Kamchatka: In the Land of Volcanoes
Kamchatka is a large peninsula at the very end of Russia. It is one of the most active seismic regions of the world with hundreds of volcanoes of which over thirty are still very active. The highest and most active volcano is Klyuchevskaya Sopka (4 750 m). Seismic activity creates the perfect conditions to admire minor volcanism-related phenomena: hot springs, mud volcanoes, and geysers, with the 50-meter Velikan that blows steam up to 300 meters high.
Ethnically, Kamchatka is a very diverse region. The area is inhabited by: Koryaks, Chukchi people, the Itelmen, Aleuts, Evenks and Kamchadals. These people have their unique traditions, food and music that we will learn during the expedition to Kamchatka.
We will travel by truck that will cross rivers, rough terrain and other obstacles along the route. We will spend the nights in tents, camping on the volcanic slopes. During hikes, a local cook will accompany us to prepare traditional local delicacies.
For those interested, we will organize helicopter trips to the most inaccessible places of Kamchatka, such as the Volcano Valley or Kurile Lake. Join us on a trip to Kamchatka with our pilots and local guides!
Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, no trips to Russia are planned for the coming year.
ITINERARY:
DAY 1-3
Flight through Moscow to Kamchatka. During a break in Moscow, we will visit the most interesting monuments such as Kremlin, Red Square, GUM, Park Zaryadye according to available time. Flight to Kamchatka. Visiting Petropavlovsk, swimming in the Pacific Ocean (Avachynskaya Bay) and preparing for a trip to the mountains.
DAY 4
Transfer to Milkovo, city located about 300km to the north of Petropavlovsk, on the Kamchatka River in the heart of this peninsula. Lunch in a bistro located in a broken fountain and photo with a silver Lenin. In the afternoon, drive to the village Kozyrevsk where we will spend another night in wooden houses in a neat village garden. This evening we will also use the Russian sauna - the so-called banya.
DAY 5
We will travel further north where we will reach the complex of active volcano Tolbachik. The last major eruption took place in 2013. Then, drive through a forested dirt road, where nature, uncontaminated by man, is governed by its own laws, until we reach the camp itself. Setting up tents, afternoon walk around, attempts of watching bears, dinner. Overnight in tents.
DAY 6
This day is active. From the morning we will start trekking on the slopes of Tolbachik volcano to the old crater, a place where in 1975 an eruption took place. Along the way, we will go to volcanic cones, the first one is located 278m higher than crater and another one called Gorshkov Cone is located 300m higher from the first one. After reaching the peak time for a picnic in the old volcanic crater. On the way back we will see a dead forest and unusual shapes and caves formed of solid lava. Return to the camp.
DAY 7
Another trekking day, this time to the top of the volcano Flat Tolbachik (3085m above sea level). At the top you will be able to admire the amazing panorama of Tolbachik Valley where over 50 volcanic cones are scattered. Those cones were created during multiple volcanic eruptions. After entering the summit - a picnic in a volcanic crater. On the way, an amazing views not only on the majestic Great Tolbachik. Return to the camp.
DAY 8
The next day is a day of rest from trekking. Transfer to the village Esso, home of Evens, one of the four native ethnic groups living in Kamchatka. During the visit to the local museum we will be able to learn about the history of local people and gain knowledge about their culture. In the evening a folk concert of music and dances of local people (at extra cost, for those willing). Overnight in a stylish wooden guesthouse with a swimming pool from geothermal sources.
DAY 9-10
Transfer to the plateau of the Mutnovsky volcano with a height of 600 to 900m above sea level, where active volcanic cones and various volcanic towers and structures are scattered, shaped by the forces of nature for centuries. A short rest near the 60-meter waterfall Vilyuchinsky. Along the way, swimming in wild hot springs overlooking the beautiful Snowy valley. Admiring the landscape formed under the influence of volcanic activity and the rocky alpine tundra, where the period without snow lasts only 3 months. Overnight in tents along the way and in the camp on the plateau.
DAY 11
After a short rest, this day will be active again! All-day trekking for the next active Mutnovsky volcano (2323m above sea level), one of the most beautiful volcanoes in Kamchatka. From the top of the steep slopes you can enjoy great views. In the crater we will see a lake that was once a glacier. You can see hissing fumaroles around everywhere, ejecting streams of hot steam and exhalations of sulfur fumes. There is a deafening roar of a volcano around, and trembling earth underfoot. Return to the camp.
DAY 12
In this area, another volcano is worth seeing, that's why we take the lunch and go to the Gorielyi volcano (1829m above sea level). One-day trip rich in extraordinary landscapes and beautiful views. Lunch on the edge of the volcano. In the afternoon walk to the "small valley of geysers" and the geothermal power plant, at which we will again bath in hot springs with an amazing view of the surrounding mountains.
DAY 13
Full-day return to the capital of Kamchatka. On the way, we will stop at some of the SPA centers in the village of Paratunka. There are outdoor baths in the hot springs waiting for us. For those willing to use the sauna, massage or other attractions. Rest. In the evening, supper - black bread, algae and fish from a can from V.I Lenin kolkhoz (the best in Kamchatka). A visit to sled dog breeders - the winner of the famous "Beringia" race.
DAY 14-15
These days are intended for a reserve day (in case of bad weather) and for optional excursions with a visit to the capital of Kamchatka Petropavlovsk a town founded in 1740 by Vitus Bering, who combined the names of his two ships: St. Paul and St. Peter. Possibility of a romantic cruise on the Avachynskaya Bay. Looking out for seals and nuclear submarines of the Russian army. Fishing, It is also possible a few-hour trip by helicopter to the volcano valley or to the Kurylskye Lake (only when the weather is good).
DAY 16
Return home.
PRICE INCLUDES:
• return flight ticket with all airport charges
• care of an English-speaking guide
• accommodation in guest houses or cottages in tourists bases in 2, 3 or 4-person rooms
• accommodation 6 times in a camp under volcanoes in tents
• transport by lorry vehicle (so-called "vezdiyechod")
• half board (during the campsite under the volcanoes breakfast and supper prepared by the local chef + provisions for the road)
• renting a tent and camping equipment
• invitation + admission + registration
• information materials and maps
• insurance for NNW and KL + extreme sports
• a compulsory travel insurance policy
• a mandatory fee for the State Tourist Guarantee Fund (TFG)
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• visa to Russia (about 500 PLN)
• food in towns and villages along the way (in local shops, restaurants and bars)
• optional trips and entry tickets (if applicable)
OPTIONAL TRIPS:
• The volcano valley (helicopter trip):
For those willing, the opportunity to watch the scenery as if from Dante's hell. The valley of geysers, discovered only in 1941, is 6km long and there are as many as twenty-two geysers in it. The largest of them, Velikan has a diameter of 3m, every 4 hours and twenty minutes becomes active, throwing out a 15-meter stream of water for a minute, and the pair rises to a height of three hundred meters. In the neighborhood there are many geysers, each of them has its own rhythm, independent of the others. The valley filled with smoke coming out of numerous fumaroles, muddy surf, really brings to mind the scenery as from hell. It looks as if all the powers and the whole fantasy of nature unleashed at once. (price approx. 30000 RUB/person)
• Avachinska Bay and watching whales (a trip on a boat):
For those willing, it is possible to sail a ship around the Avachynskaya Bay (5-6 h). After passing Three Brothers and the Devil's Finger, huge rocks protruding from the sea, we will sail into the open waters of the Pacific Ocean and we will be heading towards the largest habitat of sea birds in this region. We will meet there numerous species of seagulls, adorable puffins and buzzards. During the cruise, we will be looking for seals and dolphins passing overboard. With a bit of luck, we'll also see whales and orcs. (price about 7000 RUB/person)
• A trip to Kurylskye Lake (helicopter):
Helicopter flight over the Kamchatka Peninsula is an amazing experience - for those who want it will be an opportunity! We will fly over Kurylskye Lake, a volcanic lake with an area of 77.1km², a maximum depth of 306m, located at the southern end of Kamchatka. This is the kingdom of bears: the second largest spawning place in the world makes the number of bears hunting for these fish is huge. (price approx. 30000 RUB/person)
• Concert of traditional Evens music:
To get to know the culture of Kamchatka inhabitants, it is possible to organize a concert of traditional music of Evens. This is indigenous people who in the 17th century were mainly engaged in hunting for wild reindeer, elks, bears, ermines and hares. Later, due to the change of fauna, Evenks began to breed reindeers. An additional way to get food was for them to catch fish and gathering. During the concert, we will look at the reality that surrounds us with their eyes. We will become part of this extraordinary place. (price approx. 6000 RUB/person)
FLIGHT:
The place of departure is WARSAW or MOSCOW. In case you wish to travel from another destination or book flights on your own, please contact us for price quotation for this trip.
ACCOMODATION:
During the stay in the land of volcanoes, overnight in tents (provided by the travel agency) in the camp. While staying in the villages, stay in the tour spots or in the houses of the local hosts. While staying in cities, accommodation in a hotel ***.
BOARD:
During the stay under the volcanoes we will have a cook who will prepare meals for us. During trips or stays in the city or villages, individual catering, on their own, in local bars and restaurants (so that everyone will taste the dishes they prefer). In the cities there are supermarkets and several restaurants.
WEATHER:
The weather in Kamchatka is very changeable. You have to be prepared for all weather conditions. In July-September temperatures range from + 25° C in the valleys up to + 5° C in the higher parts while trekking on the volcano. You always have to be prepared for rain. Due to the maritime climate and the proximity of the Pacific Ocean, the weather can change in a few hours from the heat in heavy rain. Hot days with a maximum temperature of + 30˚С are usually found in the central part of Kamchatka in lowland parts.
DIFFICULTY:
For all who want to participate in all trekking - the level of difficulty is higher and good physical condition is required. However, the trip may also be attended by people with a weaker physical condition, but they will have to accept during trekking that they will not see all the volcanoes and places offered. Both groups must, however, be in a good mental state and be endowed with patience and be able to adapt to the local realities of the peripheries of the former USSR.
GROUP:
We travel in small groups. The minimum number of people on the trip is 8, maximum 15.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• The itinerary may change depending on the date of departure, weather and other factors.
• Learn more about general conditions of participation and find out how to sign up for a trip.
• The organizer of the trip is Active Travel Agency Barents.pl