The correspondent of Novaya Gazeta, Vitaly Kavtaradze, compiled an “instruction on the operation of the peninsula.”
… Few Russians ever thought to spend their holidays in Kamchatka. This region is considered one of the most expensive and inaccessible. Nevertheless, Kamchatka is gradually becoming a Mecca for lovers of extreme sports and outdoor activities, because here you can see a unique volcanic landscape, an endless ocean coast and relax surrounded by real wildlife.
In tourist firms of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky brochures are full of offers of helicopter excursions to volcanoes, springs and reserves. You can really get to many natural attractions only by air, but the prices for such excursions start from 40,000 rubles in 6-7 hours and reach several hundred thousand rubles. For those who are not ready for such waste, we decided to compose a guide to exciting types of recreation in Kamchatka. The main discovery: to fly there is even in winter!
What to do in a radius of 300 km from Petropavlovsk?
Skiing
The favorite mountain base among the locals is Mount Moroznaya. You can reach it from Petropavlovsk in 50 minutes by bus or by taxi. One-time climb to the top of the mountain costs 150 rubles. At the foot of the cafe and hire, on the slope there are instructors.
You can also go on skiing without leaving Petropavlovsk, in the Red Hills or Mishennaya Hill. From their peaks an incredible view opens up to Avacha Bay, “home” volcanoes and the ocean.
Swim in thermal springs
Most of the hot springs are in the village of Paratunka. You can get to it by bus from Elizovo or by taxi for 1500 rubles. Around the springs there are built recreation centers with changing rooms and sun loungers. One-time ticket – 300 rubles. Some sources are rich in hydrogen sulphide and they can not swim for a long time, but they have healing properties. In some pools, the water temperature in winter does not drop below 38 degrees.
Until most wild sources, alas, can only be reached by helicopter or on all-terrain vehicles. However, if you like this kind of bathing, you can go to the village of Malki, 150 km from Petropavlovsk. Here, among the wild pools you will find a well with boiling water, in which you can boil an egg in 10 minutes.
Ride a dog sled
Kamchatka is the all-Russian center of sled sport. Hence, one of the longest dog sled races in the world – “Beringia” – starts each year. On the day of its opening in the village of Milkovo, a big sports festival is held, where you can talk with the canines and their dogs, watch performances of indigenous peoples’ ensembles of the North, watch the race and ride the dog sled yourself.
A longer excursion can be booked in nurseries in Petropavlovsk. The cost of the trip is 6000 rubles. for 4 hours.
Fly the paraglider
Fans of truly acute sensations can fly on a paraglider right above Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky! There are several schools in the city that conduct training right on Mishennaya Sopka in the city center all year round. It is interesting that doctors, lawyers, environmentalists are engaged in this extreme sport in their spare time.
Experienced athletes will help you with equipment, equipment, hold a personal lesson and even organize a tour to the nearest volcanoes. Prices greatly depend on the degree of preparation, availability of equipment and requests.
Surfing
Surprisingly, even in winter lovers of thrill can ride on a board over the huge waves of the Pacific Ocean. Surfing came here quite recently, but local beaches already attract fans from all over the world.
Skating takes place on the Halaktyrsky beach, where instructors will give you warm wetsuits and boards. Departure to the beach costs about 2500 rubles. And with training – 4000. With you it is necessary to seize a thermos with hot water for warming up legs and hands. Before the trip, it is worthwhile to closely monitor the weather forecast – frequent oceanic cyclones can frustrate all plans.
Visit the Vulcanarium
If you are tired of extreme sports, it is worth to visit the Volcanoes Museum “Vulcanarium”. This interactive museum was opened recently thanks to enthusiasts-scientists from the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology of FEB RAS under the leadership of Sergey Samoilenko.
The exposition should give the viewer an idea of what they could see by climbing a real volcano. In the museum you can touch all the samples, conduct exciting experiments with volcanic rock and look into the lava cave.
The excursion in the format of personal communication will be conducted by scientists for you. An adult ticket costs 650 rubles.
“In Sokochi for pies”
On the way from Petropavlovsk to the north you will have a pleasant surprise: in the village of Sokoch, 100 kilometer from the city, you bake the most delicious cakes in Kamchatka. Even the locals constantly go “to Sokochi for pies” – here it is a synonym of a pleasant car trip in the company of friends. In summer, exotic varieties are also offered, for example, with fern and sauerkraut.
“In Sokochi for pies”
On the way from Petropavlovsk to the north you will have a pleasant surprise: in the village of Sokoch, 100 kilometer from the city, you bake the most delicious cakes in Kamchatka. Even the locals constantly go “to Sokochi for pies” – here it is a synonym of a pleasant car trip in the company of friends. In summer, exotic varieties are also offered, for example, with fern and sauerkraut.
Take a walk in Petropavlovsk
Even just walking around Petropavlovsk, you can get a lot of impressions. For example, in the port near an abandoned fish factory there is a rookery of Steller sea lions, the northern sea lions. To feed these wild marine animals from the pier is completely free.
Photo: Vitaly Kavtaradze.
