The official trail includes wet and boggy sections; preparation, water supply and overnight plans must follow park rules. Any group-notification requirements must be checked for the specific trip.

Day by day

01

Day 1 · 5 km · +50 m

Meet-up and park formalities

Check documents, permits, equipment and hiking plan. Meeting point to be confirmed.

Overnight: Base camp — subject to approval

Meals: To be confirmed

02

Day 2 · 14 km · +120 m

Woodland section

Hike a confirmed section of the trail, with breaks and pace checks.

Overnight: Base camp — subject to approval

Meals: To be confirmed

03

Day 3 · 15 km · +130 m

Lakes and campsites

A day hike through lake landscapes. Overnight location depends on camp availability.

Overnight: Base camp — subject to approval

Meals: To be confirmed

04

Day 4 · 14 km · +110 m

Wet trail sections

Wet and boggy spots may occur; pace and any detours depend on trail conditions.

Overnight: Base camp — subject to approval

Meals: To be confirmed

05

Day 5 · 15 km · +140 m

Forest hikes

Continue along a verified track. Water and food supplies must be planned in advance.

Overnight: Base camp — subject to approval

Meals: To be confirmed

06

Day 6 · 14 km · +100 m

Hike to the finish

Finish the route and return using pre-arranged transport.

Overnight: —

Meals: To be confirmed

What to know before you go

Included

Indicative format: a guide accompanies the group and coordinates hikes. Permits, base-camp stays and meal arrangements will be specified when a departure is prepared.

Not included

Indicatively, travel to Valdai, the national park ticket, accommodation and personal equipment are separate. Costs and inclusions have not been approved.

Equipment

Indicative list: hiking boots with good grip, waterproof trousers and jacket, spare clothing, water container, headlamp and personal first-aid kit. The list will be adjusted to the season and trail conditions.

Getting there

The meeting point and transfer to the trailhead have not been approved. Do not buy tickets before dates are confirmed.

Choose your dates

DatesGuidePricePlacesStatus
3 July 2027 — 8 July 2027Dmitry39 000 ₽6
2 more to the minimum
Places available
Send request
14 August 2027 — 19 August 2027Dmitry39 000 ₽8
4 more to the minimum
Places available
Send request

FAQ

Before you set out

How do I join a trip?

Choose a route and departure, send a request with your contact details, and wait for the organiser to reply. The request is not a confirmed booking until availability and terms are agreed.

Do I need hiking experience?

Requirements depend on the route. Its difficulty, duration and preparation guidance are listed on the trip page. If you are unsure, contact the organiser before signing up.

What should I bring?

A basic equipment list is shown on the route page. The final list depends on the season, weather, overnight arrangements and trip format; the organiser will confirm it before departure.

Can I join on my own?

Yes. The project is also for people who do not already have a hiking companion. Before the trip, participants can meet the organiser and receive current information about the group and plans.

What are the pace and group size?

The route page gives an indicative group size and difficulty. Daily plans and pace may be adjusted to trail conditions and the group’s safety.

Where can I get the exact track?

Detailed GPX tracks are not published automatically. Some routes have several variants, and access conditions need to be checked. The organiser will provide participants with the navigation information they need before the hike.

Are the dates and prices final?

No. While the site is being prepared, dates and prices may be estimates. Ask the organiser to confirm the date, price, included services and payment terms before signing up.

What if my plans change?

Let the organiser know as soon as possible. Rescheduling, cancellation and refund terms are agreed for each departure and should be provided before payment; confirm them before committing.