Kamchatka: Reindeer Herders and 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!"
Henry Foehrenbacher
New York, NY
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This uncommon journey focuses on Russia's east coast and the wild Kamchatka Peninsula, a wide volcanic promontory thrusting upward from the Pacific Ring of Fire. Spend a week exploring this spectacular region by cross-country vehicle and helicopter, meeting its diverse people en route.
Days 1-2: Vladivostok
Gather in the port city of Vladivostok, founded in 1860 as a military outpost staking Russia's claim to the Far East. Investigate the naval history of this maritime city and visit its museums and churches.
Days 3-5: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Valley of the Geysers
A short flight brings us to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a remote seaside town surrounded by three sky-piercing volcanoes. Board a helicopter for a ride up Kamchatka's backbone of volcanic peaks to the Valley of the Geysers. A natural preserve only discovered in 1941, this area seethes with geysers, steaming hot springs, mud kettles and aromatic sulfur pools.
Days 6-9: Esso, Reindeer Breeders’ Camp
Venture north to the rarely visited Esso region, meeting Koryak and Even native peoples. The name Koryak comes from the native word khora, meaning reindeer; learn more about the lives of these semi-nomads during a visit to a reindeer camp.
Days 10-11: Vladivostok
Fly back to Vladivostok to toast the conclusion of the adventure.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
11 Days |
| Departure in 2008: |
1 |
| Dates: |
August 20-30 |
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| Land Tour Cost |
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| 6-16 travelers |
$6,295 |
| Partial Single Supplement |
$795* |
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MIR Signature Features
- Helicopter over wild landscapes of smoking volcanoes
- Sail the mountainous coastline of Avacha Bay
- Visit a traditional summer camp of semi-nomadic
reindeer breeders
Map
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| Day 1: |
Vladivostok |
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| Day 2: |
fly to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky |
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| Days 3-4: |
Petropavlovsk, helicopter to Valley of the Geysers, trip to Avacha Bay |
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| Day 5: |
drive to Esso |
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| Days 6-8: |
Esso, with day trips to Anavgai, helicopter to reindeer breeders' camp |
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| Day 9: |
drive to Petropavlovsk |
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| Day 10: |
fly to Vladivostok |
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| Day 111: |
depart Vladivostok |
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Suggested Extensions
Combine this tour with Lake Baikal Kayaking Adventure.
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