Ascent of Avachinsky volcano
You can see Avachinsky volcano on the horizon from the side of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatski city. It is located in the neighborhood of other family volcanoes such as Koryaksky and Kozelsky. You can recognize it from afar, thanks to its cone which hasn’t a sharp shape, but as if it was cut off exactly. The slopes of the massif are shallow as well. It is situated at the centre of the next photo.
As you can see, the distance to our goal is not very long, about 30 kilometers. However, the ascent of the volcano itself is considered as one of the most difficult route in comparison with other popular touristic directions such as trips to Gorely and Mutnovsky volcanoes. The height of the giant reaches 2741 above sea level, but the large part of ascent is shallow. The most difficult and steep route is just at the top of the volcano where route to the cone begins. You needn’t take special equipments with you. Some tourists use trekking poles for support during the ascent. It takes you about 10-11 hours to ascend and descend the volcano. Therefore we have to go out of the city early in the morning in order that not to return back late at night.
We meet in the city at about 6-7 a.m. The vehicle picks up and moves us to the foot of Avachinsky volcano. We make a temporary camp at height of 900 meters and then we take a look around. Preparations for the ascent start. Our guide tells you about safety measures and determines hiking speed which is comfortable for every tourist. Anyone may return to the camp at will. We start at 8 a.m.
The first halt is at a height of 200 meters. We have a snack before conquering the young cone which has an inclination angle of 30 degrees. It isn’t an easy thing to go.
Wow! We have done it. There are terrific views of surrounding areas. You can see Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Avachinsky bay, the Pacific Ocean, Nalychevo valley, Koryaksky and Kozelsky volcanoes from the height of the bird’s flight. Our journey continues with exploring the crater of the volcano. It has nearly an ideal shape of circle and is filled by a solidified volcanic plug which was formed as a result of the last eruption. Chill wind streams contrast with warmth which is provided through solidified lava.
There are fumaroles emitting warm steams and sulfur gas in some areas. It reminds us that the volcano is still active, but just now it’s dormant for not a long period of time. Admiring views we can have a snack to gain strength for the road back. The route of the descent occurs at the same way as we ascended. It takes less time. On our returning to the camp the dinner is waiting for us. We can share our impressions with each other as we feel a lot of emotions.
We decamp at 9 p.m. and go back by our vehicle to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
