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KAMCHATKA: VOLCANOES & BEARS
14 DAYS GUESTHOUSES/BUNKHOUSE/CABINS THE WILDERNESS OF FAR EAST RUSSIA Few places on our planet still remain as true wilderness areas, but in the far east of Russia, across the Bering Straits from Alaska, the remote and savagely beautiful lands of the Kamchatka Peninsular are still a true explorer's destination. On this unique adventure we discover the volcanoes that have shaped this wild landscape, and the geysers and boiling mud pools that pierce the earth's crust, aglow with colourful lichens and flowers during the short summer months. Brown bears roam in the forests, orcas and seals swim in the cool waters offshore and the native people herd reindeer on the wild tundra. Among The Reindeer Herders After time spent cruising in Avacha Bay, we then head north to Esso and the lands of the indigenous Even, whose traditional nomadic lifestyle is intricately linked to the wandering reindeer herds. We spend a day at their Anavgai settlement learning about their culture through dance, song, and traditional arts. The nearby Bystrinsky nature reserve has some easy marked trails. Bear Watching at Two Yurts Lake Kamchatka is home to the densest population of brown bears in the world. One of the best places to view these magnificent creatures is at Two Yurts Lake to the north east of Esso. The annual salmon run brings millions of fish back to their spawning grounds and attracts bears from far and wide. We make an exciting trip by helicopter to Two Yurts, our wilderness base, a few simple cabins from which it's a short hike to one of the best bear watching spots along the lake shore. We aim to spend time observing these fascinating creatures who congregate to fish for salmon and search for wild berries in the nearby forests. Volcanoes & Geysers The Peninsula is one of the most active volcanic regions along the "Ring of Fire", a string of volcanoes that
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FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/ Moscow. 2 Fly Moscow/ Petropavlovsk. 3 Arrive Petropavlovsk; transfer Yelizovo. 4 Boat trip around Avacha Bay. 5 Optional helicopter flight to `Valley of the Geysers'. 6 Full day drive Esso. 7 Visit museum; hike Bystrinsky Nature Reserve. 8 Visit Anavgai Even Settlement; late PM fly Two Yurts lake. 9 Full day bear watching. 10 Fly Anavgai via Tolbachik Volcano; drive Milkovo. 11 In Milkovo; PM drive Yelizovo. 12 Petropavlovsk city tour; truck to Avacha volcano. 13 Hiking on Avacha volcano; return Yelizovo. 14 Transfer Petropavlovsk; fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 8nts guesthouse, 1nt bunkhouse, 2nts cabin; 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 12 dinners are included. See p41. Mode of Travel: Bus/Truck/On foot/Helicopter Comment: This is an adventurous trip combining an exploration of the native cultures and volcanic landscapes, with the wildlife of the region. The area is remote and there is a narrow summer window for visitors, whilst days will be warm, nights will still be cold. Accommodation in Yelizovo is at family run guesthouses. The cabins at Two Yurts and Avacha Volcano bunkhouse provide simple dormitory style facilities. The weather in Kamchatka is notoriously unpredictable so you must be prepared for a flexible itinerary. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus drivers and local guides. Group Size: Approx. 10 to 14. Brown bears of the Kamchatka
encircles the Pacific Ocean. We visit the Avacha volcano, one of the most active in the region to explore the slopes and if desired, trek to the saddle for spectacular views of surrounding landscapes and nearby capital of Petropavlovsk. Weather conditions allowing, there's the opportunity to travel by helicopter to the mountains of the inaccessible Kronotsky National Park for close-up views of amazing azure blue pools, smouldering volcanoes and steam vents of the "Valley of the Geysers" (optional).
DATES AND PRICES Flight Inc 14 days Fri to Thu REF:BKR
2008 deps flight land Price in £s inc only 18 Jul-31 Jul 3599 2775 01 Aug-14 Aug 3599 2775 2009 Price in £s 17 Jul-30 Jul 3745 2875 31 Jul-13 Aug 3745 2875 Land Only tour: 12 days - start Yelizovo day 3 (Sun), end Yelizovo day 14 (Thu) Plus Local Payment: US$400 (approx £195) payable Yelozovo These are guide prices, see p45 for details.
Meeting the Even
Volcanoes & Bears Ref BKR
Anavgai Even settlement
TWO YURTS LAKE
Bear Watching
ESSO
TOLBACHIK VOLCANO
Ethnographic museum
RANGE
RUSSIA
KAMCHATKA
MILKOVO
Valley of the Geysers Optional trip by helicopter
SREDINNY
YELIZOVO
Koryaksky Volcano Malki Hot springs
AVACHA VOLCANO
Petropavlovsk Avacha Bay Boat trip
PA C I F I C OCEAN Lake Kurilskoye
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km 150
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