| Bystrinsky Nature Park --Even New Year & Summer Solstice |
Trip Dates:
June 19-28 Private departures available |
Price:
from $1897 |
Total Days: 10
Group size: 2-6
Activity level 1 2 3 4 5 |
| Activities: |
Ethnographic celebration, rafting, trekking. |
Every June 21, the Even reindeer herding people who live in the small village of Anavgai, invite all to join them to welcome the New Year, according to their traditions, celebrated June 21. Located 650 km from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and inside of the Bystrinsky Nature Park-Kamchatka’s largest park, people gather near the village at “Menedek,” the gathering place of Even people on Kamchatka. Here everyone will participate in the cleansing ceremony, learn about their herding skills and traditions, witness exquisitely performed traditional dances, culminating in an all-night dance marathon around a big campfire, a test of dedication, skill, and stamina. Based in Esso, a nearby village, you will also get to know this amazing park and the traditions of the Russians and aboriginal people who make this their home. Transport to/from Esso is by public bus, an economical and sustainable way to travel. Accommodations are at local small community family-run hotels, twin rooms. Upon return to Yelizovo, take a day hike to a hot springs, visit the Regional Museum to learn about other Kamchatka aboriginal people, and take a marine tour to Starichkov Island outside of Avacha Bay.
Even New Year & Summer Solstice- Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrival in Kamchatka, airport transfer to guest house on Bolshakova St. in Yelizovo, 15 minutes from the airport. Depending on arrival time, may go for a walk in Yelizovo to the public market. Dinner served.
Day 2 After breakfast, transfer to the Yelizovo Bus Station by 9:15 to depart for Esso at 9:30. Designated seating, but the bus will be crowded with every seat full. Several rest stops. Meet your guide at the bus stop in Esso. Breakfast. You may buy your lunch at the cafe in Milkovo, where the bus will stop for 30 minutes. Also there are cafes in Esso where you can purchase dinner.
Day 3 After breakfast, take a walking tour of Esso, which is situated in a valley between beautiful mountains. Visit the fine Bystrinsky District Ethnographic Museum, with exhibits on the Even and Koriyak cultures. Walk several blocks to the Bystrinsky Park Visitor Center for exhibits about the park’s flora and fauna. After lunch, take a bus to Anavgai, 45 minutes away for the Even New Year celebration, which continues all night. Return to Esso by taxi when you are all ready.
Day 4: After breakfast pack a lunch for another hike to Cheremshanka Spring. This is an all day hike. Return in early evening, dinner at local cafe.
Day 5: After breakfast, go to the Bystrinsky Park Visitor Center and meet your guide to walk to the White Cliffs. This is an all day hike, returning to the village in late afternoon/early evening.
Day 6: Take a one-day rafting trip on the beautiful Esso Bystrinsky River. Take a picnic lunch. Depart at 1000 and return to the village in the afternoon. At this time of year, the Bystraya River may be too high due to snow melt for safe rafting. If this is the case, we offer you a one-day horseback trip into the hills above Esso. Enjoy your last evening in Esso.
Day 7: 7:30 AM depart from Esso by public bus to Yelizovo. Arrive about 1630 and we will pick you up and return you to our bed and breakfast. Dinner on own at nearby restaurant.
Day 8: Day hike to Verkhniy Paratunsky Hot Springs. Drive with your guide about 1 hour to begin the 4 km each way hike to this lovely hot springs. There will likely be still old snow fields in places, contrasting with the greenery of early summer. Return in evening to Yelizovo. Dinner on your own.
Day 9: Transfer to port for 5 hour marine tour to Starichkov Island outside of Avacha Bay. Following the marine tour, you may visit the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, including the Regional Museum, shops, and the huge public market. Return to Yelizovo to spend the night at your guest house.
Day 10 Following breakfast, airport transfer.
Note: Weather and other unforeseen circumstances can necessitate changes in the schedule and we make every effort to adhere to this program.
Confirm the trip has the minimum needed to operate before buying your airline tickets to Kamchatka.
Price includes: Professional guiding, meals as noted; accommodations; all permits, excursions, fees, documents for visa support and registrations, and emergency insurance.
Not included: Transportation to Kamchatka; trip insurance; some meals; snacks or energy foods; alcoholic beverages; guide gratuities and personal items.
Qualifications
This trip is rated easy to moderate or 3 category, for people in reasonable physical condition who are ready to participate in these events. Upon booking we will send you a suggested clothing and equipment list.
Food & hydration
Bring your own quick snacks to be eaten throughout the day. Be sure to bring a water bottle.
Weather
Daytime temperatures in Yelizovo can range between 9 to 20 Celsius at this time of year.
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