tour to Kamchatka in winter

Meeting and accommodation in Spa Hotel Laguna 4*

In Kamchatka, all flights arrive at the airport near the town of Yelizovo, 40 kilometres from the capital of the region. From the portholes you will already see our nearest volcanoes, they are called «domestic» volcanoes.

After a long flight you need to recover your energy, so we will meet you and immediately take you to the recreation centre in the resort area of Paratunka, famous for its thermal springs. It is located in a river valley surrounded by forests, next to the slender Vilyuchinsky volcano. We are accommodated in one of the best hotels with a thermal pool. A video overview of the area can be seen in the Accommodation section

The rest of the day is devoted to relaxation.

Snowmobile trip (in sleds) to the Pacific Ocean shore

Today we are going to the Pacific ocean shore. It doesn`t freeze in winter, but coastal line usually is snow and ice-bound. It`s almost impossible to get to the shore by car in this time, so we go by automobile as far as possible, then change it to snowmobile sledge. Guide will take us to very shore.

The Pacific ocean shore is in front of us. It doesn`t matter if it`s winter or summer, you always feel an energy of expanse. We hope that you will feel the power of the ocean as well. Sometimes, in frosty sunny days you can see reckless guys surfing. It`s fantastic! And great self overcome.

Go further to Petropavlovsky lighthouse. It`s located in the north-east side of the bay, on Mayachny cape. Unfortunately it`s impossible t get to the very lighthouse, as it still works and guarded. But we can enjoy wonderful view of steep rocks next to shore and the very lighthouse. Avacha bay and Three Brothers rocks are visible from Mayachny cape. Going back to recreation base.

Dog sledding and learning about the culture of indigenous peoples of Kamchatka. Bathing in hot springs

Today, far away from city rush, we will be welcome by Koryak people warmth and herbal tea in cosy place - "North Children" village. It`s a picturesque place, where tasteful view of domestic volcanoes unfold. Here, in ethnic nomad camp we will meet residents of these places - aboriginals of Kamchatka, who tell their history, way of live and traditions by means of dances. This nomad camp is also famous for nursery. There are bear cubs, Kamchatka sledge dogs in these nursery. The bravest ones can ride a horse. Warmth and history of these places make a pleasant impression on you.

Next point of this day is one of the most famous Kamchatka occupation - dog sledging. Annually dog sledge race "Beringiya" is held in march. Not only Russians, but foreigners take part in it. This kind of transportation has been using in Russian north for many centuries. Today you will play a role of dogs` driver, who`s called "Kayur". Dog sledging is an embodiment of harmony between human being and dog, their understanding in its pure sense, trust.

Experienced kayurs will tell us about dogs` pedigrees, its age, upkeep, riding qualities and special role in harness. Have meeting and making friends with dogs you will drive! We are care about you safety, so we have gone this route beforehand and made a path. You will be accompanied by snowmobiles all the way. You will enjoy view of passing by volcanoes and revive yourself! Cheered up, we say goodbye to dogs and return to base, where delicious supper and relaxing atmosphere are waiting for us.

Jeep tour to Opasny Canyon and Dachny springs (mini Valley of Geysers)

On the fourth day we move in jeeps with huge wheels to the Southern Group of Volcanoes, show the 80 metre waterfall and the Small Valley of Geysers. The vehicles are specially converted for driving on snowy tracks

In the morning, we will pick you up from the recreation center and drive you to the south instead of the north, as it was before. This is the area of high volcanic activity. We will ride through the Paratunka forests. Less than an hour, we will reach the mountain pass by the jeeps. From the kilometer-long mountain pass opens up a wonderful view of the valley and the Vilyuchinsky volcano. You can see the volcano from the city, but here you can take a good look at its well-composed cone.

We drive about 25 km more to our main goal today - the Opasny waterfall. It is located on the slopes of Mutnovsky volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Kamchatka. The waterfall is formed by an acid river. It starts in the crater, flows along the volcano, and then comes down from a height of 80 metres and goes deep into the gorge through the snowpack. All the way to the ocean, its waters remain lifeless.

The final point of our route is Dachnye springs, also called the Little Valley of Geysers. This is a warm section of the mountain valley, which stands out as a living spot against the background of white snow. At Dachnye springs the earth is fully active: it smokes fumaroles, fountains hot water, boils mud pots. We will guide you along a safe route and show you all the most interesting things here.

At the end of the day we return to the hotel in Paratunka and recover our strength in the thermal pools.

Avacha Pass and «Domestic» Volcanoes

This day we can visit one of these volcanoes - Avachinsky volcano and we actually make a small ascent of the Camel mountain.

Snowmobile will take our group to the Avachinsky pass through the rolled ski track and Sukhaya river covered with snow. We are surrounded by Domashny (domestic) volcanoes and spend the whole day to take a look around and admire breathtaking views of panorama from the height.

We are sure you can get a charge of positive emotions thanks to pure chilly air and untouched snow cover. A snow off-road is in your hands for almost a full day and while you are taking a stroll around the snow valley, you have possibility to see stunning panoramas of these places! Don`t forget to snap of it! We are sure you want to revive this moment many times!

Have ridden long enough, we go back to the resort zone where outdoor swimming pool is waiting for us yet again.

Historical excursion and fish market

This day is devoted to getting to know the local urban culture. We will start it with a sightseeing tour of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. You will learn about the history of the city, see the harbour where it started, the embankment, the renewed park with ancient birch trees, monuments and memorials.

After the city tour we stop by the Volcanarium, an interactive museum founded by Sergey Samoilenko, a well-known volcanologist in Kamchatka. Here eruptions and lava flows are simulated, collections of plants and rocks of the peninsula are collected - you can touch them with your hands and examine them through a microscope. Museum staff tell guests about volcanic processes and gladly answer questions about volcanoes.

The next stop is the fish market. It sells the famous smelt, Pacific sea bass, Kamchatka halibut, scallop, and several types of salmon caviar. It can be difficult for an inexperienced person to understand the sea delicacies, so it is better to try everything before collecting your bag of treats.

Let's stop by our favourite souvenir shops. There are traditional tourist trifles, gifts with images of volcanoes and bears, ethnic leather and fur products, and paintings of Kamchatka landscapes.

By evening we leave Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and return to Paratunka.

Transfer to the airport

On the final day of the tour we will take you from the holiday resort to the airport. On the way we will stop at the monument ‘Here Russia begins’ for a final photo against the background of bronze bears and real volcanoes.

We will see you off to the airport and hope to see you again in Kamchatka.