Surrounded by centuries-old forests, ancient beech and fir trees with trunks several girths thick, in a picturesque gorge between the mountains Gimba and Bolshoy Verkh is the most beautiful waterfall of Transcarpathia — Shipot.
To see Shipot, tourists come to Mezhigorie every year not only from Ukraine, but also from many European countries, it is included in all tourist routes as a beautiful natural attraction, which guests of the region must see.
This natural treasure got its name because of the whisper-like noise heard tens and even hundreds of meters away from the waterfall. It is the waters of the Pilipets River, coming down from the heights, whispering their fairy tale of the forest, mesmerizing and peaceful. The colorful nature surrounding the waterfall, the mountain peaks visible in the height, the living silence of the forest, composed of numerous sounds of nature and the voice of Shipot — all this creates a unique, unlike anything else atmosphere. A visit to the Shipot waterfall and a walk to it along the paths of the centuries-old forest leave the most pleasant and vivid memories, making the strongest impression even on the most sophisticated tourists.
Shipot Waterfall is the most famous, although the second in height in Transcarpathia. Its height is about 14 meters. The water, descending down the sharp rock ledges, presents a beautiful landscape, especially in spring during the snowmelt and in fall during the rainy season. The stone ledges are irregular, forming several cascades, water flows down them in several streams, which, intertwining, joining and diverging from each other, create a unique living picture. Against the background of dark, almost black rocky ledges, the waters of Shipot seem white, as if it is not water but milk that gives life, nourishing trees and flowers, shrubs and soil.
Thanks to its unique beauty Shipot has become a visiting card of Mezhigorie, it is talked about as the most impressive attraction of Transcarpathia, the most beautiful natural landscape in the area. And so it is not surprising that the huge glade near the waterfall, surrounded by forest, has become an annual gathering place for creative young people.
Since 1993, the summer Shipot Festival has been held here, bringing together representatives of various subcultures and tourists who just want to get away from the dust of the city. The main events are held in the first week of July, and on July 7, in the holiday of Ivan Kupala, a huge bonfire of dry trees about 5-7 meters in height is gathered, under the motto «love, peace & wine» people relax and enjoy communication with the living, untouched by civilization nature, fresh air filled with the aromas of herbs and trees.
Such sights of Ukraine as the Shipot waterfall inspire, remind that there is nothing in our world more beautiful and native than mother nature. Contemplating the turbulent waters delights the eye, listening to its peaceful whisper calms and energizes the natural energy. A visit to the Shipot Waterfall is an opportunity to give yourself a real, best vacation from the bustle of the city.