Kamchatka - Siberian Adventure
To the Land of Fire and Ice
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21 days camping-/hostel-tours to the most beautiful National Parks in Kamchatka
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through the expanse of the Siberian Taiga and to moon-like landscapes
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exciting ascents of three active volcanoes: Avachinsky, Gorelyi, Mutnovski
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Swimming, relaxing in thermal springs
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To the indigenous people of East-Siberia
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Bears, king-salmons and most of all: untouched wilderness
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The peninsula of Kamchatka extends far into the Pacific Ocean and nearly reaches the chain of the Aleut Islands. It is a very mountainous and geologically very turbulent region, with 160 volcanoes. 30 volcanos are active and spectacularily erupting once in a while. The glowing, smoking wilderness of fire and ice on the volcano-cones stands in sharp contrast to the colorful vegetation in Kamchatka's fertil valleys, it's clear lakes and vivid streams, which are abundant of fish.
Tourism in Kamchatka is hardly developed. One has to be very flexible, adjusting to every situation which might occur during a journey and it requires quite some experience to deal with it. We have conducted tours during the past six year successfully and achieved the necessary KnowHow. No participating expedition member has ever been disappointed.
However we expect, that all members are accommodating and capable to let off from their accustomed standards at home during this journey. One has to adjust in particular to the pace of a remote region and to 'Russian circumstances'. The following program should be thus understood just as a guideline, along which we will be trying to pursue the voyage. And not as a precise itinerary. We might change this program on the way and visit destinations in a completely different order.
If you are ready to get along with such circumstances, if you are patient enough, you'll certainly enjoy the tremendous nature-experience.
Tourism in Kamchatka is hardly developed. One has to be very flexible, adjusting to every situation which might occur during a journey and it requires quite some experience to deal with it. We have conducted tours during the past six year successfully and achieved the necessary KnowHow. No participating expedition member has ever been disappointed.
However we expect, that all members are accommodating and capable to let off from their accustomed standards at home during this journey. One has to adjust in particular to the pace of a remote region and to 'Russian circumstances'. The following program should be thus understood just as a guideline, along which we will be trying to pursue the voyage. And not as a precise itinerary. We might change this program on the way and visit destinations in a completely different order.
If you are ready to get along with such circumstances, if you are patient enough, you'll certainly enjoy the tremendous nature-experience.
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1st - 2nd day:
Flight from Frankfurt to Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka.
3rd day:
During the forenoon we'll set out to supplement our equipment and the food-supplies for the tour. We then leave on a Four-Wheel-Drive-Vehicle for the first ride to the volcano: Avachinsky (2710 m). We'll follow a rough river-bed and finally walk the last few hundred meters to a mountain cabin.
During the afternoon, we'll explore the sourroundings and while easy walking across lava fields, will reach a bizarre rock-needle. Above us the ice-scowling slopes of the majestic Koryaksky (3456 m) and the constant trail of smoke, gushing out of the crater of Avachinsky. Overnight in hut or tents.
Flight from Frankfurt to Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka.
3rd day:
During the forenoon we'll set out to supplement our equipment and the food-supplies for the tour. We then leave on a Four-Wheel-Drive-Vehicle for the first ride to the volcano: Avachinsky (2710 m). We'll follow a rough river-bed and finally walk the last few hundred meters to a mountain cabin.
During the afternoon, we'll explore the sourroundings and while easy walking across lava fields, will reach a bizarre rock-needle. Above us the ice-scowling slopes of the majestic Koryaksky (3456 m) and the constant trail of smoke, gushing out of the crater of Avachinsky. Overnight in hut or tents.
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4th day:
If you like to climb the active Avachinsky, this is your chance! You'll have to manage an ascent of seven hours. However, if you decide to dispense with the crater on a less fatigueing walk, you may well hike to another viewpoint during the day. And you'll be fascinated of the spectacular panoramic view: towards the Pacific, the mighty Koryaksky-volcano, across other small volcanoes in the area and the vastness of the Siberian taiga. Overnight in hut or tents.
If you like to climb the active Avachinsky, this is your chance! You'll have to manage an ascent of seven hours. However, if you decide to dispense with the crater on a less fatigueing walk, you may well hike to another viewpoint during the day. And you'll be fascinated of the spectacular panoramic view: towards the Pacific, the mighty Koryaksky-volcano, across other small volcanoes in the area and the vastness of the Siberian taiga. Overnight in hut or tents.
5th day:
We'll start early and continue to the Central Regions of Kamchatka. That's a long ride of approx. 700 km. But not only once we'll stop during this day to enjoy the diversity of changing landscapes, to take photographs, to watch passing elchs or, if we are lucky: bears!
We'll have a short lunch in the settlement of Malki an shall take a bath in the thermal spring. At the end of the day we'll reach the Kluchevskoy National Park, shall build up our tents along the shore of a small river, lighting up a campfire and enjoy the romantic atmosphere in the midth of bush. Overnight in tents.
We'll start early and continue to the Central Regions of Kamchatka. That's a long ride of approx. 700 km. But not only once we'll stop during this day to enjoy the diversity of changing landscapes, to take photographs, to watch passing elchs or, if we are lucky: bears!
We'll have a short lunch in the settlement of Malki an shall take a bath in the thermal spring. At the end of the day we'll reach the Kluchevskoy National Park, shall build up our tents along the shore of a small river, lighting up a campfire and enjoy the romantic atmosphere in the midth of bush. Overnight in tents.
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6th - 8th day:
If you didn't know a birch-tree-jungle yet, you'll experience it that day. The vehicle has a hard time to pass through the thicket and we, now and then, will have to bend the trees, to chop branches or even the trunks to get through. Slowly we get higher until we reach the remains of an incredible catastrophy:
It was in the mid-Seventies, when 120 'Hiroshima-bombs' blew off without warning here, in the form of an eruption with equivalent power. The heat destroyed all forests nearby, just leaving d ead trunks everywhere, and the black ashes covered most what was living before. Finally the magma dug out huge gorges and hell showed its true face.
If you didn't know a birch-tree-jungle yet, you'll experience it that day. The vehicle has a hard time to pass through the thicket and we, now and then, will have to bend the trees, to chop branches or even the trunks to get through. Slowly we get higher until we reach the remains of an incredible catastrophy:
It was in the mid-Seventies, when 120 'Hiroshima-bombs' blew off without warning here, in the form of an eruption with equivalent power. The heat destroyed all forests nearby, just leaving d ead trunks everywhere, and the black ashes covered most what was living before. Finally the magma dug out huge gorges and hell showed its true face.
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We are driving across a moon-like landscape, and we'll walk. We'll ascend the fuming "two ladies", two smaller craters, which were the most nasty during eruption. We probably also visit the site, where the Russians tested their moon-vehicles. And finally we'll get close to the "Master", the icy Tolbachic , which is also the highest (3.085 m). Overnights in tents
9th day:
We'll leave this strange area, our vehicle takes us down to the river and finally to Kozyrevsk . This is a village like a fairytale from our dreams about Old Russia: With small decorated block-houses, surrounded by affectionately fostered gardens, friendly, industrious people, who live their modest lives under the hardships and in the seclusion of Siberia's wilderness.
We'll leave this strange area, our vehicle takes us down to the river and finally to Kozyrevsk . This is a village like a fairytale from our dreams about Old Russia: With small decorated block-houses, surrounded by affectionately fostered gardens, friendly, industrious people, who live their modest lives under the hardships and in the seclusion of Siberia's wilderness.
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During the afternoon you'll have sufficient time to collect your own impressions while walking around. To make this day a true Russian experience, we might order a Russian Sauna for the evening. Overnight in a simple pension.
10th day:
Passing over a bad road, we'll manage to reach Bystrinksy National Park. This area is known as the home of Ewenkian reindeer-hunters and the Koryaks. We'll visit the anthropological museum in the village of Esso and shall undertake a walk to the surroundings. In the evening you may take a bath in the Thermal Springs.
If we're lucky, the natives are celebrating a festival during the period of our stay. We try to be there on time to witness their colorful dances (we might change/reorganize the whole program for that reason)
10th day:
Passing over a bad road, we'll manage to reach Bystrinksy National Park. This area is known as the home of Ewenkian reindeer-hunters and the Koryaks. We'll visit the anthropological museum in the village of Esso and shall undertake a walk to the surroundings. In the evening you may take a bath in the Thermal Springs.
If we're lucky, the natives are celebrating a festival during the period of our stay. We try to be there on time to witness their colorful dances (we might change/reorganize the whole program for that reason)
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11th day:
Following the Bystraia-river (by car) down to the South of Kamchatka, we reach Milkovo, shall visit the market and have our lunch. Late in the afternoon, we'll build our camp somewhere near Malki.
Overnight in tents.
Following the Bystraia-river (by car) down to the South of Kamchatka, we reach Milkovo, shall visit the market and have our lunch. Late in the afternoon, we'll build our camp somewhere near Malki.
Overnight in tents.
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12th - 14th day:
We start for a three-day boats tour on the river Bystraia. There is no other way through the mountains, except this river. Accompanied by a Russian crew we float down the river in zodiacs. We'll experience a fantastic wilderness, dense forests and clear creeks, if we are lucky we'll see bears and eagles. We shall camp along the river in the evening, fish for salmon and trout ourselves and enjoy sitting at the campfire in the midth of nowhere, under a starry sky.
Overnights in tents
We start for a three-day boats tour on the river Bystraia. There is no other way through the mountains, except this river. Accompanied by a Russian crew we float down the river in zodiacs. We'll experience a fantastic wilderness, dense forests and clear creeks, if we are lucky we'll see bears and eagles. We shall camp along the river in the evening, fish for salmon and trout ourselves and enjoy sitting at the campfire in the midth of nowhere, under a starry sky.
Overnights in tents
15th - 17th day:
We'll continue our way to the South and reach the Thermal Springs of Paratunka, the recreation area for the crews of the nearby Nuclear Submarine Base. We follow a valley, climb a very steep road, finally drive cross-country to reach the volcanoes Gorelyi (1.829m) and Mutnovsky (2.322m). Both volcanoes are highly active. We shall build up the camp at the foot of the Gorelyi.
We'll continue our way to the South and reach the Thermal Springs of Paratunka, the recreation area for the crews of the nearby Nuclear Submarine Base. We follow a valley, climb a very steep road, finally drive cross-country to reach the volcanoes Gorelyi (1.829m) and Mutnovsky (2.322m). Both volcanoes are highly active. We shall build up the camp at the foot of the Gorelyi.
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The following day, we'll start the ascent of the Gorelyi. This is an easy climb of approx. 3 hours. The main crater is formed by several smaller craters. It is recommendable to add some 2-3 hours for a hike around. We thus descend 150 meters in altitude to a poisonous lake at the bottom of the most active crater. Fumaroles of sulfur-vapor emerge, the green water consists of hot hydrochloric acid and (even more appetizing), a mixture of sulfuric-acid and nitric-acid. Whatever you wish to be dissolved, your mother-in-law or parts of your equipment, just drop it here in this delicious soup.
We climb the summit of the main crater and descend along levelled slopes.
The next day we'll try the Mutnovsky. Its crater is really steamy. Russian cosmonauts described the activity of this crater as being the most spectacular impression, they ever had in their lives. Check yourself!
If the conditions will allow, we can get very close to the crater by car, so that we just will have to walk three hours. Else we'll have to hike a bit longer of course.
Overnights in tents.
We climb the summit of the main crater and descend along levelled slopes.
The next day we'll try the Mutnovsky. Its crater is really steamy. Russian cosmonauts described the activity of this crater as being the most spectacular impression, they ever had in their lives. Check yourself!
If the conditions will allow, we can get very close to the crater by car, so that we just will have to walk three hours. Else we'll have to hike a bit longer of course.
Overnights in tents.
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18th day:
We'll return to Paratunka. At the swimming pool of a thermal bath we'll rest and recover from our climbs.
Overnight in tent
19th day:
Drive to Petropavlovsk and to the Pacific Ocean. We undertake a three hours boats-tour across the Avacha Bay to seal colonies and a bird's island. Lateron we return to Petropavlovsk, visit the museum. Overnight in guesthouse
We'll return to Paratunka. At the swimming pool of a thermal bath we'll rest and recover from our climbs.
Overnight in tent
19th day:
Drive to Petropavlovsk and to the Pacific Ocean. We undertake a three hours boats-tour across the Avacha Bay to seal colonies and a bird's island. Lateron we return to Petropavlovsk, visit the museum. Overnight in guesthouse
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20th day:
Opportunity for souvenir-shopping in the forenoon. Don't forget to buy sufficient Smoked King Salmon or Caviar for your beloved ones at home. In the afternoon transfer to the airport.
Flight from Petropavlovsk to Moscow or St. Petersburg and further.
21st day:
Arrival in Frankfurt.
Opportunity for souvenir-shopping in the forenoon. Don't forget to buy sufficient Smoked King Salmon or Caviar for your beloved ones at home. In the afternoon transfer to the airport.
Flight from Petropavlovsk to Moscow or St. Petersburg and further.
21st day:
Arrival in Frankfurt.
Kindly take note:
You need a visum for travels to Kamchatka. Application forms will be sent to you after your booking. Entry to Russia requires a valid passport, valid at least six month longer than the date of your return.
You should have an average hiking condition.
There are no maintained trails in Kamchatka. You'll have to walk cross-country. The climbs of the vulcanoes Avachinsky and Gorelyi are strenuous. However, if you think you can't make it, you may return to the base-camp anytime.
Due to unforseeable local circumstances, weather-conditions or the like, a change of the routing might be necessary. You are willing to accept this condition and ready to adapt to whatever might occur on the way.
You are also willing to actively help your co-participants and our Russian partners to build up the camp and to cooperate with them, whenever your assistance is necessary.
The sanitary- and accommodation-standards in Kamchatka are very basic. However water is very clean.
You need a visum for travels to Kamchatka. Application forms will be sent to you after your booking. Entry to Russia requires a valid passport, valid at least six month longer than the date of your return.
You should have an average hiking condition.
There are no maintained trails in Kamchatka. You'll have to walk cross-country. The climbs of the vulcanoes Avachinsky and Gorelyi are strenuous. However, if you think you can't make it, you may return to the base-camp anytime.
Due to unforseeable local circumstances, weather-conditions or the like, a change of the routing might be necessary. You are willing to accept this condition and ready to adapt to whatever might occur on the way.
You are also willing to actively help your co-participants and our Russian partners to build up the camp and to cooperate with them, whenever your assistance is necessary.
The sanitary- and accommodation-standards in Kamchatka are very basic. However water is very clean.
What is included:
- Economy-class flights from Frankfurt via Moscow or St. Petersburg to Petropavlovsk and retur,
- Overnights in guesthouses, private homes or huts
- tent-overnights (2 persons/tent),
- full meals during the boats tour on Bystraia,
- boats tour on Bystraia in zodiacs (3 days)
- boats tour in Avacha Bay
- Four-Wheel-Drive-vehicle
- Russian crew
- English-speaking guide,
- all local fees
- airport taxes.
What is not included:
- Meals in Kamchatka during the tour (ca. 150,- €)
- other meals in restaurants,
- drinks, tips, personal expenses,
- visum-fee,
- obligatory health-insurance,
- other insurances.
- Economy-class flights from Frankfurt via Moscow or St. Petersburg to Petropavlovsk and retur,
- Overnights in guesthouses, private homes or huts
- tent-overnights (2 persons/tent),
- full meals during the boats tour on Bystraia,
- boats tour on Bystraia in zodiacs (3 days)
- boats tour in Avacha Bay
- Four-Wheel-Drive-vehicle
- Russian crew
- English-speaking guide,
- all local fees
- airport taxes.
What is not included:
- Meals in Kamchatka during the tour (ca. 150,- €)
- other meals in restaurants,
- drinks, tips, personal expenses,
- visum-fee,
- obligatory health-insurance,
- other insurances.
Number of participants:
Minimum 9, maximum 13 persons
Travel Dates:
15.06. - 05.07.12
06.07. - 26.07.12
*27.07. - 16.08.12
*03.08. - 23.08.12
*17.08. - 06.09.12
24.08. - 13.09.12
Price (21 days) out of Frankfurt:
Euro: 3.650,-
from other destinations pls. inquire
Surcharges:
- Single tent: 120,- €
*Add. Cost for flight: +140,- €
- Small group (6-8 persons)+ 240,- €
Minimum 9, maximum 13 persons
Travel Dates:
15.06. - 05.07.12
06.07. - 26.07.12
*27.07. - 16.08.12
*03.08. - 23.08.12
*17.08. - 06.09.12
24.08. - 13.09.12
Price (21 days) out of Frankfurt:
Euro: 3.650,-
from other destinations pls. inquire
Surcharges:
- Single tent: 120,- €
*Add. Cost for flight: +140,- €
- Small group (6-8 persons)+ 240,- €
If interested in this journey, pls. inquire