Sakhalin and Iturup: a big hike

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All the magic of the Far East is in our trip to the islands of Sakhalin and Iturup. Volcanoes, hot springs, lava flows and, of course, an abundance of seafood, straight from the Sea of Okhotsk!

We will make two ascents to the volcanoes — Baransky and Bogdan Khmelnitsky. We will see landscapes of frozen lava fields and snow-white pumice rocks.

We will visit the famous Aniva Lighthouse, Tikhaya Bay and the most famous capes of Sakhalin Island — Bird and Giant. And also: we will go out to the open Sea of Okhotsk on a motor ship and spend the night in real cabins.

Location

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

from

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

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Tour highlights

Far Eastern delicacies

Let's enjoy the tastes of freshly caught seafood

Climbing volcanoes

We will conquer the volcanoes of Iturup Island — Baransky volcano and Bogdan Khmelnitsky

White Rocks

Let's admire the beauty of the snow-white rocks carved from pumice stone by the sea

Two islands

We will visit the largest island of Russia — Sakhalin, and the amazing Iturup

Unity with nature

We will spend all nights on the active part of the route in tents

Hot springs

Take a dip in the most instagrammable thermal springs — Baransky volcano

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Free time in the city
Meeting place and time of the group: at 19:00 at the guest house / hostel.
Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk at any convenient time.
Check-in at the hotel/hostel.
Today is a free day. We recommend that you let your body adjust to a new time zone.
How can I spend this day? Relax and get some sleep, or you can visit local attractions and take a walk around the city.
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is a city with a rich history, many Japanese—style buildings and incredible nature.
We recommend visiting the Mountain Air resort — be sure to take the cable car to the observation deck, from here you can see the whole city and the endless Susunai Valley, surrounded by hills and ridges.
19:00 General meeting at the hostel /hotel, meeting with the guide, briefing.
Meals: on your own.
Day 2 - The eastern coast of Sakhalin. Torii Gate, Seaside village, trekking along the coast of Tikhaya Bay
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.
Day 3 - Aniva Lighthouse, a trip to the island. Iturup on the ship
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.

3 more photos
Day 4 - Arrival on the island Iturup. Yankito Lava Plateau
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.
Day 5 - Trekking across Lake Buda to the foot of the Bogdan Khmelnitsky volcano
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.
Day 6 - Climbing the Bogdan Khmelnitsky volcano
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.
Day 7 - Return to Lake Buda
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.
Day 8 - Arrival at the foot of the Baransky volcano. Thermal springs
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.

5 more photos
Day 9 - Climbing to the top of the Baransky volcano. Fumarole fields
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.
Day 10 - White Rocks
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.

3 more photos
Day 11 - Return by boat to the village. Whale
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.
Day 12 - Arrival in Korsakov. Transfer to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
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.
Day 13 - Exploring the capes of the Bird and the Giant
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.
Day 14 - Free day in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
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.
Day 15 - Flight home
We say goodbye to Sakhalin.
Flight home.

Difficulty

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health

Tour organizer's comments

We rate the difficulty at 7 out of 10.

The tour is suitable for all lovers of outdoor activities in good physical shape, who do not have serious health problems.

The weight of the backpack with which we will move is about 15-20 kg.

Accommodation

Hotel

5 nights
Cabin on the boat

2 nights
Tent

7 nights

Comfort

Basic
Basic+

The tour includes accommodation:

in the hostel/hotel — 5 nights (2 at the beginning of the tour and 3 at the end);
on the ship — 2 nights (3 and 10 nights);
in tents — the rest of the nights.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 17 tourists

Minimum age

16 years old

Duration

15 days 14 nights

Group meets at

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Included in price

all crossings on Sakhalin;
all crossings on Iturup;
transfer to Korsakov port and back;
port charges;
tickets for the Korsakov—Iturup—Korsakov motor ship;
boat transfer from Yankito Plateau to Lake Buda;
boat transfer from Lake Buda to Kurilsk;
5 nights in a hostel/hotel in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk;
nutrition:
- snack lunches on Sakhalin Island during sightseeing trips;
- three meals a day on the active part of the route on the island. Iturup;
- seafood dinner on White Rocks;
registration of the group in the Ministry of Emergency Situations;
registration of a pass to the border zone;
visit to the hot springs under the Baransky volcano;
instructor support;
group equipment (tents, burners, boilers, gas, bear repellents, etc.);
means of communication and navigation;
group first aid kit;
advice on ticket purchase, insurance (on request);
a signature buff.

Paid extra

flights to Sakhalin and back;
meals not included in the program:
- breakfasts and dinners on the days of sightseeing trips on Sakhalin;
- lunch on free days on Sakhalin;
- meals on the ship;
excursions not included in the program;
insurance;
tips (reward for guides on a voluntary basis).

It's important to know

Equipment:

backpack (70-90 l.);
assault backpack for radiators (20-35 liters);
sleeping bag (comfort temperature 0/+5°C);
foam (travel mat);
trekking poles;
hoba (tourist seat);
a cape on a backpack from the rain.

Clothes:

trekking boots;
storm jacket and trousers (windproof, better waterproof and windproof);
A good raincoat;
thin down jacket (insulated jacket);
panama hat, fleece hat, cotton gloves;
insulated jacket (fleece);
trekking socks (2-3 pairs, synthetic);
T-shirts (1-2 pcs.);
lightweight running pants;
undercarriage pants (leggings, leggings, thermal underwear);
underwear;
sports sandals or slates;
warm trousers for the evening (fleece or polartek);
thermal underwear (top);
flashlights (gaiters);
thermal socks are warm;
long sleeve shirt/synthetic long sleeve T-shirt;
swimming suit (swimsuit, swimming trunks) + light towel.

Personal items:

plate, spoon, mug (not ceramic), knife, matches in hermetically sealed;
personal first—aid kit, in case of chronic diseases, (a public first-aid kit with a standard set of medicines will be provided by the instructor) + elastic bandage, sterile bandage - 2 pcs., hydrogen peroxide, wide tissue-based roll patch, motion sickness pills;
personal hygiene products (toothpaste, brush, soap, lipstick, toilet paper, accessories for girls, etc.);
thermos flask (0.5–1 l.);
sunglasses;
headlamp flashlight + spare batteries;
The whistle;
sunscreen + hygienic lipstick;
mosquito and tick repellents;
whistle (to indicate presence on the spot, in order to avoid bear attacks);
phone + charger.

Documents:

passport;
money.

Additional:

camera (video camera);
dress (for girls for photos);
shorts;
powerbank;
thread and needle;
a rope of 5 m with a diameter of 5 mm (for drying clothes, repairs).

Dates and Prices

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

$1,429

9 – 23 Aug, 2025 15 days 14 nights

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