Kamchatka: Reindeer Herders & the Ring of Fire
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"Fascinating. Educational. Mind expanding. On the whole I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. MIR did a good job!"
H. Foehrenbacher
New York, NY
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This uncommon journey focuses on the wild Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia's east coast, a wide volcanic promontory thrusting upward from the Pacific Ring of Fire. Spend nine days exploring this spectacular region by cross-country vehicle and helicopter, meeting its diverse people and experiencing its ruggedly beautiful landscapes en route.
Days 1-3: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Valley of the Geysers
Arrive in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a remote seaside town surrounded by three soaring volcanoes. Founded by Vitus Bering, the city is named after the two ships he sailed into Avacha Bay in 1740, the St. Peter and the St. Paul. Enjoy a boat ride around the bay, where colonies of sea birds nest on the cliffs. Board a helicopter for a ride up Kamchatka's backbone of volcanic peaks to the Valley of the Geysers, hidden in a canyon 125 miles from Petropavlovsk. A natural preserve only discovered in 1941, this area seethes with geysers, steaming hot springs, mud kettles and aromatic sulfur pools. In recognition of its great biodiversity, the United Nations has declared it a World Heritage Site.
Days 4-7: Esso, Reindeer Breeders' Camp
Venture north of Petropavlovsk, past the settlement of Milkovo, to the rarely visited region around the small town of Esso, located in the middle of the peninsula. Esso is home to many Koryak and Even indigenous people. The name Koryak comes from the native word khora, meaning reindeer; learn more about the lives of these semi-nomads during a helicopter visit to a reindeer camp. Visit the Koryak and Even ethnographic museum and art gallery and enjoy an authentic folk performance of traditional song and dance in the nearby settlement of Anavgai. Later, enjoy a soak in Esso's thermal pool, where locals gather to relax and chat.
Days 8-9: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
Drive back to Petropavlovsk to toast the conclusion of the adventure.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
9 Days |
| Departures: |
1 |
| Dates: |
August 26 - September 3 |
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| Land Tour Cost: |
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| 6-16 travelers |
$6,495** |
| Partial Single Supplement |
$595* |
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| No Hidden Costs! |
| **Land tour cost includes internal flight costs which are subject to change; see the Descriptive Daily Itinerary for details. |
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MIR Signature Features
- Helicopter over smoking volcanoes in some of the world's wildest landscapes
- Visit a summer encampment of seminomadic reindeer breeders and their herds
- Boat around the mountainous coastline of Avacha Bay
Map - Click to Enlarge
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| Days 1-2: |
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky |
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| Day 3: |
helicopter to Valley of the Geysers, trip to Avacha Bay |
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| Day 4: |
drive to Esso |
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| Day 8: |
drive to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky |
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| Day 9: |
depart Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky |
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| Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky |
Capital of Kamchatka Peninsula, home to Russian Pacific submarine fleet, boat ride on Avacha Bay, Museum of Volcanology |
| Valley of the Gysers |
Kronotsky Preserve (UNESCO World Heritage site) |
| Esso |
Helicopter journey with exceptional scenery, Milkovo Village, reindeer breeders' camp, ethnographic museum, extensive system of hotsprings
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| Avangay Settlement |
Home to Even and Koryak people |
Suggested Extensions
Optional pre- or post-tour to Vladivostok and the Amur Tiger Rehabilitation Center outside Vladivostok. Contact us for details.
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