Mutnovsky and Gorely volcanoes (ascent): two days

This two-day trip includes a visit to the crater of Mutnovsky (2323m), an active volcano, and a climb to the summit of Gorely (1829m), another volcano.

Located in the southern part of the peninsula, it is one of the oldest active volcanoes in all of Kamchatka. This gigantic mountain consists of four cones merged together whose summits are in various states of destruction due to a range of volcanic activities.

Millennia ago, two partially overlapping craters, whose shape reminds of the figure eight, were formed on the western slopes of the massif. The craters extend 1.5km to 2km in diameter, and their depth varies between 300 and 600m. All the modern craters are merged in a single pit with a glacier, broken many times over and sliding down the southern face, and numerous fumarole clusters.

The Mutnovsky ranks among the six most active volcanoes of Kamchatka. The earliest recorded eruption occurred in 1848, and the most recent one happened in 1961, since when its activity was largely restricted to fumaroles which release colossal amounts of energy: the volcano is one of the largest sources of geothermal resources in the world.

Steam-and-gas jets can be observed there, with outlets lined with volcanic sulfur. Some are covered by sulfur domes rising up to 2.5m above ground and extending to 5m in diameter.

Water and mud ‘cauldrons’ can be found near the river Vulkannaya which flows through the bottom and western wall of the northern crater, to stream down in a huge 80-metre waterfall and then enter the Opasny, a deep canyon.

The canyon and the waterfall imbue this volcano with unique aesthetic value, making it a natural object of global significance.

The Gorely, tall at 1829m, is a massif with clearly defined ranges and a multitude of craters – current counts typically yield eleven, five of them active.

The Gorely is an active volcano with a period of several decades; the most recent eruption occurred in autumn 2008, when many were surprised at seeing pillars of grey smoke on the other side of the Bay of Avacha. It got its name (meaning ‘burnt down’ in Russian) due to the abundance of ‘burnt rock,’ stemming from lava. The most unique object to be seen there is a chain of variously shaped craters near the summit.

Tour programme: 

Day 1
- jeep transfer to the base of the Mutnovsky, taking about three hours;
- ascent to the crater (three hours of non-strenuous climbing);
- crater walk;
- snacks (tea, sandwiches, sweets);
- return to the base;
- visit the waterfall in the canyon Opasny;
- transfer to the camping ground;
- setting up camp;
- hot supper;
- night in tents.

Day 2
- breakfast;
- break camp;
- transfer to the base of the Gorely (about one hour);
- ascent (three to four hours);
- snacks during ascent (tea, sandwiches, sweets);
- crater walk;
- return to the base;
- supper (pre-packed);
- return to city.

• Time available: July through September
• Duration: 2 days / 1 night
• Number of participants: up to five (or more, but then the price is increased)
Climb and descent length (both ways): 12km. Climb takes six to eight hours, descent takes three to four hours.

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 person: 15000 RUB

Price includes:

• guidance fees;
• chef’s fee;
• catering;
• group equipment rental (tents, kitchenware, etc.);
• all-terrain vehicle rent.

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