Day 6: Volcano Gorely
Today is the day!
I conquered my first volcano ever! My legs are screaming, my body is completely drained, and yet I haven't felt so alive and energized by an experience for a very long time.
This hike was no walk in the park. From the very beginning, I knew I wasn’t going to be the one sprinting to the top. Nope, I took my sweet time, sticking to my own pace at the very back with Sergey, who was endlessly patient with me. Honestly, there were so many moments when I wanted to throw in the hiking poles and turn back. I even declared (more than once) that I didn’t care about seeing the crater anymore.
But Sergey kept me going. And when we finally reached the very peak, I found out that we were only 20 minutes behind the rest of the group. That little fact, paired with a steaming cup of rosehip tea, melted my exhausted heart completely. Oh, and a Mars bar? Never tasted so good — especially when you're literally on top of the world.
Would I recommend this? Absolutely! But here's my advice: do yourself a favor and squeeze in a few workouts before you go. Your future hiking self will thank you!
At the Foot of Gorely Volcano
General Information
Standing tall at 1,829 meters, Gorely is an active volcano that’s as mesmerizing as it is formidable. Nestled 80 km from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, it lies within the stunning natural park "Three Volcanoes."
This volcanic marvel stretches into a 3-kilometer-long ridge formed by 11 craters, surrounded by a dramatic landscape. Over 150 square kilometers of volcanic mass are home to six cinder cones, a dozen serene lakes, and craters venting hot gases from the Earth’s core.
But the real showstopper? The Blue Lake tucked inside the eastern crater. Picture this: a shimmering turquoise gem, about 500 meters in diameter, encased by towering vertical cliffs. And yes, that’s exactly where we hiked to!
Our plan was to trek further, but Kamchatka’s weather had its own ideas. Just as we reached the top, the thick clouds briefly parted, revealing the lake in all its celestial beauty. I snapped a few shots before the landscape disappeared again, swallowed by dense, milky fog.
The lake’s sky-blue hue is more than just a visual treat — it’s a sign of the volcano’s current mood. When Gorely gets more active, the lake starts to boil, reshaping itself and even changing color. Luckily, on this day, it stayed calm and allowed us to soak in its tranquil beauty (despite my sore everything).
Well deserved tea break on the top of Gorely
Weather in peninsula is as moody as it gets, and especially around the Volcano. Even with all the weather apps and maps in the world, there’s no guarantee you’ll get that picture-perfect day. Gorely’s rare gift of clear skies is something to truly treasure.
When it comes to eruptions, Gorely keeps a low but dramatic profile. Over the past 150 years, it’s erupted fewer than ten times, leaving behind sprawling lava fields that stretch for miles. These hardened flows, frozen in time, paint a stark, almost apocalyptic landscape around the volcano—a blackened desert that whispers stories of fire and fury.
Statistically speaking, Gorely likes to remind of its fiery temperament roughly every 20 years. The last eruption took a place in the summer of 2010.
Walking the Crater Rim of Gorely Volcano
How to Reach Gorely Volcano?
Coordinates: 52°33’27.6″N 158°02’16.9″E
Getting to Gorely isn’t as simple as hopping on a highway. There are no federal roads leading directly to this natural wonder. The closest you can get with public transportation is the village of Termalny. From there, the adventure begins on a rugged, unpaved road used by local mining operations and geothermal power stations.
The road winds through the scenic Paratunka River, skirts the base of the Viluchinsky Volcano, and ascends the serpentine Viluchinsky Pass (1,000 meters above sea level). From there, it crosses the mountainous tundra towards Gorely.
Tourist jeeps or off-road buses are the only reliable options, and even those aren’t available year-round. Attempting this journey on foot? Let’s just say, pack for a multi-day trek and a whole lot of determination.
Joining a guided tour is a golden ticket, as they navigate the tricky terrain and definitely know for fact what to do if there are bears around.
Somewhere half way back
Kay Facts About Hiking Gorely Volcano
Duration. The climb takes 3 to 6 hours, depending on fitness level.
Height. Standing tall at 1,829 meters above sea level.
Slope. The ascent features a 25˚ incline. While it’s a long climb, it’s not excessively challenging for those with moderate hiking experience.
Elevation Gain. Prepare to tackle a 900-meter vertical rise during the hike.
Challenge Level. Though the climb is gradual, it’s always wise to pace yourself and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
On the top when fog cleared up for few minutes
Packing Tips
To make a trip both comfortable and safe, having the right gear is essential. Here’s a quick checklist to help you prepare:
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A small backpack for personal items and snacks.
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Chocolate bar to get some sugar spike when you are almost there; thermos with hot tea and some sandwich to have a snack once you reach the top; water.
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Windproof and water-repellent jacket to stay dry and protected from Kamchatka’s unpredictable weather.
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A warm sweater or fleece to keep you cozy when temperatures drop.
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Headgear to shield against the sun or wind.
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Gloves or mittens for those chilly mountain winds.
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Sunglasses to protect eyes from the bright sun, volcanic glare and snow reflection.
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Trekking shoes with sturdy soles, perfect for navigating rugged and rocky terrain.
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Trecking poles.
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Sunscreen to avoid turning lobster-red on the slopes.
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Insect repellent because Kamchatka’s mosquitoes mean business.
