A trip to the islands of Sakhalin — Kunashir — Iturup

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The two-week trip to the Kuril Islands begins!

You will walk around Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, taste local seafood, swim in wild thermal springs, see Golovnin volcano, visit Cape Columnar and admire the White cliffs of Iturup Island.

And also go on a boat trip and take memorable photos of frozen volcanic lava.

Location

Russia, Sakhalin region, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Sightseeing tours

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

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Tour highlights

The Alien Plateau

You will see bizarre silhouettes and unusual shapes of once boiling lava

Boat trip

Enjoy the views of volcanoes, landscapes of the island from the water and the seal rookery

Relaxation in the thermal baths

Relax and recuperate in the relaxing hot baths

The "living" cliff

Visit a natural site that captures the island's history over the past 2 million years

Charming rocks

Drive to the famous White Cliffs and stroll along the wild deserted beach

A trip to the volcano

Admire the incredible beauty of the two craters of the Golovin volcano — Boiling and Hot lakes

Itinerary

Day 1 - Sightseeing tour of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Meeting at the airport.
Transfer to the hotel, we leave our things.
Please keep in mind that check-in at the hotel is at 14:00 (early check-in is booked and paid in advance if necessary).
Welcome lunch at a Japanese restaurant.
Sightseeing bus tour of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
A visit to the viewport at the Mountain Air ski complex, which offers a magnificent view of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, located in a valley surrounded by hills and ridges.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner (on your own).
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk has many authentic cozy restaurants with Japanese, Korean, Chinese and European cuisine.

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Day 2 - Tikhaya Bay, Noticeable Island, east coast of the Sea of Okhotsk
08:00 Breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
09:00 Departure from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk by bus.
Travel time with stops is about 3 hours, 135 km, paved federal highway.
On the way, we will stop at the amber coast and collect amber, watch the seals resting on the rocks.
We will visit the Japanese Torii gates of the Karafuto governorship period, which were installed in front of Shinto temples.
An intermediate stop in the fishermen's village of the Seaside, where you can buy freshly boiled crabs and taste them during lunch.
In the bay there is a quiet walk along the coast, after which you will have a hot gastronomic lunch — delicious Sakhalin fish soup with red fish, Far Eastern delicacies, caviar, herbal tea, Sakhalin sweets.
19:00 Return to the hotel.
Dinner (on your own).

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Day 3 - Departure to Kunashir
08:00 Breakfast at the hotel
09:00 Transfer to Korsakov port. Registration on the ship.
12:00 Departure of the ship to Yuzhno-Kurilsk.
The ship leaves the port of Korsakov and follows the coastline of the Tonino-Aniva Peninsula for 4 hours.
From the ship you can see the Aniva lighthouse, and during the passage through the Sea of Okhotsk there is a chance to see dolphins and killer whales.
Lunch and dinner on the boat in a cafe (independently).
Day 4 - Arrival on Kunashir. The fumarole field of the Mendeleev volcano. Thermal springs of the Mendeleev volcano
Breakfast on the ship (on your own).
09:00 Arrival in Yuzhno-Kurilsk.
Meeting at the seaport, transfer to the hotel.
Departure for the route of medium difficulty "The Large fumarole field of the Mendeleev volcano".
By car for 30 minutes, then trekking 2-2.5 hours through bamboo with a constant climb, 3 km in one direction.
A path with stops for a short rest. Parking on the fumarole field ~ 2 hours.
Fumaroles and solfatars are among the largest, if not the largest in all the Kuril Islands. Portals to the bowels of the earth.
From the erupting hum and high-temperature gases, it's even scary to imagine what's going on inside.
Lunch (dry rations).
Bathing in wild thermal springs.
Return to the hotel in the evening.
Dinner at the cafe.

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Day 5 - Golovnin volcano. Lakes are Boiling and Hot
09:00 Breakfast at the cafe.
10:00 Departure for the route of medium difficulty "Golovnin Volcano. The Lakes are Boiling and Hot."
By car for 40 minutes, then trekking for 2.5–3 hours along the path, 7 km in one direction.
The whole way is accompanied by beautiful fields of cedar elfin and Kuril bamboo, completely impassable for humans.
The volcano is a caldera about 4 km in diameter, surrounded by a ridge with a max. the height is 541 m.
At the bottom of the caldera there are four small domes and two craters — lakes Boiling and Hot.
The parking time in the caldera is ~ 3 hours.
Lunch (dry ration).
You can not swim in Boiling lake, there are hot springs, mud boilers and hot steam at the bottom of the lake and along the shores.
But it's a great pleasure to swim in the Hot lake.
Return to the hotel in the evening.
Dinner at the cafe.

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Day 6 - Cape Columnar. Stolbovsky sources. White Monks Rocks
09:00 Breakfast at the cafe.
10:00 Departure to the route of medium difficulty "Cape Columnar" is one of the most amazing and unique places on earth.
Residents of Kunashir say: "Whoever has not seen Cape Columnar, has not seen Kunashir."
Millions of years ago, as a result of the eruption of the Mendeleev volcano, basalt lava flowed to the sea.
Physico-chemical processes have created such columnar structures in the form of five-hexagonal columns.
But getting here, it is impossible to accept that nature created it.
A mystical place with its own music.
The cape, open on three sides, is located on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk.
A difficult passage through small shelves / fragments of pillars.
Relaxing on the cape, swimming in the sea.
There are many sea urchins in the littoral lagoons.
Then 2 km along the shore to the parking lot, where a bonfire lunch will be organized — delicious fish soup.
The total mileage of the walking part of the route is 6 km.
Return to the hotel in the evening.
Dinner at the cafe.

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Day 7 - Golovninsky Cliff is the white cliffs of Kunashir Island. The Veslovsky Peninsula. Pacific ocean
09:00 Breakfast at the cafe.
10:00 Departure by car to the Veslovsky peninsula, Golovnino settlement, the southernmost island.
Visit to the memorial sign at the site of the foundation of the Russian settlement on Kunashir Island in 1778.
Golovninsky Cliff is an extremely impressive natural object.
The giant outcrops of this unique relief form depict the main stages of the Golovnin volcano's activity and climatic events over the past 2 million years.
The structure of the cliff deposits is very complex: the ashes of ancient volcanic eruptions alternate with strata of marine sediments and include peat bogs of different ages.
The cliff is "alive", constantly crumbling and autumn storms play an especially important role in this.
It is possible to drive to the cliff only at low tide. Otherwise, only a visit to the Veslovsky peninsula, rest.
Lunch by the ocean.
Return to the hotel in the evening.
Dinner at the cafe.

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Day 8 - Mount Doggy. Lagunnoe Lake
09:00 Breakfast at the cafe.
10:00 Departure for the route.
Today is a day without trekking, rest in a beautiful bay and small walks to the Dog Mountain and neighboring peaks, from where picturesque views open.
Kostrova's lunch is an ear.
Dinner at the cafe.
Day 9 - Excursion to the Museum of local lore. Visit to the thermal complex. Departure to Iturup
Room release.
09:00 Breakfast at the cafe.
Visit to the thermal complex.
Lunch at the cafe.
Excursion to the Museum of local lore.
16:00 Transfer to the port. Registration on the ship.
19:00 Departure to Iturup.
Day 10 - Arrival at Iturup. Fumarole field and thermal springs of Baransky volcano
08:00 Breakfast on the boat (on your own)
09:00 The ship's approach to Kurilsk.
Meeting at the seaport. Transfer to the hotel. We're leaving things.
Departure for the route, 20 km on the way.
An interesting educational excursion to the fumarole field (fumaroles, solfatars, mud boilers, steam griffins) — Sannikov Land.
We cook eggs in a geyser — this is our attraction.
There is also a delicious lunch and eggs with caviar.
Transfer to the thermal complex — a stunningly beautiful paradise, an oasis among volcanoes and taiga
In a natural Jacuzzi with a water temperature of 42 ° and under a hot waterfall, you are truly reborn.
Swimming.
Supper.
Transfer to the hotel.

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Day 11 - Boat trip, Chirip Peninsula. White rocks. The Sea of Okhotsk
Breakfast in the cafe.
Departure to the pier, briefing, boarding the boat.
During the boat trip you will see the most beautiful landscapes of the Chirip Peninsula, picturesque lava banks, bird markets, deposits of seals and sea lions, Cape Chirip and Cape Spur.
Next, the transition to the White Cliffs.
A boat trip along the White Cliffs is a wonderful opportunity to see this unique natural object from the sea.
Disembarkation, walk.
Lunch on the coast.
White rocks are white crested ridges of bizarre shapes, cut by canyons.
The landscape is constantly changing due to the fact that the rock (volcanic glass and pumice) is soft and prone to weathering and erosion.
The beach consists of white quartz and black titanium-magnetite sand.
On the way back, visit the thermal complex "Hot Waters".
Dinner at the cafe.
According to the weather, the route can be arranged on another day.

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Day 12 - Kasatka Bay. A rock massif in the Bay of Kasatka. Pacific ocean
Departure for the route, 60 km south to the Pacific coast.
An inspection of the "Devil's Rock", a visit to the grottoes.
Tunnels were cut through the rocks by the Japanese for military purposes.
It was from here, from Kasatka Bay, that the Japanese aircraft carrier squadron moved out in November 1941 to strike the American naval base Pearl Harbor.
Lunch is on the route.
Dinner with Iturup seafood delicacies on the coast with stunning sunset scenery and tea by the campfire.
Transfer to the hotel.

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Day 13 - The Yankito Plateau. Flight to Sakhalin
Room release.
Breakfast in the cafe.
A trip to the plateau Yankito, Kuril Bay is a frozen volcanic lava in the form of a pile of rocks on the seashore.
Bizarre silhouettes and unusual shapes of once-boiling lava.
Transfer to the airport.
Departure to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

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Day 14 - Free day
Breakfast in the hotel restaurant
Free day (reserved in case of late arrival).
After such a busy program, a free day is necessary.
Walking through the beautiful Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk with a large number of alleys and parks, fragrant flower beds and many fountains will give you pleasure.
In the evening, visit one of the cozy restaurants with Japanese, Korean or pan-Asian cuisine.
And you can spend the day and say: "Goodbye, Sakhalin!" at the top of the "Mountain air" with a view of the city and the setting sun with caviar and champagne.
We recommend visiting:
Sakhalin Museum of Local Lore;
The Pobeda Memorial Complex with interactive expositions and panoramas using various modern technologies. The Pobeda complex has entered the top of the best military museums in Russia;
Shops with Korean and Japanese goods;
Souvenir shops and a fish market with a wide variety of fresh seafood and Sakhalin delicacies. You can't think of a better gift for your family and friends. And on the way to the airport, you can pick up orders.

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Day 15 - Transfer to the airport
Breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
Transfer to the airport.

Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Accommodation

Hotel

12 nights
Cabin on the boat

2 nights

Comfort

Midscale
Upscale
Premium

The tour includes accommodation in hotels.

The cost of the tour for 1 person, RUB.:

Hotels	Double occupancy	Surcharge for single occupancy
Gagarin 3* / Belka 3*	227 000	28 400
Mega Palace 4*	229 000	31 600

Additional payments on Kunashir are optional (increased comfort level of accommodation):

for a double suite at the Flagship hotel (with amenities) on Kunashir Island — 8,200 rubles/person/5 nights;
for a single room in the Iceberg 2 hotel (with amenities) on Kunashir Island — 8,200 rubles/person/5 nights;
for a double suite at the Iceberg 2 hotel (with amenities) on Kunashir Island — 8,200 rubles/person/5 nights.

Extra day of stay in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (if necessary), RUB.:

Hotels	Double Room	Single Room
Gagarin 3* / Belka 3*	7 200	5 800
Mega Palace 4*	8 300	7 200

Mega Palace Hotel

This hotel is located on the Far Eastern Sakhalin Island of Russia, at the foot of the Susunai Mountains. It offers an international restaurant, a spa and a nightclub. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk city centre is a 15-minute drive away.

Mega Palace Hotel is a multi-storey building with modern rooms and apartments furnished with antique furniture. All rooms are equipped with cable TV, a safe and a minibar.

It offers a fitness center, a hot tub and a sauna. In the evenings, guests can visit the karaoke bar or a nightclub with a DJ.

A buffet breakfast is served every morning. The Marquis Restaurant serves Russian, European and Japanese cuisine. Serbian cuisine can be enjoyed at the Grill in the Sky restaurant. Asian cuisine restaurant "Asia" and Japanese restaurant Bambu are also available on site. Guests can relax at the Duke Karaoke Bar.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport is a 30-minute drive away. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Central Station can be reached in 20 minutes by car.

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Another option

Gagarin Hotel

This hotel is located in a quiet location in the park area of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, a 15-minute drive from Khomutovo Airport. The Gagarin Hotel offers a sauna with a mini-pool.

The rooms of the Gagarin Hotel in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk are decorated using elements of Japanese and European styles. They are equipped with a work desk and a TV with over 100 satellite channels. Featuring a bath, the private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers.

A full buffet breakfast is served every morning at the hotel. The Gagarin restaurant specializes in European cuisine.

Guests can relax in the karaoke bar. A park named after him is located next to the hotel. Gagarina with a beautiful rock garden.

Free parking is available on site at the Gagarin Hotel. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can arrange a shuttle service for guests.

Another option

Belka Hotel

Built of wooden beams, this hotel is located in the business district, a 10-minute walk from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Main Station in the business center of the city. It offers free Wi-Fi and rooms with a flat-screen TV.

Rooms at Belka Hotel are decorated in Alpine style and feature wooden walls and air conditioning. The rooms have a minibar and a bathroom with bathrobes, slippers, a hairdryer and toiletries.

The Belka Hotel's restaurant serves Russian cuisine. Guests can order a buffet breakfast. There are restaurants and bars within walking distance of the hotel.

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Tour conditions

Group

up to 25 tourists

Minimum age

7 years old

Duration

15 days 14 nights

Group meets at

Russia, Sakhalin region, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Included in price

airport — hotel — airport transfer;
accommodation in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, 2-bed accommodation;
services of a tour guide;
meals according to the program;
transfer Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk — airport/port Korsakov — Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk;
port charges;
bed linen on the ship;
accommodation in Yuzhno-Kurilsk at the Flagship hotel (b/w), 2-bed accommodation;
3 meals a day on Kunashir;
accommodation in the hotel "Tomori" in Kurilsk, 2-bed accommodation;
3 meals a day on Iturup;
boat and equipment rental;
transportation services according to the program;
escort by instructors-guides on the routes;
entrance tickets to the thermal complexes "Sources of the Baransky volcano" and "Hot Waters";
a pass to the Kurilsky Nature Reserve;
border crossing to the island of Kunashir and the island of Iturup.

Paid extra

flights to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and back;
ticket for the Korsakov— Yuzhno-Kurilsk motor ship (4-bed cabin) — 5,400 rubles/person.;
ticket for the ship Yuzhno-Kurilsk — Kurilsk (4-bed cabin) — 2,500 rubles/person.;
Kurilsk — Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk airfare — 7,500 rubles/person.;
meals on the ship;
dinners in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk;
early check-in to hotels and late check-out from hotels;
surcharge for single occupancy;
additional payment for an increased level of comfort of living on Kunashir;
medical insurance.

It's important to know

lightweight headdress for sun protection;
trekking waterproof sneakers/boots (Gore-Tex), or treated with a water repellent + a replaceable pair of shoes;
comfortable sports sandals with a rigid fixation on the foot, in which it is convenient to walk on water and stones (necessary on the route Tikhaya Bay, for visiting thermal springs / baths on the islands of Kunashir and Iturup);
sports trousers are comfortable for trekking (2 pairs). It is also preferable to have waterproof trousers. It is especially convenient on the side zippers to quickly put on over sweatpants if necessary. They are light and do not take up space at all;
comfortable, lightweight, wind and moisture proof(!) jacket;
warm clothes: sweater, fleece jacket or similar warm clothes;
T-shirt with short or long sleeves with moisture-repellent properties for trekking;
lightweight cotton clothing: shorts/capris, T-shirts;
bathing suit;
socks are warm and thick;
a small travel towel (quick-drying);
a small backpack of 25-30 liters for one-day radial routes for water, photo/video equipment, swimsuit, towel, raincoat, etc. It is mandatory to have a waterproof backpack cover;
sunscreen and sunglasses;
a sunscreen adapted for you with a protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 units;
plastic water bottle for routes;
gloves;
telescopic poles for hiking (personal necessity);
photo/video equipment;
mosquito and tick repellents (personal necessity).

Dates and Prices

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28 Jun – 12 Jul, 2025 15 days 14 nights

Tour option - A trip to the islands of Sakhalin — Iturup — Kunashir

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from
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25 Sep – 9 Oct, 2025 15 days 14 nights

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