Kamchatka is the wildest place I send people. Volcanoes, geysers, bears.
Most of it is reached by helicopter. Shall I show you?
— Sasha
Kamchatka
Volcanoes and bears on the Pacific
Active volcanoes, the Valley of Geysers, and brown bears fishing for salmon.
Sasha's picks
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The Valley of GeysersReached by helicopter: one of the largest geyser fields in the world.A full day
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Bears at Kurile LakeBrown bears fishing for salmon, July to September, by helicopter.A full day
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Avachinsky volcanoA climbable volcano above the city, with a summer hike to the crater rim.A full day
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Khalaktyrsky beachBlack volcanic sand on the open Pacific.Two or three hours
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The hot springsNatural thermal pools in the hills, after a day outside.Two or three hours
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Kamchatka crab and red caviarStraight from the Pacific, at the market in Petropavlovsk.About an hour
When to go
July to September for hiking, bears and helicopter trips. Winter is for heli-skiing and snowmobiles.
| Season | Months | What it’s like |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Dec–Feb | Deep snow, heli-skiing and snowmobiles. |
| Spring | Mar–May | Ski touring on the volcanoes. |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | Hiking season; bears from July. |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | Bears until September, autumn colours on the tundra. |
A 4-day plan
Four days, with a spare day for the weather.
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1
Arrive and the coast Khalaktyrsky beach · Kamchatka crab and red caviar · The hot springs
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2
The Valley of Geysers The Valley of Geysers
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3
Avachinsky volcano Avachinsky volcano
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4
Kurile Lake bears Bears at Kurile Lake
Getting there
About nine hours by plane from Moscow to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Most places beyond the city need a 4x4 or a helicopter.
ROTW prices every trip for your dates, hotel level and group size. Pin what you like, send it to me, and I'll come back with a real quote.
— Sasha
Questions people ask
Do the helicopter trips depend on the weather?
Yes. Build a spare day into the trip.
Is it safe to see the bears?
With rangers and a licensed operator, from viewing points. ROTW arranges both.
When is the best time?
July to September.
