In 17 days we walk along the shore of Kronotsky Lake at the foot of its namesake volcano, one of the most beautiful in the world, climb two easy volcanoes, Kizimen (2450m) and Plosky Tolbachik (3050m), visit the startling deserts of the area of the mighty Tolbachik eruption of 1975-76, walk for 4 days on the high tundra’s of the Klyuchevskoi group of volcanoes completing the full Tolbachik Circuit and spend a relaxing day in the middle of mountains and forests in a faraway place called “Tumroks” where we will soak in a delicious hot thermal baths.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Yelizovo airport. Bus drive to Paratunka resort. Hotel accommodation: DBL; B&B). Hot volcanic water pool. Included: (B).
Day 2: Helicopter flight (about an hour and a half) to the Kronotsky Reserve, to the Tundrovy Cordon (a rangers’ station) on the shore of Lake Kronotsky. Camp. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 3: Reserve day, in case Day 2 is non-flying. If we are not lucky with the weather we may have to wait a day or two for the flight. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4: Walk along the lake shore to the next cordon. A motor boat will bring all the equipment not needed for this day's walk to our camp site near the hut at the mouth of the Listvenichnaya River. 10km. Camp not far from the lake. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 5: Walk up along Listvenichnaya River, partly on a path. 12-13km. Camp in the forest. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6: Walk (14km, mainly on a path, wading a shallow river) through light Ermann birch woods to the Skala Cordon on the edge of the Reserve. Camp. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7: Walk up over a minor pass (1,800m), cross the foothills of the volcano and camp at the start point of the climbing route to Kizimen volcano. 12km, with 600m height gained. Camp. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8: If the weather is reasonably good we get up early and start to climb the volcano (2,450m). The climb takes 6-7hr. Technically we are scrambling up scree and rough volcanic boulders. Those not wanting to climb can stay in camp. After the climb the descent, on a good path, to the Tumroks thermal springs will take 3-3 ½ hr, so for the climbers this day can be rather hard. Camp/wooden cottages. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 9: Rest day. Bathing in a hot volcanic water bath. Camp/wooden cottages. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 10: Walk 13km on a good path through taiga and tundra to huts at about 1,100m. 600m gained. Huts/camp. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 11: Walk 12km down on a good path to the head of the road, where an expedition truck will be waiting. After lunch we take a very rough forest road to the "Mars Walkers" station (after the 1975-76 eruption the area so greatly resembled the surface of Mars that scientists chose it to test mechanical explorers destined for Mars). On the way we visit the new craters of the 1975-76 eruption. Night in the sheds of the former station (very basic) or in tents. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 12: Walk to the rim of the Plosky Tolbachik crater (3,000m), 500m deep. Return to the station. 10-12hr. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 13: Walk 11km over volcanic desert and tundra to Tolud hut. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 14: Walk 16km over Tolud Pass (1,300m) on tundra to the Tolbachiksky Pass (1,500m). Camp. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 15: Walk down to Barany stream (probably the only source of water in the area in late August and September). Camp. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 16: Walk down (10km) to Kopyto Hill. Camp. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 17: Long drive south in an expedition truck to hotel in Petropavlovsk, arriving late in the evening. Lunch on the river bank. Hotel. Included: (B).
Day 18: Lazy morning. City tour, visiting the ethnographic museum, bus drive to the Pacific shore. Optional sea excursion in Avacha Bay. Included: (B).
Day 19: Transfer to the airport and flight to Moscow. Included: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Notes:
- 12 days walking; 2 volcanoes climbed; 1 pass;
- Crossed (1800m);
- Altitude: maximum 3050m, average 1000-1500m;
- Day distances: from 11 to 18km;
- Supporting staff: English speaking guide (or guide & interpreter), cook, porters for food, camping and cooking equipment;
- For extra payment: porter carrying 12 kg of personal things;
- Accommodation: 3/4 nights hotels, 15/16 nights camping.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Russia
Hiking & Trekking
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