Sakhalin — Kunashir — Iturup. 13-day tour

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The Kuril Islands are a charming, remote and mysterious corner of our country that attracts adventurers and those who crave unusual experiences.

Here you will find unforgettable views, hospitable Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, a boat trip, picturesque lakes in the caldera of Golovnin volcano, the fumarole field of Mendeleev volcano, the mysterious Cape Columbine, Tikhaya Bay and Klokovsky Waterfall, as well as the mighty Baransky volcano, the unusual Yankito plateau, adventures in Kasatka Bay and the legendary White Cliffs.

Location

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Contact the tour coordinator

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

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Tour highlights

Getting to know Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Take a tour of the most beautiful and iconic places of the hospitable city

Unusual lakes

Take a trekking route to the Golovnin volcano caldera, where you will explore the Hot and Boiling lakes

Space landscapes

Take part in a journey along a forest path through bamboo thickets, after which you will see an atmospheric fumarole field.

The mysterious Cape Columnar

Appreciate the beauty of the cape, which was formed as a result of the eruption of the Mendeleev volcano

Rest and recovery

Get the opportunity to visit several thermal springs

Majestic cliffs

During an exciting jeep tour, admire the beauty of the White Cliffs, and then stroll through the canyon.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. City tour
Welcome to Sakhalin Island! The day you find new friends.
Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Meeting at Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk airport with a guide or company representative.
Transfer to the hotel.
Free time.
Check-in at the hotel from 14:00.
15:00 Information meeting in the hotel lobby: all about the upcoming trip.
16:00 Guided tour of the most beautiful and iconic places of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Transfer to the restaurant.
18:30 Welcome seafood dinner at one of the most popular restaurants in the city.
19:30 Transfer to the hotel.
Free time.
On this day, early check-in is available upon request, with an additional charge.

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Day 2 - Departure to Kunashir Island. A day at sea
A day dedicated to the harsh but attractive Sea of Okhotsk.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Packing and transfer to the port city of Korsakov.
10:00 Arrival, check-in.
12:00 Departure to Kunashir Island.
The total travel time is 21 hours.
What you can do in 21 hours before Kunashir:
Meet the beautiful sunrise and sunset in the sea;
get to know the band better;
Enjoy the fresh sea air;
see the landscapes of the coastline of the islands;
believe in luck and meet dolphin sea companions.
Day 3 - Arrival on Kunashir Island. Golovnin Volcano Caldera
Welcome to the island of volcanoes.
A day dedicated to the first acquaintance with the Kuril Islands.
09:00 Arrival at Kunashir Island.
Transfer.
Breakfast.
We leave our luggage at the hotel for storage (check-in from 14:00).
Departure before the start of the trekking route to the Golovnin volcano caldera.
Where cars can't handle it, we walk.
Trekking route to the caldera of Golovnin volcano (the distance from disembarkation from the transport to the destination is 7 km (round trip is 14 km).
Descent into the caldera.
Inspection of the lakes is Hot and Boiling.
A photo stop.
Lunch on the picnic route.
Return to the parking area of the transport.
Boarding a transport.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
Free time.
Golovnin Volcano is a volcano named after the brave Russian traveler Vasily Golovnin, who explored the Kuril Islands in the early 19th century and made two trips around the world. A characteristic feature of Golovnin volcano is the absence of a clearly defined cone – once upon a time, thousands of years ago, there was a giant explosion comparable to the explosion of Tambor or Krakatoa.
There are two lakes in the caldera, one of them is named Goryachye, and the second, which is located directly in one of the craters– is Boiling Lake. There are large amounts of sulfur and sulfide compounds in lakes, and sulfide-sulfur foam floats on Boiling Water.

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Day 4 - Mendeleev Volcano Fumarole Field Tour
A day dedicated to the contemplation of nature, cosmic landscapes and relaxation in the thermal waters.
Breakfast.
Transfer to the starting point of the route.
The route starts from the parking lot.
Departure on a route along a forest path through bamboo thickets.
The trekking route from the parking area to the fumarole fields is 3.5 km (7 km round trip). The route passes through bamboo about 1.5 – 2 meters high.
Arrival at the fumarole field.
Inspection of fumaroles.
On request, it is possible to take natural thermal baths.
Lunch – picnic on the route.
Return to the parking area of the transport.
Boarding a transport.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
Free time.
Fumaroles are cracks from which volcanic gases come to the surface with loud exhaust. They contain sulfur, which crystallizes and decorates the outlets with yellow lace patterns. An extraordinary and spectacular sight, which is difficult to break away from!

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Day 5 - Excursion to Cape Columnar. Return to Sakhalin Island
The day when we will see a monument of world significance.
Breakfast.
Collecting things, handing over rooms.
Transfer to the coast.
The trekking route along the coast is 7 km long.
Cape Columnar tour. Let's give you the best angles separately.
Lunch-picnic on the shore of the Sea of Okhotsk.
Return to the hotel for your belongings.
Dinner at the hotel.
Transfer to the port.
Check-in for the flight.
22:00 Departure of the ship.
Overnight on the ship.
Cape Columnar is one of the business cards of Kunashir Island and the entire Sakhalin Region. The cape was formed as a result of the eruption of the Mendeleev volcano. The whole breed consists of hexagonal and pentahedral regular columns, which are striking in their shape. In some places, the height of the pillars reaches 50 meters.

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Day 6 - Arrival on Sakhalin Island
The day when Sakhalin welcomes travelers.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner by yourself on the ship.
20:00 Arrival of the vessel at the port of Korsakov.
Transfer to the hotel.
Free time.
Day 7 - Excursion to Tikhaya Bay and Klokovsky waterfall
A day dedicated to silence and the sea.
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:00 Departure to Starodubskoe settlement.
Arrival in Starodubskoe settlement, stop at the Okhotsk coast, amber collection.
Departure to the seaside village.
Arrival in the village of Vzmorye.
Stop and inspect the torii gate of the former Shinto shrine.
Arrival at Tikhaya Bay.
Guided tour of the bay. Hot lunch with seafood.
Departure to Klokovsky waterfall.
Ascent to the waterfall, inspection. Departure to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
20:00 Arrival at the hotel.
Dinner on your own.
I. F. Kruzenshtern, the famous Russian navigator, called the bay Quiet for a reason. It is located in the east of Sakhalin, and from the west it is covered by the Zhdanko Ridge. This is a truly heavenly place. The attraction of this place can be called a free-standing rocky islet. It has a wide base and a flat top.
There is no approach to the island. However, it stands out very much and is noticeable even from a distance, which is why it has received such an eloquent name — Noticeable. Noisy seagulls have chosen this place, but apart from them, no one and nothing breaks the natural silence here.
Klokovsky Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls on Sakhalin, located in the picturesque surroundings of the Makarovsky district and is a sight that fascinates with its pristine beauty.
On the approach to the waterfall, you can hear the characteristic sound of falling water, which, falling from a height of 48 meters and breaking on the rocks, forms a myriad of sparkling splashes. There is a noticeable smell of hydrogen sulfide in the air near the waterfall, and white streaks are visible on the rocky slope along which the water flows — these are the outlets of mineral springs.
The waterfall consists of five ledges, two of which are the most pronounced. Because of this, the Klokovsky waterfall is considered two-stage.
The lush vegetation surrounding the waterfall creates an atmosphere of peace and harmony. Majestic trees entwined with emerald moss, like guardians, protect this natural wonder.
Visiting the Klokovsky Waterfall is an opportunity to touch the wild nature and once again feel its power and greatness.

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Day 8 - Departure to O. Iturup. Baransky Volcano Tour
The day when you will feel real relaxation in the thermal springs.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Extract from the hotel.
Free time before departure.
Transfer to the airport.
Departure to Kurilsk (the time will be known after the publication of the summer schedule).
Excursion to the foot of the Baransky volcano: walks through the thickets of the Kuril bamboo, the old geothermal thermal power plant, the boiling lake "Blue Eye", "island snack" (we can't say more details — surprise), a walk along the Boiling river.
Evening relaxation in the thermal baths.
Dinner at the cafe.
Arrival at the hotel, rest.
Please note! Depending on the published departure time, the program will be adjusted. Iturup without changing the composition of the declared objects of visits. Before departure to O. Iturup free time.
Baransky Volcano is an active volcano on the island of Iturup. The slopes of the volcano are full of mud, mineral springs and other thermal manifestations. At the foot of the Baransky volcano is the "Starozavodskoe" fumarole field. The Oceanskaya geothermal station was built next to it. Now there is a road leading here that starts at the Kuril Fish Hatchery. The geothermal power plant is just over a kilometer from one of the main attractions of these places — the Boiling River. The famous sources of the Boiling River Stream are the Cauldron and the Blue Lake.

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Day 9 - Kasatka Bay Tour
A day dedicated to history and the Pacific Ocean.
Breakfast.
Jeep tour of the Pacific coast. Along the way we will show you the most beautiful views of the island.
The beached tugboat "Corundum".
The mirrored beach of Kasatka Bay.
Walking along the Pacific coast.
"Journey into the past" — walks through abandoned Japanese tunnels.
Hot lunch on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
There are new hot springs every day! This time, the Baths thermal complex is located on the shore of the Sea of Okhotsk.
Dinner at the cafe.
Arrival at the hotel, rest.
Please note! Depending on the weather conditions, lunch can be moved to a cafe.
Kasatka Bay: the bay is located on the Pacific coast of the largest island of the Kuril Ridge – on the island of Iturup. On November 26, 1941, it was in the harbor on the Pacific coast of the island (Hitokappu Bay, now Kasatka Bay) that the Japanese aircraft carrier squadron and escort ships rendezvoused to strike Pearl Harbor. Here, for the first time, the ship's crews learned about the purpose of the campaign, which delighted them, and they spontaneously began firing uncontrollably at the island.
There was a naval base with an airfield on the seashore, where Japanese troops were based. This place is also interesting for the Devil's Rock, in which the Japanese dug a tunnel for a through passage through it. The tunnels have been preserved to this day, and during the tour you can visit them and walk through the rock.

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Day 10 - White Rocks, Black Rocks and Black Sand tour
A day dedicated to the legendary White Cliffs.
Breakfast.
Jeep tour along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk.
Jeep tour along the White Cliffs of Prostor Bay.
A walk through the Grand Canyon of White Rocks.
The coast, where all the sand is magnetic.
Hot lunch on the shore of the Sea of Okhotsk.
Relax in the thermal springs in the middle of the "Hot Waters" forest.
Dinner at the cafe.
Arrival at the hotel, rest.
Please note! Depending on the weather conditions, lunch can be moved to a cafe.
The white rocks are a stunning creation of the elements in nature. The mountains, stretching for 28 kilometers along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, consisting of soft pumice stone formed after a volcanic eruption, are striking in their beauty.
The emerald greenery that framed the resulting composition gives this place a special charm. The pumice stone has undergone severe erosion under the influence of storms in the Sea of Okhotsk, rains and numerous small rivers and streams, which eventually formed bizarre and amazing rock shapes. The sand of the coastal strip is mixed: white quartz and black titanium-magnetite. Probably, its unusual dark gray color is formed from their connection.

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Day 11 - Excursion to the Yankito lava plateau. Departure to Sakhalin
A day dedicated to the fire element.
Breakfast.
Extract from the hotel.
Jeep tour to the Yankito lava plateau.
A walk through the frozen lava.
A photo stop.
Departure to the airport, check-in for the flight.
Departure to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (the time will be known after the publication of the summer schedule).
Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Transfer to the hotel.
Free time.
Dinner on your own.
Depending on the published departure time, the program will be adjusted. Iturup without changing the composition of the declared objects of visits.
The Yankito lava Plateau is a frozen volcanic lava formed on the seashore as a result of a volcanic eruption. The bizarre shapes of the formed rocks give a special charm to this place.

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Day 12 - Cape Giant and Cape Bird Tour
A day dedicated to the sea, the forest and the stone creations of nature.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Departure to Cape Bird and Cape Giant.
The road along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk and further along the forest road.
12:00 Arrival at the parking place.
12:00-13:30 Walking tour along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, sightseeing of Cape Bird.
13:30 Hot lunch with seafood.
15:00 Gathering.
Departure to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
18:30 Arrival at the hotel.
Dinner on your own.
Cape Bird and Cape Giant are one of the main natural attractions of Sakhalin. A special feature of the site is the unique rock formations located along the coast and carved by natural forces.
These architectural structures of nature are located in picturesque coves, where on one side there is an endless sea, and on the other side there are mountains with dense taiga forest. Here you can fully feel the power and beauty of Sakhalin nature.

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Day 13 - Completion of the program
Breakfast at the hotel.
Check-out from the hotel.
A visit to the fish market (possible only upon departure after 11:00).
Transfer to the airport.

Difficulty

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in a good physical shape

Tour organizer's comments

It is assumed that a fairly serious physical load and endurance will be required, there are steep ascents and descents on the routes. For example, when climbing from the caldera of the Golovnin volcano, in addition to the load on the muscles, there is a load on the respiratory system, since the oxygen content in the caldera is slightly lower.

Accommodation

Hotel

8 nights
Cabin on the boat

2 nights
Guest House

2 nights

Comfort

Midscale
Upscale
Premium

The tour includes accommodation in hotels, guest houses and in the cabin of the ship.

The cost of the tour:

double occupancy — 310,000 rubles/person.;
single occupancy — 372,600 rubles/person.

The Mega Palace Hotel is located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and is one of the largest urban hotels with a developed infrastructure.

The hotel offers more than a hundred rooms of different categories — from standard to apartments and presidential rooms. Many rooms offer views of the city, mountains and hills, and one of the hotel's features is a panoramic terrace on the top floor.

The categories "Standard", "Deluxe", "Residential Apartments", "Mega Apartments", "Residential family", "Royal Comfort", "Royal Apartments" and "Presidential Apartments" are available for accommodation.

The rooms vary in size and layout: there are both classic options for one or two guests, as well as more spacious apartments with a kitchen, living room, several bedrooms and work areas. All categories include Wi-Fi, climate control, TV, refrigerator, kettle, safe and daily housekeeping.

There are several restaurants and bars on site. The Grill on the Sky restaurant, the Asia restaurant, the BamBoo Japanese restaurant, the Baron lobby pastry shop, as well as the Duke nightclub and karaoke are available to guests.

Breakfast is served from 07:00 to 10:00, and room service is also available.

It offers a fitness center, sauna, spa treatments and additional relaxation areas. For residents, access to the fitness club is provided free of charge, as well as free admission to the Duke nightclub.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 8 to 12 tourists

Minimum age

14 years old

Duration

13 days 12 nights

Group meets at

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Included in price

transfers according to the program;
meals specified in the program:
- three meals a day on the Kuril Islands (Kunashir and Iturup), except for the period of stay on the ship;
- meals on Sakhalin: welcome dinner, lunch during the tour, breakfast at the hotel.
Sakhalin Island tour service;
escort by a guide driver on the Kuril Islands (Kunashir and Iturup);
habitation:
- Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk – double/single room at the 4-star Mega Palace Hotel (TWIN or DOUBLE room);
- Yuzhno-Kurilsk – double/single accommodation in the Kunashir Guest House (TWIN or DOUBLE room, room amenities);
- Kurilsk – double/single accommodation in the guest house "Kamelia" (TWIN or DOUBLE room, room amenities).
accident insurance (coverage up to 2,000,000 rubles);
registration of a border permit for the Kuril Islands;
a visit to the thermal springs on Iturup.

Paid extra

flight ticket to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and back;
meals that are not included in the program, or specified "independently";
the ticket for the ship on the route port Korsakov – port Yuzhno-Kurilsk – port Korsakov in the cabin of the 3rd category (four–bed accommodation, facilities in the cabin) - the price is specified;
additional payment for early check-in (if desired);
flight Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk – Kurilsk – Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk – the cost is being specified.

It's important to know

trekking shoes (preferably not wet) with good foot fixation;
sportswear is convenient for walking cross-country routes;
windbreaker;
change of clothes and shoes;
windproof suit;
photo camera;
a remedy for mosquito and tick bites;
gloves;
swimsuit;
flip-flops.

Dates and Prices

$4,155

6 – 18 Jul 13 days 12 nights

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$4,155

17 – 29 Aug 13 days 12 nights

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E
Elena

about provider

1 Nov, 2024

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This tour operator is great! I wish every tour company were just as awesome!