#404. |
Discover Kamchatka for
yourself. |
See all the majesty of Kamchatka for yourself in this easy-paced
comprehensive two week trip; see ethnic culture, go heli-sightseeing, take
a hike inside an active volcano crater (optional), bath in hot springs ,
stay in a Reindeer herder’s Yurta, view wildlife and go fishing on Avacha
Bay, and much more.
This journey is a unique opportunity for people of
different ages to discover and explore the highlights of Kamchatka and
learn about the lifestyles of the people who live here. Anyone can enjoy
this trip as there's no need for strenuous physical activity. You'll visit
some of Kamchatka's indigenous people, the Evens. You will also enjoy a
breathtaking helicopter flight skimming over Kamchatka's spine of towering
volcanoes to emerge at the UNESCO World Heritage-Listed 'Valley of
Geysers' - a vast bowl of steam fields, spouting geysers and heaving mud
pools that is the peninsula's geothermal centerpiece and a naturally
climate-controlled haven for bears, eagles and many unique examples of
Kamchatkan wildlife. You will have an opportunity to experience first-hand
the thundering power of the active Mutnovsky Volcano - a cantankerous,
belching 7200ft behemoth. Stand atop its colossal, craggy crater rim and
drink in the vistas of a surreal blue crater lake wreathed in an ethereal
cloak of mist, while all around there is the deafening roar of volcanic
madness and sulphur-encrusted fumaroles dispensing jets of steam.
Awe-inspiring and otherworldly.
Finally, there's the chance to slide regally out to sea
on an excursion around expansive Avacha Bay, Petropavlovsk's long-time
gateway to the world. Try your hand at fishing, sample the famous Ukha
(fish soup), visit islands teeming with sea bird and seal colonies and
gape in awe at Petropavlovsk's environs, crowded with giant snowcapped
volcano cones.
14 DAY ITINERARY
Day 1. Arrive in PKC. Accommodation in Petropavlovsk
Hotel. Welcome lunch in a restaurant. Free time. Prepare for the
trip. Day 2. Excursion by MI-8 helicopter to the Valley of Geysers
with lunch in the Valley (6 hours in total). See over-twenty geysers and
numerous mud pots. Water-and-steam fountains amaze with their beauty and
strength. Return to PKC
Day 3. Drive to Mutnovsky Volcano
plateau by 6WD bus. Bathing in Verkhne-Paratunskie thermal springs. Drive
to Viluchinsky Volcano (0.5 hour). Rest near Viluchinsky waterfall.
Further drive to Mutnovsky volcano plateau (1 hour). Distance between PKC
and Mutnovsky is 150 km. Evening excursion on a plateau of alive with
volcanic activity. Overnight in tents. Day 4. Day trip to the
active crater of Mutnovsky Volcano. Snack lunch in the crater. Moving
along the narrow canyon to the crater. Steep walls surround the vast and
deep crater cavity with its glittering glaciers split by cracks and
torches of fumaroles. The outing lasts 6-7 hours.
Day 5. Optional daytrip to ascend Gorely Volcano (1829m). A
chain of 11 craters across its peak makes for a unique site. Travel to
Paratunka resort (1.5 hours). Accommodation in a guest house. Relax in
an alfresco pool with thermal hot water. Visit a local farmer for a
folk concert in a yurta. A party sampling various seafood dishes and
drinking Russian vodka and homemade balsam. Day 6. Travel by
passenger bus to the old Cossack settlement of Milkovo (6 hours/306km
with stops). Stay in the Dolina or Vostok Hotel. Visit a local museum. Day 7.
Drive to the Esso settlement (5 hours/240km with stops). Accommodation
in a simple family hotel with its own thermal pool. Welcome dinner and
a private Even folk concert.
Day 8.
Take a helicopter MI-8 flight to find the
nomadic camp of the Even reindeer herd (1hour/200km). Spend a day at the
reindeer camp experiencing this time-honored way of life. Stay overnight
in a Yurta, the Even version of a Sioux teepee or tents. DDay 9. Spend another day at
the reindeer camp and hike to visit the surrounding scenic highlights. Day 10. Return by helicopter to
Esso settlement. Stay in apartments. Visit to the local
museum. Day 11. Drive to Petropavlovsk by 6WD bus. Stay in
Petropavlovsk Hotel. Day 12. Excursion around Avacha bay by boat
with fishing and Ukha (fish soup). Visit Starichkov Island to view sea
birds and mammals (8 hours in total). This tour is a unique opportunity to
see the fascinating surroundings of Petropavlovsk from the sea, to explore
the shores of the Avachinskaya bay, and to watch colonies of seabirds in
their natural habitats. Day 13.
Guided city tour and a visit to the Ethnographic museum, central
market, art gallery and local workshop. The museum's displays are
devoted to the history of the region, its flora and fauna, the native
peoples of Kamchatka and their ancient culture. You will learn about
the ancient tribes that lived in Kamchatka thousands of years ago,
about the discovery of this beautiful land by Russian explorers, the
heroic history of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. There are interesting
exhibits on Kamchatka's nature: the Kronotsky Nature Reserve,
Kamchatka's volcanoes, its wildlife and natural resources. You will see
an exhibition of handicrafts by local artists.. Day
14. Departure.
Cost EUR 2800 per person.
Price includes:
- Full board
- Double accommodation in hotels in city and Paratunka resort
- English-speaking rep at the arrival and departure in the PKC
airport
- Transfers by coach, 6WD bus and helicopters MI-8
- City tour and museum entrances
- Guide, interpreter and cook services
- Concerts in Esso and PKC
- Visit to Valley of Geysers and Avacha Bay boat excursion
- Visa invitation and visa registration
- Permits
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