Vera
Senior guide
The summer route to Avacha Pass is an easy sightseeing trip without any serious ascent. From the pass you get panoramic views of Avacha Volcano itself and its neighbor, Koryaksky Volcano, and from the viewpoint on Camel Mountain, in clear weather you can even see the ocean far on the horizon.
The excursion is designed for regular travelers without special training: we walk about 5 kilometers at a comfortable pace, make photo stops, and share stories about Kamchatka and its volcanoes. We also have a hot lunch in a warm cafeteria with a view of the giant cones.
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In the morning we pick up tourists from the Petropavlovsk Hotel, which is located at the city exit. This is a convenient meeting point: it’s easy to get here from the center, and getting onto the highway takes just a few minutes. The approximate departure time is 7:00 a.m. (the exact time will be confirmed by the coordinator the day before the excursion). After meeting the guides, you take your seats in a comfortable off‑road vehicle, usually a Kamaz or Ural, and we head towards the scenic ascent.
The road towards Avacha Volcano already feels like a small journey. As we gain altitude, the landscapes change and the vehicle drives along a dry riverbed. Before reaching the foot of the volcano, we make several stops along the way to take photos and get used to the new landscape.
Upon arrival at Avacha Pass, we find ourselves surrounded by several volcanoes at once. On the right is the powerful cone of Avacha, on the left — the austere profile of Koryaksky Volcano. Between them rises Camel Mountain, named for its outline, which resembles a camel’s humps. It is this mountain that we will hike up.
The excursion begins with getting to know the area: we set out on the trail toward the summit, look around, and observe volcanic rocks and lava flows. The guide leads you to safe viewpoints and explains how the pass was formed and how nature manages to exist in such harsh conditions.
Next comes the ascent of Camel Mountain. To be honest, the route is not very difficult; it is quite manageable for people with average physical fitness. The trail runs over rocky terrain, with an elevation gain of about 300 meters, and there are some scree sections along the way. But at the top you get what makes the climb worthwhile: a circular panorama of Avacha and Koryaksky volcanoes, the volcanic plateau, and, in clear weather, distant mountain ranges. Here we take a break for photos and simply enjoy the mountain silence.
After the walk and descent, we have lunch in a warm cafeteria at the foot of the volcano. We warm up and share our impressions. Then we get back into the vehicle and head to the city. We return to our starting point — the Petropavlovsk Hotel — at approximately 19:00–20:00, depending on the group’s pace and road conditions.
Travel insurance must be taken out for the excursion. You can take out insurance for outdoor activities at any insurance company. The following options must be selected: ‘trekking‘/’mountain trekking up to 3000 m’. Other details are optional.
This is not a sports climb, but a regular day trip to the mountains. In terms of physical load, the route is closer to easy, with a few moderate stretches. It is important that you can walk confidently along a rocky and sometimes uneven trail, are not afraid of small ascents, and are ready to spend several hours on your feet with stops for rest and photos.
We usually accept children from 8 years old. At this age, a child can normally walk on their own and listen to the guide. It is important for us that children can walk carefully over stones, not run ahead, and follow basic safety rules. If you are unsure whether the route is suitable for your child, it is best to write or call us in advance and discuss the details.
The best time for this trip is summer and early autumn, roughly from July to September. During this period, the road is generally passable, and the trails are not yet (or no longer) covered with deep snow. We try to depart in the morning: this way we have plenty of daylight and don’t need to rush during the walking part.
We follow routes that have long been used by guides and are well studied. The road to Camel Mountain and the main trails at the pass are regularly inspected, and we do not take groups into questionable or unverified areas. A guide who knows the area is with you at all times, monitoring the weather and the group’s pace. With closed clothing and comfortable footwear with a firm sole, this excursion is considered safe. If the forecast suddenly worsens and strong wind, fog, or precipitation begins, the program is always adjusted: we shorten the route, change plans, or cancel going out into open terrain.
On average, this tour takes 9–12 hours. This includes everything: meeting the group at the Petropavlovsk Hotel, the drive to the trailhead, several short stops along the way, the walk on the pass, the ascent of Camel Mountain, lunch, and the return drive to the city. The total duration varies slightly depending on road conditions, weather, and how quickly or, on the contrary, leisurely the group walks.
No, this particular tour does not include a climb to the summit and does not involve visiting the top of Avacha Volcano. The program is built around visiting the pass and ascending Camel Mountain — it is an easier and shorter option. Climbing Avacha Volcano itself is a separate experience: it requires almost a full day, suitable weather conditions, and a somewhat different level of physical fitness from participants. If you are specifically interested in a summit ascent, write or call us — we will tell you when such climbs are planned and what requirements apply to participants.
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