Kamchatka eco tours, bear viewing, fishing, skiing, hiking and more

Wonderful World Heritage Site Backpacking
in Volcanoes of Kamchatka Nature Parks

Wonderful World Heritage Site Backpacking in Volcanoes of Kamchatka Nature Parks
Trip Dates:  Aug. 22-Sept. 4, 2012		Price: from $2915	Total Days: 14  Group size: 2-9  Activity level 1 2 3 4 5
Activities:	Hot springs, Backpacking, Active volcanoes

Look at the vast expanses below you from the top of not one, but 3 active volcanoes on this trip!  This is for good hikers who love adventure and who have experience backpacking.  The scenery is volcanic, forested, and tundra, with geothermal springs added for relaxation.  This is a hiker’s trip to 2 of Kamchatka’s most popular and relatively accessible Nature Parks, yet they still offer wilderness adventure. 

Itinerary

Day 1  Arrival in Kamchatka, transfer 15 minutes drive to guest house at  Bolshakova Street in Yelizovo.  Shared twin room.  Dinner.

Day 2 Breakfast, transfer by jeep to pass at Avachinsky Volcano in Nalychevo Nature Park.  Camp.  Explore area of the pass. B, L, D

Day 3 730 begin ascent of Avachinsky Volcano-2741 m.  Active volcano last erupting in 1991.  Steep, non-technical climb.  Usually takes about 8 hours round trip to the top and back to camp.  B, L, D.

Day 4 Hike with guide over the north side of the volcano toward Nalychevo River valley.  Rugged hiking down scree slopes with several streams to cross.  Hike about 20 km.  Camp. 

Day 5 Reach the park center.  Check in with the inspector and then find a camp spot at the camping area.  Walk to hot springs if you like.  B, L, D

Day 6 Hike 12 km to Talovsky Hot Springs.  Camp.  Enjoy hot springs. BLD.

Day 7 Hike on trails back to the  park center.  Camp.  BLD

Day 8 Hike 16 km to/from Aagsky Mineral Spring.  This trail takes you through a variety of terrain from tundra through birch forests to alpine meadows.  BLD

Day 9 Depart the park center and hike 22 km over Pinachevo Pass 1400 m to Semyonovsky.  Camp.  BLD

Day 10 Hike 22 km to Pinachevo village and the border of the park.  Transfer 30 minutes to guest house in Yelizovo.  BL Dinner on own at local restaurant.

Day 11 Transfer by jeep to South Kamchatka Nature Park and the plateau near Mutnovsky Volcano.  Drive is about 2.5 - 3 hours over a rough road.  Make camp on the tundra and hike in the area exploring the wide volcanic tundra.  BLD

Day 12 Hike up the slopes of Mutnovsky Volcano to the crater.  Elevation 3234m (?).  Return to camp.  Hiking may be partially over old snow fields.  Hike past Opastniy (Dangerous) Canyon.  BLD

Day 13 Break camp and drive to the base of Goryeliy Volcano.  Climb the volcano to the top of the crater.  This is a steep, non-technical hike.  Usually it is about 2-2.5 hours one way to the top.  If the weather is clear enjoy a vast view of surrounding volcanoes and mountains.  Return to Yelizovo.  BLD

Note:  Weather and other unforeseen circumstances can necessitate changes in the schedule and we make every effort to adhere to this program.  Everyone must be prepared to carry their own personal camping gear, clothes, and a portion of the food and their own water.  Prior to your trip a food drop of staples will be taken to the park for you to pick up when you reach the park center.
B= breakfast, L= lunch, D=dinner

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 moderately strenuous or 4th category, for people in reasonable physical condition who can carry 15-20 kg on rough terrain.  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.