A hike to Kunashir with an ascent to Tyata

10 more

There is a discount on the first 7 seats in the arrivals for the tour, the cost of the promotion is 86,000 rubles. Check with the managers about the availability of discounted seats when booking.

Kunashir is a distant island, the place of residence of desperate romantics, fishermen and the military.

Here you can see how the sun wakes up, rising from where the nearest Russian neighbor, Shikotan, is located. Here you can see how the sun sets behind the islands of Japan, so no one on Kunashira considers it the "Land of the Rising Sun".

We will go to Kunashir by plane and take a bird's-eye view of Japan and the islands of the Kuril Archipelago.

During the 13 days of the hike, you will visit the most iconic places of Kunashir, including climbing the highest active volcano of the Kuril Islands — Tyata 1819 m, as well as visit 2 more active volcanoes and the pearl of the island — Columnar Cape.

Upon returning to Sakhalin, you will have a boat trip to the abandoned Japanese lighthouse Aniva.

Location

Sakhalin region, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

from

Contact the tour coordinator

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

Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

Cape Columnar

You will see the business card of Kunashir — a cape built with hexagonal basalt columns

Overnight stays in a tent

You will fall asleep and wake up to the sound of waves, meet incredible sunrises and sunsets

Hot springs

Get the opportunity to relax three times and bask in natural baths

Tyata Volcano

Make an ascent of the volcano, which is sure to be remembered for a long time

Golovnin Volcano Caldera

Appreciate the huge size of the caldera with two lakes — Boiling and Hot

Aniva Lighthouse

You will be able to find seals in the natural environment, and if you are lucky, dolphins, and even killer whales

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival 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!
accommodation in a hostel;
there is a connection and the Internet;
meals at the cafe.
Day 2 - Departure to Kunashir
In the morning we go to the airport and fly to Kunashir, the southernmost Kuril Island.
The name means "black island" and indicates its nature — dark coniferous forests, dark soils, and four active volcanoes (three of which we will go to).
The island's affiliation to Russia is disputed by Japan, which considers it part of its Namuro district. The question of who appeared earlier in the Southern Kuril Islands and, in particular, in Kunashir — the Russians or the Japanese — is still controversial. But, this is history, and you and I, without hesitation, immediately hit the road!
After checking the border passes, we will be dropped off to the Devil's Finger, where we will set up camp.
The devil's finger is a kekur, a remnant that looks like a finger. It seems that someone big and gigantic has dived into the sea and is showing an outstretched finger with a sharp nail.
The cliff is completely sheer, the height of the structure is as high as a five-story house. And most importantly, there are no other rocks or cliffs around at all. They say that after the earthquake of 1994, the Devil's finger lost part of its phalanx and lost its former grace, but it is still impressive!
Lunch, radial walk to Cape Sukacheva, return to the camp, dinner and acquaintance.
flight time is 1.5 hours;
overnight in a tent;
there is a connection and mobile Internet;
4 km without backpacks.
Day 3 - Devil's Finger – Cape Rubezhny, boat drop to the foot of Tyati
After breakfast, we will have a boat trip under the Tyatia volcano.
We distribute ourselves in small batches by boat, the journey is long – about 2.5 hours, a real sea adventure.
We advise you in advance to stock up on the Drama of those who are seasick, as well as how to keep warm.
Along the way we can see seals, dolphins and even killer whales. We set up camp by the sea. We are preparing for tomorrow's ascent. Early lights out.
2-3 hours by sea by boat;
overnight in tents;
there is no connection or internet connection.
Day 4 - Climbing the mountain
We begin our ascent to the Tyatia volcano (1819 meters).
The volcano is one of the top 10 most beautiful volcanoes in the world. It is the second highest volcano in the Kuril Islands and the highest point of Kunashir Island.
Climbing the volcano is not the easiest and will take a total of 10-12 hours (6-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent) – despite the fact that we go without large backpacks, good physical fitness is required.
The ascent begins through a dense forest, then the famous cinder fields with dried trees begin. In July 1973, there was a massive eruption of the Tyati volcano and the forest died. At an altitude of 650 m, we reach the Brave crater – in good weather, the views from here are simply stunning, in bad weather they are fascinating.
After the crater, the most difficult part of climbing the ridge (1400 m) begins. It will take about 40 minutes to climb from the ridge to the young cone.
And now we have reached the highest point of 1819 m. The earth is warm – there is a clear feeling that the volcano is alive and breathing.
We take pictures, relax, have a snack.
On the way back, we will go down to the wreckage of the helicopter that crashed as a result of the disaster in 1975. The descent is very steep and loose, and we take all precautions.
After reaching the old crater, we return to the camp the same way.
15 km without backpacks, climb about 1800 m;
overnight in a tent;
It can catch a connection at the top of a volcano.

1 more photo
Day 5 - Cape Rubezhny – Rogachevka River
We are moving back from Cape Rubezhny to the Rogachevka River along the coast.
There will be small fords, sand, rocks and dirt roads. The day is difficult and long, but in the evening you can exhale, there will be no more such long transitions.
20 km under the backpack;
there is no connection or internet connection.
Day 6 - Rogachevka River – hot springs on the Chaika River
We continue along the coast, climb a small ridge and descend to the coastline.
Along the way, there are several not very deep fords through tributaries. In the evening we come to the Chaika River, where you can relax and bask in the hot springs.
16 km under a backpack;
there is no connection or internet connection.
Day 7 - The Chaika River is a cordon on the VLK. Golovnina
In the morning, we'll soak up a little more in the hot springs, then we'll walk about 5 km to the place where the transfer will pick us up.
We will stop at the administration of the Kurilsky Nature Reserve, where we will be solemnly presented with certificates of ascent to the highest volcano of the Kuril Islands.
Then we will go to the foot of Golovnin volcano. A couple of hours of climbing through a beautiful forest and we are at the cordon, where we set up camp. A walk through the volcano's caldera awaits us tomorrow.
8 km under the backpack;
there is a connection and the Internet;
The transfer takes 1 hour.
Day 8 - Radial walk in the caldera of the Golovnin volcano
Today we will fully dedicate the day to Golovnin volcano and its caldera. We walk around the neighborhood, because there is something to see!
We go to the Boiling Lake. We will swim in warm streams and a 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 cauldrons. The volcano last erupted in 1998.
10 km without backpacks;
there is no connection or Internet connection;
overnight in a tent.
Day 9 - Golovnin Volcano – Mendeleev volcano
We pack up the camp and go to the road, where we will be transferred to the 15th kilometer.
We leave our backpacks, take the most necessary things and go light to climb the Mendeleev volcano. 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, observing 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). The way up is not easy, you will need to climb the roots, climb a steep path. But the views that will open will compensate for all the difficulties.
Descent to the place where the backpacks were left.
After a short rest, we continue our journey with our belongings along the pleasant Stolbovskaya eco-trail. We set up camp on the seashore.
10 km (4 km under backpacks and 6 km without backpacks);
overnight in a tent;
there is no connection or internet connection.
Day 10 - Radial exit to Cape Columnar
Cape Columnar is a visiting 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 and 6 faceted columns of different sizes. The place is impressive!
We walk along the cape, take pictures.
We return to the camp.
12 km without backpacks;
overnight in a tent;
there is no connection or internet connection.
Day 11 - Camp by the sea – village Tretyakov Gallery
In the morning, we assemble the camp and move to the village of Tretyakovo, from where a transfer will pick us up and take us to the airport.
We say goodbye to Kunashir.
An hour and a half into the flight and we're back on Sakhalin. A transfer takes us to the hostel.
We rest and walk around the evening Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
5 km under the backpack;
there is a connection and the Internet;
overnight at the hostel.
Day 12 - A spare day. Boat trip to Aniva Lighthouse
A spare day in case the plane is delayed from Kunashir. If everything goes according to plan and the weather conditions are favorable, we will go on a boat trip to the Aniva Lighthouse– the main attraction of Sakhalin.
We leave for the village of Novikovo to go by boat to the very south of the Tonino-Aniva Peninsula. The lighthouse was established 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 meet here, so fogs and strong winds are not uncommon. The height of the lighthouse is 31 meters, the tower has 9 floors. The lighthouse is currently abandoned and inactive.
After exploring 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 around 6 p.m. Dinner at a cafe or hostel.
overnight in a hostel;
meals at the cafe;
there are connections and the Internet.

1 more photo
Day 13 - Flight home
Saying goodbye to the Far East, flying home.
If you wish, you can stay in Sakhalin for a few more days and see the sights that are not included in our program.

Difficulty

Only for experienced and physically fit hikers. Requires specific skills and equipment

Tour organizer's comments

On the route there are crossings of more than 20 km under a backpack, fords and climbing with an altitude of 1800m, so the hiking tour is suitable only for people with good physical fitness and experience of walking under a backpack.

Accommodation

Guest House

3 nights
Tent

9 nights

Comfort

Basic
Basic+

The tour includes accommodation:

in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in a comfortable hostel in multi-bed rooms (3 nights);
in tourist tents (9 nights).

The cost of the tour for 1 person is 91,000 rubles.;

The cost of the discounted tour (the discount is valid for 7 first places, check availability when booking) is 86,000 rubles.

In Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk we live in a comfortable hostel in multi-bed rooms. Shared kitchen, toilet, shower.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 23 tourists

Minimum age

14 years old

Duration

13 days 12 nights

Group meets at

Sakhalin region, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Included in price

3 nights in a cozy hostel in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk;
three meals a day on the route;
Tickets for the Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk–Yuzhno-Kurilsk–Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk plane;
all transfers on Sakhalin and Kunashir according to the program;
transfer by boat / all-terrain vehicle to the foot of the VLK. My father;
registration of a pass to the Kurilsky Nature Reserve;
camping fees for accommodation on the territory of the reserve;
registration of a collective pass to the border zone;
certificate of ascent to the Tyata volcano;
rental of group equipment (tents, burners, boilers, etc.);
airmail delivery to Sakhalin of modules with food and public equipment;
dropping modules in the middle of the route on Kunashir;
registration of the group in the Ministry of Emergency Situations;
instructor services;
accident insurance.

Paid extra

flights to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and back;
airport transfer;
rental of personal equipment: backpack, sleeping bag, foam, etc.;
meals in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk – from 3000 rubles.;
guided tour to Aniva Lighthouse in favorable weather (6000-8000 rubles);
registration of an individual border pass 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 and take up about 2/3 of the volume of the backpack. Do not forget that you still have to carry some of the public equipment and modules with food.

Equipment

Assault backpack (20-35 liters);
Backpack for a long hike (90 l for men, 70 l for women) with a belt;
A cape on a backpack;
Foam (travel mat, polyurethane foam mat, karemat);
Podpopnik (pendal, hoba, foam pad, tourist seat);
Headlamp LED flashlight;
Trekking poles;
Hermetic bag;
Spring-autumn sleeping bag (comfort temperature 0/+5* C);
Hermetic package for phone/documents.

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);
Shorts;
Socks or thermal socks;
Thermal socks are warm;
Flashlights (gaiters, shoe covers);
T-shirt;
Long Sleeve Shirt;
Warm fleece jacket with a neck (thick wool sweater);
The jacket is windproof and waterproof (membrane);
Work gloves;
The cap is light;
Headdress (panama hat, bandana, cap, hat);
Rain cape with hood;
Trekking boots;
Flip-flops/crocs/sandals;
A thin down jacket;
Buff.

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;
Matches;
Telephone;
Medical policy;
Sunglasses;
Mosquito repellent;
A remedy for ticks;
We recommend adding;
Photo camera;
Thread and needle;
Student ID (if available);
Dress;
Tent;
Powerbank.

Dates and Prices

$1,051

5 – 17 Jul 13 days 12 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$1,051

19 – 31 Jul 13 days 12 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$1,051

3 – 15 Aug 13 days 12 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$1,051

17 – 29 Aug 13 days 12 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$1,051

1 – 13 Sep 13 days 12 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$1,051

15 – 27 Sep 13 days 12 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$1,051

29 Sep – 11 Oct 13 days 12 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now