The Kamchatka Peninsula is a rugged sub-Arctic wilderness with dramatic gorges, birch and pine forests, grassy slopes carpeted in flowers, alpine streams and the ever present backdrop of snowcapped volcanoes. This is the setting for your circuit trek through the Klyucheveskaya group of volcanoes to the north of the region’s capital, Petropavlovsk.
Your program will appeal to the seasoned trekker (be prepared to carry a 12kg to 15kg pack), while the ability to adjust to the variable weather conditions (a mere glance at the map will reflect its northerly latitude) with some basic quality clothes and equipment are part and parcel of this pioneering adventure. Your circuit trek explores the dramatic, raw mountain wilderness the peninsular is renowned for and you have the chance to climb several volcanoes or cinder cones enroute.
A short trekking excursion south takes you into the crater of Mutnovsky and Gorely volcanoes. In Esso you experience a homestay and appreciate the warmth of Russian hospitality as well as take the time to soak in the hot thermal springs. In Vladivostok local guides show you the sights of this busy port and it’s harbour with a day excursion to the islands of Russky and Popov.
Join Petropavlovsk
If you are arriving on the group flight you will be met and transferred to our hotel, where we will meet representatives of our local ground operator and have a briefing on the program ahead. We will also have a final check to ensure all members have correct gear for the trek ahead. We will have dinner at the hotel café (own expense) Overnight Hotel
Sightseeing of Petropavlovsk, drive to Milkovo village (305km, approx 5hrs drive)
After breakfast we embark on a brief tour of the city on bus and foot, taking in the main features of interest, whilst the presence of the active Mt Avachinskaya and Koryakskaya Volcanoes just beyond highlights of being somewhere special. Petropavlovsk often known as PK is the peninsula’s administrative centre
Much of Kamchatka’s 376,900 population is in and around PK. With our trekking gear sorted, crew and supplies on board, we head off in the afternoon in our four wheel drive truck to Milkovo, an old Cossack village to the north. We follow the only road, which is sealed, stretching along the peninsula. We spend a night in a basic Soviet style hotel called Dolina
Note
that it is quite possible the two trekking components of our program may be reversed due to local weather conditions (snow usually) in the Mutnovsky area blocking the road. A decision is made close to the time of our departure, based on the most current conditions. The itinerary is not compromised in any other way.
Drive to trailhead (230kms, approx 8hrs drive) & set camp
We continue driving north to Kozyrevsk (approx 5-6hrs), where our trek will start. Enroute we cross the Kamchatka River by ferry and then take a forest track for some 36km to Kopyto Mountain. The road takes us through thick birch and fir forest of larch and high spruce, where wood grouse are often found. Our trek is set in the region of the Klyuchevskaya group of volcanoes. The scenery is spectacular with superb views of Klyuchevskoy Volcano (4750m), which is the highest active volcano in Europe and Asia.
On our journey through this unique wilderness we will trek over several passes and past a variety of lunar landscapes. The landscape includes rolling hills blanketed in grasses and small flowers with copses of small trees or shrubs near water sources. The scenery can quite suddenly change to reflect the volcanic nature of the region; canyons, scree, lava flows and craters, some of which will be oozing steam and mud from within the earth’s crust.
With little presence of humans throughout the year, we should be lucky to see some native wildlife including fox, marmots and perhaps brown bear. Plants are small and hardy in this harsh environment; they grow on lifeless volcanic stones and ash and survive the harsh and long winter period. Camp is set above the tree line at the road head; a 270 degree panorama of snowy volcanoes lies before us as we pitch our tents.
Commence trekking to Studenaya River camp (approx 6hrs, 15kms)
We trek towards Plotina Base Camp situated near Bezymyanny Volcano. The vegetation is tundra including conifer bushes, small hardy shrubs and a variety of berry bushes; as well as grasses, cushion plants and mosses. After a few hours walking, a wonderful panorama spans out before us; including some of Kamchatka’s highest volcanoes, one of which is Mt Tolbachik. This volcano has two summits or cones, the higher Ostry Tolbachik (3680m) is a shapelier extinct snow cone, whilst next to it lays Plosky Tolbachik (3085m) with its flat lump like top and is currently active. We can also see Klyuchevskoy (4750m), Kamen (4579m), Bezymyanny (3085m), Ushkovsky (3943m) and Krestovsky (4108m). We descend to the river and follow it up towards our camp.
To Plotina Base Camp (1300m) via Bezymyanny Pass (1500m) (12kms, approx6/7hrs)
After fording the river we begin to ascend gradually towards Bezymyanny Pass, following the weaving path of the river among the lava flows. From the pass we cross a small volcanic river bed, and then continue trekking down to the valley and Plotina base camp. Our camp is surrounded by picturesque scenery with a backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes. We make our base here for three nights to further explore the area. Marmots and foxes often come around at night.
Side trip to the active Bezymyanny Volcano (3085m)
Weather and volcanic conditions permitting, we make an excursion up to the ‘collar’ of Bezymyanny, to a height of approx 2990m. An enormous eruption of Bezymyanny occurred in 1956 that flung debris more than 300kms; it was more than three times the size of the St Helens eruption in 1980 that flung house size boulders hundreds of kilometres with clouds of ash travelled thousands of kilometres. We will take a picnic lunch and spend as much time in the area as possible. The scenery from the flanks of the volcano makes the effort of ascending the scree worthwhile. In almost every direction we can see volcanoes.
The enormity of Tolbachik is obvious from here; its summit, or crater ridges look like they would make a great ski run! Bezymyanny Volcano is considered to be one of the most active volcanoes in Kamchatka, and it can emit strong gases and/or have varying explosions at regular intervals. A decision of the suitability of the conditions for climbing will be made at the time. Once at the crater rim we are able to observe the caldera within, and activity, as well as distant views of Klyuchevskaya and Kamen behind. This full day hike is well worth the effort for a great insight into this volcanic wilderness.
Rest Day - Plotina Base Camp
We have two excursions open to us today; a walk to a huge ravine on the Sukhaya Khapitsa River (approx 16km round trip) which contains an unusual volcanic ‘bomb’ known as Ambon Stone, or an ascent on the Obzornaya slope (1756m, 8kms) of Zimina Volcano which will give us the opportunity for panoramic views of Ostraya, Ovalanay Zimina and Udina Volcanoes.
Trek to valley camp via Tolbachik Pass (1500m) (12-14kms, approx 6hrs)
Over the next few days we trek towards Lunochodchikov Base. We trek out of Plotina Base Camp following trails through ancient cones, over Tolbachik Pass (1500m) and then down to the valley. We also pass along Mars and Jupiter craters, the secondary craters of Tolbachik Volcano. Wildlife may be encountered enroute, including large marmots and sometimes bear.
Trek over Tolud Pass (1500 m) and overnight near the hut on Tolud River (approx. 5/6hrs, 12-14kms)
The pass itself is gradual in ascent and descent however our route necessitates us crossing many dry riverbeds. Our camp at Tolud hut is on the edge of Taiga forest which includes larch, spruce, birch and small bushes of blueberry and water berry. In the forest, foxes, bears, marmots and even moose may be found.
Trek to Lunokhodchikov Base (10-15 km, 5-8 hrs depending on route taken)
Our trek now traverses around the flanks of Tolbachik leaving alpine meadows for desert or lunar like landscapes formed by a massive lava eruption approximately thirty years ago. We trek over huge lava fields with unusual shaped flows laced with ribbons or snow drifts. Only moss and lichen can be found here whilst fauna might include small rodents such as lemings and native mouse. At the same time we pass the northern cones of the Tolbachik area, including the very spectacular Alaid Cone. Our camp is situated near a complex of wooden huts which are used by scientists studying volcanic activity. This camp is where the first lunar vehicle was tested by Russian specialists.
Reserve/rest day
There are a number of options available depending on weather and group preference. We can either hike to two nearby cinder cones, or drive approx 30min to the ‘dead forest’, to observe lava flows or ‘tubes’. There is an amazing variety of lava forms, black, yellow and red volcanic cones, together with sulphurous gases and heat thermals emanating from the ground in and around the crater. The region is completely void of vegetation bar the dead trees that have remained despite the enormous quantity of lava that flowed in the 18 month period.
Drive to Esso village (180 km, 4 hrs drive to ferry & 2hrs crossing)
Esso is known by the locals as Kamchatka's Switzerland. It is the only settlement heated by thermal sources, and upon arrival you will be able to relax in the 50m swimming pool with hot thermal water (approx 35 degrees C). Cottages and gardens are well kept, usually with a lovely display of flowers and creepers, and an area sectioned off for vegetables, often green housed to ensure warmth outside the summer period.
We are hosted by one or two Russian families for a couple of nights and this provides a very special opportunity to interact with and appreciate the almost overwhelming hospitality of the people. There is an ongoing preparation and serving of tasty, authentic Russian dishes including fresh salmon, vegetables, pastries and fruit. Our time is free to explore the village on foot, hike up one of the hills behind the village; which are ski runs in winter, or bathe in the pool, the central meeting place of the town.
In Esso village, optional excursion to reindeer
During our stay we are given a comprehensive tour of the local museum housed in a traditional wooden building with many genuine articles and artifacts on display. With pictures and maps, and an informative guide, we are able to gain a much fuller appreciation of the indigenous peoples of Kamchatka including the Itelman, Koryak and Even peoples who herd reindeer. There is the option to make an excursion by helicopter (approx 30-40mins one way) to visit a group of nomadic Even people and their reindeer herd.
Drive back to Petropavlovsk (520kms, 9-10 hrs)
We depart early for the long drive back to Petropavlovsk. Initially the route takes us through forest along a good, unsealed road and then we join the main trunk route, a sealed road running from north to south via Milkovo. We typically would have a picnic lunch enroute, with fresh breads, cheese, salami, salad vegetables and fruit, chocolates and juice. We should arrive late afternoon, early evening. This is evening is free.
Drive to Mutnovsky Volcano (120 km, about 4 hrs by truck).
The next stage of our program takes us south of Petropavlovsk to a spectacular area just behind Avachinskaya and Koryakskaya Volcanoes. The road varies in condition from smooth and sealed, to unsealed and heavily furrowed or rutted and can be steep for some sections. Our sturdy four wheel drive will be given a good work out! At the road end which again, will vary and dependent on snow, we set camp. If we can drive the full distance we will unload and set camp near Mutnovsky Hut. There may be time to take a short walk to Opasny Canyon which is 100m deep with ribbon-like falls within.
Excursion to Gorely Volcano
Subject to weather and local conditions, we make a full day trek to Gorely Volcano (1829m); it will be a solid day of hiking, taking us approximately 9 to 10 hours to ascend to the summit. Enroute we pass a series of secondary craters, one of which contains a bright blue acid lake. At the same time there are expansive views of the surrounding peninsula. From the summit of this volcano we can view the superimposed craters of the volcano. We can also discern volcanic vents and their solidified lava flows that cover the slopes. The last time this very active volcano erupted, was in 1984 -1985, when a continuous jet of steam spewed from the crater. Even now the steaming crater indicates that this volcano is far from extinct.
Excursion to Mutnovsky Volcano
Again subject to weather and local conditions, we set aside a full day to trek to the crater of Mutnovsky Volcano (2323m). We walk steadily over snow-covered slopes and enter the crater by way of a broad gorge that opens out to an extraordinary world that you are unlikely to have ever encountered. Set in an enormous amphitheatre of snow, rock and ice, we see a perpetually changing natural world of steaming fumaroles, boiling mud pots, hot pools and glaciers. We spend time exploring, with care, this amazing natural phenomenon and then return by the same route to the outer slopes of the volcano and a suitable place to stop for lunch.
We continue back to our camp, possibly detouring to visit Opasny Canyon if we have not had a chance to view earlier. Our itinerary is flexible as we may spend the night at our camp, or pack up and drive approx one and half hours down the road to a Russian tourist resort or camp, known as Rodnikova. Its greatest attraction is the wealth of hot springs in the area, and the added luxury of warmth throughout all the buildings. Basic accommodation in huts or optional camping.
Return to Petropavlovsk (approx 3.5hrs driving)
We will depart after lunch so have a leisurely breakfast, take one last dip in the hot springs or take an optional walk to a nearby waterfall. Our last night in Petropavlovsk will finish with a banquet dinner at a popular evening venue in Petropavlovsk.
In Petropavlovsk
Arrangements end after breakfast.
Note
This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations or Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.
- 21 breakfasts
- 17 lunches and 17 dinners
- Expert western leader
- Tourist class hotel in Vladivostok and Petropavlovsk on a twinshare basis
- Flight Vladivostok/Petropavlovsk/Vladivostok approx US$765
- Group equipment whilst on trek including two person tents and insulated mat
- All internal transport by private bus/4WD vehicle/private ferry/boat as specified in itinerary
- Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
- Emergency medical kit
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| 15 July 2008 |
02 August 2008 |
| 05 August 2008 |
23 August 2008 |
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