| | Sometimes it's best mountains, may be just the mountains ... in addition to the hot thermal springs. Journey to the Valley River Nalychevo - the route for a strong spirit and romantics at heart. Duration of the transition takes you farther and farther away from the civilized world, and you are fully immersed in nature. You'll feel every sound, will see something that in other circumstances would have never paid any attention. You instantly forget about the fatigue is just another stunning scenery to appear before you - a combination of modern volcanic landscapes of the ancient glacier, rare flora and fauna, green fields and snowy peaks. You will fall in the realm of nature, where people comfortably side by side and brown bears.
In the evenings - gatherings around the campfire and discuss the trip distance and the starry sky overhead and the feeling that time stood still .. The reward for long-term transitions will be the hot thermal springs. They not only give warmth, but also to heal your body. Next - Cold River - the border between two worlds - the world of man and world wildlife. From special towers, located next to the spa, you can observe the life of the Kamchatka brown bear. And, of course, travelers will have the opportunity to climb the active volcanoes of Kamchatka - Avachinskiy (2,751 m) and Dzendzur. Here and soaring fumaroles, and the pungent smell of sulfur mercilessly beat the nose of curious and indescribable views from the top ... At the end of the program you will see the mighty Pacific Ocean! Sea voyage will not only touch the salt water surface, but also to see many unusual birds, and possibly the beauties of killer whales in their element! In this foot hike you will see the true Kamchatka, in all its variety and beauty!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival on Kamchatka
Arrival at the airport of Elizovo town. Transfer to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Accommodation in a hotel. Acclimatization rest. Bathing in a swimming-pool with thermal water in the open air.
The territory of Paratunka hot geothermal springs – is a health and resort zone of Kamchatka. Several health resorts and a great number of recreation bases function nowadays. Here one has a good possibility to relax as well as to recover thanks to curative virtues of thermal water.
Day 2 - The Valley of Geysers and Avachinsky volcano
Breakfast. Extra charged excursion to The Valley of Geysers with landing in the Caldera of Uzon volcano. Transfer to a heliport. A two hour’s walking tour in The Valley of Geysers with landing in the Caldera of Uzon volcano (6 hours); an hour’s walking tour in Vostochny thermal field, flights around Karymsky and Maly Semyachik volcanoes. Helicopter flight to Zhupanova river, dinner in a tourist lodge.
Return to the heliport. In the evening (about 6 p.m.) departure to the foot of Koryaksky and Avachinsky volcanoes (approximately 2 hours). Accommodation at the base-camp. If time allows, a walk to the nature site – an extrusion “Camel”, 5 km (3 hours). Dinner. Rest.
The Valley of Geysers is a unique natural site located in The Kronotsky Reserve in a vast gorge and Geysernaya river flowing along it. All forms of geothermal activity can be found here within 6 kilometers, including active and pulsing boiling springs, hot lakes, mud pots, and small volcanoes, steam jets, hot fields, and, of course, geysers. The dimension of gryphon of the biggest geyser Velikan (“Giant”) is 3 to 1.5 meters; the blast of water while eruption reaches 30 meters high. The Valley of Geysers is very picturesque, an incredible mosaics is created by multicolored clay, weird in structure and in hue geyserites structures, thermophilic algae, and profuse greenery of grasses.
Karymsky volcano is located in the central part of the Eastern volcanic belt of Kamchatka. It is a 1,536 meters height typical stratovolcano with a regular cone. Nowadays it is one of the most active volcanoes in the world with 20 eruptions for the last 215 years. Now it is in process of activation of its new volcanic cycle. The latest eruption started on 2nd January 1996 and is still going on. Each 5-15 minutes it throws out gas and ash 300-1,000 meters above its crater.
Maly Semyachik volcano is in Karymsky group of volcanoes and located 15 km. to the north-east of Karymsky volcano and 20 km. to the west of The Kronotsky gulf. Currently Maly Semyachik volcano excites interest by its acid lake in the active crater of Troitsky. The lake is 500-600 m. in diameter, its maximum depth varied from 117 to 140 meters. There is a gryphon in its centre, connected with gas flow from its bottom.
The Uzon Caldera. Caldera in Spanish means “a pot”. About 300,000 years ago a cone-shaped stratovolcano of 3,000 meters was on the place of the caldera. After series of great eruptions, ceased 40,000 years ago, the volcano was destroyed and soil gave under, transforming into the caldera. More than eight thousand years ago a colossal explosion resulted in a crater about 1 km. in diameter. Sever since Uzon has never erupted. Surely, Uzon is very old, but its maturity is adorned in an unusual way. For the last thousand of years, fumaroles, solphatares (hot volcanic gas flow) and thermal springs have been changing the landscape, saturating it with a number of thermal springs. Still alive nature hasn’t given up, forming a unique symbiosis with volcanism. Being on the territory of The Kronotsky Preserve, The Uson is taken over a special protection – in 1996 it was included into the List of the World-Wide Cultural and Natural Heritage by WWF in the nomination “Volcanoes of Kamchatka”. In the central part of the caldera there is the main thermal zone, heated by an underground and still hot magma hearth. There are more than a thousand hot springs there (which sources are able to supply a small geothermal station). Numerous lakes are supplied by springs; the biggest one is Hloridnoye, 150 m. in diameter. Mud pots and small mud volcanoes are small miracles of Uzon.
Day 3 - Ascent to the crater of Avachinsky Volcano
Breakfast. Briefing with the guide. Ascent to the crater of Avachinsky Volcano (about 8-12 hours). A light lunch while ascending (at the altitude of 2,000 m.). An overview excursion round the crater to the fumaroles fields and lava dome. Descent to the camp. Dinner. Transfer to Paratunka village. Accommodation at a recreation base. Bathing in a thermal water swimming pool in the open air.
On the twilight, after a full breakfast, a group starts ascent. Going higher and higher up along a volcanic ridge one can enjoy the kamchatkan sights from the bird’s flight view. At 2,000 m., at the foot of a young cone the group has a small break for lunch. Then, collecting strength in 1.5-2 hours the group will be on the top. A majestic view opens from the edge of the crater. To the south there are towns of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatski and Elizovo, the valley of Avacha river and the Avacha Bay, Viluchinsky, Gorely and Mutnovsky volcanoes, the weather permitting, a view of snow-white cone of Opala volcano opens; to the north there is the valley of Nalychevo river, Zhupanovsky and Dzendzur volcanoes. Besides, the weather permitting, while ascending a view of a massive cone of Koryaksky volcano opens. It activated in 2008 and a dense white-grey cloud of fumaroles gas rises very high! The total time of the ascent depends on physical fit of the group and on the weather conditions, on average it takes about 8 hours. The most difficult part of the route is the cone of the volcano, it is 300 m. high. It’s covered by slag which devolves and makes trekking more difficult. At the top, there is a special rope pulled down along the slope which substantially helps to overcome the latest meters of ascent. Descend takes twice as less as ascent.
Day 4 - Trekking from the Avachinsky shelter
Breakfast. Trekking from the Avachinsky shelter –to the central base of Nalychevo. Stretch of the path is 49 km. Trekking to the river valley Pravaya Sedlovinskaya (about 17 km.). Lunch on the way. Between the headstreams of Pravaya Sedlovinskaya river there are two powerful springs. Beside them it is planned to set the camp. Dinner. Overnight in tents.
The path goes up from Avachinsky shelter, turning round “Camel” extrusion, via Avachinsky pass (1,268 m.), which is between Koryaksky and Avachinsky volcanoes. At the foot of Koryaksky volcano the pathway runs along the deep gorge of Sedlovina river and turns heading for the altitude of 1,203 meters.
Day 5 - Trekking to the valley of Shumnaya river
Breakfast. Packing the camp. Trekking to the valley of Shumnaya river (about 18 km.). Lunch on the way. Setting the camp. Dinner. Overnight in tents.
The pathway goes through a not-too-high pass between a ridge of Koryaksky volcano of 1,203 m. and descends to the valley of Levaya Nalycheva river (Left Nalycheva). Crossing the river, tourists then pass a small ridge and descend to the right confluent of Shumnaya river
Day 6 - Trek to the central lodge base of Nalychevo
Breakfast. Packing the camp. Trek to the central lodge base of Nalychevo (approximately 14 km.) Lunch on the way. On arriving to the central park Nalychevo, accommodation at guest houses. Dinner. Bathing in hot springs. Overnight in houses.
The path goes through the flood plain forests with specific vegetation and bushes of high grasses and then it approaches Shumnaya river. In a narrow ravine there are Shumninskiye hot mineral springs. Crossing a transporter bridge travelers find themselves beside a beautiful waterfall about six meters high and 6-8 meters width. Then the pathway goes sharply up to the left side of the river and leads further to the cold sulphurous mineral springs – Aagskiye narzans. The spring water is nice to the taste, its contents is close to the Caucasian narsans. In the area there is a strong sulphur smell. Then from Aagsky narzans the pathway goes alongside the brook in the flood plain forest. Further on there are so called “park” forests – it’s a clean open birch forests.
Day 7 - Relaxation in hot springs
Breakfast. Relaxation in hot springs. A visit to the Center of ecological education and tourism. Lunch, dinner. Overnight in the guest houses.
It’s a pleasure to bathe in the open air right in the middle of a picturesque valley. In addition, only here one can see the biggest Kamchatkan colony of floating thermophilic algae. Undisturbed, they cover the surface of brooks in an eternal carpet.
Day 8 - Radial trekking-tour from the central base “Nalychevo” to Talovskiye hot springs.
Breakfast. Radial trekking-tour from the central base “Nalychevo” to Talovskiye hot springs. It is 12 km off (about 4 hours). Lunch on the way. Set up a camp. Bathing in hot Springs. Dinner. Overnight in tents.
The path is free from obstacles; one can enjoy easy and comfortable trekking. Traveling along the path one can observe a unique cohabitation of different species of plants typical for the absolutely different natural complexes, such as: “bears` tundra”, white birch forests, stone birch forests and overflow land forests, mineral and thermal springs. Also travelers can see the main flora treasure of this place – an endangered large-flowered ladies'-slipper. On the way red glades appear, they are mineral springs, breaking through profuse greenery of grasses. It seems that right under the turf mineral rivers are flowing. Talovskiye springs are one of the most exotic springs of Nalychevo depression and they are located on the right hand side of Talovaya river, about 300 meters far off the Nalychevo shelter. Over 1.5 km., four groups of springs are represented by several outlets of thermal water in big craters on the tops of travertine cupolas, which reach 13 m. high. Water is rich in iron ions and its temperature reaches 45ºС. About 100 km. up-stream outlets of therapeutic muds can be found on either sides of the river.
Day 9 - Ascent to Dzendzur volcano.
Breakfast. Ascent to Dzendzur volcano. The path goes up along the brook Zhelob, which is running down along the gutter in hardened lava flow. One-way the route makes 15 km. Lunch on the way. Return to the camp. Dinner. Relax. Overnight in tents.
Dzendzur volcano is the westmost among Dzendzur-Zhupanovskaya group of volcanoes. The volcano is greatly destroyed, making a massif, stretching to the north-west. Being destroyed, a chain on accumulation of volcanic formations can be seen well. The crater itself represents ice КАР, and the building of volcano is asymmetric. Kraevedcheskiye and Dzendzurskiye thermal springs are nearby Dzendzur volcano. The interior of the volcano displays oneself by active hydrothermal activity.
Day 10 - Radial trekking from Talovskiye springs to the central base Nalychevo
Breakfast. Radial trekking from Talovskiye springs to the central base Nalychevo. Bite on the way. Accommodation at the central base Nalychevo. Bathing in hot springs. Rest. The volleyball playground is available for everybody. Dinner by the fire. Overnight in the guest houses.
The territory around hot springs is equipped with a cloakroom, wooden floor and ladders leading to the natural outlets of thermal water. Hot and cold waters of the Nalychevo valley mineral springs are drinkable and curable, have a unique mineral composition, high in concentration of biologically active microelements and high in curable quality.
Day 11 - Trekking from the central base Nalychevo to Pinachevsky pass
Breakfast. Trekking from the central base Nalychevo to Pinachevsky pass (1,170 m.) –then to the upper Pinachyovka river (Semyonova hut), 22 km. (about 8 hours). Lunch on the way. Setting the camp. Dinner. Overnight in tents.
The most part of this route lies is the stone birch forest on the right-hand side of Pinachyovka river. A perfect view opens from the path to the opposite slope of the river valley covered by forest. The path goes through the area which relief is comparatively easy to trek. Going along this pass one can enjoy surrounding views. The birch forest spares stress and raises the spirit. The ascent to the pass on this side is rather steep, but it’s no more than 400 meters high. The descent to the valley of Pinachyovka river goes through unstable soil areas with falling rocks or snow-field depending on winter-time precipitations. Semyonova hut is located at 600 meters which is the place for the overnight. This place is called the Alpine meadows, mountains surrounding this valley make an unforgettable picture. Places for tents and fire are equipped as during the whole route. When getting to Semyonovsky hut, you’ll find yourself in a cozy place, surrounded by the mountains. The forest gives away and one can see bushes of elfin cedar and alder elfin coupled with groups of stone-birch, to the north-west the Kithoisky ridge ravines covered by snow fields can be seen.
Day 12 - Trekking pass from Semyonovsky hut and then to Pinachevo village
Breakfast. Trekking pass from Semyonovsky hut and then to Pinachevo village, it’s 22 km. (about 6 hours). Lunch on the way. Transfer to Paratunka village. Accommodation at the recreation base. Bathing in the swimming-pool with thermal water in the open air. Rest.
The second trekking day lies in the valley of Pinachevka river. The path runs across small ravines and winds through the birch forest. Several hours later the group approaches to Promezhutochny shelter. Lunch will be here, beside a clear brook, then continue of trekking to the Pinachevo village. There travelers get on a bus and they will be taken to the place of residence.
Day 13 - Boat-trip in Avacha Bay and fishing
Breakfast. Transfer to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatski. Boat-trip in Avacha Bay to Starichkov Island (approximately 6 hours). Watching marine birds, sea fishing. Lunch on the boat. Return to the port. Return to the recreation base. Bathing in an open swimming-pool with thermal water under the open sky. Rest.
Avacha Bay is known as the biggest and one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Surrounded by hills and snow-white mountain tops it is capable to hold the world fleet! Boat-trip is a good possibility to observe eared seals, kalans (sea otters), fur seals, and perhaps beauty killer-whales cleaving endless space of the Pacific Ocean. A great number of birds are nesting on the island, such as red-faced cormorant, glaucous-winged gull, fulmar, tufted puffin, pigeon guillemot and many others. These islands are also the place of habitat for a rare Sea-eagle –it’s the biggest eagle in the world. Smaller bays have their own unique outlines and rocks have their own legends. For instance at the entrance to the ocean you can take a picture of “Gates of the town” – these are three rocks, elevating above water. Also the rocks are called “Three brothers” They say, ones brothers rose to defend Petropavlovsk and turned into stone protecting the coastline from tsunami. All this and a majestic panorama of Avacha Bay with a crown of Viluchinsky volcano top will leave in your hearth an incredible impression!
Day 14 - Departure to the volcanic plateau at the foot of Mutnovsky volcano
Breakfast. Departure to the volcanic plateau at the foot of Mutnovsky volcano (approximately 3 hours). Visiting Viluchisky waterfall on the way (a walk lasts about 2 hours). Lunch. Rest at the foot of Viluchinsky volcano. Further on departure to the foot of Mutnovsky volcano. Set up a tent base-camp. Dinner. Relaxation.
Viluchisky volcano is situated to the south-west of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatski. The volcano is extinct. It elevates 2,175 m. above the sea-level. In winter it is a good place for alpine skiing and snowboarding. In the south-east part of the foot there are hot springs. In summer there is a beautiful forty meters waterfall at the foot. The top of the volcano is cut on the western part and on its top the huge rocks elevate, separated by accumulation of ice and granular snow. Lava and pyroclastics which make these rocks are changed in variegate colors, possibly, by the fumaroles activity not so long ago. Slopes of the volcano are cut by deep barrancoses (ravines), descending radially from the top or from the middle of the slope. The space of the upper ones is filled with ice and granular snow.
Day 15 - Radial trekking – ascent to the crater of active Mutnovsky volcano
Breakfast. Radial trekking – ascent to the crater of active Mutnovsky volcano (4-7 hours - ascent depends on the snowfields). The path goes across vast perennial snowfields and a narrow canyon - breach in the crater of volcano. Lunch on the way. Excursion in the crater of volcano. Return to the base-camp. Dinner. Relax.
Mutnovsky volcano is one of the biggest volcanoes in the south of Kamchatka. It has a complex structure and a long history of development. The volcano (2,323 m.) is made up of four merged cones with top calderas. The most astonishing thing that differs the ascent on Mutnovsky volcano from other ones is that the path goes in the break inside the volcano itself! While trekking you feel as if you are in the center of the Earth, it seems, one moment and hot lava breaks out from the ground! A majestic picture of an active crater opens to a traveler from the top of Mutnovsky volcano. Inside a deep hollow there are big hissing fumaroles, which collars are the bright yellow color builds of sulphur crystals, hot boiling mud pots, boiling small lakes and geysers. The whole this exotic is surrounded by rocks with overhanging blue glacier; everything bubbles, hisses, spits hot splashes and steams. After the latest earthquake of 2000, a huge glacier in the crater of Mutnovsky volcano partially melted, forming a crater lake of deep-turquoise color. It freezes in winter and melts late in July, stripping its surface from the shield ice. A small river Vulcannaya, springs from the crater of volcano, streams along the lava field and falls into a deep Opasny (“Dangerous”) canyon, forming a waterfall of 80 meters height. This place is awesome in its beauty!
Day 17 - Ascent and an observational excursion of Gorely volcano
Breakfast. Ascent and an observational excursion of Gorely volcano (5-8 hours). Lunch on the way. Descent to the camp. Supper. Packing the camp. Departure to Paratunka village. Accommodation at a recreation base. Bathing in a thermal water swimming pool. Relaxation.
The body of an active Gorely volcano gives a truly breathtaking sight! In the past, the upper part of a big ancient shield volcano lowered, forming a 13 kilometers caldera, from its bottom by chain of craters intensive eruptions started. Some craters merged with one another while these eruptions. As a result, an unusual ridge-shaped massif of complex strata-volcano now elevates from the top of a vast caldera. On the upper part of the volcano there are 11 craters of various size and form! Besides, inside and outside the caldera more than 10 smaller side slag craters and lava cupolas appeared. The volcano is unique in its beautiful collection of different craters on its upper part. Some of them are filled with multicolor lakes, some with snow and ice, and in crater Active fumaroles are permanently steaming!
Day 18 - Departure
Breakfast. A visit to a fish market. Transfer to the airport. Departure.
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