Kamchatka. Russia starts here

In recent years, the Kamchatka Peninsula has become popular with Russian and foreign tourists. A large number of exotic natural phenomena, active volcanoes and preserved almost untouched wildlife attract here a traveler spoiled by civilization who wants to experience the thrill.  

Kamchatka is an extraordinary land that combines the originality and beauty of nature, rare natural phenomena - volcanoes, geysers, mineral springs;
the wealth of the animal world - a variety of fish, birds, unique animals; relic plants. This ecologically clean protected corner of the planet attracts true travelers and wildlife lovers. An interesting geographical location, unique landscapes and unique natural attractions make Kamchatka attractive for travel lovers and organizers of exciting tourist routes.

Kamchatka stretches for 1200 km in length, but its width is half as much - 500 km. Such elongation provided the peninsula with the role of a natural border between the Pacific Ocean, the Bering and Okhotsk Seas, which wash the region from three sides. On the eastern side are the Commander Islands, in the south - the Kuril Ridge, which is part of the Sakhalin Region. In the north, already by land, the peninsula borders on the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, in the northwest - on the Magadan Region.

It is not for nothing that Kamchatka is called the land of volcanoes, because there are as many as 300 of them in a small area of ​​the peninsula, of which 29 are active. The peninsula is located in a seismically active zone and is periodically shaken by tremors of various strengths. But despite this, the tourist trail to these places does not overgrow. Here are the main destinations popular with tourists here.

Valley of Geysers

A rare phenomenon of nature - geysers, found in just a few points of the planet, are represented on the peninsula by the Valley of Geysers. The valley of geysers is called the "pearl" of Kamchatka. It has 22 large springs (Velikan, Zhemchuzhny, Sakharny, etc.) adjacent to many springs, boiling colored lakes and mud pots. Not the only one, but one of the largest in the world. Probably the most popular place among travelers on the peninsula.  

The valley is a huge depression, which was formed by two rivers - Shumnaya and Geysernaya. 

Almost the entire area of ​​the valley is covered with geyser springs of different power, which periodically shoot up jets of hot water or steam. You can visit the valley by helicopter.

Volcano Klyuchevskaya Sopka

One of the most majestic, beautiful and youngest volcanoes in Eurasia. Very tall, regular triangular shape, it is a grandiose sight. Eruptions here occur at various intervals from one to five years in the form of small ash emissions and several lava flows. However, once every 20-25 years, very strong eruptions occur, causing serious damage.  

Because of the large ash clouds, they even cancel flights in the region. Sightseeing tours are organized to the volcano. Sometimes at dusk, in the absence of clouds near the summit, you can see lava flows flowing down the slopes.

Tolbachik

Tolbachik (Tolbachinskaya Sopka) is a large volcanic massif located in the southwestern part of the Klyuchevskaya group of volcanoes. At the base of the massif there is an ancient shield volcano with a diameter of 22 km, and on its pedestal are the younger volcanoes Ostry and Plosky Tolbachiki. The landscape of Tolbachinsky Dol is similar to the lunar one, so here at one time there was a base for testing lunar rovers and rovers.  

The last remnants of the "lunar rover base" were buried by the lava flow of a new fissure eruption in 2012-2013. Flat is still active. It was his eruption that caused the appearance of the Dead Forest. Tourist excursions with accommodation are organized to the volcano, during which travelers can experience the full range of acute emotions.

Malkinskiye healing springs

The water in these springs is used for the prevention and treatment of skin, gynecological, neurological problems and diseases of the cardiovascular system. The location of the springs is a cozy green river valley, about 0.5 km wide, surrounded by hills covered with stone-birch forest.  

Here, on a small thermal site, hot springs with a temperature of up to 80 ° C gush out directly from the sand and pebbles and, mixing with the cold water of the river, form several natural baths.

Each bath has its own special composition and temperature. For the convenience of staying here, near the springs, a recreation center was built with comfortable houses and convenient paths for descending to the healing springs.

Khalaktyrsky beach

Khalaktyrsky beach is located on the Pacific coast. Despite the rather harsh climate of the Kamchatka Peninsula, the beach is not suitable for a beach holiday in its classical sense, since the water is never warmer than + 15C even in summer, but it is very popular with surfers who come to "catch the wave" surrounded by active volcanoes. The sand here is unusual, black in color - it was formed after volcanic eruptions. The frozen lava over time, under the influence of wind and water, turned into the smallest particles of volcanic sand. On sunny summer days, it warms up a lot and walking barefoot on it can be not only pleasant, but also useful. It is said that the sand, thanks to the minerals it contains, has a healing effect. However, even just lying on the warm sand next to the raging ocean is a pleasure.

acid lake

Maly Semyachik is an active volcano in Kamchatka, which attracts tourists with its amazing view. A poisonous turquoise acid lake splashes in its crater. The water contains a large percentage of sulfuric acid and has an amazing turquoise color. You can admire it when visiting a helicopter tour.

Kronotsky Reserve

Kronotsky State Biosphere Reserve, one of the representatives of the protected complex, is one of the oldest protected areas in Russia. Its location occupies the sites of lands protected by the local population since the end of the 19th century. The purpose of the creation of the Kronotsky Reserve was initially to preserve the population of the Kamchatka sable, once called "soft gold".

Today, expanding its borders, the Kronotsky Reserve is the first to protect a whole group of bighorn sheep and reindeer. The reserve is the only place in Kamchatka where a reproductive rookery of sea lions lives. It covers 2% of the entire Kamchatka Peninsula. Within the boundaries of this territory are located not only rare groups of animals, plant populations, but also fire-breathing mountains.

Kurile lake

Kurile Lake is the largest spawning ground in Eurasia for sockeye salmon, a fish of the Pacific salmon family. The population here varies between 1.5–6 million individuals. Spawning is very long: it lasts from May to October and determines some features of the lake ecosystem. Kuril Lake is a specially protected object of nature and belongs to the territory of the South Kamchatka Federal Reserve.

Kurile Lake is located on the territory of the Kronotsky Reserve. Approximately 8,500 years ago, the crust of the globe was lowered due to a strong volcanic eruption and a huge pit was formed, which over time was filled with snow and rainfall, turning into a lake. Nature here fascinates with its landscapes and everyone who visits here will feel the incredible calmness of the origins of life.

Kamchatka is a fascinating place for tourists.
Where else in Russia can you feel the powerful breath of the earth, see real volcanoes with a heap of lava flows? Here you can test yourself climbing steep slopes to the tops of volcanoes, look into their craters. Kamchatka with its majestic volcanoes, snow-covered hills, clean air, harsh climate and extraordinary landscapes can amaze even the most sophisticated tourists.

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