Backpacking in Kronotsky Preserve, Gorely and Mutnovsky Volcanoes
July through September
10
Backpacking
in Kronotsky Preserve, Gorely and Mutnovsky
Volcanoes Group 5 to 8 people
Backpack
within the Kronotsky Preserve, one of the oldest
protected territories in Russia, chartered
in the 19th century. Set-aside for the rich
sable population, the “soft gold” of
Siberia and the Russian Far East, the Preserve
has only recently opened a limited number of
hiking routes to visitors. The Kronotsky Preserve
protects 1,007,134 hectares of land along the
central Pacific coast of the Peninsula. The
Preserve represents a unique fund of Kamchatka’s
flora, fauna, and geological formations. Here
one finds Pacific coastal habitat, and many
rivers. The fantastic Uzon Caldera, formed
over 10,000 years ago and covers a 9 x 15 km
basin.
Mutnovsky Volcano (2324 m), 70 km southeast
of Petropavlovsk, erupted in 2000 and has one
of the world’s largest geothermal fields.
The entire volcanic mass is composed of 4 craters
flanked by vast flower-filled tundra. The Mutnovsky
Geothermal plant supplies steam generators
with part of Yelizovo’s electricity.
Gorely Volcano (1829 m) is 5 km from Mutnovsky
Volcano. Last erupting in 1984-85, Gorely consists
of 11 superimposed craters. Inside the active
crater is a turquoise-blue acidic lake.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival on
Kamchatka, airport greeting and transfer to
bed and breakfast in Yelizovo just 15 minutes
from the airport.
Day
2 Helicopter to Uzon Caldera. Hike
6 km to ranger cabin. Overnight at cabin.
Day 3 Explore Uzon
Caldera, camp.
Day 4 Trek 13 km
to the Sestrenka River, 1.5 km from the Valley
of Geysers. Camp.
Day 5 Hike 1.5 km
to the Valley of Geysers, overnight in cabins
bunkhouse style.
Day 6 Explore the
Valley of Geysers, overnight in cabins bunkhouse
style.
Day 7 Helicopter
to Yelizovo, overnight in your bed and breakfast.
Day 8 Reserve day
for possible non-flying weather. Swim at Paratunka
hot springs area. Overnight in bed and breakfast.
Day 9 Drive about
2.5 hours to Mutnovsky – Gorely Volcano
group. (120 km) Set up base camp.
Day 10 Ascend Gorely
Volcano. This is an all day hike, strenuous
but not technically difficult.
Day 11-12 Ascend Mutnovsky Volcano. This is
a strenuous hike but not technically difficult. Return
in the evening to Yelizovo and your bed and breakfast.
Day
13 City tour of Petropavlovsk. Visit
the Regional Museum. Shop for souvenirs.
Backpack
within the Kronotsky Preserve
years ago and covers a 9 x 15 km
basin. 
Day
2
