Trip to Kronotsky Reserve

This is something more than a just brief flirt with the Valley of Geysers, Uzon caldera, and Kronotsky reserve. This trip will encompass some of the most alluring places in the Kronotsky reserve and all of Kamchatka.

Instead of just one hour, like it is done if you buy a one-day excursion, you will spend a good three days in these unique places. You will feel one with primeval nature and your soul will be saturated with it. The image of the Valley of Geysers will stay in your mind forever, and you will remember your adventures and tell stories about it for a long, long time to go.

Trip type: adventure and learning value

Means of transportation involved: helicopter, hiking

Times available: July through September
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights 
Difficulty level: we expect you to be ready for some exercise and hiking in hilly places with a light backpack
Comfort level: a hotel in the Valley of Geysers; cabins without indoor toilets
Catering: hot breakfasts and suppers; snacks for lunch
Hiking route length: 30km

Price per person: 115 000 RUB
Number of participants: 4

Itinerary: VItyaz-Aero heliport - Ozyorny check-point at the Kuril lake - Travyanoy check-point at the Kuril lake – Ksudach volcano – Khodutka thermal springs - VItyaz-Aero heliport

Why go: 
1. View Kamchatka’s landscapes from helicopter.
2. Observe Kamchatkan brown bears from close-up.
3. Learn about the unique ecosystem of the Kuril lake.
4. Watch sock-eye salmon from the largest population in Eurasia run and spawn.
5. View volcanic landscapes and bathe in Kamchatka’s largest hot spring which is actually a thermal river.

You are advised to allow two spare days for the case of weather-related emergencies. 100% refunds if the entire tour is cancelled due to bad weather or other factors beyond our control.

Tour programme

Day 1. Fly to the Kronotsky reserve
Transfer to heliport. 65-minute flight in a Mi-8 helicopter, including flybys of the volcanoes Karymsky and Maly Semyachik. Disembark in the Valley of Death for viewing amazing landscapes and touring the Valley of Death. Harmful gasses cling to the ground when there’s no wind, making the place very safe for you.

The group then proceeds down to the canyon of river Geyzernaya (8km). Check in at hotel with hot shower, bedsheets, comfortable beds, and kitchen and canteen attached. Tour the Valley of Geysers.

Day 2. Hike to the cabins at Glukhoy Dol
Breakfast. Morning excursion to the Valley of Geysers. Hike to Glukhoy Dol lodge (takes five or six hours), beginning with crossing a shallow river and then backpacking about 15km, with a mountain pass on the way. Snacks provided. Upon reaching the destination, settle in summer cabins. Supper.

Day 3. Excursion to the Uzon caldera and tour to Nalychevo valley
Breakfast. Hike to the steaming valleys of the Uzon caldera (5km). The foot-path follows the river Shumnaya and crosses a swamp (waterproof boots and gaiters required). The prettiest places are viewed from board-walks, without their backpacks. Observation towers for watching bears and birds are built here.

Proceed to the Dalnee lake where you can swim and then have lunch on the bank. Return to visitor centre, buy souvenirs, wait for the helicopter.

A 65-minute flight back to the city with a stopover at hot springs of the Nalychevo valley for a bath and little snack. Arrive to heliport, 30-minute transfer to accommodation.

Price includes:

• transfer to heliport;
• helicopter ride;
• accommodation;
• professional guidance throughout the itinerary;
• catering;
• reserve fees;
• wild animal protection;
• medical insurance covering transport.

Price does not include:

• alcoholic drinks, tobacco products;
• personal equipment.

What to pack:

Thermals, spare thermals, fleece, trousers, waterproof jacket with cape, waterproof trousers, waterproof hiking boots, gaiters, light footwear.

Equipment: trekking sticks, head-torch, backpack with 70-80 litres capacity, sleeping bag with +5°C comfort temperature, sleeping mat, sunglasses, mosquito head-net, bug repellents.

And: swimming suit, towel, first aid kit.