Sakhalin + Kunashir. An active tour without backpacks

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There is a discount for the first 7 seats in the races. Please check the availability of discounted seats when booking. The price is without discount.

We invite you to see two beautiful islands — Sakhalin and Kunashir.

On Sakhalin, we will visit some of the most iconic and interesting locations — the abandoned Japanese Aniva Lighthouse, 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.

Location

Sakhalin region, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

from

Early
booking

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

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Tour highlights

The fumarole field of the Mendeleev volcano

Some of the largest fumaroles in the world can be seen here

Boat trip to Aniva Lighthouse

Let's admire the business card of Sakhalin, and along the way, if we're lucky, we'll see marine animals

Cape Columnar

The business card of Kunashir is an impressive cape built of hexagonal basalt columns

Golovnin Volcano Caldera

A huge caldera with a diameter of ~ 5 km with two lakes — Boiling and Hot

The rich fauna of the Far East

On the route we can meet seals, dolphins, killer whales, bears, chanterelles and huge cormorants

Zhdanko Ridge

A geological monument of nature, 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 change of 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 behind us. 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
Early rise, breakfast.
Today we are waiting for one of the most impressive days of our trip — a boat trip to the Aniva lighthouse.
We leave for the village of Novikovo to go by boat to the very south of the Tonino-Aniva Peninsula.
The lighthouse was installed by the Japanese in 1939 on the small Sivuchya rock, near the inaccessible rocky cape Aniva.
The cold Sea of Okhotsk and the warm Aniva Bay are found here, so fogs and strong winds are not uncommon.
The height of the lighthouse is 31 meters, the tower has 9 floors. At the moment, the lighthouse is abandoned and does not work.
After visiting the lighthouse, we will set off on our way back and stop for a snack in the area of Marble Cape.
During sea crossings, we can meet sea lions, seagulls, seals, dolphins, whales and killer whales.
We return to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk at about 18:00.
Dinner at a cafe or hostel.
Day 3 - Tikhaya Bay and Zhdanko Ridge
An interesting and difficult day.
We go to the Zhdanko ridge in Tikhaya Bay — another significant attraction of Sakhalin.
Early in the morning we move from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to the foot of the ridge (2-3 hours on the way).
On the way, we stop at the village of Vzmorye — crab market, the endless Sea of Okhotsk, the remains of an ancient Japanese temple.
After a short pause, we move on.
Zhdanko Ridge is a geological monument of nature. It is formed by lava flows and has a length of 13 km.
Numerous rock ridges, edelweiss, cranberries, redberries and shiksha, and most importantly — stunning views.
The complete passage of the ridge is technically difficult and requires special training and the use of additional safety equipment from the participants. Therefore, we will not conquer the highest point of the ridge, but will reach the safest point on the route, relax, take pictures, enjoy the views and set off on our way back.
We will make a hearty snack in Tikhaya Bay — it is really quiet, deserted and incredibly beautiful here.
Day 4 - Flight to Kunashir. A walk along the coast
We will fly to Kunashir in the morning.
An hour and a half later, we are on site, after checking the border passes, we move to the Andreevsky cordon of the Kurilsky reserve, where we will spend 3 nights.
We set up camp, cook lunch.
After lunch, we'll take a walk along the coast.
Supper.
Day 5 - Golovnin Volcano
Today, the plan is to travel to the caldera of the Golovnin volcano.
The transfer will take us to the foot of the volcano, then we will go on foot.
Along the way, we check in at the cordon, get acquainted with the rules of staying on the territory of the caldera and go to inspect the volcano.
We will climb to the edge of the crater, go to the Boiling lake, swim in warm streams and the Hot Lake. It is obvious why these lakes got such a name — the activity of the volcano is still ongoing.
Golovnin volcano is low, only 541m, but it is famous for its caldera, with a diameter of almost 5 km!
At the bottom of the caldera there are 4 small volcanic domes, 2 explosive craters, lakes, hot springs and mud boilers. The volcano last erupted in 1998.
We'll spend the whole day on the volcano.
In the evening we return to the cordon.
Supper.
Day 6 - Mendeleev Volcano
Today we will go to another volcano — Mendeleev. The transfer will take us 17 km away.
The ascent will take about 5 hours. A path through the bamboo thickets awaits us.
After 2 hours, we find ourselves in a sulfate field, observe powerful gas emissions and loud noise.
Here are some of the most gigantic fumaroles in the world.
A little more and we reach the highest point of the Mendeleev volcano (887 meters).
Day 7 - Cape Columnar. Stolbovsky hot springs
After breakfast, the transfer will take us to the beginning of the Stolbovskaya ecotrope, from where we will go to the famous Cape Stolbchatogo — this is the business card of Kunashir, protected by UNESCO heritage.
The cape is composed of layers of basalt lavas of the Mendeleev volcano in the form of 5-6-faceted columns of different sizes. The place is impressive!
We walk along the cape, take pictures.
On the way back we will visit Stolbovsky hot springs.
We go out to the village of Tretyakov, move to the cordon.
Supper.
Day 8 - Yuzhno-Kurilsk village. Flight to Sakhalin
The transfer will take us to the main center of Kunashir — Yuzhno-Kurilsk. The village is small, the population is about 8000 inhabitants.
We will walk along the streets, everyone will be able to visit the museum of local lore, which is secretly recognized as the best museum of the Sakhalin region, along the coast we will reach the Devil's Finger — a huge rocky outcrop.
We'll have a snack and go to the airport.
We say goodbye to Kunashir and fly to Sakhalin.
We check into the hostel.
The day can be adjusted depending on the departure time.
Day 9 - A spare day. Free software
A spare day in case of bad weather and non-departure from Kunashir.
If we arrive according to the plan, on this day we will go for a walk to the port city of Korsakov or swim on Aniva beach.
If by the end of our tour you are already full of impressions, this day can be used for relaxation, spa and a trip to the markets and souvenir shops.
In the evening, we are going to have a final dinner at one of the restaurants in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Day 10 - Flight home
Saying goodbye to the Far East, flying home.
If desired, you can stay on Sakhalin for a few more days and see the sights that are not included in our program.

Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Tour organizer's comments

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

There will be no serious obstacles in the campaign that require special skills. Good physical fitness is required, hiking experience is optional.

It is necessary to be prepared for difficult weather conditions.

Accommodation

Guest House

5 nights
Tent

4 nights

Comfort

Basic
Basic+

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.

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

03.07-12.07.25 — 98 800 RUB (there are no discounts);
15.07-24.07.25 — 98 800 RUB (there are no discounts);
27.07-05.08.25 — 98 800 RUB (there are no discounts);
08.08-17.08.25 — 105 800 RUB (there are no discounts);
20.08-29.08.25 — 105 800 RUB (there are no discounts);
01.09-10.09.25 — 98 800 RUB, discounted price 93,800 RUB (please specify when booking);
12.09-21.09.25 — 98 800 RUB, discounted price 93,800 RUB (please specify when booking);
24.09-03.10.25 — 98 800 RUB, discounted price 93,800 RUB (please specify when booking);
06.10-15.10.25 — 98 800 RUB, discounted price 93,800 RUB (please specify when booking);

The cost of the tour for children from 10 to 12 years old is 90,000 rubles.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 20 tourists

Minimum age

10 years old

Duration

10 days 9 nights

Group meets at

Sakhalin region, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

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);
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk–Yuzhno-Kurilsk–Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk plane tickets;
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

air tickets to Sakhalin and back (from 25,000 rubles);
transfer from/to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk airport;
rental of personal equipment: backpack, sleeping bag, foam, etc.;
food on Sakhalin (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

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);
headlamp LED flashlight;
trekking poles;
hermetic bag;
backpack/sports bag/suitcase;
spring-autumn sleeping bag (comfort temperature 0/+5* C).

Clothes:

sleep clothes;
lingerie;
swimming suit (swimsuit, swimming trunks);
thermal underwear;
undercarriage pants (leggings, leggings, thermal underwear);
upper running trousers (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;
a 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 flask (1 l);
photo camera;
thread and needle;
student ID (if available);
down vest;
dress;
tent;
powerbank;
electric shoe dryers.

Dates and Prices

$1,018

3 – 12 Jul 10 days 9 nights

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$1,018

15 – 24 Jul 10 days 9 nights

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$1,018

27 Jul – 5 Aug 10 days 9 nights

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$1,090

8 – 17 Aug 10 days 9 nights

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$1,090

20 – 29 Aug 10 days 9 nights

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$1,018

1 – 10 Sep 10 days 9 nights

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$1,018

12 – 21 Sep 10 days 9 nights

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$1,018

24 Sep – 3 Oct 10 days 9 nights

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$1,018

6 – 15 Oct 10 days 9 nights

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