Kamchatka in winter and spring

Acquaintance with winter Kamchatka begins with a visit to the shore of Avacha Bay, which does not freeze in winter, like the ocean itself. But near the shore, the water is frozen by ice, and the coastal area lies in snow.

It is impossible to get to the shore by car because of the snowdrifts, so a snowmobile is waiting for tourists.

It is controlled by an experienced driver, and passengers get into a sled securely attached to it. So they get to the very edge of the shore with a breeze, from where an impressive view opens.

The snowmobile ride continues to Cape Mayachny.

It got its name thanks to the lighthouse, which was erected here in the XIX century and has since been rebuilt and improved more than once.

The lighthouse is called Petropavlovsk.

Cape Bezymyanny is located opposite the Lighthouse, the distance to it is three kilometers.

Both capes form a kind of gate, a rather narrow passage into the bay, through which ships enter it.

Sailors see the lighthouse fire from afar, it is an important landmark for them and a signal that there will be a port soon.

The lighthouse is a high—security protected object, tourists are not allowed there, but you can admire it by getting close enough. 

From the high shore there is an excellent view of Avacha Bay and three vertical cliffs standing on its very border.

These kekurs are called "Three Brothers" because there is an old legend about the heroic brothers who defended the coast from the tsunami and turned into these rocks by a sea deity dissatisfied with their resistance.

After getting an unforgettable experience and breathing in the winter air, you return to the recreation center.

This is the day on which you will visit the camp of the indigenous inhabitants of Kamchatka, which is now an open-air ethnic museum. 

The village is called "Children of the North". 

Here you can get acquainted with the traditional way of life of local peoples, drink Koryak herbal tea, admire the views of Domestic volcanoes. 

The inhabitants of the village talk about the peculiarities of the culture of the indigenous peoples of Kamchatka, show their songs and dances.

To fully immerse themselves in the local specifics, travelers master dog sledding. 

This traditional form of transport for the North is still used in everyday life, but it has also become a sport. 

Beringia dog sledding competitions are held annually in Kamchatka. This is an international event, attended not only by participants from Russia, but also from other countries.

Here it is suggested to try yourself in the role of kayurs. 

But before they get into the sled, experienced teamsters talk about the habits of dogs, their pedigree, and the rules that are followed when riding in a dog sled.

Not every dog is suitable for such a role, but only special riding breeds — huskies, huskies. 

They are very intelligent and hardy animals, running with a team is their life, from which they enjoy and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Tourists travel along a specially trampled safe highway accompanied by snowmobiles.

By controlling the dogs, who, however, know perfectly well what to do, travelers get an unforgettable experience and impressions. 

Rushing through the snow—covered expanses on a dog sled is something that energizes you for a long time.

After such an eventful day, you return to the recreation center.

In the morning, you will drive jeeps south from the recreation center, to an area with high volcanic activity. 

The group will drive through the Paratun forests to the mountain pass, which will take less than an hour.

From here, a panorama of the valley will be visible from a kilometer high and the right cone of the Vilyuchinsky volcano will be very close.

We drive about 25 km more to today's main goal — the Dangerous Waterfall, which is located on the slopes of one of the most active volcanoes in Kamchatka — Mutnovsky. 

The waterfall is formed by a sulphurous Volcanic river: it originates in a crater, runs three kilometers through a gorge and in one place breaks off with a turbid stream from a height of 80 meters. 

The combination of a volcano, a waterfall and a canyon in one place has made it a natural monument of world importance.

Small Valley of geysers. 

This is a part of a mountain valley, which is also called Summer Cottage hot springs, located at the foot of the Mutnovsky volcano and is considered the largest group of the Mutnovsky springs complex. 

Mud pots are boiling here, fumaroles are smoking. 

The hot gas passes through the cold water of the stream and heats it. 

You will be guided along a safe route and shown all this activity.

At the end of the day, we return to Paratunka to recuperate and relax in the thermal pools.

Kamchatka is famous for its volcanoes, of which there are many, including active ones. 

You will visit the most interesting volcanoes and climb them. 

The tour program includes a visit to the foot of Avacha hill and a short ascent of Mount Camel.

The group of volcanoes to which they belong is called the Home.

Travelers get to the Avacha pass on snowmobiles (in sleds), which travel along the riverbed and a rolled snow road. 

The closer the mountains are, the more snow there is. 

Only a snowmobile can move freely along it. 

You will not have to walk a lot, as it is difficult because of the snowdrifts. 

But stops are made in places where there is such an opportunity, and from where there are wonderful views of the snow-capped mountains.

After the tour, the group returns to the recreation center, where an open-air thermal pool is always ready to receive you.

The penultimate day of the tour is dedicated to the main city of Kamchatka — Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. 

The guide tells about the history of the city, about what and how he lives now.

You will admire the panorama of Avacha Bay, see monuments to seafarers. 

After that, the group visits the interesting interactive museum "Vulcanarium". The initiator of its creation was the famous volcanologist Sergey Samoylenko.

The exposition tells about the processes taking place in the bowels of the earth, shows the features of volcanism. 

Visitors are active participants of the tour, they can touch exhibits, simulate processes on mockups.

After the museum, you will go to the fish market. 

This is an impressive place where you can see the wealth of Kamchatka in abundance — the gifts of the sea. 

Different types of caviar, crabs, salmon, smelt, sea bass, halibut...

You can't count everything, your eyes literally run away in front of such an assortment. Caviar, salted and smoked fish can be tasted from the counters. It's just a feast of taste!

The guide shows the souvenir shops of the city so that you can buy some nice things as a souvenir, which later, far from Kamchatka, will remind you of a trip to this region.

The last day of the week-long tour. 

Transfer to the airport, where a plane is waiting for you to the Mainland, as they say here. 

There is always a slight sadness from parting with Kamchatka. 

But everyone who has been here leaves a piece of their heart in these parts forever.