Guide-volcanologist in the regions of Tolbachik, Mutnovsky and Gorely volcanoes; Guide-ichthyologist, salmon specialist at Azhabachje Lake; Guide-botanist in Nalychevo Nature Park; Guide assistant; Interpreter; Cooker.
We heartily invite you to take part in Big Travel into mysterious land of Kamchatka which is two times larger then England and half as much again larger then Japan. This route was originally worked up and is being carried out by the company Volcanolog Tour.
In 16 days visitors may fly, float and hike over the half of this amazing and wild land. You will see salmon spawning on Azhabachje Lake, travel by ship 70 kilometers from east to west up the largest river of the peninsula - the Kamchatka River.
You will fly over the highest active volcano in Europe and Asia, Klyuchevskaya Sopka, wonder at the grandiose panorama of the whole Klyuchevskaya Volcano Group and Sheveluch volcano. Our visitors together with volcanologists of the Russian Academy of Science may climb on the active Plosky Tolbachik Volcano and for sure will be charmed by the moon landscapes of Tolbachik region, where the 1-st lunar rover was tested by Russian scientists.
Swimming in hot springs is available in the village of Esso, where you meet the aboriginal cultures of Kamchatka, the Itelmen, and learn the life of the Even nomadic reindeer herders directly in tundra.
The culmination point of the tour is the visit to the worldwide known "Valley of Geysers" and the National Park "Nalychevo". On the return flight to P/K you admire the turquoise crater lake of Maly Semlyachik volcano and the active volcano Karymsky.
This route is the most civilized; you don't have to use tents. The tourists spend only two nights at Tolbachik Volcano at an altitude of 1100 m in the huts sleeping in sleeping bags. The rest of the time they are accommodated at small hotels and in cottages. There is always hot water or Russian Sauna there.
This itinerary is appropriate for all ages: children from 12 as well as older people, who are over 70, may take part in this travel. You will never regret that you experienced such an adventure!
Day 1:
Breakfast. Arrival at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation at a hotel of P/K or Paratunka. Dinner.
From the very beginning of the travel (in good weather) the tourists have got a chance to watch the 3 great volcanoes visible from almost everywhere in Yelizovo & P/K. These are Koryaksky (3456 m), Avachinsky (2741 m) and Kozelsky (2189 m) volcanoes called "house volcanoes" by the citizens of both towns.
Visit to the museum of the Institute of Volcanology of the Russian Academy of Science. Talks for the details and discussion of the program. Supper and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2:
Breakfast. A bus trip to the central part of Kamchatka to the village of Kozyrevsk (570 km - 9 hours). Dinner on the route in the library of the village Milkovo. Accommodation at a hotel. Supper and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3:
Breakfast. Passage from Kozyrevsk to Azhabachje Lake on board of the ship "Boris Piip". Stop for dinner at the Meteorological Service Post. Russian sauna in the evening. Supper and overnight in wooden houses.
Day 4:
Breakfast. An excursion alongside Azhabachje Lake on small boats accompanied by an ichthyologist. Watching salmon spawning in small rivers and in the lake. Picnic in the open air, Russian fish soup "ukha" - made of freshly caught fishes. Russian sauna in the evening. Supper and overnight in wooden houses.
The village Klyuchi was founded in 1741 by Russian migrant farmers. According to some statements, the name of the town originates from the great number of wells in the Kamchatka River. Its main attraction is the Volcanological Station, which has been operating since 1935.
Day 5:
Breakfast. Passage from Azhabachje Lake to Klyuchi. Stop at a fishing ground for dinner. On the way you may see the grandiose panorama of the Klyuchevskaya group of volcanoes and Shiveluch Volcano. Arrival at Klyuchi. Accommodation in the hotel. Supper: in good weather it is a picnic, in bad weather it's supper at a restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
The Klyuchevskaya volcano group represents the most interesting volcanoes in Kamchatka. Invisible to us, the two volcanic arches of the Kurilo-Kamchatkaya and the Aleutskaya volcanoes came together to the east of the Kamchatka River. As a result the largest group of volcanoes (12) was created in this relatively small area (65 thousand sq.km). These are the largest volcanoes of Europe and Asia. Klyuchevskoy Volcano (4750 m), Kamen Volcano (4575 m), Ushkovsky (3943 m), Krestovsky (4108 m), Ostry Tolbachik (3682 m), Plosky Tolbachik (3083 m), Bezymianny (2800 m), Ovalnaya Zimina (3061 m), Ostraya Zimina, Bolshaya Udina (2923 m), Malaya Udina (1945 m) and Sredny (3020 m).
Day 6:
After breakfast you are given an option of 2 variants:
1-st variant:
Automobile excursion to the base of volcanologists located not far from the ancient slag cone "Podkova" ("The Horseshoe") on the slope of the Klyuchevskoy Volcano at an altitude of 900 m. It is 2 hours' drive from village Klyuchi. From the base "Podkova" you make a 3 hours' foot excursion first to the side crater of Klyuchevskoy Volcano "Lepyoshka" ("The Cake"), then to the side cone "Levashova" at an altitude of 1100 m and then further to the side crater "Circus" (altitude 1500 m). You may even drive to the crater "Circus" depending on the season.
The way passes through mountainous tundra, where there is a lot of blueberry and black cowberry. This way is not hard and is available for all the categories of tourists. There is a small house of volcanologists and an automatic seismic station on the edge of the crater at the altitude of 1500 m.
A great, magnificent view on 15 side cones of Klyuchevskoy Volcano, on Kamchatka River and on Kharchinsky mountain ridge and Shiveluch volcano behind the river is revealed from the top of "Circus". The relative height of some of the cones exceeds 2000m.
Our tourists will be five kilometers far from the top of Klyuchevskoy Volcano the highest volcano of Europe and Asia. It is also the youngest active volcano in Kamchatka. During the time of its existence (over 7000 years) it has erupted as many volcanic products as the half of the volcanoes of Kamchatka peninsula and the Kuril Islands. It is always in the stage of eruption.
Lunch on the edge of the crater, after that return to the truck. The tourists drive back in Klyuchi in the evening and have their supper in the house near the volcanological station of Kamchatka. Overnight at the hotel.
2-nd variant: (In case we get an FSB permission to visit Shiveluch volcano)
After breakfast a 2 hours' trip by truck to Shiveluch volcano passing volcano Zarechny. Stop at an altitude of 600 m at the entrance to canyon Baidarny, which leads to Shiveluch. An easy climb up the beautiful canyon to the active volcano Shiveluch to an altitude of 1000 m will take 3 hours. Picnic on the volcano. The tourists may observe an impressive panorama of 8 volcanoes of Klyuchevskaya Volcano Group, the valley of the river Kamchatka with multiple lakes, Kharchinsky mountain ridge and Kharchinskoe Lake. A 2 hours' excursion around the site. Return to the truck. Drive back to Klyuchi. Supper at the volcanological base. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7:
Breakfast. Visit to the oldest scientific unit in Kamchatka - the volcanological station in Klyuchi and then drive to Tolbachik Volcano. Dinner in Kozyrevsk. Arrival at Tolbachik. Lodging in the Institute of Volcanology expedition camp. Supper. Overnight in sleeping bags in a bunkhouse.
Day 8:
Breakfast. Excursion to the cones of the New Tolbachik Volcanoes of the 1975 eruption. Scaling the 2-nd cone. The temperature on its top is about 400o C at the depth of only 30 centimeters. Looking over the platforms with new minerals. A magnificent view at the volcano Tolbachik and the surrounding moonlike landscape reveals from the height of 350m.
The volcanoes Plosky Tolbachik (3085 m) and Ostry Tolbachik (3682 m) are located at the southern end of the Klyuchevskoy volcano group. Excursion to Plosky Tolbachik and to the eruption of the Tolbachik Volcano (1975 -1976 eruption) is made by a truck from the village Kozyrevsk to the seismic observatory Vodopadnaya, located at the height of 800 m on the volcano slope. The path to the top of the Volcano runs through the lava flow and bomb field formed in 1941 during side eruption of Plosky Tolbachik. You will be amazed by the view of moon landscapes - these are the areas of modern volcanism. And by the way, it is exactly here, where the first lunar rover was tested by Russian scientists. The area of Tolbachik was chosen for its incredible similarity with the Moon landscape. Volcanologists will share with great pleasure their knowledge about Tolbachik Volcanoes` eruptions, their post-volcanic activity and products of volcanic eruptions. This tour requires neither special training nor alpine equipment. Do not miss this unique opportunity to explore volcanoes of Kamchatka!
Excursion to the Dead Forest. Lunch in the Forest.
Drive to the mount Vysokaya by truck. Excursion to the top and to the crater of the mount. Tourists may see and take volcanic bombs as souvenirs. From the top of "Vysokaya" there reveals an enchanting panorama of 45-km zone of slag cones. Volcanoes Kizimen and Kronotsky are visible on the skyline as well. Kronotsky volcano is also called Fujiyama of Kamchatka; it exceeds the famous Japanese volcano with its regular form and height (3528 m).
Transfer to the first cone of the New Tolbachik Volcanoes. Watching xenoliths, thrown out during the 1975 eruption. Return to the camp. Supper. Overnight in a bunkhouse of the Institute of Volcanology in sleeping bags.
Day 9:
After breakfast you are given an option of 2 variants:
Option 1: (Performed on the wish of tourists for additional payment)
In favorable weather a helicopter comes to Tolbachik. The tourists board it and make a flight over Klyuchevskaya Volcano Group (the flight is paid for by the tourists). Trip to Esso. Supper and overnight in wooden houses.
Option 2:
In bad weather drive to Esso by a truck. Dinner on the bank of Studenaya River.
Supper and overnight at a hotel. Russian songs or Itelmen dances.
Day 10:
After breakfast visit to the ethnographic museum and to the souvenir saloon. A helicopter flight to a reindeer heard. Acquaintance with the life of nomad tribes of Evens. Return flight to Esso. Supper and overnight at the hotel.
Day 11:
(This is the most interesting and at the same time the most expensive day of the tour.) After breakfast the tourists drive from Esso to river Kirganik, the tributary of Kamchatka River. The way takes 4 hours. 3 hours after the tourists drive out from the village a helicopter flies out of Petropavlovsk to Kirganik. At 1:00 PM the visitors board the helicopter and make a flight over Kronotskoye Lake. After that they land in the caldera of the ancient volcano Uzon, make a 1-hour excursion around it to solfataras, mud gryphons and to thermal springs accompanied by the guide. Then pay a visit to the worldwide known "Valley of Geysers". Excursion in the valley takes 2 hours. Dinner at the restaurant in the "Valley of Geysers". Flight over Maly and Bolshoi Semlyachik volcanoes and of the erupting volcano Karymsky. Landing in the National Nature Park "Nalychevo". Bathing in hot mineral springs. Supper at the canteen. Overnight in cottages two by two.
Day 12:
After breakfast a trip to natural mineral springs - "The Narsans". On the way you may view a panorama of 3 volcanoes: Aag, Aaric and Koryaksky. The way is not hard; it runs along the forest path. It takes almost the whole day to get to the destination and back. Lunch on the way. Return to the camp. Bathing in hot mineral springs. Supper in the light of the campfire and overnight in cottages.
The territory of Nalychevo has a complex geological construction and interesting history of volcano-magma and hydrothermal activity. It consists of the valley Nalychevo with the river going out to the Pacific Ocean and its mountain framing that mainly consists of the ancient extinct volcanoes and the 4 active volcanoes: Koryaksky (3456 m), Zhupanovsky (2958 m), Avachinsky (2571 m), Dzenzursky (2285 m).
Day 13:
After breakfast excursion around the Park's territory to the thermal grounds. Visit to the museum of "Nalychevo". Dinner in the bunkhouse. In the afternoon return to Paratunka by helicopter. Supper and overnight at the hotel.
Day 14:
Breakfast. Visit to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Sightseeing, shopping, visit to the local market, purchase of souvenirs. Visiting Kamchatka Regional Museum. Dinner and supper at the restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15:
(RESERVE DAY in case of bad weather conditions during the tour) Breakfast. Sea trip around Avacha Bay and fishing take 6 hours. Fishing sea redfish is made from board of the vessel. Or, if the weather is good, flight over Mutnovsky and Gorely volcanoes (paid by the tourists additionally). A farewell dinner in the jurt. Exotic dishes are made exclusively of local products. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 16:
After breakfast departure for the airport. Return flight P/K - Moscow.
Who can participate in this travel?
Even children over 12 (they have a discount of 50%) or elder people can take part in this journey. In 1996, a bishop from Switzerland of 70 years old took part in our tour.
What should I take with me?
Trekking boots, warm coat, and sleeping bag. If you don't wish to take a sleeping bag with you, we'll provide you with it.
Are there any special requirements for the tourists?
YES! Leave all your problems and concerns at home. We require you to have a rest, a good rest, and a very good rest.
TOUR PRICES :
Prices may vary and are subject to discussion depending on the number of clients. Additional payment for helicopter flights on the 9-th and 15-th days may be made only on the wish of the clients are not included in the price of the tour.
Postal Address:
VOLCANOLOG TOUR
Piyp Ave.,9, off.111, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, 683006, Russia
The volcanoes Plosky Tolbachik (3085 m) and Ostry Tolbachik (3682 m) are located at the southern end of the Klyuchevskoy volcano group. Excursion to Plosky Tolbachik and to the eruption of the Tolbachik Volcano (1975 -1976 eruption) is made by a truck from the village Kozyrevsk to the seismic observatory Vodopadnaya, located at the height of 800 m on the volcano slope. The path to the top of the Volcano runs through the lava flow and bomb field formed in 1941 during side eruption of Plosky Tolbachik. You will be amazed by the view of moon landscapes - these are the areas of modern volcanism. And by the way, it is exactly here, where the first lunar rover was tested by Russian scientists. The area of Tolbachik was chosen for its incredible similarity with the Moon landscape. Volcanologists will share with great pleasure their knowledge about Tolbachik Volcanoes` eruptions, their post-volcanic activity and products of volcanic eruptions. This tour requires neither special training nor alpine equipment. Do not miss this unique opportunity to explore volcanoes of Kamchatka!
Who can participate in this travel?