Traveling around Kamchatka on your own. Kamchatka: Practical information for independent travel

Kamchatka is one of the most exotic and interesting regions not only in Russia, but throughout the world.

I don't know if there is anywhere else where you can find ski resorts, the ocean, volcanoes, thermal springs, "ethnic" villages and an incredible selection of seafood nearby. How best and more convenient to see all the sights of this region. I'll tell you... This is Kamchatka!

The main airport of Kamchatka, which is located twenty-five kilometers northwest of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, is in an absolutely incredible natural environment. I don’t even know if there is another airport somewhere in the world, when landing on which the plane first maneuvers between mountain ranges and volcanoes, then makes a U-turn over the city, as if showing passengers where they are flying, and, finally, descends over the most picturesque bay in the world.

If you are going to Kamchatka, then here are the options for excursions in this wonderful region.

Helicopter tours

This excursion will provide an opportunity to see all the beauties of Kamchatka, which are usually inaccessible to the gaze while on the ground. Rise above majestic volcanoes, inaccessible alpine lakes, river sources, impenetrable mountain ranges and forests. Visit the crater of active and sleeping. Enjoy the spectacle of the diversity of the fauna of Kamchatka.

Only from a bird's eye view can you see the unique world of Kamchatka. Visit the most remote and untouched by civilization places.

Sightseeing helicopter tours in Kamchatka last on average 5-6 hours, and allow you to see most untouched territories, reserves and reserves, volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, spawning rivers and lakes with one or two landings.

Helicopter excursions will allow you to see the Valley of Geysers, the caldera of Uzon volcano, Nalychevo, Lake Kurilskoye, Ksudach volcano, and much more.

Climbing volcanoes

To visit Kamchatka and not climb? Live in the land of volcanoes and not conquer at least one of them? Climbing the volcanoes of Kamchatka, one of the most interesting and popular tourist routes on the peninsula among tourists and local residents. Excursion will reveal majestic horizons, mountain ranges, endless threads of rivers and mirrors of lakes. You will feel all the greatness and power of nature, walking along the narrow path between humanity and the universe. Standing at the top, you will know the very essence of being. You will see the end of the earth, where the world begins. You can climb volcanoes: Avachinsky, Gorely, Mutnovsky and to the waterfall "Spits of Veronica". Tours last from 1 to 3 days.

Jeep tours

We bring to your attention exciting travel on cross-country vehicles along light Jeeping routes, overcoming gravel and forest roads, combined with hiking and climbing volcanoes, as well as frankly heavy off-road. You can see the beauties of Kamchatka accessible only to hikers and off-road travelers, feel the atmosphere of real adventures, driving through unique places: forests, fields, swamps, crossing rivers and mountain passes. Make a tour to the Kuril Lake, to, to the waterfall "Spits of Veronica", to Gorely, Mutnovsky and Vachkazhets. Tours last one day.

Combined tours

If you like active rest in the bosom of nature - this is your option! Tours that combine active recreation on water, land and in the air are a series of impressions, bright and unforgettable, when emotions simply overwhelm. Such trips include hiking, climbing volcanoes, fishing, boat trips, diving, visiting nature reserves, hot springs, geysers.

Horse tours

An extraordinary feeling is to be experienced, which cannot even be imagined, standing with both feet on the ground. Only sitting in the saddle can one feel the feeling of flight, which from time immemorial was considered the privilege of birds. Horse riding tours in Kamchatka are exciting and unforgettable one-day and multi-day trips to the Pacific Ocean, to Timonovsky hot springs, through endless and the most beautiful reserves, to the sources of rivers and blue lakes.

Sea trips

Among the variety of tours and excursions offered to tourists in Kamchatka, I would especially like to note boat trips along the Avacha Bay and cruises along East coast peninsulas, Commander and Kuril Islands. This is not only a great opportunity to fully enjoy sea ​​voyage but also to visit unique reserves Kamchatka Territory. Watch the bird colonies. Follow the migration routes of whales. Enjoy the game of white-sided beauties Orcas. Race to ride on the waves with Kamchatka dolphins.

During excursions, on comfortable ships, you enjoy the views of picturesque bays, bays, steep rocky shores and grottoes. You take part in sea fishing. Experienced divers will get sea delicacies from the seabed: Kamchatka crab, sea ​​urchin, which you can taste without leaving the deck.

The cheapest tickets from Moscow and back

Rafting on the rivers of the Kamchatka Territory is one of the types of active water tourism. It is ideal for relaxing with friends, colleagues or family. No special skills and special physical training are required, suitable even for beginners active rest. Also, this type of recreation will help you relax, take a break from work and the bustle of the city in a short period of time. Rafting on the rivers in the spring, as they say "by big water”, is interesting in that rivers have top speed currents, which is very interesting for people who want to tickle their nerves.

In summer, rafting on the river acquires other advantages: it is warm, you can sunbathe, fish. At the same time, the rivers become calmer, so you can safely take children with you. Rafting on the rivers of Kamchatka is interesting because the landscapes are constantly changing along the banks of our rivers. The beauty and grandeur of the rocky shores, forests, turbulent tributaries are amazing. The nature of Kamchatka is also rich in local forest dwellers: foxes, hares, bears.

There are enough comfortable hotels in Petropavlovsk Kamchatsky. Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky hotels on their official websites offer their guests a large number of rooms at different prices and services to choose from. Additionally, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky hotels offer a wide variety of special offers.

Use all the possibilities for planning trips and business trips to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky! Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky hotels are waiting!

What types of hotels are there in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and how do they differ? The minimum cost of living in the hotels of the city is 1,200 rubles. There are several such hotels. Mini Hotels of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The minimum cost of living is from 700 rubles. This small hotels, which can simultaneously receive from 10 to 40 guests. Some mini-hotels have their own cafe. You can also stop at guest house or mountain sports base. You can choose the most suitable option for yourself.

The magical land is waiting for you. Welcome to experience!

Read about Kamchatka.

We tell you when is the best time to organize independent trip to the Kamchatka Peninsula. How to get there and what you must see.

Kamchatka is a land of contrasts. When going to the peninsula, tourists read reviews of experienced travelers, watch educational films, videos, but when they arrive at their destination, they realize that they don’t know anything about it. In the east of Russia there are many museums, historical and architectural monuments, but the main attraction are natural beauty. Fire-breathing volcanoes, snow caps on the peaks, steppes with lush greenery and flowers, an abundance of mushrooms and berries - all this remains to be discovered curious tourists.

NOTE:

• What to see
• What to try

When is the best time to go

The peninsula is attractive in summer, autumn and winter. In the spring it is usually wet and cloudy, from entertainment - only trips to museums. From to , and sometimes winter entertainment prevails. At this time, you can ski in the mountains, on the steppes on dog sledding and bathe in thermal springs. Clean frosty air, breathtaking landscapes, fun entertainment will not leave any traveler indifferent.

Another picture in Kamchatka opens in the warm season. Summer here is short and cool, although sometimes the air warms up to + 35 ° C. To catch warm weather, it is recommended to plan a trip for the second half - August. Comfortable autumn weather on the peninsula is established from the end of August and lasts until. Popular in summer and autumn hiking tours, including hiking for mushrooms, berries, fishing.

How to get to the peninsula

Although Kamchatka is a peninsula, the route connecting it with mainland RF, does not exist (with the exception of winter roads). You can get there by air or sea. Of course, for tourists who are planning an independent trip to Kamchatka, the first option is more comfortable, since air traffic allows you to get here without a direct flight. Planes arrive at the airport in Yelizovo, located 30 km from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the capital of the peninsula. On small aircraft from here you can go to settlements most popular with tourists.

Are you planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help save money at the stage of preparation for the trip.

What to see from the sights

At any time of the year in this region you can find interesting sights. But the most beautiful nature is in summer and autumn. During this period, miracles are found at every step. The neighborhood of snow and lush greenery here does not surprise anyone, as well as a hike on a snow cover under the scorching sun.

Since Kamchatka is called the land of volcanoes, the fire-breathing mountains are considered the main attraction. There are about three hundred of them on the peninsula, 30 of them are active. To hear the breath of the Earth, you just need to climb to the top of the volcano. And at the foot you can stock up on blueberries, admire the representatives of the flora and take pictures against the backdrop of a luxurious snow cap.

Thermal springs are the children of volcanoes. There are about two hundred of them in Kamchatka. Some sources calmly flow out, others seethe, others gush like a fountain, releasing steam. Near them you can usually find mud pots, in which vacationers take mud baths. Mud and water are healing. Do not miss the opportunity to swim in the springs.

Tourist seasons in Kamchatka

For your convenience in planning your vacation, we will tell you about the features of traveling around Kamchatka in different seasons and explain what time is most favorable for a particular activity.

The peak of attendance of Kamchatka by tourists, of course, falls on the summer season.
Let's start with him.

Kamchatka rightfully bears the name of the fish land. Fishing is one of the main economic areas of the peninsula. Not to mention the fact that there are a lot of avid fishermen among the local population. Moreover, both river / lake and sea fishing is common. River and coastal waters abound in a very wide variety of species, but of course the most famous are salmon: mykizha, coho salmon, kunja, chum salmon, pink salmon, char, sockeye salmon, chinook salmon.

fishing lovers can come to Kamchatka already from the beginning to the middle of June - the time when chinook (king salmon) - the largest of the Pacific salmon - enters the rivers.
Fishing in Kamchatka continues until October.
Also in June, boat trips along Avacha Bay, to Russkaya Bay will start and will continue until the end of September.

July and August- the most favorable months for lovers of trekking and climbing: snow comes off almost all slopes, with the exception of non-melting snowfields and glaciers in the highlands, trails are open. Helicopter excursions to the Valley of Geysers and Kuril Lake also start in July.

August- I would like to emphasize that it is the final summer month - the most pleasant time for traveling around the peninsula, when there are a lot of fish in the rivers, all routes are open, the weather is warmest; it's the same right time for watching bears on the Kuril Lake and for trips to the Klyuchevskaya group of volcanoes (to the Tolbachik volcano).

September- the trekking period continues, the mountain circus of the Vachkazhets volcano is especially beautiful at this time, but snow is already falling on the tops of many volcanoes.
Excursions are also made to the Valley of Geysers and to the Kuril Lake, boat trips.
September is a great time for photo tours, when nature acquires bright contrasting colors, the air becomes clearer.

October November- fishing is still available on some rivers until mid-October: Opala, Pymta, Bolshaya. But the main tourist destinations are no longer available: snow falls, the summer season closes and preparations for the winter season begin.

Winter season in Kamchatka it starts in December and continues until the snow melts - that is, almost until mid-May (in mountainous areas).

December - January- the most wonderful and magical time is of course new year holidays! If you decide to spend them in Kamchatka, then you will find a wide variety of snowmobile excursions, ski resorts, dog sledding and even boat trips.

February - April- during this period, freeride lovers tend to get to Kamchatka. Here you will find the most interesting routes for ski touring, which are accompanied by the most experienced mountain guides of Kamchatka. The most experienced and advanced riders will discover the slopes of volcanoes and the most high mountains where helicopters will deliver them are heliskiing and heliboring.

Snowmobile excursions to volcanoes, hot springs, coast Pacific Ocean. You can also get to the ocean in winter on super-passable off-road vehicles that will confidently take you through snowdrifts to the ocean beach with black volcanic sand.

May- the snow cover begins to slowly open up routes for us to travel to volcanoes by car. We will be the first to pave the way to the Mutnovsky volcano, which is also beginning to thaw and provide best review its active crater, and the caldera of the Gorely volcano is covered with the brightest blue lakes.

Plan your trip with us and know that no matter what season you choose for a trip to Kamchatka, our region will always find something to surprise you and leave unforgettable pleasant memories!

general information

It must be remembered that you can get to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky - the main city of the region only by plane. The plane arrives at the Elizovo airport (30 km from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky). The airport connects Kamchatka with Russian cities- Moscow, St. Petersburg, Samara, Novosibirsk, Magadan, Krasnoyarsk, Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Irkutsk.

It is necessary to tell us in advance information about your arrival: flight number, date of departure, airport of departure - this information is necessary for us to organize your meeting. (nnon-standard meetings are negotiated additionally with a representative of the company, pcosts associated with being late or early departure not reimbursed)

The cost of stay programs includes: transfers according to the program, services of a professional guide, meals on routes, accommodation on routes, permission to visit parks.

Off-route meals and all food preferences for on-route meals (what is allowed, what is desirable and what is not to be eaten) are agreed in advance.
It must be borne in mind that as a result of the vagaries of the Kamchatka weather, the order of routes may be changed. Routes such as climbing volcanoes, excursions around Avacha Bay, helicopter route options are sensitive to changes in weather conditions.

Planning a trip to Kamchatka

Even a month is not enough to enjoy the beauties of Kamchatka. In any case, you need to plan a trip for at least a week.

You can and should start looking for tickets for the summer months in the fall. Fortunately, airlines provide such an opportunity. The closer to the date of the planned trip, the higher the cost of the ticket.

In addition, at the end of August, beginning of September, Kamchatka vacationers return home. A vacation in Kamchatka is planned very early.
In November - December, airlines often offer cheap airfare for March.
In the winter months, the cost of air tickets to Kamchatka is much lower than in the summer months.

There is only one way to get to the Kamchatka Peninsula - by air.
The message is year-round. Planes arrive at the airport of Yelizovo.

Non-stop flights to Kamchatka can be made from the following cities:
Moscow, Khabarovsk, Vladivostok

Direct flights with 1 or 2 landings depart from:
St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Krasnodar, Yekaterinburg

When you check in for a flight P ask for a window seat on the left side of the cabin in the direction of the aircraft. It will simply take your breath away when the plane, going downhill, suddenly plunges into the clouds and “emerges” from them will present to your attention Kamchatka volcanoes in all its glory.

Some passengers, forgetting that they are on the plane, even try to turn around to continue enjoying themselves. great views. Having shown the volcanoes, the pilots will turn the plane towards the ocean, and your air liner will make a lap of honor over the most beautiful bay in the world - Avachinskaya ... In general, if it is possible to book seats in advance - do it, you will not regret it!

Visas and registration

Every foreign guest needs a visa to enter Russia. To apply to the Russian Embassy, ​​you will need an invitation from the host (your hotel, travel company, business partner or Russian friend). A tourist visa is valid for a maximum of 30 days.

To get a visa for more long trips, business visa (multiple entries 3, 6, 12 months) must have a good reason, although you will not be able to stay in Russia for more than 90 days in any 180 day period. Don't forget that you need an insurance certificate and a document confirming your negative HIV status if you want to get a visa for more than 3 months.

Check the documents at the consulate before submitting. You must be registered within 72 hours of your arrival in Russia. If you do not check in on time, you will have serious problems when you check out.

Tips

In Kamchatka, a service charge (tips) is usually not included in the bill, as is done in many countries.

Weather in Kamchatka is unpredictable and can change very quickly. In the mountains, the air temperature can drop to 0 ºС, precipitation in the form of rain, thick fog, strong wind, so be careful in choosing and preparing your clothes.

Mountain relief, talus, snowfields, grassy slopes, wet paths and stormy riversare a source of increased danger.
Tourists should remember that the mountains and gorges of Kamchatka are prone to avalanches, especially in February - March - during the period of heavy rainfall.

Kamchatka brown bear

Harmless at first glance, bears are actually quite dangerous ...

In Kamchatka, the largest brown bear in the world lives next to a person. They constantly meet each other in the forest, on rivers, lakes, in mountain valleys and at the foot of volcanoes. Bears are intelligent, curious and rather peaceful animals that usually prefer to avoid meeting you. They rarely attack people.

However, sometimes bears can threaten a person or even attack. This happens when a meeting with a person happens unexpectedly for them. Then they are forced to protect themselves and their offspring or just food. Situations are also dangerous when bears get used to human food. Thus, your safety, like the safety of the bear, will depend on you and on your reaction and actions in wild nature.

When traveling with a professional guide, listen to his advice and instructions. He is a professional and knows how to behave in the wild!

Don't harass the bear! Traveling through the wild, you find yourself in its territory!
- Never put up tents on the trail, even if it is poorly visible. Seeing a tent on its path, a bear may try to remove an unexpected obstacle from its path.
- Don't put tents too close to each other, creating a small area of ​​your camp. The bear should not be frightened by the sudden appearance of a large object (for example, a cluster of tents in one place).
- Do not allow food, especially condensed milk, to be stored in your backpacks. Bears can smell treats even through an iron can. And never miss an opportunity to get it out of your backpack! Give your products to the chef, who will put them in special containers.
- Keep your camp clean! Do not leave dirty dishes and food waste overnight. Wash dishes, burn waste, burn cans at the stake! Never bury waste! The bear will still try to dig up the find!
- Never imitate the growl of a bear and do not scream piercingly! You won’t be able to become a bear, but you can scare an animal and cause aggression - yes.
- If the bear is on the same path as you, step aside to a safe distance and let it pass!

Bears are the real rulers of Kamchatka. They are its guardians and deserve your respect. Do not violate their rights to the territory and then they will allow you to see yourself in their natural environment habitat without threats and attacks!

What to take with you to Kamchatka (standard list of things ):

Identity documents, compulsory health insurance policy.

♦ Backpack for 45 liters You will need a backpack of this volume for radial exits. For example, for climbing volcanoes. In a backpack you will carry a snack, as well as personal items - a hat, gloves, a jacket, etc. In case of warm weather, you can take off your jacket and put it in your backpack, in case of bad weather, take extra warm clothes with you.

♦ Trekking boots with hard grooved soles and waterproofing The ideal option is high mountain boots that fix the leg and protect the ankle. The corrugated sole is necessary for movement on stones, slag and snowfields. Impregnation from getting wet - is necessary to protect shoes while traveling in the rain, in the early morning, when the dew does not have time to dry yet, while crossing streams, snowfields, while rafting down mountain rivers. ! If you are purchasing new shoes, then before leaving for Kamchatka, you need to break them in well. Otherwise, in the mountains, you run the risk of rubbing your feet badly. Alternative - rubber boots without a heel.

♦Warm windproof waterproof jacket with a hood. In the mountains, even in the midst summer season snowfields persist, thick fog may suddenly fall (clothes get wet instantly), rain with strong gusts of wind is no exception. Having a hood on a jacket is a big plus.

♦Warm windproofwaterproof pants ski or snowboard pants that do not hinder movement are suitable.

♦Comfortable hiking clothes, shorts Things should be made of lightweight material that dries quickly and is able to retain heat in case of temperature changes. Do not take jeans and similar trousers to the mountains. They get wet quickly, dry for a long time, do not warm and do not keep warm.

♦ Sneakers After climbing and long transitions in the camp, you will be comfortable and pleasant to be in light shoes.

♦ thermal underwear The weather in Kamchatka is unpredictable. Therefore, there is never a lot of warm clothing, because it can be removed at any time. In thermal underwear it is also comfortable and convenient to sleep, being in a tent in a sleeping bag.

♦ A warm sweater It is especially necessary in the mountains in the late afternoon or at night, when the air temperature can drop very much.

♦wool socks Thick wool socks prevent blisters from forming. During long walks, it is not recommended to wear cotton and synthetic socks.

♦T-shirts It is desirable to have at least one T-shirt with long sleeves.

♦Gloves, warm mittens Protect your hands from the cold and cuts from slag or ice.

♦Woolen cap Protects from cold and wind.

♦Cap or panama hat For sun protection.

♦Change of underwear

♦Gaiters / gaiters / "lanterns" Worn over boots. Protect the foot and boot from small stones, sand, slag, snow and water. Particularly comfortable when climbing Mountain peaks and the passage of swampy terrain.

♦Bath and bathing accessories Necessary when visiting "wild" hot springs, as well as thermal pools near the Paratunka River.

♦Seat for sitting on stones and slag Sold in almost any sports store. They are light, do not interfere with movement, moreover, they are additional protection for the lower back. During rest stops, they are indispensable when sitting on rocks or on a cold slope.

♦Personal care products Kamchatka is a wild place. Therefore, during a multi-day hike, only in rare cases will you be able to use a shower or bath.

♦Individual first aid kit The instructor-guide will have a general first-aid kit with the necessary medicines. But, if you have any special medications that you may need, be sure to bring them with you. It is also desirable for everyone to have their own set, consisting of a patch and a bandage in case of corns and small cuts / scratches on stones.

♦Sunglasses They will protect your eyes from sun glare on the surface of the water and on the snow, and while fishing in good weather open the eyes to what is happening under water.

♦Headlamp with a set of spare batteries In the dark, it will be an indispensable assistant while searching for things in a tent, trails to the dining room or toilet.

♦Trekking poles. They greatly facilitate self-insurance when moving over stones, as well as when descending. On the rise and when driving on a flat surface, they save energy.

♦Sun cream and after sun When driving in clear weather, there is always a risk of sunburn. Snowfields and glaciers increase this risk several times.

♦Cream against mosquitoes and midges / balm after bites Mosquitoes and midges cause great inconvenience while traveling. We recommend that you always keep mosquito repellent in your backpack. In Kamchatka, Gardex (red) copes well with mosquitoes.

♦Mosquito net Sometimes there are so many mosquitoes and midges that no ointments help. In this case, a mosquito net will save you.

♦Knife The most convenient - small and foldable.

♦Photo and video equipment On the route, we recommend taking spare batteries / accumulators for cameras, as it will not be possible to charge them in the mountains. We also recommend taking spare memory cards with you. You will be photographing a lot, but the opportunity to free the card in time for new photos may not present itself.

♦Copies of documents in sealed packaging.

Advice. When traveling around Kamchatka, try to write down your feelings and impressions on paper. Perhaps this advice will seem completely stupid to you. However, the magic of Kamchatka's attraction is such that the bright colors and emotions given to you by this extraordinary land will overwhelm you even more when you are back on the plane heading back to your worries and everyday life.

At these moments, your notes will help you remember Kamchatka without sadness, and every now and then the memories that arise in bright flashes will form into an adventure story. After reading which sadness will be replaced by a firm intention - be sure to return

We will provide you with care and comfort, just tell us where…

We all know that when it is 15.00 in Moscow, midnight comes in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, which indicates that Kamchatka is very far from the capital.

This is the land of hills, geysers, erupting volcanoes, sandwiches with red caviar and brown bears stealing fish. An expedition to Kamchatka is an expensive and responsible business.

In this article, with all our desire, we will not be able to cover all the subtleties of Kamchatka tourism. But we will try to give a capacious overview of "interesting things", talk about independent travels, helicopter and automobile expeditions, and also flavor the dry narrative with video material. Let's hit the road!

Excursion to Kamchatka

Before planning a trip and laying routes in this harsh land need to decide on the travel time.

The peninsula has quite peculiar climate, which is formed by mountainous terrain and the proximity of the Pacific Ocean.

In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the climate is maritime and quite mild for the local latitudes: + 15 ° C in summer and around -10 ° C in winter.

Tourists most often come to these parts in spring and summer. Consider the benefits of each season.

• Spring. In March and April reign here:
  • ski fun;
  • snowmobile expeditions;
  • other winter activities.

  It is best to go to the north of the region.

• Summer. This season also partially captures September.
  During this period, you can admire the beauty of Kamchatka, its original nature. And there is something to see here:
  • volcanoes,
  • lakes,
  • hills,
  • forests,
  • well-preserved fauna.

When going to the north of Kamchatka in winter, get ready for frosts: the mercury column at the beginning of the year is at -22°C.

Only inquisitive minds are able to fully appreciate.

Learn as much as you can about the region before you travel.

Video travel around Kamchatka

After watching the video, you will understand a lot - you will be immersed in an isolated corner of the planet, which until recently was banned.

Travel by car

You can arrange a safari in Kamchatka on your own, or resort to the help of tour operators who organize multi-day auto expeditions.

The local landscape is predominantly mountainous and hilly, so in summer time SUV will be the best transport.

From Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, tours to the Bystrinsky district are regularly arranged. Often end point travel is one of the settlements located there.

Here is an approximate scheme of a forced march to the village of Esse (600 km from the capital of the region):

• Day 1. Arrival at the bus station of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Transfer to Esso with an intermediate stop in Milkovo.
  Arrival and accommodation in a private hotel.
• Day 2. Sightseeing tour of the village with a mandatory visit to the local museum.
  Snowmobile safari to Dimchikan cordon.
  Return to the hotel.
• Day 3. Snowmobiling to the volcanoes.
• Day 4. Breakfast and return transfer.

It is clear that snowmobiles are typical for winter recreation.

In the summer, off-road vehicles travel on the same routes. No less popular automotive destinations are:

• Klyuchevskaya Sopka;
• lake Azabachye;
• Tolbachik volcano;
• Khodutkinskiye sources;
• Kuril lake;
• Avachinsky volcano;
• Nalychevskaya valley;
• Uzon volcano caldera;
• Mutnovsky volcano;
• river Fast;
• Valley of Geysers.

If your trip is not within organized tour(you have planned a vacation as a savage), then keep in mind that an SUV will not do.

List of required tourist equipment should be done in advance.

Traveling on our own

Airfare prices can fluctuate significantly depending on the season.. Therefore, it is better to purchase them in advance.

In February, for example, it is quite possible to fly from Moscow and back for 21 thousand rubles, but in August, get ready to pay 60-70 thousand for the same tickets.

You can stay with private traders or in a hotel in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, but you should also worry about this in advance.

What to take on the road:

1. Proper clothing. The choice depends on the season.
   It is cold in Kamchatka in winter, and in summer there are torrential rains, which sometimes drag on for weeks and months.
   Conclusion - clothes should be:
   • waterproof,
   • light,
   • durable.

   This includes self-dumping pants, a storm jacket (preferably with a fleece lining), thermal underwear.

   In winter, it is worth focusing on warm pants and a waterproof down jacket.

2. Hiking boots. Shoes must be durable, waterproof and at the same time light. Ankle - closed. Buying such boots on the peninsula will cost a pretty penny.
   In winter, give preference to studded boots (useful in case of climbing a volcano).
3. Standard travel stuff:
   • salt,
   • matches,
   • dry fuel.

   All this is packed in polyethylene, which must be tightly sealed.

4. Basic equipment:
   • tents,
   • ropes,
   • cats,
   • sleeping bags.

   It is not necessary to take these things with you on the plane - they can be rented in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

5. Weapon. It sounds crazy, but if you have a hunting license, you should take a shotgun with you.
   The population of brown bears in Kamchatka is growing steadily. Cases of the theft of fish and food from the inhabitants of the villages by "bears" have become more frequent.
   It comes to the ridiculous - the inhabitants of the villages come out with mallets to ward off the clubfoot from their farmsteads. Sometimes bears bathe in thermal springs.
   If you don't have a license, buy an air gun or pepper spray.
6. GPS navigator. This essential tool may one day save your life.
   It is worth buying it in advance, since expensive and outdated models are sold on the peninsula. No cards. Download all software on the mainland, because there is sadness on the peninsula with the Internet.
7. Spare batteries. Needed in the phone and navigator.

To survive in Kamchatka and keep more good impressions please adhere to the following guidelines:

• Don't disturb wild animals. Watch the fauna from afar, without fanaticism.
• Feel free to drink water. Water in Kamchatka is almost the cleanest in the world. You can drink it:
  • from the tap,
  • from the rivers
  • lakes.
• Register a route. If your path leads to a natural park, fix the route in the Kamchatka Directorate of Natural Parks.
• Travel in a group. Solitude is good, but Kamchatka eats singles for breakfast and immediately forgets about it.
• Take geographic Maps . They can be obtained in souvenir and bookstores.
• Dress warmly. This is especially true for walks along the coast of Avacha Bay.
• Cash problems. Kamchatka - wild land with a minimum of ATMs. Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Yelizovo - that, perhaps, is all.
  Credit cards are not in use in Kamchatka, so stock up on cash in advance.

What to look at

Since we went to Kamchatka on our own, it’s worth calculating in advance the places that represent the greatest interest. About volcanoes and others natural objects we have already written, now let's look at the centers of civilization.

• Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Imagine that a time machine took you to the 60s.
  You have arrived in the capital of Kamchatka:
  • lack of intrusive advertising;
  • fishing boats in the port;
  • monuments to pioneers;
  • antediluvian "Khrushchev".

  The city is especially beautiful in autumn.

  The rhythm of life here is unhurried, people live at the expense of poachers and sailors.

• Paratunka. Tiny resort town, the main attraction of which is thermal springs.
  Sometimes a trickle of steam can escape from under the asphalt - here it is in the order of things.
  The wind brings volcanic ash from Klyuchevskaya Sopka.
  There is a public thermal complex and several sanatoriums.
• Yelizovo. From here you have a superb view of the business card» Kamchatka - Klyuchevskaya Sopka. By the way, this is a high-altitude champion among active Eurasian volcanoes.
  The infrastructure of the town is poor:
  • cafe,
  • hotel,
  • club,
  • dining room.

  Good communication with Petropavlovsk - buses run hourly.

• Esso. The best solution for a transfer between Petropavlovsk Esso and Yelizovo is a plane.
  If you are a supporter of extreme sports and SUVs, get ready for terrifying roads, which cannot be found in Russia.
  Near the village flows a fast and shallow river. Very clean.
  It is not necessary to look for a hotel in Esso - for 100-200 rubles you will get a room in any local dwelling.
• Vilyuchinsk. The Americans on their "NATO" maps designated this closed city as "The Wasp's Nest". Everywhere security (double cordon), a bunch of unemployed, abandoned apartments. It looks like the largest abode of combat submarines on the planet.
  Submarines moored in the local bay look like a gigantic whale cemetery - an unforgettable sight.

Rest in winter

Snow-white Kamchatka especially fascinates travelers, providing a lot of opportunities for extreme recreation.

It is better to order seven-day trips from a tour operator - so you will enjoy all the delights of this wild land.

With the onset of winter, the price of air tickets drops sharply. This is disturbing to many. There are also tourists who are sure that there is nothing to do in Kamchatka in winter.
This is not true - the peninsula is not in vain called the center of Russian extreme tourism.

Winter holidays can be diversified by the following entertainment:

• dog sledding expeditions;
• heli-skiing (landing from a helicopter on the mountain slopes);
• freeride on the volcanic landscape;
• snowmobile outings;
• :
  • Avache,
  • Paratunka,
  • Fast.
• mini-expedition (an elite type of vacation, because it drags on for a long time, and travelers rarely let “random” people into their circle);
• winter sport.

Kamchatka weather is unpredictable and severe. Cyclones can originate in the Pacific Ocean or the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, but forecasters cannot predict the speed of their movement. If you observe the sun in the morning, this does not mean that there will be no fog in the evening.

Dirt roads closed in winter high snow.

Kamchatka excursions

Helicopter excursions are one of the most expensive pleasures of Kamchatka - their cost starts from 32,000 rubles. Impressions, however, you will gain for many years to come.

You can fly to the following places:

• surroundings of Uzyan volcano;
• volcanoes Maly Semyonchik and Krymsky;
• Valley of Geysers;
• Kuril lake (to the bears);
• lake Dvuhyurtochnoe;
• hot lake Khodutka;
• Zhirovsky hot springs (with subsequent bathing);
• volcano craters (Gorely, Mutnovsky, Vilyuchinsky);
• the highest Eurasian volcanoes (Bezymyanny, Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Tolbachik, Kamen).

Hiking and car trips are much cheaper.

Superiority here keeps excursions to the Valley of Geysers - traditionally the most popular tourist destination. Tour operators try to include in the program of such trips:

• bathing in thermal springs;
• climbing the hills;
• visiting caves.

Of greatest interest here is the Polennitsa rock, whose caves are of lava origin.

In the vicinity of Vilyuchinsk there is not only a volcano (this is already difficult to surprise), but also a waterfall, to which walking and car excursions are arranged.

Boiling eggs and potatoes in hot springs, visiting dog kennels and aboriginal camps - your hands get tired of typing a list of Kamchatka attractions, to which experienced guides will lead you.

Summarize:

It is cheaper to contemplate the beauty of the Far East in prefabricated tourist groups.

Even the presence of an instructor does not give a 100% guarantee of your safety - bears and volcano slopes are unpredictable. From time to time, there are reports of the death of extreme tourists, so we advise you to arm yourself with endurance, attentiveness and a faithful shotgun.

Let the bear and the fog bypass you!

• Tour program
• Tour dates
• tour cost
• Equipment list
• Reviews
• Film about the trip
• Submit an application

See also the version of the program with a boat trip to the island of Starchikov instead of a physically difficult ascent to the Avachinsky volcano.

Reviews ->

We really liked the organization of the trip, everything was in full accordance with the declared program. Accommodation in Paratunka exceeded our expectations, because the description indicated a toilet and shower on the floor, in fact, the amenities were in the rooms. We were placed on different days at two bases, so details for each. Base Flamingo - two-room rooms for 4 people, with a toilet for the room, when settling, we were given as a family of 3 people full number 4, for which many thanks. Food - very tasty and plentiful, in the dining room in the building itself. Swimming pool within walking distance free of charge with thermal water. Base Laguna - a higher class than Flamingo, double rooms with private facilities, breakfast and dinner in a separate restaurant, very tasty. The pool with thermal water is cooler than at the Flamingo base. Climbing volcanoes - the pace is normal, the guides are guided by the group, there is a trailing guide for those who are lagging behind, safety measures are observed. Snacks on ascents and even on rafting - pleasantly surprised by a wide range of products - cheese, sausage are really tasty, nuts, dried fruits, chocolate, cakes, cookies, gozinaki, apples, tangerines - for every taste and always in sufficient quantities - for us who are used to to the usual trips with stew and porridge, it was unexpected. Tents were dry, high quality, sleeping bags too (rented). Special thanks to all our guides - the most cheerful driver in the world Denis, shift driver Uncle Lesha, guides to the volcanoes - Polina and Viktor, and many thanks to the guides on the rafting - Vyacheslav, Pavel and Sergey - it was very interesting and safe with you. The work of the guides on the rafting is worthy of a special note - they fed the fish soup (on the first day they fish specially for this), and caviar, and about 18 bears were counted in three days, in general, everything was excellent! In conclusion, I would like to thank the head of Kamchatka-Tour Alexander Pavlov - the program All Kamchatka is well thought out, planned and worked out, right up to the monument with bears and the song about Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky on the day of departure!)

Team tourist club“Kamchatka”, thank you so much for these days that you drove, drove, showed the beauties of the peninsula, helped, laughed and let me get out of my comfort zone. It was incredible journey. The organization of the tour is at the highest level, everything is thought out to the smallest detail: transfers, accommodation, food during the trips. But the most valuable thing is the people who have been with us all this time. These are not just professionals in their field, these are those who love Kamchatka with all their hearts, those who were born in this region and understand how lucky they are to be Kamchadal, those who once came here, fell in love with these open spaces and stayed. Open, hospitable, always ready to help. Thanks to the driver Denis at LoveBus, who charges with his positive, humorous, openness in the first minutes of meeting)) Our guide Polina is a girl who probably knows everything about volcanoes, a wonderful instructor, Polina is super! Rafting instructors Vyacheslav, Pavel, Sergey, next to whom no bears are afraid. With them, we survived in the wild, ate fish, learned to row with oars, and in general had a great rafting. Thanks to the driver Uncle Lyosha on the "Tramp of the North" with his interesting stories on the way to volcanoes and waterfalls, guides Lyosha and Vita, chef Albina. Special thanks to the head of the club, Alexander Pavlov, who gathered such a wonderful team, answered all the questions that arose during the training camp for Kamchatka, and which makes it possible to see the beauty of Kamchatka for affordable money. Tour Club "Kamchatka" - you are a great team! I wish you every success, prosperity, new interesting routes and enthusiastic tourists. In Kamchatka, one even breathes in a different way - easily and freely.

With the Tourclub Kamchatka in 2016 we made a "Great trip around Kamchatka", and in 2017 - " active volcanoes Kamchatka". Organization of tours on top! It is necessary to note the professionalism of the guides - Valentin Yakovenko and Viktor Shaposhnikov, their attentive attitude to all participants, goodwill, endurance, awareness of the nature and history of Kamchatka; the skill of the driver Alexander Karpov, who showed what Kamaz is capable of in the absence of roads, and the varied and tasty food provided by Anzhela Telenkova! And of course, the charming Denis Moyzykh, the driver of the “bus with hearts”. Special thanks to the organizer of the tours - Alexander Pavlov, who personally meets and escorts groups to all trips. Thanks to your team, Kamchatka has become an unforgettable part of our life!

Vereninova Olga, 2015

Mother and daughter aged 17. Saint Petersburg. Experienced hikers.

The most wonderful impressions from the organization of the entire route. Wonderful Andrey - reliable, cheerful, delicate, you can completely rely on him, knowing, feeling the strength of each member of the group. Assistants - ok, suitable.

Ludmila is a real tour guide. In general, the staff for every taste. Feeding - for slaughter with enumeration, varied.

Transport - super, especially the driver Sasha - a snowy route to the volcano, drove very close and neat.

The snow was unexpected. All the same, it is necessary to explain in the description what the leggings are for.

For future hikers: the list of equipment on the site is very well thought out, take everything point by point. The itinerary is just what you need!

Many thanks to the organizers, instructors, drivers of Kamchatka - it was something beyond, unattainable.

The nature is fantastic, I want to return.

Amirkhanov Rinat, Novosibirsk, 2015

The tour was interesting. Everything was great. Like climbing volcanoes beautiful nature around. The guide planned the route well and gave enough time to rest, everyone managed to get to the top. The guides Pasha and Sasha, who were with us on the rafting and climbing the volcano, know a lot about the nature of Kamchatka, answered all questions in detail, told interesting stories.

I liked the fish soup from the caught fish on the rafting.

In the hotel for breakfast (lunchbox) I would like rice to be alternated with something else and the breakfasts themselves would be more varied.

Tourists would recommend clothes that protect well from the wind, during the day it was warm enough. I also advise tourists to collect more sweets, nuts, dried fruits - put them in your pockets and use them on the rise.

I also want to thank our driver Sasha, who was able to take us far to the volcano, and the chef Lyudmila for the delicious borscht.