This itinerary is specially designed for those who do not have much time for travels around the world but would like to explore
Day 1
Arrival at the airport, transfer to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatski with a Russian-speaking driver (20km). Check-in at the hotel *** (Avacha or Petropavlovsk). Time to rest in order to accommodate the jet lag - or strolls in the city center on your own.
In late afternoon, have a trip to Paratunka to relax in the pool of the thermal water from the local hot springs. Night in the hotel *** (DBL-basis).
Day 2
Free day for the optional helicopter trip to the Valley of Geysers within a bigger group (for extra charge on the spot in RUB cash only, in case of the favourable weather and sufficient number of persons per helicopter). Helicopter excursion to the Valley of Geysers (5-6 hrs in total, special helicopter group guide) includes: flight around Karymsky (1486m) and Maly Semyachik (1560m) volcanoes, guided walk in the Valley. This valley cannot be compared with any other unique objects in the world - there are more than 20 big geysers - Velican (Giant), Zhemchuzhny (Pearly), Sakharny (Sugary), Troinoi (Triple), Konus (Cone), Fontan (Fountain), Maly (Small), Bolshoy (Big), Shchel (Split). There are small geysers that gush forth every 10-12 minutes, while other bigger ones may erupt once in 4-5 hours. The wreathes of steam, fountains of boiling water, incredible colours of slopes, hot water streaming along them and profuse greenery of the grass and trees create an enchanting spectacle. Lunchbox incl.
Optional (booking in advance required): a visit to the Local Lore museum displaying an interesting ethnography exhibition (museum’s days off Mon, Tue; booking at least a day in advance required).
Night in the hotel *** in Petropavlovsk or in the tour lodge in Paratunka (DBL-basis).
Day 3
Today we will travel towards the “home volcanoes” – that is the name lovingly given by the locals to the volcanoes located not far from the city.Transfer to the foothills of Koryaksky volcano, first along the road and then off-road along the river bed. In the end of this 2 hrs trip you will find yourself between the scenic Avachinski volcano (2740m) and grandiose Koryakski volcano (3450m). On a clear sunny day, the views of the volcanoes towering so close to you are magnificent; the ground squirrels are not afraid of people and curiously approach you.
Walk to a mountain called Verblyud (Camel), this is a walk without significant gradient. The whole walk might last 5-6 hours. Lunch as a field snack.
Upon a special request from the whole group, an ascent to Avachinski volcano instead of a walk to Verblyud mountain might be possible. However, in this case, departure from Petropavlovsk at 6 am is required.
The ascent to Avachinsky volcano (2749m) is strenuous. First you will need to walk from 900m up to 2000m. From the slopes of the volcano a stunning view is opened: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatski, valley of Avacha river, blue vastness of Avacha Bay; Vilyuchinsky, Mutnovsky and Gorely volcanoes - to the south; the valley of the Nalychevo river with lava flows and Zhupanovsky & Dzenzur volcanoes – to the north. The massive cone of Koryaksky is all the time on the left (west). Then, if the visibility and wind allow, continue the ascent to the cone of the volcano on the pumice pebble trail.
The altitude change during the ascent to Avachinsky is +2000m; the ascent takes 5-8 hours and the descent lasts 2-3 hours. If the way up is difficult for somebody, it is recommended to go up to 2000m only to have excellent views and then to return to the camp.
Return. Night in the hotel *** in Petropavlovsk or in the tour lodge in Paratunka (DBL-basis).
Day 4
This day will be dedicated to the exploration of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatski and its picturesque surroundings. Start the day with a guided tour of the city and its famous fish market. After lunch, depart by an off-road mini-bus to the shore of the Pacific Ocean. Have a walk along the shore, on the black sand of the beach. Continue the trip to Zelenovskie Ozerki springs and relax in the curing hot waters with a specific aroma.Return. Night in the hotel *** in Petropavlovsk or in the tour lodge in Paratunka (DBL-basis).
Day 5
Transfer to the foothills of the Mutnovsky volcano by the off-road bus (120 km, appr 3 hrs). Cross the plateau of the volcanoes Vilyuchinski and Gorely. On a clear day, on the way you will have wonderful views over the river valley and Vilyuchinski volcano. Have a light walk (2.5 km) to the Datchnye hot springs that are located 9 km away from Mutnovski volcano. Walk around the Dachnye springs, which are sometimes referred to as the Valley of Geysers in miniature, as the landscape and colours remind of the Valley of Geysers indeed. See the fuming fumaroles, incredible shades of green, small fountains of hot water, spots of the healing blue clay, and relax in the natural hot baths.
On the way back, we might stop for a walk to the impressive Vilyuchinski waterfall, to its never-melting glacier covered by the snow. Lunch as a field snack. Night in the hotel *** in Petropavlovsk or in the tour lodge in Paratunka (DBL-basis).
Day 6It is a day of a boat trip around Avachinskaya Bay and to the Pacific Ocean (5-6 hrs, sea and wind permitting). Check-out, transfer to the quay (40 min). Go aboard a boat together with other travelers and make a way in Avachinskaya Bay past the Devil’s Finger and Three Brothers, see the diverse types of birds floating on the waves right next to the boat. Go out to the Pacific Ocean up to the Starichkov Island (appr 1.5 hrs one-way) and stop there for a couple of hours. Have a short trip closer to the shore in a small inflatable motor-boat (in turn one after another by groups of 5-7 persons) to see the largest nesting place of Kamchatkan sea waterfowl (without landing) – different types of seagulls, puffins, guillemots. Have lunch with the traditional fish soup aboard. During the boat trip, there are also chances to spot dolphins, seals or killer whales.
Night in the hotel *** in Petropavlovsk or in the tour lodge in Paratunka (DBL-basis).
Day 7
Today is a day of relaxation. We will travel to Malki hot springs.
Transfer to Malki (120 km, appr 2.5 hrs). This is a favourite place of the locals: a river and along it natural pools of different size full of hot water of different temperature: the puddles are warm further away from the river and are almost as hot as Russian banya next to the river. Enjoy bathing in the natural hot puddles or walk in the woods. Return to the city.
Night in the hotel *** in Petropavlovsk or in the tour lodge in Paratunka (DBL-basis).
Day 8
After breakfast, check out. Visit the fish market in Yelizovo on the way to the airport.
Attention: the order of the days will change depending on the weather
