Independent trip to Kamchatka. Kamchatka: Practical information for independent travel

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

I don't know if there are other edges somewhere nearby where you can find ski resorts, ocean, volcanoes, thermal springs, "ethnic" villages and an incredible selection of seafood. 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.

Can only be seen from a bird's eye view unique world 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 of the untouched territories, nature 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 off-road vehicles along light Jeeping routes, overcoming gravel and forest roads, combined with hiking and climbing volcanoes, as well as outright 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 fascinating and unforgettable one-day and multi-day trips to the Pacific Ocean, Timonovsky hot springs, endless and beautiful nature reserves, river sources 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 Avacha Bay and cruises along the Eastern coast of the peninsula, Commander and Kuril Islands. It's not only great opportunity to fully enjoy the sea voyage, but also to visit the unique reserves of the 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 choice of a large number of rooms at different prices and services. 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. These are small hotels that 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.

The Klyuchevskoy Nature Park is one of the youngest natural parks; last year it celebrated its 15th anniversary. Its territory is huge - 376 thousand hectares, in 2001 the park was included in the list of the World Natural and cultural heritage UNESCO.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the park is the Tolbachik volcano eruption valley.

Tolbachik is a member of the Klyuchevskaya group of volcanoes. There are 14 volcanoes in the group (12 are located on the territory natural park), of which 4 are active - Nameless, Far Flat, Klyuchevskoy and Plosky Tolbachik and 10 extinct - Stone, Near Flat, Medium, Acute Tolbachik, Acute Zimina, Oval Ziminaya, Malaya Zimina, Gorny Tooth, Bolshaya Udina and Malaya Udina.

The surroundings of Tolbachik within a radius of ten kilometers are covered with black volcanic ash - the consequences of the BTFE (Great Tolbachik fissure eruption) of 1975-1976.

And here he is - Tolbachik, on the right is the active Flat, on the left is the extinguished Sharp.

In addition to volcanoes, there are about 400 cones of side eruptions in the park, from one of them I admired the top of Tolbachik, towering above the rapidly passing clouds.

Climbing to the top of Plosky Tolbachik from the foot takes about 6-8 hours. The result of a tiring many hours of climbing is an indescribable feeling that you experience on the edge of a huge crater ...

I don't think you should even try to describe in words the beauty of sunrises over the volcanoes of Kamchatka. Early, 5 hours, gentle and cool morning, the first rays of the sun over the volcanoes Big and Small Udina.

And in the evenings, the hills, sprinkled with a multi-meter layer of volcanic ash, acquire a fantastic, unearthly look.

Light, shades of color - downright Roerich's associations.

The last fissure eruption of Tolbachik occurred in 2012-2013. Now the volcano is calm, and within a radius of several kilometers there are young lava fields, the consequences of a recent eruption.

The sunset over the lava field is a spectacle of stunning beauty. Among the lava fields, I spent a couple of evening hours, watching the rays playing on the frozen lava peaks and the “drift” of volcanic ash.

In some places, the lava, even frozen, is very hot - the rubber melts, and is sharp - it easily cuts the soles and hands even through gloves, if you are not lucky to stumble and fall.

The variety of textures is amazing, especially spectacular at dawn and dusk.

A dozen kilometers from Tolbachik is the famous Dead Forest - in fact, a forest that falls within the radius of the BTTI.

Many kilometers of dead trees. Oddly enough, getting lost in such a forest is quite easy.

I called this photo “Dance of the Dead Forest”. The taiga forests in the area of ​​the Tolbachik volcano eruption in 1975-1976 were covered with volcanic ash and slag, which caused the death of trees within a radius of ten kilometers. Only after more than three decades, the vegetation in this area begins to literally "rise from the ashes."

Rare young trees, thickets of willow-tea mixed with hundreds, thousands of trunks of dead trees.

Another amazing attraction of the Klyuchevskoy Natural Park is, in fact, the Klyuchevskaya Sopka itself. A grandiose volcano, the highest (4750 m.) of the active volcanoes of Eurasia.

The hills in the vicinity of Klyuchevskoy are inhabited. Evrazhki are curious and loved by tourists. They say they feed easily and pose. I did not feed, it was interesting to observe from the side.

When you walk along the scree near Klyuchevskoy, you constantly hear some kind of sound, either a whistle or a squeak. If you freeze for a few minutes and look closely, you will see such an animal. These are pikas, or haystacks - cautious, shy, and therefore very interesting animals for photo hunting. It may seem that this is some kind of rodent, but in fact they are relatives of hares.

I would like to complete the first part of the story about Kamchatka with a photograph taken in the evening, when the ash emissions were very effectively illuminated by the setting sun. Although the photograph is evening, I called it “Good morning, Klyuchevskoy!”. "Good morning" - because the volcano recently "woke up" again, starting to spew ash and lava flows.

About the author: Rostislav Mashin is the most famous Russian photographer, blogger, lives in Moscow and travels a lot in Russia. Rostislav is the winner of many competitions, including National Geographic "Wildlife of Russia - 2012" and the prestigious international International Photography Awards-2012, International Filter Photo Contest, "Golden Turtle" and many others ...

Rostislav is fond of macro photography, and in general he has been engaged in photography for more than 10 years. Here is what Rostislav tells about his hobby:

“After graduating from the institute, I began to write a dissertation on the relationship between architecture and the geometry of wildlife forms, became interested in studying the microcosm, and this grew into a serious passion for micro and macro photography. At the moment, I combine the work of an architect, photographer and teacher of the Department of Graphics (MGAKHiS)”.

moiarussia.ru magazine thanks Rostislav Mashin for his fantastic beauty and for giving all our readers the opportunity to learn even more about Russia, to admire the beautiful and unknown. Check out other works by the author

Kamchatka is a picturesque peninsula on the edge of Russia, which attracts tourists with magnificent volcanoes, unusual nature and attractions. To get to know this region better, many people go to Kamchatka by car. This makes it possible to visit every corner of the peninsula.

Travelling by car

Kamchatka is located on Far East and has a fairly large area. You can get to this region by land with your own car or take a ferry from different cities.

How to get to Kamchatka?

More recently, to get by car to Kamchatka it was not possible, since from major cities Russia has not been laid a single road to this region.

The world knows some extreme heroes who tried to drive from Magadan, Vladivostok and Khabarovsk in specially equipped cars.

The travel time took at least 30 days, and the weather conditions forced us to take special equipment with us. At the same time, the distance between cities is quite large - about 4-5 thousand kilometers.

After a while, the situation has changed a little, but it is still enough to get from large cities to the peninsula complicated. It is for this reason that not many people decide on such a trip, choosing other ways of traveling to Kamchatka.

Before planning such a responsible and lengthy move, it is necessary to carefully think over every step. Region Far East has a unique climate. If you have to make a stop somewhere during the trip, it is better to mark it on the map in advance.

It is worth noting that for such a trip, not only the route is important, but also the season. According to the reviews of people who made routes by car from major Russian cities, the easiest way to get to Kamchatka is in winter time, especially if you follow from Magadan. From this big city to the capital Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, "wintering" is laid - roads that make it possible not only to travel by car, but also not to break it, following the impassability.

The downside of this trip is incredible cold climate characteristic of this region. In winter, the thermometer drops to a critical level of -40-50 ° C, so you should think about other ways independent travel to Kamchatka.

In summer and autumn, the road from Khabarovsk, Magadan is a hilly and mountainous landscape, so you can only get to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky by SUV.

What seas wash the peninsula?

planning independent trip by car to Kamchatka, you should choose the best option for the trip - moving on ferries and others passenger ships following from Vladivostok.

This region of Russia is washed by several water areas at once:

• Sea of ​​Okhotsk;
• Barents Sea;
• Pacific Ocean.

Read about all the seas that wash the territory of the Russian Federation.

The main route on ships carrying cars runs through the Sea of ​​Okhotsk.

From other cities of Russia, you can get to Vladivostok itself by trails fine quality. All of them are quite lightly loaded, and you can stop for the night or refuel on many sections of the road.

Upon arrival in Vladivostok, you should immediately go to seaport from where they depart cargo ferries to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Three sea lines follow to the capital city. It is better to find out the schedule directly on the spot, since it is often changed due to weather conditions and season.

On average, the cost of such a trip on a ferry with a car is from 15 to 20 thousand rubles. For the price, this method is much cheaper than if you had to get to Kamchatka by car directly.

When is the best time to go on vacation?

Kamchatka is beautiful for tourists any time of the year, but it should be borne in mind that some of the attractions will not be available for acquaintance due to climatic conditions.

Rest in winter

During the winter season, the peninsula is transformed, especially its unique nature . Snow-covered volcanoes of the northern region, as well as unique opportunities for winter adventures, attract tourists from all over the world.

Interesting sights and entertainment are available for vacationers this season, but ski holidays are in the greatest demand.

For fans of descent from the slopes in Kamchatka, ideal conditions have been created for active and fun vacation. Snow in this region lies on the slopes of volcanoes from December to June, and numerous slopes are equipped with lifts and snow cannons.

For fans of extreme skiing in this region there are undeveloped slopes of volcanoes, and for others - well-established routes:

1. Avachinsky volcano;
2. Aane slope;
3. Mutnovsky volcano;
4. Burnt volcano;
5. Vilyuchinsky volcano.

From the mountains themselves open breathtaking views to the landscapes of Kamchatka, which you can finally see with your own eyes.

Great way to spend New Year in Kamchatka is to visit hot springs. There are only about two hundred springs on the peninsula, some of which flow calmly from the bowels of the earth, some rage and beat like a fountain, releasing puffs of steam at the same time.

Near the springs there are usually equipped mud boilers in which tourists can take health baths. Most popular place intended for recreational activities - hot springs Paratunka, as well as Nalychevo.

In winter, other entertainments are available for tourists in Kamchatka:

• riding on dog sledding;
• Landing on the slopes with helicopters(heli-ski);
• Freeride on the volcanic landscape;
• Winter fishing;
• Mini expeditions to the tops of the famous volcanoes;
• Acquaintance with the indigenous people of the region in the village of Kaynyran;
• visit sea ​​lion rookeries;
• Walk to ocean.

Due to such an extensive choice of entertainment, the Kamchatka Peninsula is often called the most popular center extreme tourism.

In order to enjoy the rest during such a cool period, you should take warm clothes and comfortable shoes with you.

The "Land of Fire and Ice" in winter will delight all vacationers with the unsurpassed beauty inherent in this region.

What should a tourist see in spring?

In the spring, Kamchatka is radically transformed - the cold weather recedes, and everything around begins to bloom. Thanks to such excellent conditions, this region is becoming even more more fun, and the surrounding nature contributes to an active holiday to be remembered for a long time. In addition, one of the advantages of visiting the bear region in the spring are low prices to rest with the same amount of entertainment available.

In the first month of spring in Kamchatka is still available ski tourism, so many go to this region to enjoy the last opportunity to ski down the mountains. In addition, snowmobile rides are available for vacationers. Dimchikan cordon or to volcanoes, as well as acquaintance with local cuisine. Holidays in March are wonderful because during this period, winter conditions are still observed on the peninsula, but they are still a little milder.

If you plan a trip to Kamchatka in the spring by car, then in a fairly short period you can visit several popular attractions at once:

1. Avachinsky volcano;
2. Lake Azabachye;
3. Nalychevo Valley;
4. Mutnovsky volcano;
5. River Bystraya;
6. Valley of Geysers.

Kamchatka is famous exclusively for its natural attractions, which can be found at almost every step. Not a single photo can convey how beautiful and atmospheric it is in its open spaces. It is for this reason that a trip by car will ensure an organized spring tour. But at the same time, it is worth remembering that on the territory of the peninsula there are quite poor-quality roads, therefore the best option for the trip will be an SUV.

In April and May, when the nature of Kamchatka is completely transformed, you can leave the car on your own and go to hike. This period is also beautiful because, being in nature, you do not have to worry about the abundance of mosquitoes and midges.

All companies organize professional guides who are able to lead a group of tourists to the right places, providing safe rest Outdoors.

Attractions in summer

AT summer period tourists are sent to the expanses of Kamchatka in large numbers. This is facilitated by the beautiful weather, as well as the largest selection of opportunities for a great holiday.

Apart from traditional hikes to volcanoes, relaxation in the Valley of Geysers and exciting excursions to local villages, tourists are popular with walks by the sea and visiting beaches with black volcanic sand.

Journey on passenger ships Pacific Ocean makes it possible to see Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, its high slopes and hills from a completely different angle. During the walk, you can also get acquainted with bird colonies, seeing them in their natural habitat.

Volcanoes Kamchatka in the summer is especially charming, and getting to their peaks with a guide is a fairly easy task. The ascent is not hindered by bad weather or extreme temperatures.

Before those who reach the top of one of the most famous volcanoes in Russia, impressive unearthly species, more reminiscent of Mars or the Moon. Some craters are filled with sky-blue and crystal-clear lakes, while others are shattered cracks from which streams of steam and fumaroles escape.

In summer, many seek to relax at sea, read about the resorts of the Black Sea coast.

In the summer, tourists become available:

• Khalaktyrsky beach;
• Avacha Bay;
• Mutnovskaya group of volcanoes;
• Karymshinsky sources;
• Malkinsky thermal springs;
• Kronotsky Natural Biosphere Reserve.

It will be interesting to get acquainted with the capital Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. This city has both natural attractions that attract tourists, as well as museums, monuments and other equally interesting places.

trip in autumn

Many tourists note that Kamchatka is especially beautiful in autumn. Hiking trips during this period, especially in September, they become relevant again for fans of outdoor activities. At the same time, it is not necessary to take all the necessary ammunition for the trip, such as tents, sleeping bags and cats, with you on a trip. Everything you need can be rented from local shops.

Hiking ( tracking) through the wild places of Kamchatka provide an opportunity to touch the unique Kamchatka nature, see rare landscapes that will be available only along certain routes. At the same time, difficulties must be overcome mountain passes, fords of icy rivers with a heavy backpack.

The best reward in such a trip will be the romance of an evening fire, the starry sky and new friends.

Popular walking routes:

1. Through the volcanoes Nalychevskaya valley;
2. By volcanoes north and south of Kamchatka;
3. Travel around Tolbachik;
4. Climbing to peaks volcanoes.

In October and November, hunting and fishing, picking mushrooms and berries, as well as many other outdoor activities are available for tourists in Kamchatka. It should be noted that this period is especially popular due to lack of mosquitoes and other nasty insects.

When planning a trip to Kamchatka, many rush to volcanoes and geysers, forgetting that the island has one unique attraction - locals who inhabited the islands even before the arrival of Russian expeditions. A visit to the Itelmen village promises to be incredibly interesting, where performances with food, music, dances and drinks are arranged for guests.

Travelers will be interested in some facts about the peninsula:

• On its territory, only about 29 active and 300 sleepers volcanoes;
• If not modern ways transportation, delivering travelers to Kamchatka, from Moscow to the peninsula would have to get about a year;
• The territory of Kamchatka is so vast that it could fit France and Belgium;
• The peninsula is incredibly rich bears, and each of them weighs about 150-200 kilograms;
• Almost all rivers here originate from glaciers, and the water in them is so pure that you can drink it without worrying about your health;
• origin of name"Kamchatka" is still being investigated by scientists - there are several versions, but so far it has not been possible to confirm exactly.

Kamchatka is wonderful to visit at any time of the year, and if you have your own car, this trip promises to be even more interesting and fascinating.

Watch a video clip about traveling around Kamchatka by car:

It is interesting:

In contact with

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 to this harsh land, you need to decide on the time of travel.

The peninsula has a rather peculiar climate, which is formed by mountainous terrain and proximity 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 the summer, an off-road vehicle will be the best transport.

From Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, tours to the Bystrinsky district are regularly arranged. Often the end point of the trip is one of the villages 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 along the village from obligatory visit 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.

The list of necessary tourist equipment should be compiled 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 leave yourself more good impressions, follow these recommendations:

• 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 lies in nature 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 is a 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 is worthwhile to calculate in advance the places that are of the greatest interest. We have already written about volcanoes and other natural objects, 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. A 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 are covered with high snow in winter.

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!

Day 1. Meeting

After making an eight-hour flight Moscow-Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, you land at the airport, with runway which offers a majestic view of the volcanoes. Meeting with the guide of the group.

After acquaintance, transfer to a hotel located in resort area the village of Paratunka, remarkable for its balneological springs. Time difference between Moscow and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky + 8 hours. Therefore, tourists devote a day of acclimatization, swimming in pools with healing thermal water of Kamchatka.

Day 2. Vachkazhets waterfalls and hot baths in Ozerki.

Our journey through Kamchatka begins with a leisurely walk to the ruined mountain ensemble of Vachkazhets. Leaving the car by the road, we will go along the forest road to Lake Takhkoloch, which has found its shelter right at the foot of the massif. Here will be the first small stop to capture the surrounding beauties.

We go around the lake on the right and begin a leisurely climb, first climbing a hillock, then along a stream running down the slope. A large number of Kamchatka ground squirrels live on the local slopes. Sometimes they are difficult to spot, as their color is designed to camouflage, merging with the ground, but if you make any loud sound, you can see how they scatter into their holes.

Next stop at the waterfall. On a steep slope, we can go down into the gorge and get as close as possible to the waterfall. Mountain rivers are cold in any weather and refreshing moisture hangs in the air. After the inspection, we return to the trail and climb the steep slope to the Vachkazhets circus. Here is the maximum point of our ascent and the entire valley is visible, along which we walked before. The descent is carried out along the stream with interesting rifts and small waterfalls.

We return by the forest road to our car and before returning to the base we stop at health complex"Ozerki", where we relax in hot saturated water mineral springs rich in hydrogen sulfide. Those who wish can plunge into the cold river flowing nearby.

Denis 3 - 5. Rafting along the Bystraya River with fishing

Our trip around Kamchatka continues, and next is a three-day rafting on the Bystraya River, which is the right tributary of the Bolshaya River, one of the largest rivers on the peninsula. An incredible number of salmon live in the reservoirs of Kamchatka rivers: sockeye salmon, chinook salmon, pink salmon, coho salmon, char and the famous Kamchatka trout - mykizha.

It remains to stock up on gear, spinners, spinning rods, do not forget a good mood and go! The car will take us to the place where the rafting will begin. Travel time is about two hours. Tourist rafting on the Bystraya River is not sports, it is primarily gambling and enjoying the pictures that open before you wildlife. And so, things are packed in waterproofing bags, we sit down and set sail.

Someone has already cast a bait - and here it is, the first catch! It can't be that fast?! The task of the cook - to catch fish for dinner, was completed in the shortest possible time. At the bottom of our raft trembles char, sim, pink salmon and grayling - the royal fish from which sashimi is immediately prepared, poured with soy sauce and lemon juice. And the fishing continues! But our catch has already exceeded all expectations, so the fish are caught on a catch-and-release basis. Every now and then admiring exclamations are heard from neighboring rafts and the competition of the most successful begins.

And here is our parking lot. We set up camp. Someone is resting, and someone cannot stop and continues to fish, entering the water from the shore. For dinner - Kamchatka fish soup - it's just a gastronomic delight! And there is also fish fried on coals and baked in leaves! The evening flies by unnoticed by a leisurely conversation by the fire.

Early in the morning, leaving the tent, take security measures, because your neighbor may be a brown bear, a big fan of feasting on spawning fish.

We continue our wonderful voyage. How beautiful is the nature around us! The unhurried flow and the murmur of water beating at the sides dispose to complete serenity and relaxation. The rafting ends, we say goodbye to our escorts and go to Malki, to plunge into the thermal springs. Malkinsky springs have a special unique composition of water. This is a group of small reservoirs filled with healing hot water. It seems that you can lie in the source for hours, but be moderate because the composition of the water is very saturated with salts and minerals.

Day 6. Departure to Gorely volcano.

We leave for the southern group of volcanoes. Here begins our next long segment of the journey through Kamchatka. The most optimal trip, during which you can feel these edges, takes 3 days and takes place with overnight stays in tents.

The first volcano we will visit is Gorely - a unique natural object located 75 km from the regional center of Kamchatka. It is best to get to the foot of the volcano by vehicles with high cross-country ability and adapted to the conditions of our off-road. The journey takes about 4 hours, but the time flies by unnoticed, as the magnificent panorama that opens from the windows delights and inspires travelers.

We pass the Serebryany stream and in front of us is the handsome Vilyuchinsky volcano. From it, straining on the slopes, our car will start climbing the serpentine to the pass with a height of about 900 meters. Stop at the equipped observation deck, from which you can clearly see the boundless expanses and silhouettes of volcanoes - Mutnovsky, Gorely, Avachinsky, Koryaksky.

We descend into the Gorely caldera, grandiose in size - 9 by 13 kilometers in diameter, and drive up to the starting point of the ascent. Where is our volcano? Its shape does not look like a cone, as we usually imagine a classic volcano. Rather, it is a ridge formed by cones running into each other. This is real active volcano. Its height is 1829 meters.

The ascent is not long, about 3 hours, and does not require special loads. This is a favorite weekend route for the local population. In the right rhythm and in a good mood, we begin our ascent. The path is clearly visible. We are surrounded by old lava flows and kekkur, surprising with their bizarre additions.

The exit to the crater is always a surprise and a shock with the beauty that opens up to the eye. Volcano Gorely is rightfully considered a natural monument! Gorely has several cones and 11 craters. We will examine the most famous - " Blue Lake", with beautiful lake at the bottom and "Active", in which the vital activity of the volcano continues today. Clubs of sulfuric steam rise to the sky, and sometimes you can hear the hum of the processes taking place in the depths. The walls of the craters are sheer and picturesque. Going around them along the edge, we will admire their composition and color shades of rocks.

And now we are at the top. There are no words that adequately convey the grandeur of the panorama that surrounds us! We are waiting for the descent, dinner and overnight under the starry sky.

Day 7. Inspection of the Mutnovsky volcano

Our goal today is the Mutnovsky volcano. This is undoubtedly one of the most unique places available to a tourist traveling around Kamchatka. The volcano with a height of 2323 meters is active today. The transition to the crater is carried out with a small climb through the fault formed as a result of volcanic activity. A little effort - and you are in hell or heaven? Definitely undecided. The splendor of the glaciers, shimmering with a variety of colors and boiling waters waiting for them at the base, create a fantastic picture! The volcano lives its own harsh life. Powerful fumaroles emit poisonous sulfuric fumes, mud pots are boiling, something is making noise and gurgling everywhere.

On thermal sites covered with clay, you need to move with great care. Everything is changeable in nature. Sources disappear and are reborn. Perhaps in this moment, below you at a shallow depth of emptiness. Falling into a boiling mass is a terrible prospect.

The Vulkannaya River runs along the bottom of the crater, forming deep canyon, called the "Dangerous Ravine", and three kilometers below it breaks off vertically to a height of 80 meters with a powerful waterfall. Magical spectacle! We return to the camp after the inspection.

Day 8. Dacha thermal springs.

We are moving to the Dachnye springs. One of the first in the USSR GEOTES Mutnovskaya is located in the neighborhood. This power plant generates electricity using the natural heat of the earth, exactly the same from which Dacha thermal springs are fed.

Before the springs, you will also have to walk along a not steep slope. Here are the processes of modern active volcanic activity. During the tour, we will examine the mud pots, pulsating springs. In the afternoon we return to the recreation center in the Paratunka zone.

Day 9. Sea voyage: Avachinskaya bay - about. Starichkov - Russian Bay

Having studied the Kamchatka Territory from land, it is important not to miss the exploration of the marine world. Our peninsula is washed by the seas and the ocean from three sides, and since ancient times, the life of the indigenous people has been somehow connected with the sea. We have to go beyond the gates of Avacha Bay to the Pacific Ocean. The route will run along east coast South. Let's pass by three brothers from an old Kamchatka legend who guard the entrance to the bay. The sad cries of seagulls always accompany these fairytale heroes. Every now and then, sea birds rush past the ship in search of something to profit from. They are represented by puffins, guillemots, gulls, cormorants. Sometimes you can meet quite rare specimens, such as the Steller's sea eagle.

The first stop on the way is Starichkov Island, named after a rare bird species - the Old Man. This is a protected area, which is under scientific observation. We will go around the island from different sides and admire the bird colonies. By the way, there are a myriad of them here and noise and din are constantly heard. On the coastal reefs, we may already meet seals. They are gullible and can swim close enough.

We continue our walk and soon we get to the Russkaya Bay. This place is quite deep and protected from ocean disturbances. In this regard, a lot of spawning fish settles here, and other predators come with it. Killer whales, whales, seals and our feathered friends all participate in this feast. You can meet whales and killer whales throughout the summer, but most of them come in August. We will have enough time to take pictures of the entire ichthyofauna of the bay. We will also have lunch on board. We return to the hotel in the evening.

Day 10. Transfer to the airport - big Adventure to Kamchatka

This is the last day of our trip. On the way to the airport, we will stop by the monument "Russia Begins Here" for a souvenir photo. All the best to you, friends!