Kamchatka tour to bears, volcanoes and killer whales

Our adventure in Kamchatka starts from the Mutnovsky plateau.

It is in this area that one of the most interesting peaks from a tourist point of view is located, with a height of more than 1.8 km. We will go up here, to Gorely volcano.

The shift will take us almost to the bottom.

The trail to Gorely is not too steep: we will walk along ancient lava flows and slag fields, overcoming almost a kilometer of elevation difference in 2-3 hours.

The reward will be a breathtaking panorama and the opportunity to take truly unique pictures.

And there are 11 craters ahead!

We will definitely arrange a small snack here.

We strive to organize this ascent in such a way that all our travelers who take part in a multi-day tour can climb to the crater. This is the fundamental difference between this program and the one-day hike that is being launched from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. There, the time interval allocated to reach the crater is seriously limited. And if for some reason the group is delayed on the way, the guide can deploy it earlier than the planned point is reached for safety reasons. This way the tourists will be able to return on time. In our case, there is much more time and the goal becomes more realistic.

We recommend that you focus on three craters.:

• "Active", which impresses with a beautiful pattern of minerals on the slopes and an indescribable play of light;
• "Blue lake" with real glacial water, which has a rare turquoise hue;
• The "bowl" with the famous acid reservoir, which until 2011 was a full-fledged and very dangerous lake, but now (after the eruption) the liquid is gone.

After you fully enjoy the grandeur of the volcano and the beauty of the surroundings, we descend to its foot and move overnight to the Vilyuchinsky pass in a tourist lodge.

A hearty dinner prepared by the chef will be waiting for us here.

You probably won't want to go to bed right away.

The first night in nature, the bottomless starry sky with the Milky Way clearly visible (in clear weather), conversations around the campfire. But the fatigue of impressions and a whole day of physical exertion will take its toll.

We wake up, have a snack, and move to the foot of the Mutnovsky volcano. A visit to the Dacha springs and the Veronica Spit Waterfall is planned for today.

The suburban thermal springs are located in the east between the Dvugorbovaya and Rocky Mountains, on the northern slope of Mutnovsky.

Volcanic manifestations are scattered in a wide band that stretches for more than a kilometer.

There are 5 sources and steam emissions, the most powerful of which is the Active funnel. We can observe hot springs, boiling boilers and steam jets on the walls of this basin.

Then our journey will continue to the upper reaches of the Vilyuchinskaya valley, from where we will walk to the majestic waterfall of Veronica Spit.

This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls of the peninsula, located on the Calm Stream.

It originates on the slope of Gorely volcano.

The height of the waterfall is 16 m, and the width of the falling stream is 5 m.

The waterfall is framed by steep rocky shores covered with alder bushes and stone birch.

We will also spend the second night in a tourist lodge on the Vilyuchinsky pass.

After breakfast, we move to the hotel complex.

Here in Nachiki, we spend the whole day relaxing, enjoying a swim in the thermal water (the pool is at our service).

We are preparing for tomorrow's move to Kuril Lake, in the direction of the southern part of the peninsula.

Kuril Lake, according to most travelers, is one of the most beautiful places in Kamchatka, a real pearl of the peninsula.

This is a flooded caldera of an ancient volcano, surrounded by three volcanoes and shrouded in mysticism.

In the center of the water surface with an area of more than 76 square kilometers stands the mysterious island of the Heart of Alaid, which is the subject of local legends.

Here you can also meet the majestic white—winged eagle, a rare bird of prey listed in the Red Book.

You will have a unique opportunity to observe the wild nature of Kamchatka in its most vivid manifestation, against the backdrop of stunning volcanic landscapes.

An early and hearty breakfast awaits us today — a busy day with a busy schedule ahead.

There are three river crossings to be overcome in a day, two of which will require special care, and the third we will ford.

Our path lies north from the Mutnovsky plateau, then west to the shore of the harsh Sea of Okhotsk.

The roads here are conventional, the shaking is guaranteed, but the change of scenery is fascinating: volcanic wastelands give way to green meadows, forests and, finally, the tundra by the sea.

The Sea of Okhotsk greets us with its unpredictable temperament: the weather changes instantly, the waves are cold and powerful, and a sunny day easily turns into a misty coolness — warm clothes will be useful.

We will drive about 150 kilometers along the coast.

In August, you can see fishermen at work at the height of spawning, and along the sloping shore there are seal rookeries and seabird colonies, which are better to watch from afar.

By evening, we will reach Pauzhetka, a village with Russia's first geothermal power plant.

We are accommodated in a small cozy house, the accommodation is multi-bedded.

The program of this day directly depends on the weather.

The senior guide determines the order of further actions only after reviewing the current weather forecast.

After that, we either move to the Pauzhetskaya geothermal power plant, or we head for Kamenny Gorodok.

Climbing the hill.

A car takes us to its foot.

Then there is a hike up the steep slope.

We are waiting for bizarre stone formations, which, for their similarity to ancient human creations, were named "gorodok".

They really look very much like an almost destroyed and long-abandoned city.

Guided tour, swimming, fishing.

If the weather does not allow us to climb the Stone Town, we walk along the Pauzhetka and go fishing.

We will "hand over" the most fishy spots to you, and Taras will teach you his signature techniques (they allow you to catch fish after the 3rd casting).

You will definitely succeed!

And we'll take the fish with us, they'll cook it for us later.

Now we have an excursion to the local geothermal power plant. Built back in 1966, it still operates and supplies electricity to the surrounding infrastructure.

The facility's specialist will explain to us where the electricity comes from, how everything works, and where the generated energy goes.

Before the tour, be sure to bring everything you need for swimming: you will have the opportunity to soak up the running water of a Hot river, which is also saturated with minerals.

It feels very unusual!

Camping awaits us at the end of the day.

We reach the border of the reserve by car.

It is here that the famous Kuril Lake is located.

We meet a local inspector and cross the Ozernaya River over a suspension bridge.

Then we move to the central cordon, walking a total of about 12 km. Why not by car?

Any motor transport is prohibited in the reserve.

The road is normal, so it won't be difficult to cross on foot.

We will spend 3-4 hours on it, while our luggage will be moved by motorboat and will arrive at the hospital before us.

Therefore, take only the minimum necessary set of things for this walk.

Bears are waiting for us! We guarantee it 100%.

For the safety of scientists and travelers, the cordon is protected from these charming predators by an electric fence.

And behind it, you'll see bears of different ages frolicking in the wild, which periodically switch to fishing.

We have lunch here, on the premises.

Scarves are at our service.

After that, a tour of the fenced and protected bridge extending deep into the bear's domain is planned.

There are always plenty of animals here, as the fish under the bridge accumulate and become easy prey for the shaggy ones.

The bears will really be very close to you.

Therefore, it is necessary to exercise maximum caution and comply with all the requirements of the inspector.

He will tell you about the habits of animals, how the fish passing through the dampers under the bridge is taken into account, and entertain you with stories from his practice.

In the evening, we will have an interesting documentary about the life of bears, which we admired live during the day.

Please note: electricity will be provided from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

So take care of charging your equipment.

Today we are waiting for an excursion, where we will walk through the territory adjacent to the lake.

We will choose one of the routes in consultation with the reserve staff.:

• visit to Severnaya Bay;
• the Khakytsin River;
• a walk to the hill at Home;
• Loose stuff.

No matter what happens, at least one of these routes will definitely be available for travel.

As an example of how this day can go, let's talk about visiting Severnaya Bay.

This place is interesting because you can watch a large number of bears at the same time.

They catch fish, fool around in the water, and scramble for prey.

Be sure to take pictures! You won't be able to make such shots anywhere else in the world! And just enjoy the proximity to nature and be surprised, just like in childhood.

We will arrange an early breakfast.

We are expected to walk for 2 hours to the bay, always accompanied by an armed inspector.

Keep in mind that there are simply no well-traveled roads here.

And what is there? Bear trails, for which both the land and the stream are the same.

So we will take care of the appropriate equipment in advance: we need waterproof clothing and appropriate shoes, always with the expectation of bad weather.

We will take these animal paths to the lake and walk along the shore to one of the streams flowing into it. It is on them that the fish rises, attracted by instinct, which is what the bears use. Sometimes whole families come. And in the mouths of these streams they have a fish day every day.

We'll be here for a few hours.

You will have time to admire the scenery, arrange a stunning photo shoot, and relax.

Then we will return to the central cordon.

But there's still time before dark, so we spend the rest of the day watching the bears from the protected area of the hospital.

An electric fence and specially equipped viewing platforms will protect you from any trouble.

As usual, you will get up early.

We will need to get to the most interesting point of our journey – to a unique pumice formation.

It has a peculiar name Kutkhiny baty.

Like many interesting sites in Kamchatka, this one is also a product of volcanic activity.

Pumice stone is formed as a result of lava solidification, it has a porous structure and low density.

And the local variety is also famous for its pleasant creamy shade.

For the indigenous people of this region, the sacred place of Kutkhiny Bata still retains its mystical meaning.

Landslides often occur in the depths of the canyon, because pumice is a fragile rock.

So it is forbidden to go too far for your own safety.

But we will explore the surroundings, take a lot of incredible photos, as well as a joint photo of all the participants of the tour.

Then we will leave the reserve by the same route and by evening we will be in Pauzhetka.

Here we will find a cozy house, a delicious dinner and a pleasant rest after a busy day.

We're heading back.

There is a long journey ahead, so be patient and remember the nature of Kamchatka roads.

By 00:00 at night we will be at the hotel: it's time to relax and prepare for tomorrow's adventures.

We will have a fascinating walk around Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

A tour of historical sites will be incredibly exciting.

Our guide is simply in love with his city and he has a lot to tell.

Petropavlovsk is a maritime city. And I've seen a lot of seafarers in my time. Bering, La Perouse, Krusenstern, and many other pioneers and heroes of naval battles visited it.

We will definitely visit the monuments in the city center, which perpetuate the achievements of the discoverers and world-famous sailors.

Thanks to historical sites, we will remember military victories and glorious times. Let's say about how in 1854, the few defenders of the city opposed a squadron of ships under the English and French flags, stood up and won.

The strategically important area for the Empire remained with Russia for centuries. The Maksutov Battery, a monumental exhibition located on the very shore, will remind us of this battle.

The monument to the Kuril Landing is located in the city center, in a picturesque park.

He will take us back to 1945, when there were battles for the liberation of the Kuril Islands.

This monument celebrates the soldiers and officers who defended our Motherland without sparing themselves.

It is here that flowers are solemnly laid on Victory Day, and it is here that veterans are honored.

Our next route is to the fish market.

We will finish the tour at the famous fish market, the real gastronomic heart of the city.

Here you will find a wealth of seafood delicacies to please your loved ones and take a piece of Kamchatka with you.

Today we are waiting for an unforgettable sea voyage — ten hours filled with discoveries and delight.

Here, among the expanses of the Pacific Ocean, you can see killer whales, sea lions and many rare birds in their natural environment.

Over the past few days, we have explored Kamchatka from the land, and now it's time to get acquainted with its marine element.

In the morning, we set off along Avacha Bay, enjoying the play of waves, the cries of seagulls and the legendary Three Brothers rocks, which, according to legend, protect the city.

After leaving the bay, we find ourselves in the arms of a mighty ocean, where the harsh shores of the peninsula and endless waters open before us.

Our route runs along the eastern coast, with a stop at Starichkov Island, a protected area inhabited by seals, sea lions and the rarest white—shouldered eagles.

It is impossible to land on the island, so as not to disrupt the fragile ecosystem, but you can observe the life of its inhabitants directly from aboard the yacht.

Next, our way lies to the secluded Russian Bay, where graceful killer whales are most often found.

This place is remote from civilization, rich in fish and therefore attracts sea giants. Here we have every chance to see them up close.

This day completes our journey.

All that remained was to exchange contacts with new friends, take a souvenir photo at the monument "Here begins Russia" on the way to the airport and say goodbye.

Departure to the airport – there will be 2 transfers for departure from the hotel: at 09:30 and 12:30 (check-out time). If possible, please take this point into account when purchasing tickets.