Koryaksky volcano (ascent): 3456 metres

The beautiful Koryakskaya Sopka, or Koryaksky for short, exceeds all other volcanoes in southern Kamchatka at 3456m.

It is stratovolcano and part of the Avachinsky cluster. The deeply grooved cone’s upper part is very steep at up to 35 degrees. The volcano began active 10,000 or 15,000 years ago; during historically recent observations its activity has been moderate. In 1956-57 and 2009 there were minor eruptions that led to the formation of cracks and ash fountains.

The volcano stands at 30 kilometres’ distance from Petropavlovsk. Climbing attempts resulted in several fatalities; it is difficult and requires mountaineering skills and equipment. Several routes, of widely different level of difficulty, lead to the summit. Given favourable weather conditions, ascent is technically simple but requires very much caution as the slopes are very prone to rockfalls.

Tour programme: 

Day 1
Set out in the afternoon, drive to the elevation of 900m. Pack all necessary equipment and food and hike to the elevation of 2000m to set base camp. Supper, rest.

Day 2
Get up at 5:30 a.m., light breakfast. Briefing. Set out for a below-average-difficulty climbing route, reach the summit at 3456m, rest, snacks, break camp, go down to the parking area. Return to Petropavlovsk.

• Time available: May through September (can ski or snowboard down in May)
• Duration: 2 days
• Number of participants: up to four

What to pack: wind- and waterproof jacket with a cape, hiking boots, fleece, headgear, cotton gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, repellent, small backpack for climbing (30-50 litres), camera, spare batteries.

• Price per group of 1 to 4: 65 000 RUB

Price includes: insurance, professional mountain guide service, catering, transfer, group equipment (tents, kitchenware, etc.), entrance fees.

Additional services: crampons, ice-pick, helmet, harness, sleeping bags, mats, trekking sticks rental.

What to pack: crampons, ice-pick, helmet, climbing harness, sleeping bag, down parka, gloves, GoreTex or similar material jacket, fleece, balaclava, thermals, thermal socks, mountaineering boots, torch, thermos flask (1 litre), trekking sticks, sunglasses, sunscreen.

Weather may impose change in itineraries, including delays and postponed departures.