Classic Kamchatka – 11‑Day Summer Adventure
Explore active volcanoes, lava fields, rafting, fishing and thermal springs on this classic Kamchatka wilderness tour. Accommodation alternates between hotels and tent camps.
Discover Kamchatka’s Wild Heart
This is one of the most complete Kamchatka journeys in our collection, taking you deep into the diverse landscapes of the peninsula from south to north. You will travel hundreds of kilometers, hike to active volcano craters, swim in thermal springs, hike across vast lava fields, and enjoy rafting and fishing. Nights alternate between comfortable hotels and tent camps. This trip is suitable for those with average physical fitness and offers a rich variety of experiences in Kamchatka’s natural world.
What You Will Experience
✔ Boat trip in Avacha Bay with fishing and bird watching
✔ Climb to the crater of active Gorely Volcano
✔ Hike to the Small Valley of Geysers and visit geothermal landscapes
✔ Explore Tolbachik Volcano lava fields and volcanic cones
✔ Walk through the “Dead Forest” area made of ash
✔ Rafting on the Bystraya River with fishing opportunities
✔ Optional helicopter excursions to Geysers Valley or Kuril Lake (extra)
✔ Combination of hotel stays and nights in tent camps
✔ Three meals per day during active parts of the tour
✔ Climb to the crater of active Gorely Volcano
✔ Hike to the Small Valley of Geysers and visit geothermal landscapes
✔ Explore Tolbachik Volcano lava fields and volcanic cones
✔ Walk through the “Dead Forest” area made of ash
✔ Rafting on the Bystraya River with fishing opportunities
✔ Optional helicopter excursions to Geysers Valley or Kuril Lake (extra)
✔ Combination of hotel stays and nights in tent camps
✔ Three meals per day during active parts of the tour
Day‑by‑Day Program
Day 1 – Arrival to Kamchatka
Arrive at Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky Airport. Transfer to your hotel and rest. You can explore the city and nearby hills such as Mishennaya and Nikolskaya for panoramic views of Avacha Bay and surrounding volcanoes. Optional visit to the interactive “Volcanarium” museum (book in advance). Dinner with your guide and tour overview.
Day 2 – Boat Trip in Avacha Bay
Take a 5–6 hour boat trip in Avacha Bay. See sea bird rookeries on Babushkin Kamen and Three Brothers islands. Go out to the Pacific Ocean; if lucky, you may spot seals, whales, or killer whales. Visit Starichkov Island to observe large bird colonies. Optional sea fishing and lunch with fresh crabs and red fish soup prepared on board. Return to Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky.
Day 3 – Climbing Gorely Volcano
Depart in SUVs toward the area of Mutnovsky, Gorely, and Vilyuchinsky volcanoes (~120 km). Hike for 5–6 hours to the top of Gorely Volcano (1,829 m), gaining about 700 m of elevation. From the crater you will see a vivid acidic lake and panoramic views of other volcanoes. Afterward, set up camp at the foot of the volcano, have dinner, and spend the night in tents.
Day 4 – Hiking to Small Valley of Geysers
Drive with SUVs to the foot of Mutnovsky Volcano (~2,323 m). Hike for 2–3 hours through geothermal landscapes to reach the Small Valley of Geysers, stopping for snacks and photos. On the way, you may see the geothermal station and the Snow Leopard Waterfall on the Calm Stream. In the evening, return to Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky (~130 km / ~2 hours) and check into a hotel. Dinner is on your own.
Day 5 – Optional Helicopter Excursions + Transfer to Milkovo
This day is optional for helicopter tours (extra cost):
Day 6 – Toward Tolbachik Volcano
Today’s long transfer (~240 km / 8–10 hours) brings you to the Tolbachik Volcano area, near the Klyuchevskaya volcanic group — one of the largest volcanic areas in Russia. Camp is set near Flat Tolbachik (3,140 m) and Sharp Tolbachik (3,682 m). Dinner and rest at the camp.
Day 7 – Lava Fields Exploration
Hike for about 5–6 hours through the Tolbachik lava fields, formed during the 2012–2013 eruptions with extensive hardened lava flows. Black volcanic sand and slag stretch across the landscape, resembling the surface of the moon. Explore lava caves (up to ~+60°C inside). Snack on the route, then return to camp for dinner.
Day 8 – Tolbachinsky Cones
After breakfast, drive to the North Breakthrough and climb the Tolbachinsky Cones (100–200 m high). See red volcanic sand and “volcanic bombs.” Visit Southern Breach and lava caves. In the evening, return to camp. You may see local ground squirrels that are friendly and curious.
Day 9 – Dead Forest Walk & Transfer to Milkovo
Walk through the Dead Forest, a vast area destroyed by ash from the 1975 eruption (ash depth ~11 m). The forest is slowly regenerating with plants like Ivan‑tea (fireweed). After this hike, transfer (~240 km / 8–10 hours) to Milkovo, have dinner and relax at your hotel.
Day 10 – Rafting on Bystraya River
Drive to Malki region (~170 km / 3 hours). Lunch by the river with local salmon. Then enjoy 2–3 hours of rafting on the Bystraya River. The guide controls the raft so you can rest, fish, or watch wildlife — including bears hunting salmon. In the evening, move to Paratunka, check into the hotel, have dinner and relax in thermal pools.
Day 11 – Fish Market Visit & Departure
After breakfast, visit the local fish market where you can purchase salmon, caviar, and crabs. Then transfer to Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky Airport for your departure home.
Arrive at Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky Airport. Transfer to your hotel and rest. You can explore the city and nearby hills such as Mishennaya and Nikolskaya for panoramic views of Avacha Bay and surrounding volcanoes. Optional visit to the interactive “Volcanarium” museum (book in advance). Dinner with your guide and tour overview.
Day 2 – Boat Trip in Avacha Bay
Take a 5–6 hour boat trip in Avacha Bay. See sea bird rookeries on Babushkin Kamen and Three Brothers islands. Go out to the Pacific Ocean; if lucky, you may spot seals, whales, or killer whales. Visit Starichkov Island to observe large bird colonies. Optional sea fishing and lunch with fresh crabs and red fish soup prepared on board. Return to Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky.
Day 3 – Climbing Gorely Volcano
Depart in SUVs toward the area of Mutnovsky, Gorely, and Vilyuchinsky volcanoes (~120 km). Hike for 5–6 hours to the top of Gorely Volcano (1,829 m), gaining about 700 m of elevation. From the crater you will see a vivid acidic lake and panoramic views of other volcanoes. Afterward, set up camp at the foot of the volcano, have dinner, and spend the night in tents.
Day 4 – Hiking to Small Valley of Geysers
Drive with SUVs to the foot of Mutnovsky Volcano (~2,323 m). Hike for 2–3 hours through geothermal landscapes to reach the Small Valley of Geysers, stopping for snacks and photos. On the way, you may see the geothermal station and the Snow Leopard Waterfall on the Calm Stream. In the evening, return to Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky (~130 km / ~2 hours) and check into a hotel. Dinner is on your own.
Day 5 – Optional Helicopter Excursions + Transfer to Milkovo
This day is optional for helicopter tours (extra cost):
- Geysers Valley (UNESCO World Heritage site)
- Kuril Lake with brown bear watching during salmon run
Day 6 – Toward Tolbachik Volcano
Today’s long transfer (~240 km / 8–10 hours) brings you to the Tolbachik Volcano area, near the Klyuchevskaya volcanic group — one of the largest volcanic areas in Russia. Camp is set near Flat Tolbachik (3,140 m) and Sharp Tolbachik (3,682 m). Dinner and rest at the camp.
Day 7 – Lava Fields Exploration
Hike for about 5–6 hours through the Tolbachik lava fields, formed during the 2012–2013 eruptions with extensive hardened lava flows. Black volcanic sand and slag stretch across the landscape, resembling the surface of the moon. Explore lava caves (up to ~+60°C inside). Snack on the route, then return to camp for dinner.
Day 8 – Tolbachinsky Cones
After breakfast, drive to the North Breakthrough and climb the Tolbachinsky Cones (100–200 m high). See red volcanic sand and “volcanic bombs.” Visit Southern Breach and lava caves. In the evening, return to camp. You may see local ground squirrels that are friendly and curious.
Day 9 – Dead Forest Walk & Transfer to Milkovo
Walk through the Dead Forest, a vast area destroyed by ash from the 1975 eruption (ash depth ~11 m). The forest is slowly regenerating with plants like Ivan‑tea (fireweed). After this hike, transfer (~240 km / 8–10 hours) to Milkovo, have dinner and relax at your hotel.
Day 10 – Rafting on Bystraya River
Drive to Malki region (~170 km / 3 hours). Lunch by the river with local salmon. Then enjoy 2–3 hours of rafting on the Bystraya River. The guide controls the raft so you can rest, fish, or watch wildlife — including bears hunting salmon. In the evening, move to Paratunka, check into the hotel, have dinner and relax in thermal pools.
Day 11 – Fish Market Visit & Departure
After breakfast, visit the local fish market where you can purchase salmon, caviar, and crabs. Then transfer to Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky Airport for your departure home.
Accommodation & Services
The tour includes hotel stays and tent camping:
- First two nights and the 4th night in Arsenyev Hotel in Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky — double/twin rooms with private bathroom and buffet breakfast.
- The 3rd night in tents at the foot of Gorely Volcano. Guides provide tents and sleeping mats; sleeping bags can be rented locally (limited availability).
- Nights 5 and 9 in Geologist Hotel in Milkovo — twin or double rooms with private bathroom.
- Nights 6–8 camping near Tolbachik Volcano — group tents for kitchen/dining and toilet; foam sleeping mats provided.
- Night 10 at Sputnik Hotel (Paratunka) — standard double rooms with private bathroom, thermal pools, sauna, massage room and restaurant.
What's Included & Not Included
Included:
✔ Double/twin accommodation as per program
✔ Guide and cook services (Days 2–10)
✔ Transport (SUVs and KAMAZ/Ural off‑road vehicles)
✔ Group transfer from airport to hotel and back
✔ Boat trip to Avacha Bay (5–6 hours)
✔ Rafting on Bystraya River
✔ Rental of tourist equipment (tents, cooking dishes, rafts)
✔ Meals as per program (3 meals/day during active days)
Not Included:
✘ Airfare to/from Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky
✘ Meals in urban areas as specified in FAQ
✘ Optional helicopter excursions (Geysers Valley or Kuril Lake)
✘ Single room or tent supplement (+523 USD on request)
✘ Sleeping bag and trekking poles rental (+1000 RUB per item)
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Personal expenses and tips
✔ Double/twin accommodation as per program
✔ Guide and cook services (Days 2–10)
✔ Transport (SUVs and KAMAZ/Ural off‑road vehicles)
✔ Group transfer from airport to hotel and back
✔ Boat trip to Avacha Bay (5–6 hours)
✔ Rafting on Bystraya River
✔ Rental of tourist equipment (tents, cooking dishes, rafts)
✔ Meals as per program (3 meals/day during active days)
Not Included:
✘ Airfare to/from Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky
✘ Meals in urban areas as specified in FAQ
✘ Optional helicopter excursions (Geysers Valley or Kuril Lake)
✘ Single room or tent supplement (+523 USD on request)
✘ Sleeping bag and trekking poles rental (+1000 RUB per item)
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Personal expenses and tips
Frequently Asked Questions About the Classic Kamchatka Summer Tour
Q1 –What is the minimum age to join the tour?
The minimum age is 8 years old. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Q2 – What meals are included?
During the active parts of the tour, three meals per day are included: breakfast, hot lunch, and dinner prepared by the cook. Meals in cities or optional excursions may not be included.
Q3 – What level of fitness is required?
Average fitness is recommended. The tour includes hiking up volcanoes, trekking on lava fields, rafting, and long day trips. Prior experience is not required, but participants should be able to walk 5–6 hours a day.
Q4 – Are helicopter excursions available?
Yes, optional helicopter flights to the Valley of Geysers or Kuril Lake can be arranged for an extra cost. Flights depend on weather conditions and advance booking.
Q5 – What should I bring?
Essential items include: passport, warm waterproof clothing, hiking boots, thermal layers, sleeping bag (can be rented), trekking poles (optional), headlamp, sunscreen, water bottle, and a power bank.
Q6 – What type of accommodation is provided?
Accommodation alternates between hotels with private bathrooms and tent camps during active trekking. All tents and cooking equipment are provided.
Q7 – Is mobile coverage available?
Mobile phone and Wi-Fi are only available in hotels and populated areas. On active trekking routes, coverage is very limited or nonexistent.
Q8 – What is included in the price?
The tour includes accommodation, three meals per day during active days, experienced guides, cook, transport, rafting, boat trips, and all equipment for camping and trekking.
Q9 – What is not included in the price?
The tour does not include international flights, optional helicopter excursions, travel insurance, personal expenses, tips, single supplements, and some city meals.
Q10 – Can I participate in summer 2026?
Yes! The tour is available for the following Summer 2026 dates:
The minimum age is 8 years old. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Q2 – What meals are included?
During the active parts of the tour, three meals per day are included: breakfast, hot lunch, and dinner prepared by the cook. Meals in cities or optional excursions may not be included.
Q3 – What level of fitness is required?
Average fitness is recommended. The tour includes hiking up volcanoes, trekking on lava fields, rafting, and long day trips. Prior experience is not required, but participants should be able to walk 5–6 hours a day.
Q4 – Are helicopter excursions available?
Yes, optional helicopter flights to the Valley of Geysers or Kuril Lake can be arranged for an extra cost. Flights depend on weather conditions and advance booking.
Q5 – What should I bring?
Essential items include: passport, warm waterproof clothing, hiking boots, thermal layers, sleeping bag (can be rented), trekking poles (optional), headlamp, sunscreen, water bottle, and a power bank.
Q6 – What type of accommodation is provided?
Accommodation alternates between hotels with private bathrooms and tent camps during active trekking. All tents and cooking equipment are provided.
Q7 – Is mobile coverage available?
Mobile phone and Wi-Fi are only available in hotels and populated areas. On active trekking routes, coverage is very limited or nonexistent.
Q8 – What is included in the price?
The tour includes accommodation, three meals per day during active days, experienced guides, cook, transport, rafting, boat trips, and all equipment for camping and trekking.
Q9 – What is not included in the price?
The tour does not include international flights, optional helicopter excursions, travel insurance, personal expenses, tips, single supplements, and some city meals.
Q10 – Can I participate in summer 2026?
Yes! The tour is available for the following Summer 2026 dates:
- 19 July – 29 July 2026
- 29 July – 8 August 2026
- 8 August – 18 August 2026
- 18 August - 28 August 2026
Ready to Explore Kamchatka?
Join our Classic Kamchatka Summer tour and explore volcanoes, geysers, lava fields, and rivers in the wildest corners of Russia. Limited spots available!
