The best of Kamchatka
From the nomadic camp of the Even reindeer herders to the pearl of Kamchatka-
Valley of Geysers, mountain ridges, and the seaside port of
Petropavlovsk, this is a tour unlike any other. If you've seen
too many pictures of Kamchatka always looking up at mountains
and wondered what's there, then bring some home from the other end of the lens.
People experience this special place from many vantage points, but there's something
incredibly satisfying about pointing to it, and knowing you got there under
your own power. These are places that not many have the privilege to know.
This tour will show you the Valley of Geysers and areas of
the most active volcanism. You will have an opportunity, by trying yourself,
to effect ascents and look into the craters of active volcanoes: Avacha
(2741 m), Mutnovsky (2322 m) and Gorely (1829
m). Avacha Volcano is one of the most active of Kamchatka volcanoes.
Last eruption with lava flows was in 1991. Today, hardened
lava has filled the huge cup of the volcano's crater and high fumarole activity
continues. Mutnovsky Volcano's crater is noticeable for the most powerful in
Kamchatka fumarole fields with large sulphur deposits, mud pots and pulsating
springs. In the spring of 2000 occurred the last eruption with a formation of
an acid lake in the volcano's crater. Gorely Volcano has 11 craters. Its last
eruption with large ash fallout was in 1980. Marine excursion through Avacha
Bay, bird rookeries on the offshore rocks. You will experience the most exciting
rapids on the Bystraya River - one of the most beautiful rivers on the peninsula,
enjoy wonderful sceneries and fishing .
In only two weeks, this wonderful itinerary offers a representative cross section
of Kamchatka from the varied wilderness interior to the rugged maritime environments,
traversing three major mountain ranges and hundreds of miles of marine sanctuary
and coastline in this tour accessible to all. By being small and mobile, we
can leave the crowds behind and explore treasures unavailable through other
means, allowing a true sense of self-discovery. From visiting many unspoiled
places to exploring local culture; this overview of Kamchatka goes far beyond
what the merely conventional tourist will ever see. While many means exist to
visit the wild North, the only way to truly experience it is to get off the
beaten track. This itinerary provides a wonderful option to enable a tremendous
and personal overview.
ITINERARY
Day 1. Arrive in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
Transfer from the airport to your hotel, then explore the fine galleries and
gift shops of Petropavlovsk. Overnight in Petropavlovsk .
Day 2. After breakfast you will have
a city tour of Petropavlovsk. Visit Museum of Regional Studies, which has a
very good exhibition of Kamchatka indigenous peoples. Nikolskoye Hill overlooks
the waterfront and sprawling shipyards and docks lining Avacha Bay, one of the
great natural harbors of the world. After lunch, a boat trip around Avacha Bay.
You will see the surroundings of Petropavlovsk from the sea, explore the shores
of the Avachinskaya bay, watch colonies of seabirds in their natural habitats.
Overnight in Petropavlovsk.
Day 3 After breakfast we travel to
Mutnovsky Volcano plateau. Bathing in Verkhne-Paratunskie thermal springs. Drive
to Viluchinsky Volcano with a visit to the salmon hatchery at the Paratunka
River. Rest and snacks near Viluchinsky waterfall. Further drive to active Mutnovsky
volcano. Overnight in tents.
Day 4. Day trip to the active crater
of Mutnovsky Volcano. Snack lunch in the crater. Moving along the narrow canyon
to the crater. Steep walls surround the vast and deep crater cavity with its
glittering glaciers split by cracks and torches of fumaroles. Excursion to the
fumarole's spots (800 m > 1560 m) . Overnight in tents.
Day 5. By car to a foot of Gorely Volcano.
Ascension and volcano's craters viewing. Return to a hotel in Paratunka resort
.Bathing in Paratunka Hot Springs. Overnight in hotel.
Day 6. After breakfast we will have
all day trip to the old village Esso by bus . We call it Kamchatka's Switzerland.
You will be accommodated in a small private hotel. Overnight in Esso.
Day 7. After breakfast, acquaintance
with Esso village and its surroundings. Visit its museum and learn about the
history and culture of the Evens, one of the four indigenous tribes of Kamchatka.
Relax in the geothermal pool in the center of the settlement. Overnight in Esso.
Day 8. After breakfast travel to Anavgai
settlement- small native village with a traditional way of life. You will be
invited to observe a fascinating traditional dance performance. It is authentic
and a highlight of the trip. Return to Esso and overnight.
Day 9. After breakfast, depart by helicopter
to the nomadic camp of the Even reindeer herders. The flight is about one half-hour.
However, it varies depending on the time of year and on the progress the herd
has made through the valley. The camp is relocated ahead of the herd every few
days. Sample Even cuisine and listen to ancient stories as the herd catches
up to the camp. Spend a day at camp to experience as much as is possible of
this fascinated culture. Return by helicopter and overnight in Esso.
Day 10. After breakfast, travel back
to Paratunka resort. Relax in the geothermal pool in Paratunka resort .Overnight
in Paratunka.
Day 11. After breakfast we drive to
Bystraya river and float down the river to the pick up site. Fishing and Kamchatka
ukha (fish soup) will fill up your impressions. Travel back to Paratunka resort.
Relax in the geothermal pool in Paratunka resort .Overnight in Paratunka .
Day 12. After breakfast, we depart
by helicopter to the Valley of the Geysers. This unique and fabulous nature
attracts tourists and researchers from all over the world. During the flight
you will enjoy the beauty and greatness of active and extinct volcanoes, mountain
ranges, taiga, rivers and lakes. As soon as our MI-8 helicopter lands you realize
why this valley is considered the Pearl of Kamchatka. We will have tremendous
photo opportunities of geysers, perpetual sputters, and mud pots. The Valley
of Geysers is hidden in one of the deep canyons of the Kronotsky biosphere preserve,
200 km from Petropavlovsk... You can only get there by helicopter. We return
to our hotel and overnight in Paratunka resort.
Day 13. This is a day of rest and leisure
to be spent anyway you might, except that this day may be used to re-schedule
previously described events and excursion due to weather cancellations. Farewell
dinner .Overnight in Paratunka.
Day 14. After breakfast transfer from your hotel to the airport. Depart for
home.
Cost $1899 per person.
INCLUDED:
- Full board
- Double accommodation in hotels in city and Paratunka resort
- Transfers by coach, bus and helicopters MI-8 to Reindeer Herds
- City tour and museum entrances
- Guide, interpreter and cook services
- Concerts in Anavgai.
- Visit to Valley of Geysers and Avacha Bay boat excursion
- Permits
- Visa invitation and visa registration
NOT INCLUDED : Gratuities, alcoholic beverages
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