150 Days in the Mountains: How Shepherds Make Cheese in Total Isolation!

Today, in this video, you’ll join us on an incredible journey to a remote mountain top — a Carpathian alpine meadow, or "polonyna." Perched high above the isolated village of Samakova, this is where shepherds spend an astonishing 150 days without ever coming down. They dedicate themselves to making cheese from sheep's milk using the same ancient techniques and recipes their ancestors used hundreds of years ago.

Getting to this secluded polonyna is an adventure in itself. Accessible only by special off-road vehicles, the one-hour drive from the nearest isolated mountain village is a thrilling experience. The rugged path twists and turns through breathtaking mountain scenery, making the journey as unforgettable as the destination.

Samakova, the nearest village, sits in the heart of the Carpathians, surrounded by majestic peaks, dense forests, and crystal-clear mountain streams. This remarkable village is a living testament to the authentic culture and traditions of the region, passed down through generations. It's renowned for its warm hospitality and deep-rooted connection to traditional Carpathian crafts.

The Carpathian alpine meadow is a place where livestock, primarily sheep and cows, have been grazed for centuries. These meadows are more than just a part of Carpathian culture; they are essential to the way of life in these mountains. Here, shepherds produce traditional Carpathian cheeses, butter, and other dairy products, renowned for their quality and rich flavor.

Creating and maintaining these alpine meadows is no easy task. Villagers laboriously clear mountain slopes and prepare the fields for grazing. They construct wooden shelters called "kosharas," where livestock is housed, and milk is processed. From spring to autumn, the shepherds live on the polonyna, tending to their herds and keeping alive the ancient traditions of cheese-making and mountain life.

This alpine meadow is not just a workplace; it's a world where age-old traditions, cheese-making rituals, and the serene mountain lifestyle thrive in their purest form.