Departures 2026:
September 30^th (by truck bus)

Departures 2027:
July 21^st (by truck bus)
Grade B, no tents trip!

This trip includes the most interesting active volcanoes and the great amount of thermal manifestation following them, though their enormous diversity can easily leave behind the world-famous Yellowstone and New-Zealand parks; a group of balneotherapeutic health resorts, where you can rest and relax after busy and eventful day; a visit to Kurilskoye lake where you can get acquainted with Kamchatka brown bears, their habits and manners and watch the spawning salmon; a tour to the Geothermal power station to investigate its working processes. 5 days full of events and experiences with no nights in tents!

5 DAY ITINERARY

Day 1. Transfer in all-terrain bus to Pauzhetka settlement. We have a day ride to the south-west of Kamchatka peninsula. Due to the fact that the western coast of Kamchatka, washed by the cold Sea of Okhotsk, is extremely poorly indented due to fierce autumn-winter storms, a truly amazing picture of a vast grassy plain and an endless coastal strip of black titanomagnetite sand will open before us. After the Koryaky settlement we will have to fulfil three crossings over the Bolshaya, Opala and Koshegochek rivers. We are sure that you will not be indifferent to the triumph of engineering thought of a Russian man living far away from civilization extremely limited in technical innovations. Therefore, it turns out that crossings can be made of absolutely various materials and mechanisms, initially not adapted for this type of means of transport. Praise for Russian ingenuity! On the way we will make a long stop to have a rest and enjoy a hot lunch prepared by our cook. In the evening, we will arrive to Pauzhetka village, we will be accommodated in a cozy tourist shelter. Dinner. Bathing in the pool with hot thermal water promotes a good rest.

Day 2. Excursions on the Kurilskoye Lake.
Transfer to the lake is carried out by different ways depending on the time of year and weather conditions in a particular period.
Today we will visit one of the most outstanding places of the Kamchatka peninsula - Kuril Lake. Located in an ancient crater and surrounded by a mountain range and volcanoes, it is a real visiting card of the Kamchatka peninsula. You will be able to take part in the observation of the Kamchatka brown bear in exceptional conditions, the best of which cannot be found in the world. You will have an opportunity to make a boat excursion on the water body of Kuril Lake, during which you will observe bears walking, fishing, resting, in general, doing their bear things without paying any attention to us. All excursions on the territory of the South Kamchatka sanctuary, of which the lake is a part, will be accompanied by an inspector of the reserve and under his strict control. The rules of the reserve and the inspector's recommendations are obligatory, as we are only guests here, and the owner is the Kamchatka brown bear. The route map in the territory of the South Kamchatka Sanctuary may vary depending on weather conditions, bear concentration areas and other factors.
Accommodation in a small cozy wooden lodge on Grassy Point. The lodge is two stories with 2 bunk beds rooms of 8 people each on the second floor. A dining room and shower/WC are situated on the first floor. A "wrap around" deck affords a gorgeous view of Kurilskoye Lake and surrounding mountains. Often it is possible to watch bears fishing along the lakeshore without even leaving the territory of the lodge. Make an excursions along the lake's pumice rock beach. In-camp instruction. Electricity and hot shower available in lodge from 7PM till 11PM daily.

Day 3. Main locations on Kurilskoye Lake: Hiking along the bed of the Khakitsin River to the pumice bearing ‘Sypuchka’; Boat excursion along the lake water area; Excursion to the fish barrier; excursion to the berry tundra, excursion to pumice bearing ‘KutkhinyBaty’.
The Kuril Lake is the deepest freshwater lake in Kamchatka. Its maximum depth is 316 meters and it is among the ten deepest lakes in Russia.
The depression of the Lake was formed by a massive eruption that occurred about 8,500 years ago. As a result of this event, a large caldera, about 8 kilometers in diameter, was formed. It is now hidden under the waters of Lake.
Kamchatka is the only region in the world where all six species of Pacific salmon spawn, and the Kuril Lake basin is the most important and the largest spawning ground for sockeye salmon in Asia. During the period of the largest spawning run the number of fish can reach 350 thousand per day.
Most often the run falls on the period from the end of July to the end of August. It is worth noting that the timing of the beginning and end of the spawning run can vary from year to year. But consistently every year hundreds of Kamchatka brown bears come to the shores of the lake in summer to eat salmon in order to spend their feeding period properly and prepare for winter sleep.

Day 4. Excursions in the Sanctuary. Return to Pauzhetka settlement.
Today we will pack our luggage after breakfast, get into the boat and ride back to Ozernaya base camp. Then take a short transfer to the pumice bearing called the KUTKH BOATS, take some photos of the last and continue our way to the Ozernaya river crossing.
When return to the Pauzhetka tour lodge, we will have our lunch, get rest and have an easy walk in the direction of Pauzhetka geothermal Power Station to take a look at it at a distance and study a bit about one of the cleanest types of Energy in Kamchatka. Dinner and overnight in the tour lodge.

The Kutkh'sBoats (Kutkhiny Baty) are dramatic, light-colored pumice formations located near the outlet of the Ozernaya River by Kuril Lake in the South Kamchatka Sanctuary. These geological monuments, resembling boats, have a pumice layer thickness between 70 and 110 meters, formed by massive volcanic deposits. The structures consist of white pumice rocks formed by intense prehistoric volcanic activity, often described as a natural monument created from bizarrely exposed pumice.

The Pauzhetka station is the first geothermal power plant in Russia and it is located in the southwestern part of the Kamchatka Peninsula, 30 kilometers(19 mi) east of Ozernovskiy, located on the coast of the Okhotsk Sea. The geothermal power plant was put into operation in 1966. The power plant has two 6 MW direct-cycle turbines and one 2.5 MW binary-cycle turbine. Presently one steam turbine is in operation, while the other steam turbine is a reserve.

Day 5. Transfer to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. End of service.

Cost RUB 190,000 per person (for group of 12 guests)

• Full board (all meals)
• 2-4 bedded in Pauzhetka dormitory
• Motor boat and walking excursion on Kurilskoye Lake
• English-speaking rep  
• 6WD truck-bus
• Guides, interpreter and cook services
• Kitchen equipment
• Visa invitation and visa registration if needed
• Permits
• Kronotsky Reserve fees and photography fees (drone is not allowed only there)

Due to the fact that Kamchatka peninsula is remote from traditional tourist destinations, as well as taking into account its impressive size, the variety of natural wonders and the lack of good roads, the tours use all-terrain vehicles ‘KAMAZ (the number of seats varies from 20 to 28), as well as other off-road vehicles. In the limits of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and roads with asphalt surface tourist buses are used.
It should also be noted that Kamchatka is a mountainous region stretched from north to south and surrounded by the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk, so the weather is very variable, and different areas of Kamchatka have their own special microclimate. July, August and September are considered the best months for summer traveling. The highest parts of the mountains carry modern glaciers. Precipitation is possible in the form of rain, at high altitudes in the form of snow. Gnat and mosquitoes are found in large numbers in the forest zone from July to mid of August. Thus, it is necessary to take the outfit seriously before starting the trip.

Departures 2027:
July 23^rd (by truck bus + helicopter)

Grade B, no tents trip!

This trip includes the most interesting active volcanoes and the great amount of thermal manifestation following them, though their enormous diversity can easily leave behind the world-famous Yellowstone and New-Zealand parks; a group of balneotherapeutic health resorts, where you can rest and relax after busy and eventful day; a visit to Kurilskoye lake where you can get acquainted with Kamchatka brown bears, their habits and manners and watch the spawning salmon; a tour to the Geothermal power station to investigate its working processes. 4 days full of events and experiences with no nights in tents!

4 DAY ITINERARY

Day 1. Transfer in all-terrain bus to Pauzhetka settlement. We have a day ride to the south-west of Kamchatka peninsula. Due to the fact that the western coast of Kamchatka, washed by the cold Sea of Okhotsk, is extremely poorly indented due to fierce autumn-winter storms, a truly amazing picture of a vast grassy plain and an endless coastal strip of black titanomagnetite sand will open before us. After the Koryaky settlement we will have to fulfil three crossings over the Bolshaya, Opala and Koshegochek rivers. We are sure that you will not be indifferent to the triumph of engineering thought of a Russian man living far away from civilization extremely limited in technical innovations. Therefore, it turns out that crossings can be made of absolutely various materials and mechanisms, initially not adapted for this type of means of transport. Praise for Russian ingenuity! On the way we will make a long stop to have a rest and enjoy a hot lunch prepared by our cook. In the evening, we will arrive to Pauzhetka village, we will be accommodated in a cozy tourist shelter. Dinner. Bathing in the pool with hot thermal water promotes a good rest.

Day 2. Excursions in the Kurilskoye Lake.
Transfer to the lake is carried out by different ways depending on the time of year and weather conditions in a particular period.
Today we will visit one of the most outstanding places of the Kamchatka peninsula - Kuril Lake. Located in an ancient crater and surrounded by a mountain range and volcanoes, it is a real visiting card of the Kamchatka peninsula. You will be able to take part in the observation of the Kamchatka brown bear in exceptional conditions, the best of which cannot be found in the world. You will have an opportunity to make a boat excursion on the water body of Kuril Lake, during which you will observe bears walking, fishing, resting, in general, doing their bear things without paying any attention to us. All excursions on the territory of the South Kamchatka sanctuary, of which the lake is a part, will be accompanied by an inspector of the reserve and under his strict control. The rules of the reserve and the inspector's recommendations are obligatory, as we are only guests here, and the owner is the Kamchatka brown bear. The route map in the territory of the South Kamchatka Sanctuary may vary depending on weather conditions, bear concentration areas and other factors.
Accommodation in a small cozy wooden lodge on Grassy Point. The lodge is two stories with 2 bunk beds rooms of 8 people each on the second floor. A dining room and shower/WC are situated on the first floor. A "wrap around" deck affords a gorgeous view of Kurilskoye Lake and surrounding mountains. Often it is possible to watch bears fishing along the lakeshore without even leaving the territory of the lodge. Make an excursions along the lake's pumice rock beach. In-camp instruction. Electricity and hot shower available in lodge from 7PM till 11PM daily.

Day 3. Main locations on Kurilskoye Lake: Hiking along the bed of the Khakitsin River to the pumice bearing ‘Sypuchka’; Boat excursion along the lake water area; Excursion to the fish barrier; excursion to the berry tundra, excursion to pumice bearing ‘KutkhinyBaty’.
The Kuril Lake is the deepest freshwater lake in Kamchatka. Its maximum depth is 316 meters and it is among the ten deepest lakes in Russia.
The depression of the Lake was formed by a massive eruption that occurred about 8,500 years ago. As a result of this event, a large caldera, about 8 kilometers in diameter, was formed. It is now hidden under the waters of Lake.
Kamchatka is the only region in the world where all six species of Pacific salmon spawn, and the Kuril Lake basin is the most important and the largest spawning ground for sockeye salmon in Asia. During the period of the largest spawning run the number of fish can reach 350 thousand per day.
Most often the run falls on the period from the end of July to the end of August. It is worth noting that the timing of the beginning and end of the spawning run can vary from year to year. But consistently every year hundreds of Kamchatka brown bears come to the shores of the lake in summer to eat salmon in order to spend their feeding period properly and prepare for winter sleep.

Day 4. Excursions in the Sanctuary. Afternoon flight by MI-8 helicopter to Ksudach Volcano (1hr), we will make an excursion to the crater lake of Shtyubel (situated inside Ksudach Volcano) or visit hot springs that create a "hot beach" on the lake's shore. Then we stop for a bathe in the thermal hot water of the Khodutka River. This is the largest wild hot springs on Kamchatka. The water bubbles out on a section of tundra located just under Khodutka Volcano and forms a small stream. Farther from the source the water slowly cools and you can find the location where the temperature is right for you to take a swim. Then we fly over caldera of Mutnovsky active Volcano for taking pictures. Transfer to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. End of service.

Cost RUB 240,000 per person (for group of 12 guests)

• Full board (all meals)
• 2-4 bedded in Pauzhetka dormitory
• Motor boat and walking excursion on Kurilskoye Lake
• English-speaking rep  
• 6WD truck-bus
• Helicopter MI-8 service
• Guides, interpreter and cook services
• Kitchen equipment
• Visa invitation and visa registration
• Permits
• Kronotsky Reserve fees and photography fees (drone is not allowed only there)

Due to the fact that Kamchatka peninsula is remote from traditional tourist destinations, as well as taking into account its impressive size, the variety of natural wonders and the lack of good roads, the tours use all-terrain vehicles ‘KAMAZ (the number of seats varies from 20 to 28), as well as other off-road vehicles. In the limits of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and roads with asphalt surface tourist buses are used.
It should also be noted that Kamchatka is a mountainous region stretched from north to south and surrounded by the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk, so the weather is very variable, and different areas of Kamchatka have their own special microclimate. July, August and September are considered the best months for summer traveling. The highest parts of the mountains carry modern glaciers. Precipitation is possible in the form of rain, at high altitudes in the form of snow. Gnat and mosquitoes are found in large numbers in the forest zone from July to mid of August. Thus, it is necessary to take the outfit seriously before starting the trip.

Departures 2027:
September 3^rd (by helicopter + truck bus)

Grade B, no tents trip!

This trip includes the most interesting active volcanoes and the great amount of thermal manifestation following them, though their enormous diversity can easily leave behind the world-famous Yellowstone and New-Zealand parks; a group of balneotherapeutic health resorts, where you can rest and relax after busy and eventful day; a visit to Kurilskoye lake where you can get acquainted with Kamchatka brown bears, their habits and manners and watch the spawning salmon; a tour to the Geothermal power station to investigate its working processes. 4 days full of events and experiences with no nights in tents!

4 DAY ITINERARY

Day 1. Flight by MI-8 helicopter to stop for a bathe in the thermal hot water of the Khodutka River. This is the largest wild hot springs on Kamchatka. The water bubbles out on a section of tundra located just under Khodutka Volcano and forms a small stream. Farther from the source the water slowly cools and you can find the location where the temperature is right for you to take a swim. Then we fly to Ksudach Volcano (1hr), we will make an excursion to the crater lake of Shtyubel (situated inside Ksudach Volcano). Then do a short flight to Kamchatka's famed Kurilskoye Lake. Accommodation in a small cozy wooden lodge on Grassy Point. The lodge is two stories with 2 bunk beds rooms of 8 people each on the second floor. A dining room and shower/WC are situated on the first floor. A "wrap around" deck affords a gorgeous view of Kurilskoye Lake and surrounding mountains. Often it is possible to watch bears fishing along the lakeshore without even leaving the territory of the lodge. Make an excursions along the lake's pumice rock beach. In-camp instruction. Electricity and hot shower available in lodge from 7PM till 11PM daily.

Day 2. View Kamchatka brown bears, Steller sea eagles, salmon spawning places from a motor boat and take walking excursions with local wardens to a nearby bear view platform (800 meters from the lodge) that is located at the mouth of the many rivers that drain into Kurilskoye Lake. Here you'll have a good chance of taking great, close-up shots of bears fishing for migrating salmon. The salmon pause briefly in the lake and then make their way from the lake into the streams where they spawn. Take longer walking excursions to a large meadow where bears feed on wild berries and visit other spawning streams farther from the lodge. Along these streams you'll see spawning salmon and many signs of the large number of bears in the area. There's a good chance you'll see bears fishing just a few yards away as you walk along the banks of streams (high rubber boots are must).

Main locations on Kurilskoye Lake:
Hiking along the bed of the Khakitsin River to the pumice bearing ‘Sypuchka’;
Boat excursion along the lake water area;
Excursion to the fish barrier; excursion to the berry tundra, excursion to pumice bearing ‘KutkhinyBaty’.

The Kuril Lake is the deepest freshwater lake in Kamchatka. Its maximum depth is 316 meters and it is among the ten deepest lakes in Russia.
The depression of the Lake was formed by a massive eruption that occurred about 8,500 years ago. As a result of this event, a large caldera, about 8 kilometers in diameter, was formed. It is now hidden under the waters of Lake.
Kamchatka is the only region in the world where all six species of Pacific salmon spawn, and the Kuril Lake basin is the most important and the largest spawning ground for sockeye salmon in Asia. During the period of the largest spawning run the number of fish can reach 350 thousand per day.
Most often the run falls on the period from the end of July to the end of August. It is worth noting that the timing of the beginning and end of the spawning run can vary from year to year. But consistently every year hundreds of Kamchatka brown bears come to the shores of the lake in summer to eat salmon in order to spend their feeding period properly and prepare for winter sleep.

Day 3. Excursions in the Sanctuary. Drive to Pauzhetka settlement by truck bus.
Today we will pack our luggage after breakfast, get into the boat and ride to Ozernaya base camp. Then take a short transfer to the pumice bearing called the KUTKH BOATS, take some photos of the last and continue our way to the Ozernaya river crossing.
When arrive to the Pauzhetka tour lodge, we will have our lunch, get rest and have an easy walk in the direction of Pauzhetka geothermal Power Station to take a look at it at a distance and study a bit about one of the cleanest types of Energy in Kamchatka. Dinner and overnight in the tour lodge.

The Kutkh'sBoats (Kutkhiny Baty) are dramatic, light-colored pumice formations located near the outlet of the Ozernaya River by Kuril Lake in the South Kamchatka Sanctuary. These geological monuments, resembling boats, have a pumice layer thickness between 70 and 110 meters, formed by massive volcanic deposits. The structures consist of white pumice rocks formed by intense prehistoric volcanic activity, often described as a natural monument created from bizarrely exposed pumice.

The Pauzhetka station is the first geothermal power plant in Russia and it is located in the southwestern part of the Kamchatka Peninsula, 30 kilometers(19 mi) east of Ozernovskiy, located on the coast of the Okhotsk Sea. The geothermal power plant was put into operation in 1966. The power plant has two 6 MW direct-cycle turbines and one 2.5 MW binary-cycle turbine. Presently one steam turbine is in operation, while the other steam turbine is a reserve.

Day 4. Transfer to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. End of service.

Cost RUB 240,000 per person (for group of 12 guests)

• Full board (all meals)
• 2-4 bedded in Pauzhetka dormitory
• Motor boat and walking excursion on Kurilskoye Lake
• English-speaking rep  
• 6WD truck-bus
• Helicopter MI-8 service
• Guides, interpreter and cook services
• Kitchen equipment
• Visa invitation and visa registration
• Permits
• Kronotsky Reserve fees and photography fees (drone is not allowed only there)

Due to the fact that Kamchatka peninsula is remote from traditional tourist destinations, as well as taking into account its impressive size, the variety of natural wonders and the lack of good roads, the tours use all-terrain vehicles ‘KAMAZ (the number of seats varies from 20 to 28), as well as other off-road vehicles. In the limits of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and roads with asphalt surface tourist buses are used.
It should also be noted that Kamchatka is a mountainous region stretched from north to south and surrounded by the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk, so the weather is very variable, and different areas of Kamchatka have their own special microclimate. July, August and September are considered the best months for summer traveling. The highest parts of the mountains carry modern glaciers. Precipitation is possible in the form of rain, at high altitudes in the form of snow. Gnat and mosquitoes are found in large numbers in the forest zone from July to mid of August. Thus, it is necessary to take the outfit seriously before starting the trip.

Here are a few recommendations:
Clothing:
- Warm, long, waterproof and windproof jacket with a hood.
- Comfortable, unrestrictive sports trousers made of a lightweight, quick-drying material that can keep you warm in cold temperatures. Use in combination with a windproof suit. Plus trousers for change.
- Fleece jacket or jumper with a high collar is always useful in cool weather, a warm waistcoat will not be excessive in the evening when the air temperature drops
- T-shirts, underwear, socks, thermal underwear.
- Headwear -panama or cap with a long visor for sun protection; fleece or woollencap.
- Gortexfleece gloves or plain cotton gloves, may be required when the temperature drops.
- Bathing suit and towel are useful when bathing in thermal springs.
Footwear:
- Leather or Gore-Tex coated special trekking boots with thick, stiff soles, high enough to lock the foot well.
- A change of shoes is mandatory: trainers for recreation and walks in the city.
- Slippers or sandals (flip-flops).
Equipment
- Usual large bag for personal belongings, a small rucksack of up to 30 liters(you can put spare clothes, camera and water flask in it), medicines for your own use, pocket folding knife, sunscreen lotion and lip balm, sunglasses, camera, repellent.

Questions? Interested in booking a trip? See here for answers to frequently asked questions and here for more Kamchatka pictures, click here for booking details or ask your questions here.

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