Visit the Indigenous Peoples of Kamchatka



Four itineraries available:

#401. Kamchatka in late summer (bears, volcanoes, native people, reindeer herders, autumn colors)

SEASON: August 1st - September 15th
2008 departure: August 30

This expedition to Kamchatka will take place in late August. Climatically this is one of the best times to travel and appreciate the spectacular scenery with the first signs of the brilliant autumn colours. In order to experience the richness of the region's flora, fauna and geology we plan to visit as many habitats as possible, including the central valley with the Kamchatka River, Tolbachik, Ksudach, Mutnovsky and Vachkazhets volcanoes, and Kurilskoye Lake and the hot Khodutka River in the southern tundra. Kurilskoye Lake is part of a Nature Reserve and one of the best places in the peninsula to see Brown Bears and Steller's Sea Eagles. To reach it we shall fly by helicopter via the crater of the Ksudach volcano to a comfortable lodge where we shall spend a few days watching the bears feeding on the berries and the spawning salmon. We plan to swim in the hot Khodutka River and land - weather permitting - in the crater of the Mutnovsky volcano with its geysers, fumaroles, mud pools, spectacular rock formations and vivid colors. Further north we explore the Tolbachik volcano with its new lava cones and fields, bathe in hot pools, gather berries and enjoy the delicious fresh local food. We spend some time in the small settlement of Esso where we shall meet the local people and then stay overnight with nomadic reindeer herders in their summer camp in the mountains. The ancient volcano, Vachkazhets, is scenically one of the most beautiful places in Kamchatka. There will be plenty of time to savour the atmosphere of Kamchatka and follow our own interests whether they are ornithology, botany, geology, Volcanology, photography or walking. We shall visit Petropavlovsk and learn about its fascinating history and, from our Russian guides, we shall be able to learn about life in Kamchatka today and experience their kindness and hospitality.

17-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1. Arrival in Petropavlovsk. Transfer from airport to hotel. Relax in a hotel before a helicopter flight to Ksudach volcano and a lodge on Kurilskoye Lake.
Days 2-3. Explore the area around Kurilskoye Lake on foot and by small boat watching the bears and spawning salmon and looking for Steller's Sea Eagle.
Day 4. Fly by helicopter to the hot Khodutka River for a swim, then to the crater of Mutnovsky active Volcano where we may be able to land and explore. Return to Petropavlovsk.
Day 5. Optional helicopter flight to the Valley of the Geysers.
Day 6. Drive north and camp near the Kamchatka River.
Day 7. Continue further north to a camp on the slopes of Tolbachik volcano.
Days 8-9. Visit the new craters of Tolbachik, the dead forest and other volcanic sites. Camp.
Day 10. Drive west from Tolbachik to the guesthouse in the village of Esso. Enjoy a performance from the local dancing group.
Day 11. Fly by helicopter to the camp of Evens Reindeer Herders. Stay overnight in tents.
Day 12. Return to Esso by helicopter. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 13. Explore the area around Esso. Visit the museum.
Day 14. Drive south to a small lake beside the ancient volcano, Vachkazhets. Camp.
Day 15. Explore the slopes and rivers in the area marveling at the autumn colours.
Day 16. Drive to Petropavlovsk. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 17. Depart Petropavlovsk.
Cost EUR3320 per person
More info
Museum in Milkovo settlementA bear

Waterfall of Ksudach VolcanoA herder

Inside of YurtaTolbachik Volcano. Camp.

Price includes:

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#402. Visiting indigenous Reindeer Herders by snowmobile

SEASON: February 15th - April 15th

2008 Departure: March 10

This is an opportunity to spend time with Even reindeer herders and experience their traditional lifestyle. Dancers Snowmobiles will transport you through a snow-white tundra to the reindeer herds, allowing you to enjoy the pristine wilderness of Kamchatka along the way.

12 DAYS ITINERARY
Day 1. Arrival in PK. Transfer to hotel. Free time. Welcome dinner in the restaurant.
Day 2. Drive to Esso. Meet your guides. Accommodation in private apartments. Preparation for trip.
Day 3. Travel by snowmobile along Bystraya River to Babav River near Ichinsky Volcano (80km).
Day 4. Travel by snowmobile to the foot of Ichinsky Volcano, where we will meet up with the reindeer herds (20km). Accommodation in Yurts (the Even teepee).
Day 5. Spend the day at the reindeer herders' camp. Experience Even life. See the surrounding area on snowmobiles.
Day 6. Travel by snowmobile to Aginsky settlement (80km). Accommodation in cabins. Visit a gold mine.
SnowfallDay 7. Fishing for char at Kopylje Lake (8km). Return to the cabin.
Day 8. Return by snowmobile to Babav River (60km). Snack in the open air.
Day 9. Reserve day in case of bad weather.
Day 10. Return to Esso (80km). Accommodation in private apartments. Visit a local museum. Swim in pool with thermal hot water.
Day 11. Return to PK. Transfer to hotel. Dinner in restaurant.
Day 12. City tour with a visit to the local museum. Shopping. Transfer to airport. Departure.
Cost EUR2100 per person

Price includes:

More info

#403: Kamchatka nature and culture (the short version of the #401 tour).


Alpine wildflowersSEASON: July 1st - September 15th
2008 Departure: August 16

GRADE B.

Group size - up to 14 pax.

 This expedition to Kamchatka will take place in the middle of August. In order to experience the richness of the region's flora, fauna and geology we plan to visit as many habitats as possible, including the central valley with the Kamchatka River, Tolbachik, Ksudach, Mutnovsky volcanoes, Kurilskoye Lake and the hot Khodutka River in the southern tundra. Kurilskoye Lake is part of a Nature Reserve and one of the best places in the peninsula to see Brown Bears and Steller's Sea Eagles. To reach it we will fly by helicopter via the crater of the Ksudach volcano to a comfortable lodge where we will spend a few days watching the bears feeding on the berries and the spawning salmon. We plan to swim in the hot Khodutka River and land - weather permitting - in the crater of Mutnovsky volcano with its geysers, fumaroles, mud pools, spectacular rock formations and vivid colors.  Further north we will explore  Tolbachik volcano with its recently-produced lava cones and fields, bathe in thermal pools, gather berries and enjoy delicious fresh local food. We will spend some time in the small settlement of Esso where we will meet the local people and then stay overnight with nomadic reindeer herders in their summer camp in the mountains. There will be plenty of time to savor the atmosphere of Kamchatka and follow our own interests whether they are ornithology, botany, geology, volcanology, photography or walking. We will visit Petropavlovsk and learn about its fascinating history and, from our Russian guides, we will learn about life in Kamchatka today and experience their kindness and hospitality.

A bear on Kurilskoe Lake
15 DAY ITINERARY

Day 1. Arrival to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Meet and assistance and transfer to Hotel Petropavlovsk. City tour in the afternoon. Welcome dinner, overnight in the Hotel.
Day 2. Flight by MI-8 helicopter to Ksudach Volcano (1hr). Make an excursion to the crater lake of Schtubelya (situated inside Ksudach Volcano) and visit a lovely waterfall where water cascades out of the crater. Visit hot springs that create a "hot beach" on the lake's shore. Short flight to Kamchatka's famed Kurilskoye Lake. Accommodation in a small cozy wooden lodge on Grassy Point. The lodge is two stories with 2 bunk rooms of 5 people each on the second floor. One, 5 person bunk room and a dining room are situated on the first floor. A "wrap around" deck affords a gorgeous view of Kurilskoye Lake and surrounding mountains. Often it is possible to watch bears fishing along the lakeshore without even leaving the territory of the lodge. Make an excursions along the lake's pumice rock beach. In-camp instruction.
Days 3-4.
View Kamchatka brown bears, Stellar sea eagles, salmon spawning places from a motor boat and take walking excursions with local wardens to a nearby bear view platform (250 meters from the lodge) that is located at the mouth of the many rivers that drain into Kurilskoye Lake. Here you'll have a good chance of taking great, close-up shots of bears fishing for migrating salmon. The salmon pause briefly in the lake and then make their way from the lake into the streams where they spawn. Take longer walking excursions to a large meadow where bears feed on wild berries and visit other spawning streams farther from the lodge. Along these streams you'll see spawning salmon and many signs of the large number of bears in the area. There's a good chance you'll see bears fishing just a few yards away as you walk along the banks of streams.
Day 5.
Take walking excursions with local wardens to a nearby bear view platform (250 meters from the lodge). Evening helicopter MI-8 flight to back Petropavlovsk. Stop for a bathe in the thermal hot water of the Khodutka River. This is the largest wild hot springs on Kamchatka. The water bubbles out on a section of tundra located just under Khodutka Volcano and forms a small stream. Farther from the source the water slowly cools and you can find the location where the temperature is right for you to take a swim. Then fly over the crater of Mutnovsky active Volcano for taking pictures. Return to Petropavlovsk. Hotel.
Day 6.
Reserve day in case of bad weather. Or excursion around Avacha bay by boat with fishing and Ukha (fish soup). Visit Starichkov Island to view sea birds and mammals (6 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. Or optional helicopter flight to the Valley of the Geysers
Day 7.
Drive by 4 or 6WD bus to the old Cossack settlement of Milkovo (306 km). Here lunch will be prepared in a local restaurant and there will be a chance to stroll around the village to get a feel for Russian rural life. Continue driving north of Milkovo and camp out in the wilderness in a mixed evergreen and deciduous forest along the banks of the Kamchatka River (Kamchatka's largest river which runs northward through the central valley of the peninsula).
Day 8.
Drive to the Lunakhodchikov (150km) base camp (this will be base for the next 2 nights) in tents. This place, reminiscent of  the Moon, is famous because it was here that the first Soviet "Lunar roving vehicle-1", was tested.
Days 9.
Visit the new craters of Tolbachik, the dead forest and other volcanic sites. Camp.
Day 10.
Drive west from Tolbachik to the hotel in the village of Esso. Enjoy a performance from the local dancing group.
Day 11.
Fly by helicopter to the camp of Evens Reindeer Herders. Stay overnight in tents.
Inside of Koryak Yurta.Day 12.
Return to Esso by helicopter. Overnight in hotel.
Day 13.
Reserve day in Esso. Visit the local Museum and explore the Village. Overnight in hotel.
Day 14. Drive back to Petropavlovsk. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 15.
Depart Petropavlovsk.

Cost EUR 3070 per person.

Price includes:

  • Full board
  • Kurilskoe Lake fees and photography fees
  • Double accommodation in hotels in city and Paratunka resort
  • Accommodation in lodge, flats, Yurta and tents
  • English-speaking rep at the arrival and departure in the PKC airport
  • Transfers by coach, 6WD truck-bus, helicopters MI-8 and marine excusrion
  • Evens folk concert in Esso
  • City tour and museums fees
  • Guides, interpreter and cook services
  • Invitation letter and visa registration
  • Permits


Option 4: Visit indigenous reindeer herders by dogsled


Questions? Interested in booking a trip? See here for answers to frequently asked questions, click here for booking details, and e-mail me to book a trip or just to ask questions.

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