To the west of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, about 80 kilometers away, is the Vachkazets mountain range.
The fourth day of the tour is dedicated to him. Early in the morning, tourists leave in the direction of the massif, the road by car takes a couple of hours.
Vachkajec is located in a protected area, the last part of the way must be walked.
Travelers make a stop on the shore of Lake Tahkoloch. The lake receives water from mountain springs, so it is transparent and almost icy.
Taking their time, breathing in the fresh, clean air, the group moves to the foot of the volcano, admiring the views. Travel time passes unnoticed, because there is beauty around.
Travelers make a stop on the shore of Lake Tahkoloch. This reservoir is distinguished by its calm water, framed by flowering plants in summer. The lake receives water from mountain springs, so it is transparent and almost icy. Tahkoloch is also fed by the Klyuchevaya River, the very name of which speaks about its origins.
Another river flows out of the lake, which received the same name, which is a tributary of the larger Plotnikov River, which in turn flows into the Sea of Okhotsk.
Rest and a snack near Lake Takhkoloch give strength, and the tourists are ready to start climbing Vachkazets.
Since the slopes are quite gentle, and the path has already been tested by many tourists, climbing to the top does not cause difficulties even for those who have never done it before.
During the ascent, the lake turns out to be at the bottom, and an interesting feature opens up — its outlines have a peculiar shape resembling a heart.
At the same time, fantasy draws the outline of a bear's face. Depending on the play of the imagination, you can see both.
It looks very symbolic. The bear is the master of these places, and the heart has always personified the feeling of love, and after all, it is experienced by all who find themselves in Kamchatka, to this amazing land.
Vachkajec was once a giant active volcano that lived its life very violently.
But after a powerful eruption that divided it into three parts, it calmed down, overgrown with vegetation (rhododendrons stand out in bright color in it), decorated with a landscape that resembles an Alpine one, acquired mountain streams.
The volcano's turbulent geological past can be read by its structure, and even by its mineralogical composition. Quartz streaked with opal sometimes glistens among the stones
The Klyuchevaya River, which originates in the purest glaciers of Vachkaz, tends down to pour its waters into the Tahkoloch, and forms beautiful cascades along the way.
Due to the steep slopes, the waterfall turns out to be very impressive. It is there that a group of tourists rushes and, coming close to the falling stream of water, freezes in admiration.
After admiring the waterfall, tourists go to another remarkable place on the Vachkazets massif — the mountain circus.
Once upon a time, the element of fire prevailed here, in the mouth of the volcano, stones boiled, hot steam hissed. Now it is quiet and peaceful here, and the owners of the former crater have become the evrazhki, of which there are many scurrying around.
After resting, the travelers begin the descent, which goes down another slope, past small beautiful waterfalls, and passes much faster than the ascent.
At the foot of the group has dinner, after which the path goes to the Zelenovskie Ozerki thermal complex.
This holiday destination is known for its hot hydrogen sulfide springs.
In the evening, the group arrives at the hotel.