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Kamchatka is one of the most remote places in Russia, a large peninsula bounded by the Pacific and its seas. It is known to be one of the places in the country that is almost left untouched. It's virgin mountains and  forests with unique and exotic plants found nowhere else in the world are full of wild birds and animals. For almost a century this wilderness was closed for the foreign visitors as well as many other places in Siberia and Pacific. This wild mountainous land, lying on the 'Pacific Rim of Fire', is a highly unstable geological area prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, stretching from Alaska in the east across the Aleutians to Kamchatka and southwards to Japan. These comments were made by Robert Perkins, the American ecologist when he visited Kamchatka in 1990. He was possibly the first Westerner to have visited Kamchatka in 40 years. It is a remote region of Russia being 9 time zones from Moscow. The area was shrouded in secrecy it being the home of the Soviet Pacific fleet. Our trip passes through the wilderness areas of the volcanoes and hot springs in two areas, one to the south and the other to the west of Kamchatka's main town and port Petropavlovsk. Access to the second part of the trek is easier with shorter traveling time involved.

Some long days and some steep ascents to the passes and crater rims. Our route follows trails but they are not way marked nor well trodden for the most part. GRADES

 

The climate is rather extreme with snows and cold clear weather from November to April. But summers can be surprisingly warm. As the winter snows are slow to melt, July, August and September are the best time for trekking although ski-touring is perfect in spring time. Late summer and autumn bring the magnificent reds and yellows to the landscape and this is the time when Kamchatkan bears are berry-picking and fishing for the Pacific salmon which ascend the rivers in vast numbers.

The weather is not extreme at the trekking time, day temperatures in the mountains are about +20°C. Warm clothes are required for evening and nights. Full, lightweight, waterproofs required as some rain should be expected anytime. Waterproof, strong walking boots with good ankle support are essential but you will also find waders are very useful when crossing streams and swampy terrain. Light weight trousers are useful for the lush undergrowth through which the route goes.

Walking poles can be very useful especially for river crossings and boulder fields.

 

Russian visa is required to enter into the territory.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into the area but please consult your doctor regarding travel to Kamchatka. In particular mention encephalitis from tick bites. You will need a good insect repellent against mosquitoes for their nuisance value although they are not malaria carrying.