KAMCHATKA

SCHEDULE AND COST:

Dates: August 29 – September 8, 2023

Duration: 11 days / 10 nights

Number of participants: 7 – 11

Cost per person:
- 285,000 rubles subject to11 participants, or
- 305,000 rubles subject to 8 - 10 participants.
- 319,000 rubles subject to 7 participants.

* 10% discount for early booking participation (until March 29, 2023)

All inclusive except for:
- flight to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky,
- medical insurance,
- Russian visa (if required),
- partial lunches and dinners.

Estimated cost of the flight Moscow - Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky - Moscow: from 29,000 rubles (usually purchased independently, we advise).

Estimated cost of a one-way flight Yuzhno-Kurilsk - Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky: from 15,000 rubles (usually purchased independently, we advise).

The cost of a one-day helicopter tour to the Valley of Geysers: 56,000 rubles.
The cost of a one-day helicopter excursion to the Kuril Lake: 56,000 rubles.
The cost of a one-day ethnic excursion: 7,000 rubles.

Supplement for single accommodation: 75,000 rubles (single accommodation is provided along the route, except for glampings)




TRAVEL PROGRAM: EXPEDITION TO KAMCHATKA
Day 0. August 28, 2023. DEPARTURE TO KAMCHATKA

Flight to Kamchatka.

* Recommended flight:
- direct from Moscow to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky by Aeroflot airline on August 28 at 19:50 with arrival at 13:10 on August 29,
- direct from Moscow to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky by Aeroflot airline on August 28 at 22:10 with arrival at 15:30 on August 29,
- direct from Moscow to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky by Aeroflot airline on August 28 at 16:35 with arrival at 10:10 am on August 29,
- flight from Yuzhno-Kurilsk to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky via Khabarovsk by Aeroflot airline, departure from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk on August 27 at 21:35, transfer in Khabarovsk 5 hours, with arrival in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at 7:30 am on August 28 (additional night in the hotel will require and payable),
- or any other flight from Moscow or another city with arrival in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at any time on August 28.

Meals included: no
Accommodation: no


Day 1. August 29, 2023. ARRIVAL IN YELIZOVO - PARATUNKA

Arrival at the airport of Yelizovo. Meeting with the guide or driver at the airport after receiving the luggage. Transfer to the hotel "Laguna" in Paratunka. Rest, it is possible to swim in the pool with thermal water for an additional fee.

Meals included: no
Accommodation: hotel "Laguna", building "Blue Lake" (double)


Day 2. August 30, 2023. SEA TRIP TO THE RUSSIAN BAY. Sea lions and orcas in the Pacific Ocean

We pick up a packaged breakfast and go by minibus to the port of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (1 hour driving) to the starting point of the sea trip to Russkaya Bay (as part of a combined group of 10-15 people). At 8 am, we unmoored from the pier on a pleasure boat and head to the exit from the Avacha Bay to the Pacific Ocean. Observation of bird colonies.
In the afternoon, we will already be able to see the sea lions colony and, if possible, we will meet orcas that hunt fish schools and young sea lions here. Known as "killer whales", orcas are the largest carnivorous dolphins on earth, and one of a kind. The probability of seeing orcas along our route is high.
These waters are also inhabited by seals, sea otters, porpoises (animals similar to dolphins, but belonging to the suborder of toothed whales) and even humpback whales. Along the way, sports sea fishing for flounder and cod. Lunch and dinner on a boat with fresh fish crabs and seafood.
Evening return to Paratunka. Rest at the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: hotel "Laguna", building "Blue Lake" (double)


Day 3. August 31, 2023. Vachkazhets mountain range

Breakfast at the hotel. At 8 am, transfer to the Vachkazhets mountain range.
The Vachkazhets area is represented by three main distinct parts: the Summer Transverse Mountain (1417 m above sea level), the city of Vachkazhtsy (1500 m above sea level) and Vachkazhets itself. The highlight of this place lies in its versatility. The area is suitable for trekking, bird watching, alpine and forest flower exploration and just enjoying nature.
Passing a safety briefing. Trekking to Lake Takholoch (about 7 km one way). Ascent (for those who wish) to the mountain circus. If there is time and sufficient physical fitness of the group - a walk to the waterfall. Due to the condition of the road and weather conditions, the trekking time to the lake and waterfalls may be longer than indicated in the program.
Snack on route. Picnic lunch upon return to the car.
Return to the hotel in Paratunka around 8 pm. Rest at the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: hotel "Laguna", building "Blue Lake" (double)


Day 4. September 1, 2023. BYSTRAYA RIVER AND HOT SPRINGS IN MALKA VILLAGE

We pick up a packaged breakfast and at 6:30 we go by minibus or off-road transport to the Bystraya River (about 2 hours on the road).
Bystraya - the second longest river in Kamchatka, flows along the southern part of the Sredinny Range. It plays an important role in the reproduction of Pacific salmon. Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon, pink salmon, chum salmon, coho salmon come here to spawn. Pacific char and salmon are quite numerous in the river basin, graylings and noble Pacific salmon - mykizha and Kamchatka salmon are also found here.
Rafting with sport fishing on the river Bystraya (3 hours). The rafting passes along a calm section of the river, on inflatable oar rafts, which are driven by experienced guides.
Lunch at the tent camp.
Transfer to the village of Malka, swimming in wild hot springs. Here you can not only swim in hot water, but also jump into the icy river near the springs. Malki were built right on the thermal springs and now this hot water is here in every house and even in the central heating system. However, these waters are healing. The mineral waters of this spring are of the sulfate-bicarbonate, alkaline-siliceous type. They are used in the treatment of skin, gynecological diseases, osteochondrosis and problems with ENT organs. One of the first to take baths here was Captain Clark, a member of the Cook expedition, and in 1818 the first hospital was built in this place.
Return to the hotel after 17:00. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: hotel "Laguna", building "Blue Lake" (double)


Day 5. September 2, 2023. AVACHINSKY AND KORYAKSKY VOLCANOES

Breakfast at the hotel. At 9 am transfer by jeep or shift (depending on the size of the group), 2-hour drive to the foot of the Avachinsky volcano.
Arrival at the tourist base, briefing before going to Mount Camel. 7 km.
Mount Camel is a volcanic extrusion rising on the pass between two volcanoes, Koryaksky and Avachinsky. The height of the mountain is about 1200 m. The walk with the ascent to its top takes about 3 hours (trekking is about 7 km, the height difference is about 300 m). From the top of the Camel, you can see the valley of the Avacha River, Avacha Bay and the surroundings of the cities of Petropavlovsk and Yelizovo.
Lunch at the base camp. Photographing landscapes of Koryaksky and Avachinsky volcanoes. Avachinsky volcano (2751 m) is one of the most active in Kamchatka, it is often called the "home volcano" due to its proximity to the city. Its crater is filled with solidified lava, over which pairs of fumaroles often rise.
Return to the hotel after 18:00. Rest overnight at the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: hotel "Laguna", building "Blue Lake" (double)


Day 6. September 3, 2023. OPTIONAL HELICOPTER EXCURSION TO THE KURIL LAKE OR TO THE VALLEY OF GEYSERS OR ETHNIC PROGRAM

Breakfast and day in Paratunka. You can choose one of the additional excursions, according to your desire, for an additional cost.

Option 1. Helicopter excursion to the Valley of Geysers
Transfer to the helipad. Check-in. Departure to the Valley of Geysers with a flight around the active volcanoes Karymsky and Maly Semyachik (flight time 1 hour 15 minutes). Landing in the Valley of Geysers. One and a half hour walking tour in the Valley of Geysers.
The Valley of Geysers is rightfully called the pearl of Kamchatka. In terms of beauty, majesty of the picture and the number of gushing geysers collected in a limited area, there is no equal to the Kamchatka Valley of Geysers.
Flight to the caldera of the Uzon volcano (flight time 5-7 min.) Walking tour (1 hour).
Uzon is a giant caldera with a diameter of about 12 km, which is a unique area of manifestation of modern volcanism. The uniqueness of the caldera lies in the wide variety of hydrothermal manifestations: mineral lakes, powerful columns of steam from hot springs, clay volcanoes "in miniature".
Flight to Nalychevskaya valley, picnic lunch, bathing in hot springs. Return to the helipad (flight time 35 min.). Transfer to the hotel.

Option 2. Helicopter excursion to the Kuril Lake
Transfer by car to the helipad. Check-in for the flight, boarding the helicopter. Departure to Kurile Lake with landing in the crater of the extinct volcano Ksudach (flight time 1 hour 10 minutes). Landing on the Kuril lake. Bear watching walking tour, boat ride on the lake (not guaranteed).
Kuril Lake is an amazingly beautiful lake located in the South Kamchatka Reserve in the south of the peninsula. It is the largest salmon spawning ground in Kamchatka, which attracts a large number of brown bears to its shores, for fishing and whose life can be observed in complete safety, accompanied by an experienced guide, from special towers located on the shore. The lake is located at the foot of two volcanoes - Ilyinsky and Wild Ridge, protruding into its waters with their spears. Another interesting phenomenon is the Heart of Alaid Island, which is located in the waters of the lake and resembles a real heart with its bizarre shape.
On the way back, the helicopter will land at the Khodutka hot springs, where you can eat (picnic lunch), relax and swim.
Return to the helipad (flight time 1 hour 10 minutes). Transfer to the hotel.

Option 3. Excursion to the ethnic complex-nursery of sled dogs
Transfer by car to the ethnic complex (transfer is paid separately). Excursion to the kennel of sled dogs. Meeting with representatives of the indigenous peoples of Kamchatka.
The ethnic complex-nursery of sled dogs will introduce you to the culture of the indigenous peoples of Kamchatka (Koryaks, Itelmens and Evens). It is located on a cozy meadow, on the shore of a small lake, from where a picturesque view of the Koryaksky and Avachinsky volcanoes opens. Guests will be told about the history of the natives, shown a colorful creative program of local peoples and taught the basic movements of the national dance. You will also get a unique opportunity to take pictures in national clothes, get acquainted with the way of life and life of the indigenous peoples of Kamchatka and enjoy hot, fragrant fish soup in the fresh air.
Lunch, photo session. Return to the hotel, rest.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: hotel "Laguna", building "Blue Lake" (double)


Day 7. September 4, 2023. KHALAKTYRSKY BEACH ON THE PACIFIC OCEAN - PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY

Late breakfast and at 10-11 am transfer by minibus to the Pacific coast, a walk along the Khalaktyrsky beach.
Khalaktyrsky beach is a favorite place among local residents. The coast is covered with volcanic sand, and in summer the green strip is painted with flowering herbs and berries (rose hips, honeysuckle, blueberries). There is almost always a good wave suitable for surfing.
Here you can take additional excursions for a fee, such as surfing or horseback riding.
Moving to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Dinner.
Visit to the fish market and gift shop.
Return to the hotel around 19:00.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: hotel "Laguna", building "Blue Lake" (double)


Day 8. September 5, 2023. PARATUNKA - SOKOCHI - MILKOVO - TOLBACHIK - DEAD FOREST

Early departure by jeep (4 passengers per car) from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. On this day, you will have to drive 550 km on an SUV (300 km asphalt, 180 gravel road, 70 forest road), the journey time is about 10 hours. On the way, stop in the village of Sokoch (known as Pirozhkovy paradise, where you can taste local pies), with. Milkovo, as well as a small photo stop on the lava flow, which in 2013 blocked the road leading to the volcano.
Having approached Tolbachinsky Dol, we will drive 13 km through slag fields, along lavas and slag cones to the "Dead Forest", where our camp is located.
Dinner. Evening walk through the "Dead Forest". Overnight in comfortable heated tents – glamping right in the middle of the Dead Forest.

Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Dead Forest glamping (large domes for 3/6/7 people)


Day 9. September 6, 2023. DEAD FOREST - TOLBACHIK

Breakfast. Departure by jeeps to the cinder cones of the Northern Breakthrough (6 km by car), climbing one of the cones from the top of which offers unique views of the Tolbachinsky Dol for many kilometers. Climbing to the top of the cone, we will see numerous multi-colored minerals, fry sausages in hot exits that have not cooled down since 1976. Descent and transfer to the Zvezda crater (7 km by car). Walk along the crater, visit the lava caves formed during the 1740 eruption. Return to the camp. Dinner.
Moving to the new lava flow of 2012, on the way we will stop at the Kleshnya base camp, get water and feed the evrazhek (14 km by car). Next, trekking along the frozen lava flow, visiting lava caves, a small ascent to the Nabok cone, which erupted in 2013. On the way back, have a snack, with cooking on hot lava cracks. The distance of the track is about 8 km in both directions.
Return to camp. Dinner. Free time.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Dead Forest glamping (large domes for 3/6/7 people)


Day 10. September 7, 2023. TOLBACHIK - MILKOVO - PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY

Breakfast. Transfer by jeep (4 passengers per car) back from the Klyuchevskaya group of volcanoes to Petropavlovsk-Kamchtasky (travel time - about 10 hours). Lunch in Milkovo on the way.
Return to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Check-in at the Yu 3* hotel. Rest

Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: 3* hotel Yu


Day 11. September 8, 2023. PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY – DEPARTURE FROM YELIZOVO

Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the airport of Elizovo (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky). Flight home.

* Recommended flight:
- direct from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Moscow by Aeroflot airline at 12:40 pm on September 8 with arrival at 12:25 am on September 8,
- direct from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Moscow by Aeroflot airline at 16:00 on September 8 with arrival at 15:50 on September 8,
- or any other flight from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Moscow or another city with a departure from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at any time on September 8.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: no


* The start time of excursions may vary, according to the guide on the eve of each excursion
** All tours are weather dependent and may change locations. The organizer reserves the right to change the order of the route due to weather conditions.
*** Departure time to the heliport and departure time may vary depending on weather conditions