Kamchatka
Overview
Kamchatka Peninsula lies in the northeast of the Russian Far East, washed by the Pacific Ocean and Bering Strait to the east and the Sea of Okhotsk to the west, with an administrative centre in PetropavlovskKamchatsky. “The Land of Volcanoes”, as they sometimes call it, is a wilderness of spectacular coastal bays, bubbling geysers, brown bears and snowcapped peaks and steaming volcanoes, roughly the size of Germany, Austria and Switzerland put together.
It has around 300 volcanoes, with 29 active ones, hundreds of thermal springs, 100,000 lakes and rivers, rare eagles, and abundant reindeer, moose and wolves, which make Kamchatka a perfect place for eco-tourism. It also has one of the highest populations of grizzly bear in the world, one of the world’s richest salmon fisheries; its rivers are spawning grounds for all species of Pacific salmon. Kamchatka king crab flourish in the waters off the northeastern coast. Its Valley of Geysers has the second largest concentration of geysers in the world, after Icelandic geyser fields. Travellers come to this amazing place for adventure tourism, sightseeing, rafting, sea walks, diving, skiing (particularly heli-skiing), hunting and fishing (including crab safaris).
Sights
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CLIMB AN ACTIVE VOLCANO
There are 160 volcanoes on Kamchatka and 29 of them are still active. The 29 active volcanoes are considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, many of them can be hiked and the views are absolutely breathtaking, Many of the volcanoes can be hiked and the views are absolutely breathtaking, both from the ground and from the peaks. Knowing that the volcanoes still have an active connection with the molten rock in the mantle of the Earth and seeing the fumes escaping the crater only add to the thrill.
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VALLEY OF GEYSERS
Home to the second-largest concentration of geysers in the world, this valley’s bizarre scenery appears prehistoric, with around 90 steaming geysers that occasionally expel huge volumes of hot water in spectacular skyward jets. Only accessible by helicopter, and requiring guides and a network of boardwalks to provide a safe passageway between the frequently erupting vents, this natural gem remains a virtually untouched region of wild geothermal power.
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KURILSKOYE LAKE
Kurilskoye or Kuril Lake is a crater lake at the southern tip of the Kamchatka Peninsula. The lake and its surrounds are renowned among wildlife lovers as being the largest spawning ground for sockeye salmon in Eurasia. As millions of salmon swarm the lake between July and September, hundreds of brown bears take the water to gorge themselves on the fishy feast. This phenomenon give visitors the opportunity to observe the bears at a remarkably close range.
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AVACHA BAY, STARICHKOV ISLAND
In addition to the trekking and wildlife watching tours, that take you into the wilderness of Kamchatka, there are also several essential Kamchatka seaside trips that any passionate traveller should take. The stunning Avacha (or Avachinskaya) Bay is considered one of the largest and most beautiful bays in the world, offering a picturesque panorama from the sea, fairly close to the capital of the peninsula. Located near the Avacha Bay, the very small and rocky Starichkov Island is a splendid natural wonder, which houses massive bird colonies. Southwards Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky lies the scenic Russkaya Bay, a narrow fjord-like bay with a rugged, rocky coastline backdropped by snowy mountain peaks. Russkaya is a pristine pocket of the Pacific wilderness and home to an incredible variety of marine mammals including whales, orcas, and sea lions. The Russkaya Bay is best experienced by a full day cruise from Petropavlovsk seaport. You will first pass the Avacha Bay and enjoy the bird life at the Starichkov Island, before heading to the Russkaya Bay.
Hotels
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AVACHA HOTEL
Number of rooms: 86
Distance to the city centre: 5 km
Distance to the airport:
Address: 61 Leningradskaya Street, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky City, Kamchatsky region, 683003, RussiaThe Avacha Hotel is situated in the heart of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The hotel prides itself on its hospitality traditions it has been practicing since its foundation in 1973.
Rooms are equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay for both business and leisure travellers. All rooms are decorated in classic style and have been recently renovated. The hotel offers a wellness centre with 24h massage services, a solarium, a sauna and a pool, a meeting room, a café, a beauty parlor, and a souvenir shop.
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ARSENYEV HOTEL
Number of rooms: 32
Distance to the city centre: 3 km
Distance to the airport: 20 km
Address: 1 Arsenyeva str., Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, 683003ARSENYEV Hotel is located in a picturesque place overlooking the Bay of Awachin, a 5-minutes’ walk from the shopping complex, the largest supermarket in the city, a large number of shops, and entertainment centres. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a desk, Internet access, a private bathroom. Some of the rooms offer a sea view. The hotel offers laundry services and breakfasts for the guests.
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GEYZER HOTEL
Number of rooms: 40
Distance to the city centre: 2 km
Distance to the airport: 25 km
Address: 10 Toporkova str., Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, 683003GEYZER Hotel is located in the quiet business district of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Rooms are regularly renovated, equipped with all necessary conveniences and offer beautiful views of the Awachi Bay and the volcanoes. The hotel has its own private parking that the guests can use free of charge. There is a SPA centre offering traditional Chinese medicine treatments and massage. Other facilities include a bar, a tourist bureau arranging city tours, and a beauty salon.
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PETROPAVLOVSK HOTEL
Number of rooms: 70
Distance to the city centre: 2 km
Distance to the airport: 24 km
Address: 31A K. Marx avenue, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, 683031PETROPAVLOVSK Hotel was founded in 1987; today the hotel complex is one of the largest hospitality enterprises of the Kamchatka region. It offers convenient location, up-to-date facilities, and a wide range of extra services. The rooms are equipped with Internet access, a TV-set, satellite TV, a private bathroom, and a refrigerator. The hotel features a restaurant serving Russian and European cuisines, bar, a banquet room, a medical centre, a SPA, a beauty salon, conference halls, transportation services, air and railway tickets booking, safe deposit boxes, a luggage room, laundry and valet services.
