Tour to Kuril Lake - Bears in Kamchatka

Meeting and accommodation

The flight from Moscow to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky lasts for 8 hours. During landing you will see our domestic volcanoes such as Koryaksky, Avachinsky and Kozelsky through the plane window. We are very glad you are here.

Our guide will meet all the trip participants at the airport and drive you to the hotel for accommodation. This day will be for acclimatization and rest.

Ascent to Gorely volcano. Night in tents

We will start our trip from the volcanic area of Mutnovsky plateau. There are the most interesting volcanoes there in accordance with tourists’ the point of view. Such volcanoes as Mutnovsky and Gorely.

The first top which is needed to ascend is Gorely volcano with its height of 1892 meters. The off-road vehicle will be able to drive closer to the base of the volcano in August. But in July, for example, you will have to walk few kilometers before climbing. After having snack we will start our climbing trip approximately at 12:00PM. We recommend you not to eat a lot or it will be difficult for you to go up.

The path is not steep and lies along the volcanic ash fields and solidified lava. After reaching the top of the volcano which will take about 3-4 hours, we will get a reward: First of all, we can enjoy surroundings. Secondly, we can explore some of Gorely’s volcanic craters. It has 11 craters. Thirdly, we can have snack!

A day trip from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky has strictly limited time for climbing and a guide can turn a group back without reaching the top but our multi-day trip allows us to achieve our goals – each tourist must reach the summit and explore some volcanic craters.

Three craters are worth exploring:

• Blue lake crater filled with water of melt glacier. It has a bright blue color.
• Chasha (Bowl) was filled with acid lake till 2011, but after last eruption it has dried.
• Active crater. Its walls are formed with a wonderful composition of rocks.

After hiking around stunning nature sights we will go down to the base camp where we spend our first night there. After returning the camp a delicious dinner will be waiting for us.

We will sit around campfire under night sky. If weather is not cloudy the stars will be very close so that you can see Milky Way. It is always uncomfortable to sleep outdoors at the first day. But we hope that after climbing you will be relaxed and fall asleep like a baby.

Moving to the foot of Mutnovsky volcano. Walk to Dachny thermal springs (Small Valley of Geysers).

Breakfast and drive to the foot of Mutnovsky volcano. This is an active volcano, it is famous for access inside the crater and also for one of the largest fumarole sites. Its walls are destroyed on one side and open the volcano from inside for curious eyes. On the northern slope there is a large fumarolic area - Dachnye thermal springs, which is popularly called a small Valley of Geysers because of active volcanic manifestations. This is our next goal.

After a short ascent, we will find ourselves in a basin that concentrates the main thermal manifestations. As we explore the area, we will hear the typical fizzing and sound of mud pots, steam jets and hot springs, kept active by the endless energy of the earth.

The second part of our excursion is focused on a trip to the waterfall ‘Kosy Veronika’ on the Spokoiny creek. This is one of the biggest waterfalls in Kamchatka. Located among steep rocky slopes it allows you to make beautiful panoramic photos. The height of the waterfall is 17 metres and its width reaches 6 metres. We will observe the waterfall from a height, but the terrain allows our guests to walk down to where the waterfall falls.

In the evening we return to the camp, have dinner and share our emotions.

Nachiki resort , swimming in the pool.

We have breakfast, pack up the camp and move to the resort in Nachiki. There is a pool with thermal water on the large territory of its complex. This day is about rest, and we spend it in comfort.

Tomorrow we start moving to Kuril Lake. It is located in the southern part of the peninsula, in one of the most picturesque areas of Kamchatka. The lake was formed in the crater of the ancient volcano which has a square of 76,2 km2. There is a mysterious island Alaid`s heart in the central part of the lake. Its origin has a lot of local legends. Ilinsky, Kosheleva and Kambalny volcanoes, surround the lake and keep mysterious this place.

The end of July, August is the best time to visit the Kuril Lake. Hundreds of thousand salmon with the instinct of reproduction swims against the stream of numerous rivers and brooks to the places of spawning. This lake is the largest spawning area in Kamchatka. Abundance of salmon attracts a “king” of Kamchatka`s forest. Hundreds of bears comes there for feeding. Every year bears hold the feast there.

Steller`s eagle is a frequent guest for the feast. It is the biggest bird of prey living in Kamchatka peninsula. The representatives of this species are registered in Red Data Book of Russia, but it`s possible to see them along the shores of Kuril lake. Such great diversity of fauna and unique landscapes, concentrated on small territory which allows tourists to watch all Kamchatka beauty and magnificence in short time.

Western coast of Kamchatka and Pauzhetka village

After having breakfast you need to be ready to go. This day we will have to drive the most difficult part of the route. It is impossible to cook a proper lunch during driving because our schedule time is strictly limited by tides. We will have to cross two deep rivers. But there is no reason to worry because Aleksey is our driver. He is one of the most experienced driver in Kamchatka! On our way we will have stops for having snack.

We will drive from Mutnovsky plateau to the north, then directly to the west, to the Sea of Okhotsk. Kamchatka roads are real only in the theory, so get ready for longtime shaking. At the same time, the route let you see changing of landscape and fauna. After leaving desert and uninhabited volcanic areas, the surroundings will be greener so that we can see more colors. Landscape changes from mountains, forest to tundra when approaching to the sea.

Finally, this is the Sea of Okhotsk! You will be able to feel ancient power of water. Weather is very changeable there. For example, one minute ago it was shining, but now it`s getting cloudy and windy..

You need to be ready and take warm clothing with you. We need to drive 150 km along the Sea of Okhotsk. This place is not uninhabited as you might have expected. August is the time of salmon spawning; so many fish processing factories try to get luck. Not only local fishermen take part in fishing, but also people from the other cities of Russia.

On our way along the shore we will see numerous birds creating their colonies, as well as inhabitants of coastal waters up close. We will stop on our way for taking memorable photos.

We will go through Oktyabrsky village, which was the richest fishing farm. Then we will reach Pauzhetka village by evening. There is the first geothermal electric station in this small village. May be we will visit it tomorrow but now we will set up our camp and spend night in tents. Tatyana cooks a dinner. And we will enjoy hot thermal water in swimming poll after many hours of driving. After such bathing all tiredness disappears. Overnight in tents.

Excursion to the natural monument Kamenny Gorodok / Fishing, Excursion to the fumarole fields of Pauzhetskaya Geothermal Power Station and bathing in the hot river (for the whole group according to the guide's decision).

The itinerary of the sixth day will totally depend on weather conditions. Knowing the forecast the guide makes a decision whether we take a trip to Kamenny Gorodok or go on an excursion around Pauzhetka Geothermal Power Station.

An excursion to Stone Town

We will reach the place from where we will start climbing. On our way we will see the place where military planes, flied from USA to USSR, landed in times of Great Patriotic War. A few people know about this place, and it is still possible to find some fragments of crashed planes.

Stone Town is a numerous fantastical rocky sites which look like destroyed and left town.

After reaching the tip of the hill you will understand why this place is not worth visiting in bad weather.

• Firstly, the path is highly changeable: some part of our way we will go through bushes, another – we will go along the riverbed. There is a slush of water and mud when raining. Please keep in mind our recommendations about hiking gear: waterproof high trekking shoes!
• Secondly, slope is steep enough and some parts of ascending can be difficult for untrained people. But at the same time we can`t say that this route is complex as we took our children of 12 years old on this route. But sometimes tourists ask us to leave them somewhere on the route. So, be ready!
• Thirdly, you will see nothing from the top if the weather is bad.

But everything may change if the sun appears. Amazing views of the valley will be visible! You can see rising up clouds spreading over Pauzhetka village, as well as from left side we can see South Kamchatka Sanctuary. The vegetation grows along the bed of the river along which we will go to Ozerny cordon. We will see the main purpose of our traveling - Kuril lake. Some tourists say that this place is the most beautiful, if you travel around the south. That`s why we advised you to ascend there.

The excursion around Pauzhetka village.

If the weather is bad, we will go around Pauzheka and catch a fish. Taras will show us his best ways to throw fishing rod and best places for catching a fish. Real Kamchatka fish means that you catch fish from the third attempt. Taras manages to catch fish almost each time. Will you try? We will take caught fish with us and cook it later.

After fishing we will go to Pauzhetka Geothermal Power Station. It has been working since 1996. It provides the nearest fish plants and settlements with energy. Senior worker of the station will tell us about inner organization, principles of work and about where all produced electricity supply is used nowadays.

After visiting the station we will go to fumaroles fields. They are not for producing electric energy nowadays, but they will function for the good of mankind. Bubbling mud pots and smoking fumaroles - this is the way how the Earth breathes! Our excursion continues. Haven`t you forgotten swimming suits. There is a hot river there which has good temperature for bathing. Soaking in warm mineral water is a rather unique pleasure. Finally, we will head back the camp.

Enter the territory of the South Kamchatka Nature Reserve Kuril Lake Наблюдение за медведями. Overnight stay in tents.

We get to the border of the South Kamchatka Nature Reserve, where Kuril Lake is located, by car. Then we walk 12 km to the central cordon, accompanied by a reserve inspector.The movement of any motor transport is prohibited in this area.

The road is good enough and it`s not difficult for walking, but anyway it is physical demanding. Usually it takes 3 or 4 hours. All our stuff and food will be transferred to the cordon by a motor boat so that we can take only necessary things with us. On our way to Ozerny cordon we will meet bears!

The territory of the central cordon is surrounded by electric fence protecting researchers and tourists from numerous bears walking wherever they want and fishing in some meters from the fence.

After setting up a camp and having lunch we will have a cognitive excursion to “zagorodga”. It`s a fenced bridge from which we will be able to watch bears’ fishing. There are special barriers for fish counting. After going through it fish get into the lake. Bears adore this place as fish collects in a big amount there because of these barriers.

Bears are very close so you need to be cautious, follow rules of safety instructions and listen to the inspector. The researcher of the Sanctuary will tell us about bears’ habits, fish counting and many other interesting facts. We will watch a documentary film about bears in the evening. The camp is supplied with electricity from 8 p.m. till 1 a.m. We advise you to worry about charging your cameras in advance. Remember that an additional adapter will be useful!

Excursion around the territory of Kuril Lake. Bear watching

We have planned excursion over the territory of Lake Kuril. Every year these routes may be different and depend on permission of the Nature Reserve and inspector: the Northern Bay, the Domashnaja hill, the river Khakicin or Sypucka. Under any conditions one of these routes will be available. Below is the example of the trip to Severnaya bay:

This day we will take a trip to Severnaya Bay. This place is interesting nature monument; the number of bears, fishes is unique there. Taking photos, watching and being surprised IS NOT FORBIDEN THERE!

After having early breakfast we will walk about 2 hours to reach the bay. The inspector carrying a gun will accompany us. We will follow bears’ path, this is not a road, so we remind you one more time to prepare waterproof clothing and extra belongings with you (in case of bad weather). When we reach the lake shore, we will continue trekking to the first or second river flowing into it. Fish try to go up to rivers from the lake by using such brooks. And these mouths are perfect places for bears’ fishing. Sometimes it`s possible to see a whole family here.

Brook are very shallow so it`s difficult for fish which to swim and sometimes they just jump out of the water of the river to the shore. We will spend several hours on the bay, take hundreds of photos and go back the camp. Returning to the central cordon. A whole rest time we will watch bears from the camp area protected by electric fence or from some special viewpoints.

Walking excursion to the nature monument Kutkhiny Baty. Exit from the territory of the nature reserve.

After getting up early, as usual we will go to the next step of our route - a unique pumice forming Kutkhiny Baty. Pumice is a result of volcanic activity which has happened after lava`s reached surface and hardening. The unique is that it has cream-colored.

Usually tourists are transfer there by boats, but after a bridge had been built everybody crosses river by it. Our group in 2016 tested it for the first time. Kutkhiny Baty is a place surrounded by mystery, secrets, as well as legends. Locals legends tell us that Kutkh, creator of the Earth, keeps his boats there. Kutkh left his place and his boats turned to stone. So nowadays they have been still there; it leaned against Ozernaya river bank. Aboriginals believe that this place is sacred. It was forbidden to go deep inside the canyon because of frequent slided of pumice rock. After watching surroundings, making group photo and going out from the Sanctuary at the same way we had come. We will reach the camp at Pauzhetka by the evening. Dinner and free time.

Transfer from Pauzhetka to the Nachiki resort. Bathing in the swimming pool, overnight stay at the hotel

Our returning way along the shore of the Sea of Okhotsk is the same. Way back always seems shorter, as we will go through the familiar places. By the evening we will reach Nachiki resort. Dinner, bathing in hot springs and having rest.

Return to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Tour Bears, Volcanoes and Orcas

Heading from Nachiki to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. A free evening.

Sea cruise to Russkaya Bay. Watching birds, sea lions, killer whales.

To fly through the whole country and don`t see sea animals? It`s impossible! 10-hours cruise to Russkaya bay will be a discovery for you.

Recently we have crossed Kamchatka peninsula from West to East and to very South, seen rough the Sea of Okhotsk, and finally we will visit the biggest and deepest ocean of our Planet. It`s incomparable pleasure to sail on yacht, meeting wind and boundless ocean expanse. Cast off and, going through Avacha Bay, head on Three Brothers Rocks protecting the city. The air is full of piercing and calling for adventure voices of sea gulls.

After going out Avacha Bay’s gates we will find ourselves in the open ocean. You will be able to see new panoramic views of steep slopes; you will be surprised by nature diversity of this area. The next stop is Starichkov island. We will sail along eastern coast of Kamchatka. This island is popular for being home for many birds’ colonies, sea lions and seals rookeries. This is a protected area and it is forbidden to land there. Also this place is for Steller eagles nesting.

Our main purpose is Russkaya Bay where you have a great chance to see whales and orcas. They come to this cozy and closed bay with a hope of feasting tasty fish. August is the most delicious time. We hope you will be lucky to meet them!

Historical city tour. Visit to the fish market and souvenir shop

We are going on the historical excursion around the city. Our guide will tell you a lot about the city. Petropavlovsk met many great famous navigators such as Laperouse, Kruzenshtein, Bering and many others. We will see monuments of seafarers and discoverers. Our city is famous for military victories. Defenders destroyed squadron of English and French united troops in 1854. So, the important strategic spot of Russia was protected. Who knows what kind of territorial destiny our country might have otherwise. A mock-up Lieutenant Maksutov in memory of this battle was established on the shore of Avacha Bay.

There is a monument to the Soviet Army Warriors - liberators of the Kuril Islands in 1945 in a cozy public garden in the center of the city. Every year local people hold a traditional ceremony of laying flower there. Next we will go to the view point located on the top of Mishennaya hill. Wonderful panorama of the city, domestic volcanoes and Avacha Bay becomes visible from there.

Then we will go to fish market. You will find all possible delicacies and sea gifts. Scallop, squid, Kamchatka`s crab and red caviar are sold by acceptable prices. The sea delicacies will be an excellent present for your friends and relatives. Just imagine, you are sitting in the family close circle, telling everybody about your adventures and enjoying the sea food.

Farewell and transfer to the airport. Bears, Volcanoes and Orcas tour

This is the last day of our trip. On our way to the airport we will stop near the monument “Russian begins here” and take a group photo.

Goodbye, our dear friends! But we hope that we will see you again, because it`s a well-known fact that if you fall in love with Kamchatka once then your love will last forever.