What to do in Kamchatka

Kamchatka… Oh, how many travelers dream of visiting those places! To see the Pacific Ocean and volcanoes nearby with their own eyes, to fall in love with these insanely beautiful landscapes, and to get truly unreal impressions. Yes, such a trip will cost a pretty penny, but it will definitely be worth it.

How to get there

Kamchatka is not the easiest tourist destination. Firstly, you can only get there by plane. Secondly, flying from Central Russia will take a long time (the journey to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky will take an average of eight to nine hours, to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky — nine hours, maybe a little longer). Thirdly, there are risks of jet lag: you will cross the entire country with all its time zones. Although there is a plus: you can imagine yourself as a time traveler. For example, if you fly from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Moscow on a direct flight at 10 AM, you will land in the capital also at 10 AM on the same day. Cool, right? And all this without a time-turner (Potterheads here?).

When to go

Difficulties don't scare you, and Kamchatka beckons? Then there's only one thing left: plan your trip and take a vacation. But there's an important question: when is the best time to fly to Kamchatka? We answer: there's definitely something to see in any season, you just need to understand why you're going to Russia's Iceland. First, let's look at the seasons on the peninsula. They are slightly shifted compared to the calendar we are used to in the central strip: 

• winter here lasts from November to March;
• summer arrives in July-August;
• Indian summer begins in September;
• the spring period falls in April-June;
• autumn occupies a short period: from late September to October.

Summer is considered the main tourist season, when the weather allows you to comfortably enjoy the local beauties, conquer volcanoes, bask in local springs (by the way, for lovers of such recreation, we have compiled a whole list of hot springs in Russia) and even surf in the Pacific Ocean. But remember: summer here is not like in Moscow or St. Petersburg. Even in the hottest months (July and August), the air temperature in Kamchatka averages +11–13°C. Of course, there are days when the thermometer rises to +20°C, but there are not many of them. 

Winter in Kamchatka is not considered a tourist season. Although many travelers recommend visiting the peninsula during this period. Yes, it's snowy and cold, but it's atmospheric and there aren't many people. Plus, you can ride snowmobiles or dog sleds. Also, let's not forget about ski resorts: Kamchatka has great slopes for both beginners and pros. In general, in winter, we recommend combining sports and active activities with passive-contemplative relaxation.

As for autumn and spring, there are many nuances: dampness, washed-out roads, and precipitation. Therefore, few people choose the off-season to fly to the peninsula. Although September is ideal for fishing here, and in May you can see how Kamchatka's nature awakens after its winter sleep. 

What to see and do in Kamchatka

Kamchatka is a true treasure trove of cool locations, so beautiful that you have to wonder: "Is this really real?" Volcanoes, geysers, the ocean… It's hard to fit all the answers to the question "What to see and do in Kamchatka?" into one text. So we decided to compile our personal top locations and activities for a week-long trip to the peninsula.

See volcanoes

You can't miss this. Kamchatka is famous for its volcanoes not only in Russia: some of them are included in the list of the most famous volcanoes in the world. For example, Klyuchevskaya Sopka. It is the highest active volcano in Eurasia (cartographic height is 4,750 m, but the volcano is constantly growing). Climbing it is recommended only for experienced athletes who can withstand serious physical exertion. Avachinsky volcano is more accessible in this regard. But in any case, it is not worth climbing them without experienced guides. And if you decide to climb and find a guide, then before the hike, register with the local search and rescue team — PSO. If an unforeseen situation arises, you can always count on the help of rescuers. Team phone: 8 (415–2) 41–03–95. 

Visit the Valley of Geysers

The Valley of Geysers is another world-famous attraction. But it's important to understand: this is a protected area, so the number of visits is strictly limited — no more than 3,000 people per year. The Valley of Geysers constantly boils, gurgles, creaks, shimmers with dozens of colorful shades, and can drive even skeptics mad with admiration, which is why everyone wants to get there. 

Go dog sledding

An entertainment for those who decide to fly to Kamchatka in winter. Friendly huskies, malamutes, and laikas will take you through snow-covered forests, and an experienced musher will help you control the sled. Let's say right away: don't perceive this kind of entertainment as animal cruelty. Sled dogs are incredibly hardy, and such rides allow them to release the energy characteristic of their breeds.

Go Kamchatka fishing

Fishing enthusiasts will definitely enjoy Kamchatka. Here you can catch sockeye salmon, Chinook salmon, chum salmon, halibut, flounder, smelt, greenling, and many other types of fish.  Moreover, you can do this not only in rivers and lakes but also in the sea. Plus, fishing against the backdrop of mighty volcanoes is an unforgettable experience in itself.

Master skiing and snowboarding

This point will appeal to avid skiers and snowboarders who dream of heli-skiing both awake and asleep. So, imagine: a helicopter drops extreme sports enthusiasts onto volcanoes, and from there, they descend through untouched snow. This activity is quite expensive, but many freeride enthusiasts come to Kamchatka specifically for this experience. You can carve on a board or skis both at equipped bases and on wild slopes. At the former, for the convenience of beginners, there are always instructors who, for a moderate fee, will teach you the basics of extreme sports. 

Get acquainted with the culture of the peninsula's indigenous peoples

An interesting fact: the indigenous population of Kamchatka consists of Koryaks, Itelmens, Evens, Aleuts, and Chukchi. Unfortunately, the number of these peoples is currently declining, and many traditions are being forgotten. Therefore, getting acquainted with their few representatives is of great value. Learning about shamanic rituals and ceremonies, seeing unusual outfits made of fur and animal skins, hearing local legends, throat singing and drumming, and witnessing ethnic dances — all this will allow you to travel back in time and immerse yourself in a completely different Kamchatka: mystical and utterly unexplored. It's especially cool to attend national Kamchatka holidays: First Fish Day, Alakhalalalai, Even New Year.

Swim in the Pacific Ocean

Or go surfing. And why not! True, not everyone will dare to enter the water: even in summer, the water temperature does not rise to a comfortable level. But then you'll definitely have something to tell your friends – let them be envious! If you still don't want to get into the cold water, you can always take cool photos against the ocean backdrop.

Check if the beach is really black

There is a black sand beach in Kamchatka — Khalaktyrsky. It's definitely worth visiting, if only to walk barefoot on the unusual black ocean sand. Why is it this color? It's all because of the volcanoes. Just imagine: for thousands of years, Kamchatka's rivers and streams ground down lava and other eruption remnants and washed them into the ocean. After which, the waves returned everything back in the form of fine black sand.

Relax at the thermal springs

The thermal springs in Nalychevo Nature Park are ideal for those who want to get away from it all and also improve their health a bit. Around you is the incredible nature of Kamchatka, and thermal waters rich in silver, cobalt, silicon oxide, and many other beneficial elements gush from underground. This is the perfect formula for total relaxation. 

See Kurile Lake

Another location that appeared due to an eruption. About eight thousand years ago, a volcano erupted in Kamchatka, and later a caldera formed in its place. Subsequently, it filled with water, and Kurile Lake appeared. That's a somewhat eerie story. By the way, absolute harmony between nature and man now reigns here. 

Watch birds

You can feel like a young ornithologist on Starichkov Island. "Stariki" birds (which is the name of the species, not an indication of the birds' age) love to nest there. Along with them, puffins, guillemots, murres, cormorants, and kittiwakes settle on the cliffs. To get to this noisy bird market, you need to sail to the island by boat, then transfer to a rubber dinghy and keep your eyes peeled. By the way, in addition to birds, you can also see eared seals — Steller sea lions — here.

Try all the delicacies

Visit Kamchatka and not eat crab? That's a gastronomic crime! On the peninsula, you definitely need to try all the local fish and seafood delicacies.

Go to the Dead Forest

Probably no one will be surprised that this place appeared due to the Tolbachik volcano. More precisely, as a result of its eruption. After the event, the land here within a radius of ten kilometers was covered with black dried lava. And the once green forest turned into charred tree trunks that stand without any hope of revival. Hence the name — Dead Forest. 

 Visit the interactive museum "Volcanarium"

Since we're talking about volcanoes, we recommend visiting the museum dedicated to them. There, using interactive tools, you can learn a lot about seismology and volcanology in an accessible and engaging way, and see what happens inside a volcano. In short, it's terribly interesting.

What to bring to Kamchatka

You can't go to Kamchatka unprepared, so here's a list of things you definitely need to pack in your backpack.

1. Take a large backpack. It will definitely come in handy for long hikes. 
2. Trekking shoes. This is important: the sole must be hard and waterproof. Ideally, choose boots for medium and heavy trekking.
3. Waterproof and windproof clothing. No comments here: a jacket and pants made of membrane fabric are a must-have. 
4. Thermal underwear will come in handy even in summer. Especially if you're going hiking.
5. Spare sneakers. Unfortunately, trekking shoes are usually very heavy, and you don't really want to wear them constantly, so comfortable spare shoes will be a plus.
6. A supply of socks: both wool and cotton. They definitely won't be superfluous. 
7. If you're going to thermal springs, be sure to grab a swimsuit. 
8. Headwear: a hat or cap depending on the season.
9. First aid kit and a full set of personal hygiene products — no comments here either, this is basic. 
10. Sunglasses and sunscreen. 
11. A thick raincoat: the weather here is unpredictable. 

Food in Kamchatka

In Kamchatka — there is! The basis of local cuisine is, naturally, fish and seafood. Plus, on the peninsula, you definitely need to try dishes of the indigenous peoples: Koryaks, Itelmens, Evens, Aleuts, Chukchi.

So, what you definitely can't miss: 

– Kamchatka ukha (fish soup) — it contains a lot of salmon fish: coho, sockeye, Chinook;

– caviar — something for the rich, but we need it;

– telnoe — this is a fish cutlet made from chum salmon, Atlantic salmon, pink salmon, or sockeye salmon, stuffed with mashed potatoes with added spices and onions;

– yukola — dried fish;

– kylykil — berry salad with fish. Sounds original, tastes unusual too: traditionally, salmon is used for preparation, which is boiled, cleaned, and then minced. Then ripe berries (cloudberries, crowberries, or lingonberries) are added to it. This salad is dressed with fat.

Where to stay

In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky itself, you can find a hotel or apartments. A standard room without luxury pretensions will cost somewhere around 4,000–5,000 rubles per night. There are more expensive options too. As an alternative, you can consider renting an apartment for approximately 7,000–9,000 rubles per night.

If we talk about recreation centers outside the city, here are a few inexpensive options:

– "Snezhnaya Dolina" (Snow Valley), near Nadezhda village — from 10,000 rubles per night; 

– "Barkhatnaya" (Velvet), near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky itself — from 4,500 rubles per night; 

— "Solnechnaya" (Sunny) in Paratunka village — from 3,900 rubles per night;

—  "Golubaya Laguna" (Blue Lagoon) in the Paratunka resort area on the shore of Lake Mikizha — from 7,000 rubles per night.

What to bring back

Bringing a magnet from Kamchatka is, of course, a win-win option. But if you want something more original and heartfelt, here are a few ideas for souvenirs for loved ones: 

– caviar for dear (literally and figuratively) people;
– herbal teas based on local plants and berries;

– bone souvenirs, which northern peoples make from the antlers of deer, elk, sheep, and walrus tusks;

– wooden figurines depicting heroes of Kamchatka legends;

– leather and fur products, such as warm house slippers or unty (traditional boots).

Now all that's left is to embark on the trip of your dreams. So go for it, Kamchatka awaits!