Sakhalin + Kunashir. An active tour without backpacks

The hiking program consists of two parts — Sakhalin and Kunashir. 

On Sakhalin, we will visit some of the most iconic and interesting sights — the abandoned Japanese Aniva Lighthouse, as well as Tikhaya Bay and the Zhdanko Ridge. 

We will go to Kunashir by plane and take a bird's-eye view of Japan and the islands of the Kuril Archipelago. On the island, we will have light radial walks to the active volcanoes of Mendeleev and Golovnin, as well as a visit to the famous Columnar Cape. 

The program strongly depends on weather conditions and on the schedule of air transport, which changes every year. The route is suitable for both experienced tourists and beginners with good physical fitness, ready for possible harsh weather conditions and long marches.

The discount for the first 5 places is 5,000 ₽. Please check the availability of discounted seats when booking.

The cost for children from 10 to 11 years is 118,800 rubles. Cannot be combined with other discounts.

Location

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin region
from
$1,864
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
10 days
9 nights
Departures
2 - 11 Jul
22 - 31 Jul
13 - 22 Aug
3 - 12 Sep
5 - 14 Oct
19 - 28 Jun
3 - 12 Aug
21 - 30 Sep
Accommodation
  • Guest House
    5 nights
  • Tent
    4 nights
Comfort
  • Basic
  • Basic+
Difficulty
Moderate
Involves moderate physical activity
Group
Up to 20 tourists
Minimum age
10 years old
Group meet at
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin region
Contact the tour coordinator
Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)
Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

Cape Columnar
The business card of Kunashir is an impressive cape built with hexagonal basalt columns
The fumarole field of the Mendeleev volcano
Some of the largest fumaroles in the world can be seen here.
Golovnin Volcano Caldera
A huge caldera with a diameter of almost 5 km with two lakes — Boiling and Hot
Rich wildlife
The opportunity to meet seals, dolphins, killer whales, bears, chanterelles and huge cormorants
Boat trip to the lighthouse
We'll admire Sakhalin's business card, and if we're lucky, we'll see marine animals along the way.
Zhdanko Ridge
The geological monument of nature is formed by lava flows and has a length of 13 km.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Meeting in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

    We arrive in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in the morning at any convenient time.

    A free program, your body needs to adapt to the changing time zone and climate. How can I spend this day? Get some rest and sleep.

    After all, we have a difficult 8-hour flight from Moscow. Or you can visit local attractions and take a walk around Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, a city with a rich history, there really is something to see here!

    At 20:00 we are going to the hostel for a briefing.

  • Day 2 - Boat trip to Aniva Lighthouse
  • Day 3 - Tikhaya Bay and Zhdanko Ridge
  • Day 4 - Departure to Kunashir. Transfer to the cordon
  • Day 5 - Golovnin Volcano Caldera
  • Day 6 - The fumarole field of the Mendeleev volcano
  • Day 7 - Cape Columnar, Stolbovskaya ecotropa, wild hot springs
  • Day 8 - The cordon is Yuzhno-Kurilsk. Departure to Sakhalin
  • Day 9 - A spare day. Free software
  • Day 10 - Flight home
Difficulty
Involves moderate physical activity
Tour organizer's comments

The campaign has been assigned 2 out of 5 maximum categories. 

There won't be any serious obstacles in the hike that require special skills. Good physical fitness is required, hiking experience is optional.

It is necessary to be prepared for difficult weather conditions.

The main difficulties on the route

  • Steep trails, crossings over sand and sea kurumnik, slippery rocks.
  • Cancellations/postponements of aircraft, changes in route due to adverse weather conditions.
  • Severe weather conditions are possible.
  • Lots of foxes and bears.

Accommodation

Accommodation
  • Guest House
    5 nights
  • Tent
    4 nights
Comfort
  • Basic
  • Basic+

Please note! The cost for departure on 3-12.08.26 is 140,200 rubles, for other dates — 135,200 rubles.

On Sakhalin, we live in a cozy hostel in multi-bed rooms, with facilities on the floor. 

In Kunashir, we live in tents on the reserve's cordon, there is an outdoor toilet, and there are no other amenities.

Guest House 5 nights
Tent 4 nights

Tour conditions

Group
up to 20 tourists
Minimum age
10 years old
Duration
10 days 9 nights
Group meets at
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin region

Included in price

  • 5 nights in a cozy hostel in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk;
  • meals included in the program (3 snacks (days 2, 3 and 9 of the tour), 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners);
  • plane tickets Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk–Yuzhno-Kurilsk–Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. In case of a price change, the difference is paid additionally.;
  • transfers to Kunashir and Sakhalin according to the program;
  • Aniva Lighthouse boat trip;
  • Kurilsky Nature Reserve pass;
  • accommodation at the reserve cordon (outlets, gazebo, campfire, outdoor shower, toilet);
  • 1 trip to the sauna on the reserve cordon;
  • registration of a collective pass to the border zone;
  • rental of group equipment (tents, burners, awnings, etc.);
  • airmail delivery of modules with food and public equipment to Sakhalin;
  • registration of the group in the Ministry of Emergency Situations;
  • instructor services;
  • accident insurance.

Paid extra

  • flights to Sakhalin and back (from 25,000 rubles);
  • Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport transfer;
  • rental of personal equipment: backpack, sleeping bag, foam, etc.; 
  • food on Sakhalin (starting from 4,000 rubles);
  • registration of an individual border. passes for foreign citizens;
  • all expenses related to force majeure or emergencies.

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

It is very important to choose the appropriate equipment for each hike, because this is the key to your good mood and comfort on the route. 

The weather on the Kuril Islands is changeable and often unpredictable. There may be sweltering heat, or you can get into real bad weather — prolonged rains and strong winds. The temperature difference between day and night is quite noticeable, so warm clothes must be in the right amount. 

Personal equipment should weigh 10-15 kg, we have a hike without backpacks, but you will still need to lift them to load them into the car or carry them to the camp, so we advise you not to take a lot of extra things.

Equipment:

  • assault backpack (20-35 liters);
  • a cape on a backpack;
  • foam (travel mat, polyurethane foam mat, karemat);
  • hoba (tourist seat);
  • head-mounted LED flashlight;
  • trekking poles;
  • hermetic bag;
  • backpack/sports bag/suitcase;
  • spring-autumn sleeping bag (comfort temperature 0/+5* C).

Clothing:

  • sleep clothes;
  • lingerie;
  • swimming costume (swimsuit, swimming trunks);
  • thermal underwear;
  • undercarriage trousers (leggings, leggings, thermal underwear);
  • running top pants (windproof and waterproof);
  • warm pants for the evening (fleece);
  • socks or thermal socks;
  • thermal socks are warm;
  • flashlights (gaiters, shoe covers);
  • T-shirt;
  • long sleeve shirt;
  • warm fleece jacket with a neck;
  • the jacket is windproof and waterproof (membrane);
  • gloves;
  • the cap is light;
  • headdress (panama hat, bandana, cap, hat);
  • rain cape with hood;
  • trekking boots;
  • flip-flops/crocs/sandals;
  • the down jacket is thin.

Personal items:

  • passport;
  • money;
  • set of dishes (KLMN);
  • reusable bottle;
  • toilet paper;
  • individual first aid kit;
  • sunscreen and lipstick;
  • personal hygiene items;
  • a light towel;
  • telephone;
  • medical policy;
  • sunglasses;
  • a remedy for ticks;
  • The whistle.

We recommend adding:

  • shorts;
  • thermos;
  • photo camera;
  • thread and needle;
  • student ID (if available);
  • down vest;
  • dress;
  • tent;
  • powerbank;
  • electric shoe dryers.
Are there any possible program changes?
What are the additional expenses on the route?
Is there a connection on the route?
Can children participate?
How is the food organized during the hike?

Dates and Prices

  • $1,864
    19 – 28 Jun 10 days 9 nights
    No seats left
  • $1,864
    2 – 11 Jul 10 days 9 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now
  • $1,864
    22 – 31 Jul 10 days 9 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now
  • $1,933
    3 – 12 Aug 10 days 9 nights
    No seats left
  • $1,864
    13 – 22 Aug 10 days 9 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now

Reviews Leave a review

  • N
    Nadezhda
    about provider
    14 Jan, 2026
    Everything was clear
  • E
    Ekaterina
    about provider
    16 Dec, 2025
    The hike was well organized. The food was high quality, with plenty of sweets :) The providers were always available, answered all our questions, and kept us informed about everything important.
  • M
    Maria
    about provider
    16 Jun, 2025
    Everything has been taken care of.