The road to Ladoga. Rafting, climbing and excursions

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Experience the real drive and adrenaline while traveling in Karelia!

Different types of outdoor activities, kayaking and motor boating, will combine the amazing natural monuments of this area into one route.

You will have excursions to the historical Bastion Park and the Ruskeala Mountain Park, you will kayak along the most dynamic river of Ladoga, and light inflatable boats will allow you to pass through the most protected straits and coves of the amazing world of Ladoga skerries.

With a group request of 6 people or more, it is possible to organize a tour in individual terms.

Location

the city of Sortavala

from

Contact the tour coordinator

Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

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Tour highlights

Ruskeala

We will visit a unique mountain park with a marble canyon

Living in nature

We will spend the night in a tent camp and eat food cooked over a campfire

Active leisure

Let's go on a kayak and motorboat trip through picturesque Karelia

Itinerary

Day 1 - Bastion Historical Park. Ruskeala Mountain Park
Gathering of the group at 08:19 at the station in Sortavala from the platform.
We recommend train No. 160B for arrival.
We are going to have breakfast in a cozy cafe.
We get to know the guide and other tour participants.
Let's get on the buses and go on an adventure!
The first stop is the Bastion Historical Park.
Bastion Park is a modern playground with themed excursions with full immersion in various historical epochs.
We don't just walk through the locations, but also try on the role of a local resident, ask questions to other actors in order to get to know all aspects of different historical eras to the maximum.
At the end of the trip, we will definitely take pictures in historical costumes and participate in master classes.
We pause for lunch at the cafe and continue our journey. The next stop is the famous Ruskeala Mountain Park outside Karelia.
Ruskeala marble quarry is a monument of cultural heritage of Russia. Development began here in 1765.
The walls of the famous St. Isaac's Cathedral, Ladozhskaya and Primorskaya metro stations in St. Petersburg are decorated with Ruskeal marble.
The quarry is a huge system of underground tunnels and tunnels connected by vertical shafts.
Most of them were flooded after the Great Patriotic War, and the quarry turned into an amazingly beautiful lake with a turquoise shade of water, the transparency of which reaches 15-18 meters.
We return to the bus and go to the village of Harla.
We settle into tents, participate in cooking dinner and, under the crackle of logs in the campfire, tune in for the upcoming vacation in Karelia, get to know the instructors and group members better.

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Day 2 - Kayaking: Lake. Janisjärvi — Shivery — Hyamekoski Canyon (inspection) — P. Harlu
We have breakfast and in the morning we begin to prepare for going out to the river: we check the kayaks, the instructors conduct mandatory instruction on water safety and rowing techniques.
We get helmets, life jackets and paddles.
We leave unnecessary things in our tent camp, we will return here in the evening.
Kayaking along the Yanisjoki river: Lake. Janisjärvi — Shivery — Hyamekoski Canyon (inspection) — Harlu village, 10 km.
On the way, we definitely stop for a snack or make a full lunch.
The Yanisjoki River originates in the lake. Janisjärvi.
The names of the river and lake have the same origin and in Finnish "janis" means "hare".
The river is especially loved by tourists for its rapids with a high elevation difference.
The categorical complexity of the river is the third.
Lake Yanisjarvi is located in the south-west of Karelia. The lake is unique in its kind.
Some researchers believe that Janisjärvi is a destroyed meteorite crater.
But whatever the ancient history of Lake Janisjärvi, now it impresses with its beauty and picturesqueness of the surrounding islands, of which there are up to forty.
We overcome the shivers on our way and approach the Hyamekoski Canyon.
Before passing through the canyon, we definitely do an inspection, because the height of its drops is about 5-6 meters. This is one of the most vivid impressions of today!
We return to the camp in the evening.
We put our gear and equipment in order, cook dinner and relax around the campfire: someone sings favorite songs with a guitar, someone reads a long-delayed book, and someone just enjoys nature.

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Day 3 - Kayaking: P. Harlu — P. Lyaskelya
We're having breakfast.
Today we continue to conquer the Yanisjarvi River by kayaking along the route: P. Kharlu — P. Lyaskela.
We stop for a snack on the way.
We overcome several simple barriers and thresholds of 1-2 difficulty categories.
We can hear the noise of the Petrakoski threshold from afar. This is the threshold of the 3rd category of difficulty, we can pass it without inspection.
Then there is a ples, on the banks the building becomes denser, the river rests against the dam.
The last obstacle on our route is the Lyaskel Dam. The fifth category of difficulty has its own nuances, so the decision to wear or pass is made by the instructor, depending on the preparation of the group.
The rafting ends in the village of Lyaskela, from where we return to our tent camp.
The day ends as usual — by the campfire, with delicious camping food, guitar chords and fun games.
It's been three days since we've thought about social media.

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Day 4 - Trekking on Hiidenvuori mountain. Setting up a camp on the island
We're having breakfast.
Yesterday, the rafting part of our trip came to an end. It's time to change the location.
We collect equipment, camp and personal belongings and take the bus to the shore of Lake Ladoga.
Here we go trekking on the "back of the devil", that is, on Mount Hiidenvuori.
Sometimes this mountain is also called Bald, because there is not a single tree on the top of the mountain.
The path to the top is short, but steep enough — no special physical training is needed.
From the top of the mountain we admire stunning views of Lake Ladoga, islands, skerries and the Yanisjoki River.
The picturesque forests around are striking in their beauty.
On a clear sunny day, we can even see the domes of the legendary Valaam Monastery.
There is a man-made cave on the top, which was built by the Finns during the Russian—Finnish war, a grotto with a vertical shaft. An inscription from 1940 has also been preserved there. We touch upon important events in the history of the Motherland.
We descend, motor boats are already waiting for us below — we go to one of the islands of the Ladoga skerries, where we will set up camp tonight.
Lake Ladoga is the largest lake in Europe. It is rich in islands — up to 500 islands with an area of up to 300 square kilometers.
The necklace of islands is divided among themselves by a maze of straits (skerries).
Thirty-two rivers carry their waters to Ladoga.
Lake Ladoga can be called, without exaggeration, a storehouse of solar energy.
We go ashore, set up camp and cook dinner — we enjoy every moment of this trip.

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Day 5 - Ladoga skerries. "Reef Mountains". "The Giant's Fingers." Aino Rock
We're having breakfast.
Today we are going for a boat trip along the Ladoga Skerries, a picturesque archipelago in the north of Lake Ladoga, consisting of many small rocky islands separated by straits.
One of the striking features of the Ladoga skerries is the so—called "reef mountains". Reef mountains are called mountains that break off into the lake with sheer cliffs, the height of which can reach 80 meters.
Our route begins with a tour of the "giant's fingers" — the picturesque capes of Honkasalo Island, where you can see firsthand that Russia has its own fjords — narrow bays with steep stone walls.
The road leads us to the famous Aino Rock.
Climb up to one of the most beautiful observation decks with a magnificent view of the skerries.
On the route, we will have a hearty snack in nature.
If there is time left, we will climb to the "roof of Ladoga" — Vakhtimyaki Mountain, the view from which is breathtaking. From here you can enjoy a magnificent view of the vast expanses of the skerries and the Valaam Archipelago.
In the evening we return to the tent camp.

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Day 6 - Motor boat trip along the Ladoga skerries. Pellotsari Island
We're having breakfast.
Today we spend the whole day riding motorboats along the Ladoga skerries, stopping at the islands that we like.
A mandatory stop today is the island of Pellotsari, where Finnish farms were located before the Winter War (1939-1940).
The foundations of the houses of Swedish, Finnish and Russian families who lived here until the 20s of the last century have been preserved on the now uninhabited island, as well as small quarries - the local population was engaged in quartz mining.
The foundations have been preserved, rather resembling pillboxes with bunkers. In the 30s of the XX century, loans were issued for the construction of farms, provided that the first floor would be dual-use.
The farms were used as Long-term Firing Points and as strong points were part of the defense line.

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Day 7 - Dinner on the shore of Lake Ladoga and Return to Sortavala
We have breakfast slowly and go out on motorboats to Lake Ladoga to the village of Lyaskel (12 km on the way).
Travel always ends too quickly, ours will be great — we will have dinner on the shore of Lake Ladoga.
We enjoy the evening coolness and relax in a cool company with a view of the beautiful Karelian landscapes.
The best way to end the trip, we take new stories, contacts and photos with us.
You can leave Karelia, but Karelia will never leave us.
By 19:30 we arrive at the railway station of Sortavala to travel by evening trains to different parts of the country.
We recommend train No. 160A.

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Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Accommodation

Tent

6 nights

Comfort

Basic

The tour provides overnight stays in 3-seater tourist tents, check—in tents for 3 people.

Each participant is provided with an individual thermal insulation mat.

It is possible to stay in a double tent for an additional fee (payment when booking a tour) — 1,500 rubles/tour.

Discount for children under 12 years of age — 15%.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 18 tourists

Minimum age

5 years old

Duration

7 days 6 nights

Group meets at

the city of Sortavala

Included in price

transportation services;
meals specified in the program;
the work of instructors;
rental of rafting equipment: kayaks, paddles, helmets, life jackets, sealed packages, boats, outboard motor;
rental of camp equipment: campfire equipment, tents, thermal insulation mats.

Paid extra

railway tickets to Sortavala and back;
sleeping bag (comfort temperature +6°, extreme 0°; paid when booking a tour) — 700 rubles/tour, ;
neoprene suit (to be paid when booking a tour) — 3,300 rubles/tour;
accommodation in a double tent (paid at the time of booking the tour) — 1,500 rubles/tour;
insurance of medical and other unforeseen expenses — from 100 rubles/person/day.

It's important to know

1. A backpack without a machine or a travel bag.

2. Sleeping bag (if you do not have a personal one, you can rent it from the company, payment is made when booking a trip).

3. Clothes during an active day:

tight pants – 2 pairs (not jeans);
thin fleece jacket or T-shirt (depending on the weather forecast);
light windbreaker (clothes should "breathe");
raincoat or membrane jacket (in case of bad weather);
2-3 pairs of regular socks;
headdress (cap or bandana). Remember that during the running day you will still have a helmet on your head.

4. A set of clothes for changing clothes after rafting:

a set of dry comfortable outerwear;
dry comfortable shoes and socks;
beanie/bandana/buff;
a set of spare underwear.

5. Clothes for sleeping in a tent:

warm loose clothing (if available, thermal underwear);
warm socks (woolen ones are possible) and a thin hat (nights can be cool);
for the evening, a fleece jacket / sweatshirt / jacket.

6. Comfortable shoes without heels, 4 pairs:

one for rafting on the river;
the second one is for the active part (shoes must completely cover the foot, sandals are prohibited);
the third one is for the camp (you can take rubber boots if it rains according to the forecast),
The fourth is "urban".

7. Personal items:

repellents (mosquitoes, midges);
flashlight with a set of spare batteries;
sunglasses and sunscreen and after sunburn, if it is sunny according to the forecast;
personal hygiene products (including toilet paper);
individual first aid kit;
small polyurethane seat mat;
portable charger;
personal tableware (mug, deep bowl, spoon).

8. Documents – passport, medical insurance policy (photocopy is possible) in an airtight package.

9. Money.
We recommend that you always have a small amount of cash with you so that, if desired, you can quickly buy the necessary things at stops along the route.

10. You can take a camera, there will be sealed packages in which it can be hidden at the moment of passing the threshold.

Remember that you should always have 1 set of dry clothes. Be sure to check the weather forecast before your trip. Synthetic, quick-drying clothes are more practical. The raincoat should be tight and reliable. The clothes you will be wearing during the day should cover your elbows and knees, as well as be dense enough so that mosquitoes/midges cannot bite through them.

Failure to comply with safety regulations (personal safety) while on the water causes increased risks to life and health. Therefore, follow these instructions.

Before going out on the water:

listen to the safety instruction from the instructor, sign in to receive it;
match the size of the life jacket and helmet, adjust all fasteners;
take a seat on the ship so that it is comfortable and safe.

General rules on the water:

do not smoke on the ship;
do not drink alcoholic beverages on the water;
Always collect loose ropes;
keep an eye on the tightness of the packaging of things, and their secure fastening on the ship;
carefully pack the piercing and cutting objects;
do not move around the ship without warning the instructor;
always moor (tie up) the vessel when going ashore;
secure oars, helmets, life jackets when going ashore;
go ashore carefully, avoiding falling into the water, as well as on the shore on wet rocks, if necessary, ask for help from an instructor or other group members;
it is forbidden to swim and dive from the ship;
observe the interval and the order of movement of vessels set by the instructor;
you can unbutton and take off your life jacket and helmet only with the permission of the instructor;
follow the instructions and instructions of the instructor;
do not exceed the standard number of people on the ship;
when on the water in sunny weather, use sunglasses, sunscreen and cover exposed areas of the body and head;
do not stay on the water during a thunderstorm.

When passing the thresholds:

everyone can refuse to pass the threshold;
before the threshold, check the reliability of securing things, the assembly of ropes, the degree of pumping of the vessel, if something is wrong, inform the instructor;
be sure to fasten your life jacket and helmet;
check that your clothes comply with the recommendations (neoprene, closed elbows and knees, shoes attached to the leg);
secure your legs so that you hold on securely, but you can easily free yourself when the ship turns over;
do not tie yourself to the ship, do not tie an oar to yourself, etc.;
follow the instructor's commands without committing unauthorized actions.;
Do not move around the ship;
do not push off the rocks with an oar without the instructor's command;
do not jump out on the rocks or into the water without the instructor's command.

In case of contact with water: Before difficult thresholds, ask the instructor again in detail about your actions. If possible, practice getting on the ship from the water yourself in advance, swim in a life jacket, etc.

assess the situation, do not panic (remember that you are in a life jacket);
if your or a safety vessel is nearby, swim up to it so that you are upstream, grab the harness (rail);
if the ship is far away, but you have been thrown a spanker, take the spanker and hold it firmly, without attaching it to yourself or winding it on your hand;
if you are swimming along the stream, and the threshold does not end, turn on your back, with your feet downstream, bending them slightly at the knees, and swim, controlling the paddle;
if the "barrel" does not let you go, hold your breath and try to dive down where there is a jet;
do not let go of the paddle, it will be useful for controlling the jet, for going ashore;
do not try to get to the bottom on a strong jet, avoid jamming your feet in the rocks;
if you catch a spascon, avoid wrapping it around your body, neck, etc.

Dates and Prices

The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, for clarification

Individual dates available on request

15 Jun – 31 Aug, 2025

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22 – 28 Jun, 2025 7 days 6 nights

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29 Jun – 5 Jul, 2025 7 days 6 nights

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6 – 12 Jul, 2025 7 days 6 nights

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13 – 19 Jul, 2025 7 days 6 nights

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20 – 26 Jul, 2025 7 days 6 nights

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27 Jul – 2 Aug, 2025 7 days 6 nights

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3 – 9 Aug, 2025 7 days 6 nights

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10 – 16 Aug, 2025 7 days 6 nights

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17 – 23 Aug, 2025 7 days 6 nights

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24 – 30 Aug, 2025 7 days 6 nights

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