I've been dreaming of visiting Kamchatka for so long that I can't even remember when the idea first came to me. Amazingly, this summer, I finally made that dream come true. It all happened very spontaneously, but as is often the case, spontaneous trips are the best!
If you're inspired by my journey or want to join us in the summer of 2025, check out the post below and drop me a message. Let's fly out as one big, fun group!
Location
In Russian schools, the back rows of classrooms are often called "Kamchatka" because the region is just as remote. It's not just the Far East; it's way farther than Vladivostok and Habarovsk, and you can only get there by plane, boat or spend a week (at least) driving.
To the north, Kamchatka cozies up to Chukotka region. To the west, it dips its toes in the Sea of Okhotsk. To the east, it's a hop, skip, and a jump (okay, a bit more) to Alaska via the Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean. And to the south, it waves at Japan with the Kuril Islands chain. The peninsula is huge, stretching 1200 km long and 470 km wide at its broadest point—practically a country in itself!
The region is all about volcanoes and geysers. There are over 300 volcanoes on the peninsula, with more than 30 still active and ready to rumble.
Kamchatka’s fish stocks are world-famous, and with good reason. The peninsula itself looks like a giant fish swimming in the ocean! It's the only place where all six species of Pacific salmon hang out.
Salmon is the main dish for the Kamchatka brown bear—the largest bear in Russia, but thankfully, friendlier than their American grizzly cousins.
You’ll also find massive gatherings of marine mammals like walrus, Steller sea lions, fur seals, and sea otters. Orcas and sperm whales love these waters too. And let's not forget the seabird colonies that make the rocky shores look like bustling bird metropolises.
Six parts of Kamchatka are UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the Valley of Geysers is one of Russia's Seven Wonders. Many of Kamchatka's plants and animals are in the Red Book of endangered species.
Interesting fact
Not too long ago, Kamchatka was a no-go zone. Even Russians needed a special permit or invitation to visit. But in 1991, the gates opened, and now tours to Kamchatka are all the rage. Each year, tens of thousands of tourists flock here to fish to their hearts' content, watch bears in their natural habitat, peek into active volcano craters, soak in hot springs, conquer peaks, test their mettle on hiking trails, and escape the grind of office life and big cities in this pristine paradise.
How to get to Kamchatka?
There are three ways:
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By Car: If you have the time, the funds, and a burning desire to drive across the entirety of Russia, then this option is for you. Why not turn it into a grand road trip adventure?
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By Sea: You can reach Kamchatka as part of a tourist cruise or on a research vessel. It's a unique way to travel, though not the most common.
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By Plane: The most practical and popular way is by air. The main gateway to Kamchatka is Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky International Airport -Yelizovo.
Planning a trip to Russia? Here’s a quick heads-up: many popular global travel platforms are currently blocked in the country. But don’t worry — there are excellent local alternatives to make your planning seamless. For flights, check out Aviasales.ru — think of it as Russia’s version of Skyscanner or Kiwi, with just as much convenience!
How to Dress?
The weather in Kamchatka can be unpredictable and capricious. The more layers you wear, the better prepared you'll be.
Recommended Personal Gear (summer edition):
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Trekking Boots: Waterproof and well-broken-in. High trekking boots provide good ankle support for hiking, climbing volcanoes, and walking on hardened lava and sharp rocks.
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Sport Sandals or Sneakers: Lightweight shoes for resting your feet.
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Gaiters: Protect your legs and boots from small stones, sand, and water.
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Light Windbreaker: Waterproof and windproof jacket with a hood.
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Comfortable Pants: Lightweight, quick-drying material. Sport pants or fleece pants for the evening.
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Heavy-Duty Raincoat: Essential! A sudden downpour shouldn't ruin your volcano climb, so always keep it in your personal backpack.
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Fleece Jacket or Sweater: Evenings can be cool, so an extra layer is always useful.
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T-shirts: Cotton or moisture-wicking T-shirts.
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Thermal Socks: They wick moisture, prevent blisters, and fend off bacteria.
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Thermal Underwear: Lightweight and quick-drying. It can also double as sleepwear on especially cold nights.
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Swimsuit and Flip-Flops: You'll be bathing in various hot springs.
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Thermos: Nothing beats raspberry or rosehip tea during a climb.
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Trekking Poles: Personally, I couldn't have climbed Gorely Volcano without them.
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Medium-Sized Backpack: Besides your main backpack, a small 30-liter backpack is convenient for excursions.
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Insect Repellent. Trust me, you will need it a 1000%.
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Sunglasses and Sunscreen: The higher the SPF, the better. Sunburn happens quickly in the mountains.
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Personal First Aid Kit.
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Sun Hat, Warm Hat, and Gloves.
Layer up, gear up, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Kamchatka!
Best Time to Visit Kamchatka
Kamchatka doesn’t have distinct rainy or dry seasons, so predicting rainfall is a bit of a guessing game. Weather stats show that July, August, and September receive roughly the same amount of precipitation.
The best time to visit the peninsula is from July to September, but bear in mind that each month has its unique charms.
July:
July is the warmest month, especially in the second half, with temperatures reaching up to +25°C, and in the central part, even up to +35°C. The mountains and foothills are adorned with a kaleidoscope of blooming subalpine flowers. July also offers a higher chance of spotting bears in the foothills, like when climbing Mutnovsky Volcano. There's still plenty of snow in the mountains, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Summer snowfields are easy to walk on and can be more comfortable than rocky paths. Mid-July marks the beginning of Kamchatka honeysuckle season—a delicious berry quite different from its mainland counterpart.
August:
August remains warm, although frosts can occur in the mountains from mid-month onwards. The honeysuckle season ends in early August, but a variety of other berries ripen. This month is perfect for hiking with an abundance of berries and mushrooms. Alpine flowers are fewer than in July, but can still be found at higher altitudes. The snow in the foothills is gone, making it easier for vehicles to reduce the walking distance for tourists.
September:
September is a stunning autumn spectacle. Mountain vegetation turns vibrant shades of orange to burgundy. There are still plenty of berries, and the Kamchatka shrub rowan—a delicious berry different from the mainland variety—ripens. Daytime temperatures can reach +15-18°C on sunny days, but frosty mornings are common. September is also prime time for fishing in Kamchatka’s rivers.
Where to Stay?
I will always and forever recommend the Nachiki resort. Located 100 km from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, it’s surrounded by breathtaking nature and features an amazing pool with thermal springs.
I used to ignore the hot springs for quite some time, but then I finally decided to give it a try. Let me tell you — it’s the best thing you can do after hiking and climbing mountains.
Nachiki is an old Soviet-era sanatorium with ambitious plans for development and expansion. And guess what? The best guide you could possibly meet in Kamchatka, Oksana, works there. You can find out about her tours right at the reception.
The head chef at the restaurant is a culinary genius! Just trust me on this one.
Rooms are simple, but they have everything you need and more.
Should I Hire a Guide?
Honestly, I always recommend exploring Kamchatka with a guide for several reasons:
Firstly, a guide can show you the most beautiful spots that you might miss on your own.
Secondly, you never know where a bear might appear, and it’s easy to panic in such situations.
Thirdly, with a good guide, you can rest assured that all your routes will be registered with the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS). If you don’t complete your hike within the specified time, a rescue team will be sent to find you.
Sure, you can save money by going solo, but in this case, is it really worth it? A guide can make your adventure safer and more enjoyable.
So, if Kamchatka is calling your name, why not join the fun? Let's plan a big, exciting group trip and make some unforgettable memories!
And here is little something for you to prepare yourself for the trip.
Download a packing reminder for your own convenience.
