Sakhalin – Iturup. The winter magic of the ocean islands

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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

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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"
08:00 Breakfast at the hotel.

08:30 Transfer to the airport.

10:45 Departure to Kurilsk, Iturup island.

12:00 Arrival.

Meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel, accommodation.

A tour of the city of Kurilsk, located on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, one of the smallest cities in Russia and, by the way, the farthest city in Russia.

The city has several observation decks, parks, alleys with sculptures and installations in the style of "Iturupsky" geo-design – volcanic bombs of bizarre shapes.

Objects lined with pebbles from a Rattling beach.

And you are always accompanied by a view of the Bogdan Khmelnitsky volcano.

On volcanic Iturup, of course, there are many thermal mineral springs – an amazing blessing for the body.

A visit to the thermal complex "Baths" – open and closed baths directly on the shore of the Kuril Bay.

Return to the hotel. Dinner at the cafe.
Day 3 - Fumarole field and thermal springs of Baransky volcano
09:00 Breakfast at the cafe.

10:00 Departure by snowmobile to the foot of the Baransky volcano, 20 km on the way.

On the way, stop at the observation deck "Volchki", which offers a beautiful view of the "Dead Sea" and the city.

A visit to the fumarole field (inspection of fumaroles and mud "volcanoes"), boiling small lakes "Blue eyes", giving rise to the sulfuric acid river "Boiling".

The thermal complex of the Baransky volcano is a beautiful paradise, an oasis among volcanoes and taiga.

In baths with a water temperature of 42 ° and under a hot waterfall, you are truly reborn.

Swimming.

Lunch.

Return to the hotel.

Dinner at the cafe.
Day 4 - Kasatka Bay, a rock massif in Kasatka Bay, Pacific Ocean
09:00 Breakfast at the cafe.

10:00 Departure for the jeep route approximately 60 km south to the ice-free Pacific coast.

Inspection of the "Devil's Rock" with the remains of Japanese fortifications and an underground hospital.

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.

In the caves there are amazing crystal "stalagmites" made of water flows.

And the Pacific Ocean ... is powerful, harsh, boundless, keeps you in suspense and delights at the same time.

Lunch is on the route.

Visit to the thermal complex "Baths".

The pleasure of taking hot baths surrounded by the snowy coast and the evening golden lighting.

Return to the hotel.

Dinner at the cafe.

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Day 5 - Yankito Plateau, Kuril Bay. Departure
09:00 Breakfast at the cafe.

Room release.

10:00 Departure for the jeep route.

The Yankito Plateau is a frozen volcanic lava in the form of a pile of rocks on the seashore.

Even snow is not able to hide these gigantic chocolate-graphite rocks.

Visit to the thermal complex "Hot waters" – open and closed mineral baths.

Return to the hotel.

18:00 Transfer to the airport.

20:20 Departure to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

21:40 Arrival.

Meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel, accommodation
Day 6 - A trip to the Sakhalin Mountains
Breakfast at the hotel.

A trip to the Sakhalin Mountains.

Winters on Sakhalin are snowy, the snow is deep, so we go on snowshoes.

We do not strive for a sports route, the main thing is the pleasure of moving, contemplating the enchanted forest, enjoying the purest air and a mug of fragrant hot tea in our hands…

The landscapes will impress even the sophisticated.

A snack with you, tea in thermos flasks from us.

Return to the hotel.

If desired, evening skiing/snowboarding.

Dinner (on your own).

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Day 7 - A trip to Tikhaya Bay
Breakfast at the hotel.

A trip to Tikhaya Bay, the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, is one of the most impressive places in winter.

Travel time is 2.5 - 3 hours, 135 km one way, federal paved highway.

Along the way, the Japanese Torii Gates of the Karafuto governorate 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.

From the west, Tikhaya Bay is covered by the spurs of the most beautiful and majestic Zhdanko ridge.

In winter, the sea terraces are covered with snow, and ice rises on the sea in the coastal zone.

But all this does not make the bay less attractive than in summer – blue hummocks, blue-white snow caps on steep cliffs, needles of icefalls, ringing sea air…

Walking 2-3 km along the coast.

Lunch – Far Eastern delicacies, tea with Sakhalin herbs and berries.

Return to the hotel.

If desired, evening skiing/snowboarding.

Dinner (on your own).

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Day 8 - Free day
Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day.

Excursions can be booked for an additional fee.

If desired, skiing / snowboarding on the GC "Mountain air".

We recommend visiting the complexes, the water park, the Sakhalin Museum of Local Lore and 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.

The complex offers internal excursions (time to specify).

Be sure to visit the 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.

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Day 9 - Departure
Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport.

Difficulty

Low physical intensity for amateurs and non-experienced travelers

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

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

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.

Dates and Prices

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

$1,403

2 – 10 Feb, 2025 9 days 8 nights

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$1,403

16 – 24 Feb, 2025 9 days 8 nights

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$1,403

3 – 11 Mar, 2025 9 days 8 nights

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$1,403

10 – 18 Mar, 2025 9 days 8 nights

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No need to pay now