Sakhalin and Iturup: a big hike

Today we will get up early and go to the east coast of Sakhalin. The journey will take ~ 3 hours. 

On the way, we will stop to admire the Japanese Torii Gate, which was usually built at Shinto temples. 

In general, there is a lot of Japanese architecture on Sakhalin. 

Also, on the way, we will look into the village of Vzmorye, where those who wish can buy freshly caught boiled crabs.

In Tikhaya Bay, we will have a small trekking along the coast: caves and gorges, sea terraces. 

Here you can stay in silence, broken only by the sounds of the surf and the cry of restless birds. 

We will have lunch and in the evening we will go to the hotel, filled with incredible emotions from the beauty of this amazing place.

Bus: 140 km.
Walking distance: about 5 km.
Meals: lunch with a snack.

After breakfast at the cafe/hostel, we set off towards Cape Aniva.

This area is full of currents, frequent fogs, which gives the species a special atmosphere.

We will get by water (about 40 minutes) to the famous Japanese Aniva Lighthouse — the most instagrammed lighthouse in the world Of Russia. 

After a lunch snack, we move to the city of Korsakov (travel time ~ an hour), from here our journey begins by boat towards the largest island of the Kuril Islands — Iturup. Accommodation in 4-bed cabins.

Meals on the ship are at your discretion: you can buy groceries with you, you can eat in a cafe.

From the sea we will enjoy the views of Sakhalin and, if luck is on our side, we will see killer whales and dolphins. And once again, from the water we will be able to admire Cape Aniva and the lighthouse of the same name.

Bus: 80 km.
Walking distance: about 2 km.
Meals: lunch with a snack.

In the evening we approach the island of Iturup, we dock at the village of Kitovy.

There is still a chance to buy something necessary in the village, and then the wild nature awaits us.

In the coming days, we are heading towards the Bogdan Khmelnitsky volcano — this is the second highest on the Iturup volcano (1585 m).

Today we are waiting for one of the main fascinating sights of the island — the Yankito plateau. Here, huge lava formations of bizarre shapes have frozen into gloomy idols. This lava field appeared as a result of the activity of the very volcano Bogdan Khmelnitsky.

We get up for the night, set up camp.

Walking distance: about 2 km.
Meals: dinner.

This morning we will continue our journey to Lake Buda.

We will load all our belongings into our boat, it will take us straight to Lake Buda (about 20 minutes by water).

From here we start climbing the volcano. First, we have to cover 1.5 kilometers along the sea kurumnik.

Then we leave the coast and go up the South Chirip River. The peculiarity of these places is the high cliffs, hidden from view by dense vegetation.

The climb on this day is ~700m.

In the evening, we set up camp near a small lake along the way, gaining strength before climbing the volcano.

Walking distance: about 13 km.
Boat: 20 minutes.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

We set off for the ascent at dawn.

A very difficult and long running day awaits us. First we move along the riverbed, then we go out on a steep ridge.

The climb today is 1000 m. But it's worth it! The view from the top of the volcano is simply incredible!

We make memorable shots, take a deep breath and move back to the camp.

It was one of the most iconic days of the trip!

Walking distance: about 15 km.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

We set off on our way back to the coast along the South Chirip riverbed.

A familiar path awaits us.

Overnight at Lake Buda.

Rest after busy sailing days.

Walking distance: about 13 km.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

In the morning, a boat picks us up from the shore and ferries us to Kurilsk (about 40 minutes by water).

From here we take a bus to the foot of the Baransky volcano (25 km).

We settle down by a small lake, have lunch and relax.

In the evening, we go swimming to the most instagrammed thermal springs of the Kuril Islands — the sources of the Baransky volcano, where you can not only warm up, but also take fantastic photos.

Walking distance: about 1 km.
Boat: 40 minutes.
Bus: 25 km.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Climbing to the top of the Baransky volcano (1134 m). The climb is 700 m.

First, our path will follow the riverbed, then we will climb out on a steep slope to the crest of the crater.

Another ~ 100 meters of recruitment, and we are at the goal. Here it is — the top!

A little rest, a tour of the crater.

We go back down another path through the fumarole field — the volcano is breathing, its activity is felt everywhere.

Return to the camp.

Walking distance: about 15 km.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Transfer to the famous white pumice rocks — the hallmark of Iturup Island. Due to their fragile porous structure, the rocks are easily weathered and acquire an unusual appearance. Combined with the black volcanic sand on the beach, it looks mesmerizing.

Today we are not expected to cross with backpacks, we set up camp on the shore and order a delicious dinner.

In the evening we will climb the rocks to watch the sunset. It's going to be legendary!

Walking distance: about 3 km.
Bus: 40 km.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Today we say goodbye to Iturup.

We are leaving for the village. Whale.

If there is time left before the ship, we will visit the thermal complex or the museum of local lore.

We buy souvenirs, have lunch and set off on our way back.

Departure by boat at 16:00.

Walking distance: about 3 km.
Bus: 25 km.
Meals: breakfast.

We arrive at the port of Korsakov at 17:00. 

We are waiting for a transfer to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, check-in at the hostel. 

You can spend the evening relaxing and walking around the city. 

An active day awaits us again tomorrow.

Walking distance: about 2 km.
Bus: 40 km.
Meals: on your own.

Early rise and departure.

Today we will have a simple walk along the coast and explore the capes Bird and Giant — perhaps the main capes on the island.

Here, huge stone arches, rock pillars and majestic columns rise above the ground and water.

The largest outlier resembles the profile of a giant, which is why the cape got its name.

Birds like to nest in these places, and you can watch the bird markets.

We will also have lunch in this picturesque place.

In the evening, return to the hotel/hostel in Yuzhno—Sakhalinsk.

Walking distance: about 5 km
Bus: 200 km
Meals: lunch with a snack.

A free day in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (a spare one, in case of a change in the ship's schedule).

This day can be completely devoted to buying souvenirs and a festive dinner together — to share impressions about our great adventure in the Far East.

If desired, you can arrange an additional excursion on this day at the discretion of the group.

Meals: on your own.

We say goodbye to Sakhalin.

Flight home.