Kamchatka is without exaggeration one of the most spectacular regions in the world. A land of volcanoes, fire and ice, active boiling springs, geysers, waterfalls and volcanic sculptures displaying a multitude of colours that took millions of years to create. There are over 400 glaciers and 189 volcanoes in this region, 29 of which are still active. The region is such a geological phenomenon it has created its own unique flora and fauna. The beauty of Kamchatka will capture you forever. A number of the regions we visit are on the UNESCO World Heritage List
So where is Kamchatka? Its shores are on the Pacific and it’s in one of the remotest places in the world! You will find it at the far Eastern tip of Russia beyond Siberia. Still interested? Look for a small peninsular jutting down towards Japan. The peninsula has two active volcanic mountain ranges extending from northwest to southeast divided by a wide flat area of tundra. The area is remote with practically no infrastructure. We will aim to climb four of the most interesting volcanic summits in Kamchatka: Avachinski (2741m), Ushkovsky (3903m), Krestovsky (4057m) and the highest Kluchevskoy (4750m) a perfect cone. Please note the final peaks attempted may vary according to conditions.
Michael –
Been back for 2 months now but the memories are still strong. After the initial disappointment of not even being able to get close to our mountaineering obectives due to the weather conditions our spirits were raised by an unexpected change of itinerary. By relocating to the Tolbachik area we were given the unique opportunity to witness the birth of new land at the very edge of a continent.
Arriving in the middle of the night in a lunar landscape we were tempted by an erie orange glow in the sky. Through the next day we were treated to a text book of volcanic activity culminating in a night walk to the crater rim. The excitement of burning rocks hurling over our heads was surpassed as we stared, mesmerised, into the cauldron of molten rock and fire.
A truly remote and beautiful area with adventure and unique experiences guaranteed. Dave and the Russian guides had a number of challenges but rose to these and gave us a fantastic holiday. The mountains looked great and I am sure that the climbing is superb!