KAMCHATKA (RUSSIA)
11 DAYS

This is a rare opportunity to experience the incredible beauty of the mysterious Kamchatka Peninsula on a personal and up-close basis. Lying at the farthest reaches of the Russian Far East, the Peninsula is a spectacular wilderness, with 28 active volcanoes, incredible geothermal anomalies, abundance of bird and animal life, and unspoiled waters.

Our adventure begins in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatcky, founded in 1740 by Vitus Bering, and today the cultural and scientific center of Kamchatka. We will tour the city set against the silhouettes of the three volcanoes, Avacha, Koryaksky and Kozelsky. The next morning we will start our trekking adventure to Timonovsky Springs. We will travel on horseback and by off-road vehicle through pristine wilderness, staying overnight at a meteorology post and camping under a blanket of stars. We will enjoy soothing thermal-spring baths, float down the unspoiled Avacha River, and spy on bears fishing pink salmon. We will ascend the Avacha Volcano and enjoy the magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean below, before spending the night at a local Hot Springs resort. We will have time to cruise the Avacha Bay before our farewell dinner in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatcky.

Day 1.    Petropavlovsk-Kamchatcky

Arrive in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatcky. Transfer to our hotel. Orientation meeting with the guides’ team. City tour.

Day 2.    Overland expedition begins. Horse ranch

We get ready for the overland expedition to the famous Timonovsky Hot Springs. We travel by off-road vehicle, the powerful “Ural” up north. Transfer across the Avacha River to the horse ranch at the Skhatzik Brook. Overnight in tents.

Day 3-4.    To Timonovsky Springs

We continue on horseback to the base camp at the Timonovsky Springs. The “Ural” will follow us and can be used as alternative mode of transportation by those who are not fond of horse riding. We spend one night at the Sarytzin River meteorology post.  We arrive at the Timonovsky Springs and enjoy a soothing thermal-spring bath.

Day 5.    Hiking in the wilderness

We spend the day hiking among hot springs in the pristine wilderness near the sacred Mt. Bakening. In the afternoon we hike to the high waterfalls in the mountains. Overnight at the bas camp.

Day 6.    Down the Avacha River

We drive back to the Middle Avacha River. In the afternoon we do some rafting exercises (no previous rafting  experience is required). We float down the river trough the spectacular wilderness to the horse ranch at Skhatzik. Overnight in tents.

Day 7.    Rafting through the Big Rapid. Hot springs resort

Today we will raft through the Big Rapid and continue down the river to the River Avacha junction. From here we travel by “Ural” back to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatcky. After our exhilarating overland expedition, we relax and stay overnight at the Paratunka hot springs resort.

Day 8.    Valley of Geysers (optional). Avacha Volcano base camp

In the morning we will have a chance to take a helicopter flight to the Valley of Geysers (optional, weather permitting). In the afternoon we travel by jeep to the Avacha Volcano base camp. Overnight in tents.

Day 9.    Ascent on the Avacha Volcano. Paratunka hot springs resort

We make a guided accent on the Avacha Volcano (2751 m). Enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas of the ocean below. After the invigorating climb and hiking, we return to the Paratunka hot springs resort for the night.

Day 10.    To Petropavlovsk-Kamchatcky. Sea boat cruise and sea fishing (optional)

We return to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatcky and spend afternoon at leisure. You may also take a sea boat cruise on the Avacha Bay (optional). Tonight, we have our farewell dinner.

Day 11.    Petropavlovsk-Kamchatcky and departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

SUMMARY

Inclusions: All meals when not in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatcky, all breakfasts when in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatcky, National Park entrance fees, Restricted Area permit, camping equipment, all transportation, service of kitchen crew during the overland expedition, escorted throughout

Exploratory Trip: The trip may not be limited to travelers 50 and over

Start & Finish:  Petropavlovsk-Kamchatcky

Group Size: 6 to 12 travelers

Accommodation: Comfortable accommodation with private facilities. 1 night at a meteorology post. 4 nights camping

Trip Grade: Demanding

Dates:
2 departures in July-August 2008

Land Cost: US$ 4,285

Note: Please note that all itineraries and prices are subject to change.

          
1-866-318-5050    office@50plusexpeditions.com