Kamchatka discovery

Itinerary

Itinerary View map

Day 1:Arrival to Petropavlovsk

Welcome to Kamchatka! You will be met at the airport before transferring to the hotel in Paratunka resort area. Here you’ll have free time to rest and are encouraged to relax after your long flight in the hotel’s spring water pool.

Day 2:Starichkov Island and Avachinskaya Bay cruise

Today we take in the breathtaking scenery of the twisting coastline, try your fishing skills from the boat or relax on a deck and enjoy sweeping views of the peninsula and its many volcanoes from the shores of Kamchatka. With a twisting coastline cut by numerous smaller bays, Avachinskaya bay is one of the most picturesque spots in the Kamchatka peninsula.

After breakfast, you will embark on a short city tour of Petropavlovsk, visiting the Kamchatka museum of local lore, the best viewpoint of PKC, fish market and the city centre. One of the oldest towns in the Far East, Petropavlovsk’s seemingly endless main avenue is lined with mostly grim Soviet block housing, and there are just a smattering of historic buildings in the old town along the seafront. That said, locals are friendly and the glorious volcanoes are just a short drive, hike or helicopter journey away.

After lunch at the cafe, you will transfer to a seaport for a boat trip across the bay, which will take about 4-5h. We also visit Starichkov Island, a nature reserve in the bay, which abounds in puffins, loons and other forms of water bird. With a picnic on deck, the cruise will include sweeping views of the peninsula, outlook onto the Pacific Ocean and a chance to see many of the bay’s sea life including otters and sea lions.

Day 3:Vachkazhets mountain trek

Hike around Mount Vachkazhets, a volcano which was once a one-cone volcano before exploding and splitting into three different summits, and explore its surroundings.

Vachkazhets and its surroundings are among the most beautiful spots in Kamchatka, telling a story stretching back to ancient times when Vachkazhets was a one-cone volcano before exploding and dividing into three parts. You will be able to take in the scenic surrounds and appreciate the serene quiet at a picnic lunch during the trek.

Day 4:Bystraya river slow pace rafting and fishing and Malki hot springs

Today we invite you on a slow pace rafting on Bystraya River for an afternoon of ‘catch-and-release’ fishing (2.5 – 3h). The second longest river in Kamchatka, the Bystraya flows along the Ridge and is inhabited with fish such as the Pacific salmon, east Siberian char, grayling and Rainbow trout.

Next, we head to the Malkinskiye (Malki) hot thermal springs for relaxing and soaking in the natural healing waters. The Malki hot thermal springs are situated in the valley of the Bystraya river, at a great thermal territory of underground natural springs.

Day 5:Avachinsky volcano or Camel Mount and Khalaktyrsky beach

Today, you will see Kamchatka from a different perspective as we ascend the Avachinsky volcano (2,751m). One of the most active volcanoes in Kamchatka, the Avachinsky volcano is filled with hardened lava above which you can see rising clouds of fumaroles. In the morning you jump into the truck for a 2h drive to the volcano’s base camp.

A climb to the top of Avachinsky starts from 890m above sea level, it takes up to 10h there and back with elevation about 1,750m. It is suitable for climbers of all levels, treating any traveller to stunning views across the vast Kamchatka peninsula. If you are not ready for such long ascending, the easy hike (3h) to the nearby Camel Mountain (1,100m) is offered.

For those who opted-int for a short hike, afterwards, we head to the Pacific Ocean coast for a short excursion at the Khalaktyrsky Beach, which is a popular place among the locals and surfers from around the world. The long coastal line over 30km is covered with black volcanic sand and in summer is full of blossoming flowers and bushes. The water temperature does not exceed +15C even in the hottest summer days, but locals still come here for a short swim and sunbathing.

Day 6:Optional scenic helicopter tours

The choice is yours to either enjoy free day exploring Petropavlovsk or Paratunka at your leisure, or join one of the optional* scenic helicopter flight to Kurilskoye (Kuril) Lake for brown bears watching or to the Valley of Geysers.

Download a detailed itinerary for more information about these options.

Day 7:Optional Dachnye hot springs trekking tour

This day can be spent at your leisure, or you may join the optional tour to Dachnye hot springs.

Breakfast at the hotel will be followed by a transfer to the Mutnovskaya geothermal power station. Sometimes referred to as “a miniature version of the Valley of Geysers”, the Dachniye hot thermal springs are situated at the bottom of the Mutnovsky volcano, at the edge of a huge intermountain area, situated within a ravine with steep walls. You also will be invited to take a warm bath in a naturally formed hot stream in a large basin of the springs. The afternoon’s activities will include a picnic lunch during the trek and a visit to the Spokoiniy creek and waterfall.

Day 8:Departure from Kamchatka

Farewell to Kamchatka. Transfer to the airport for the journey home.

Inclusions

Inclusions

Accommodation

3* hotel accommodation in Paratunka (based on twin share basis), for solo travellers single supplement fee applies

Meals

Breakfasts in the hotel, some lunches (lunch-box) during full day excursions

Transportation

Airport arrival and departure group transfers, all transportation on tour according to the itinerary (coach, 6wd truck, boat)

Guides

Local English-speaking guide, helper, experienced drivers

Activities and sights

All activities indicated in the itinerary (except optional)

Other

Russian visa support documents

*Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for comprehensive visa service here.

Not included

Flights, travel insurance, visa, optional excursions, individual transfers, tips

Dates & Prices