Sakhalin – Iturup. The winter magic of the ocean islands

Sakhalin is the largest island in Russia and the most beautiful. There is a contrasting variety of winter activities and opportunities. Iturup is the largest island of the Kuril Archipelago with a harsh ocean and grandiose lava coasts. An island of volcanoes and thermal springs. In winter, thermal complexes are especially relevant. After walking in the cold, basking in hot mineral baths in the open air is an unrealistic pleasure.

Location

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
from
$1,198
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
9 Days
8 Nights
Departures
  • Group departures
    • Dates for next season
    • 2 – 10 February, 2025
    • 16 – 24 February, 2025
    • 3 – 11 March, 2025
    • 10 – 18 March, 2025
or
Accommodation
  • Hotel
    8 nights
Comfort
  • Upscale
Difficulty
Moderate
Involves moderate physical activity
Group
Up to 30 people
Minimum age
7 years old
Group meet at
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Contact the tour coordinator
Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)
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Tour highlights

Snowshoeing in the Sakhalin Mountains
We will enjoy the contemplation of the enchanted forest, as well as the enjoyment of the purest air and a mug of fragrant hot tea in our hands
Sakhalin delicacies
If desired, we will visit the Fish market with a wide variety of fresh seafood and buy souvenirs for our friends and family
Impressive winter bay "Tikhaya"
Blue hummocks, blue-white snow caps on steep cliffs, needles of icefalls, ringing sea air…
The best Far Eastern ski resort
If desired, skiing / snowboarding on the GC "Mountain air". A European-level complex with a variety and splendor of trails, fabulous landscapes and evening skiing.
An oasis among volcanoes and taiga
We will be reborn in the baths and under the hot waterfall in the thermal complex of the Baransky volcano
A trip to the Pacific Coast by jeep
We will go to the famous Kasatka Bay, explore the "Devil's Rock" with the remains of Japanese fortifications and see the endless Pacific Ocean

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Meeting, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

    12:35 Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel, accommodation.

    14:30 Lunch at a Japanese restaurant.

    15:00 – 18:00 Sightseeing bus tour of the city.

    Winter Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk looks extremely elegant, glitters and shimmers like a Christmas tree.

    And in the evening, when the ski slopes are illuminated and the illumination is turned on, the views are especially magnificent.

    Dinner (on your own).

    There are many restaurants in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk with Japanese, Korean, Chinese, European and Russian cuisine, information about which we provide upon arrival.

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  • Day 2 - Kurilsk. Visit to the thermal complex "Baths"
  • Day 3 - Fumarole field and thermal springs of Baransky volcano
  • Day 4 - Kasatka Bay, a rock massif in Kasatka Bay, Pacific Ocean
  • Day 5 - Yankito Plateau, Kuril Bay. Departure
  • Day 6 - A trip to the Sakhalin Mountains
  • Day 7 - A trip to Tikhaya Bay
  • Day 8 - Free day
  • Day 9 - Departure
Difficulty
Involves moderate physical activity

Accommodation

Accommodation
  • Hotel
    8 nights
Comfort
  • Upscale

The tour includes hotel accommodation Gagarin 3* in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and in a hotel on the island. Iturup in Kurilsk.

The cost of the tour for 1 person, depending on the accommodation:

Double occupancy – 120,000 rubles.

The surcharge for single accommodation is 16,000 rubles.

For an additional fee, it is possible to stay at the Mega Palace 4* hotel:

  • for 2-bed accommodation – 5,500 rubles/person;
  • for single occupancy – 28,300 rubles.
Gagarin Hotel or Mega Palace hotel 4* 8 nights
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.

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Another option
Mega Palace hotel 4*

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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Tour conditions

Group
up to 30 tourists
Minimum age
7 years old
Duration
9 days 8 nights
Group meets at
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Included in price

  • airport – hotel – airport transfer;
  • accommodation at the Gagarin 3* hotel in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, 2-bed accommodation;
  • hotel accommodation in Kurilsk, 2-bed accommodation;
  • meals according to the program;
  • services of a tour guide;
  • guides on the routes;
  • transport support on routes;
  • entrance tickets to thermal complexes;
  • snowshoe rental.

Paid extra

  • flight to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and back;
  • flight Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk – Kurilsk – Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk – 12,500 rubles.;
  • dinners in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk;
  • medical insurance.

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour
  • Hat, scarf, gloves;
  • Winter boots / boots. For ice fishing and crab fishing, waterproof very warm shoes are required;
  • Warm clothing: sweatshirt, sweater, fleece or similar warm clothing;
  • Ski suit: down jacket, warm pants in case there is no ski suit;
  • Thermal underwear;
  • Socks are warm and thick;
  • Backpack. A small backpack (25-30 l) for one-day radial routes (hands should be free!);
  • Photo/video equipment;
  • Plastic bottle for water / small thermos for routes (personal need);
  • Telescopic sticks. For hiking, trekking and climbing (personal necessity);
  • Bathing accessories.
Are plane tickets included in the price of the tour?
Is insurance included in the price of the tour?
What documents are required to obtain a pass to the Kuril Islands?

Dates and Prices

The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, for clarification
  • $1,198
    2 – 10 Feb, 2025 9 days 8 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now
  • $1,198
    16 – 24 Feb, 2025 9 days 8 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • $1,198
    3 – 11 Mar, 2025 9 days 8 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now
  • $1,198
    10 – 18 Mar, 2025 9 days 8 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now