Walking Grades and Fitness
Grading is a somewhat difficult topic as much depends on the individuals own perception of his or her abilities. The following is intended as a general guide to our grading system. The levels of difficulty are divided into categories B/C/D. Although the trekking is not at great altitude, it occasionally traverses rough terrain and involves some long days and steep climbs.

Grade B walks (Moderate): are for those of any fitness level who are able to traverse moderately hilly terrain. Walking is limited to day excursions from a central location to which you will be transported. These day hikes are normally no more than 6 hours in duration and all walking may be done with no backpack or with a light day pack.
Grade C walks (Strenuous): are for the more serious hill walker and a higher level of physical fitness is required. However, no special physical preparations should be needed. Walking days are normally 6-8 hrs and may involve up to 900m of ascent and descent. You should be prepared for several consecutive days of walking, sometimes at higher altitudes, so stamina is important. However, occasionally rest days in the course of the trek will be included.
Grade D walks (Tough): require that you are very fit and previous trekking experience is strongly recommended. Grade D includes long walks with steep uphill and downhill gradients. There will be some hiking at high altitudes (up to 4000m) and corresponding cold weather conditions. These treks will also involve several long days (up to 8-9 hours) of trekking continuously without a rest day.
#601. Floating down the Kamchatka River on a wooden raft


Season: May 20th - September 20th
Departure 2023: September 4th Ask your questions!
Group size - up to 8 pax.

Wooden Raft.The Kamchatka River is the largest river in Kamchatka. In former times the Valley of Kamchatka was the most densely inhabited place on the peninsula with more than twenty five thousand people living there. Now the area is far from populated. Floating down the river is a great way to observe wildlife, including brown bears and other animals. The floating begins in the settlement of Dolinovka and ends at the Atlasovo settlement. Bring your fishing equipment and expect to catch salmon. Spend your evenings stargazing by the campfire while learning how to cook Ukha, Russian fish soup.

 

9 DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1. Arrival in Petropavlovsk. Transfer from the airport to a hotel. Meet your guide and prepare for the trip.
Day 2. Drive to the old Cossack village of Milkovo, founded in 1743 by pioneers, who traveled two years across Siberia in search of a land to support both fur trade and agriculture. Accommodation in Valley Hotel or private house. Check out the museum here and the old Cossack architecture.
Day 3. Drive to Dolinovka settlement, where you will find a village that has changed very little in the past 100 years. Observe old traditions that are still alive in this small village. Camp on the bank and prepare for the trip. Overnight in tents.
Day 4. Float down the Kamchatka River and watch the wildlife. Stop to take walks and fish for salmon, trout, char and grayling. Relax in a scene of water glittering with sun and the sound of fish splashing nearby. Exchange tales around the campfire on the banks of the river.
Day 5. Continue floating the Kamchatka River. Visit Range Moose Lodge for the night. Try out smoked salmon.
Day 6. Float down the Kamchatka river to the Atlasovo settlement.
Day 7. Drive to the Esso settlement. Visit its museum and learn about the history and culture of the Evens, one of the four indigenous tribes of Kamchatka. Stop by the art gallery and admire or purchase Even arts and crafts. Relax in the geothermal pool in the center of the settlement. Stay over in private apartments.
Day 8. Return to PKC by bus. Unwind at your hotel or check out the city night life.
Day 9. City tour including a visit to a local museum. Shop for souvenirs in the morning. Free time. Departure.

Kamchatka River. Tent camp on river bank.Cost EUR 2500.00 per person.

Price includes:  

  • Full board
  • Double accommodation in a hotel in PKC
  • Accommodation in house, lodges and apartments on route
  • English-speaking rep at the arrival and departure in the PKC airport
  • Transfers by coach
  • City tour and museums fees
  • Floating equipment and fishing licenses
  • Guide, interpreter and cook services
  • Tents
  • Invitation letter and visa registration
  • Permits

Questions? Interested in booking a trip? See here for answers to frequently asked questions and here for more Kamchatka pictures, click here for booking details or ask your questions here.

#602. Floating down the Bystraya River and ascending Avacha Volcano

Fishing on the Bystraya River.Season: June 10th - September 20th
Departure 2023: September 2nd Ask your questions!
GRADE B.
Group size - up to 16 pax.

During this trip you will get acquainted with one of the most beautiful and wild rivers of Kamchatka, go floating and catch salmon, and ascend Kamchatka's most attractive and accessible volcano - Avachinsky - to have lunch near its crater while enjoying a perfect view of the Kamchatka mountains and the Avachinskaya Bay from the top.

Fishing The Bystraya River with a fly. Experiences from Nigel Stevens - 8 day trip August 2001

9 DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1. Arrival in Petropavlovsk. Transfer from the airport to Hotel. City tour including a visit to the local museum. Meet the guide and prepare for the trip.
Day 2. Boat excursion around Avacha Bay. This boat tour is a unique opportunity to see the fascinating surroundings of Petropavlovsk from the sea, to explore the shores of the Avacha Bay, and to watch colonies of seabirds and sea mammals in their natural habitat. The highlight of the excursion is the view of three finger-like rocks, called the Three Brothers, which shoot steeply out of the water at the bay's mouth. A short drive to Paratunka resort where you will be accommodated in a hotel. Relax and bath in hot thermal pools. Preparation for the trip.
Day 3. Drive by bus to the Malky settlement (130 km away). Float down the Bystraya River, the second longest river in Kamchatka. It flows past pristine wildlife habitat. During the trip you may fish, gather berries and mushrooms, or just watch the flocks of wild ducks. If you are lucky you may observe bears and Steller's Sea Eagles.
Days 4-5. Float down the Bystraya river making stops for lunch and fishing. Stay overnight on the river bank.
Day 6. Float down the Bystraya river to the pick up site. After lunch you will travel by 6WD bus to the Avacha volcano plateau. Establish base camp and make evening excursions.
Day 7. Ascend Avacha volcano (2748m). The tourist track follows a gradual slope to the top and usually takes 4-6 hours. Have lunch at the crater of an active volcano where its summit commands a picturesque view of a typical Kamchatka landscape: snowy mountain peaks glittering in the sun, and the blue of the  boundless ocean.
Day 8. Return to PKC. Unwind at your hotel or check out the city night life.
Day 9. Shop for souvenirs in the morning. Free time. Departure.

Avacha Volcano view. Campfire.Cost EUR 2480.00 per person.

Price includes:

  • Full board
  • Double accommodation in a hotel in PKC and Paratunka
  • English-speaking rep at the arrival and departure in the PKC airport
  • Transfers by coach and 6WD bus
  • Boat excursion on the Avacha Bay
  • City tour and museums fees
  • Equipment for floating and fishing licenses
  • Guides, interpreter and cook services
  • Tents
  • Invitation letter and visa registration
  • Permits

Questions? Interested in booking a trip? See here for answers to frequently asked questions and here for more Kamchatka pictures, click here for booking details or ask your questions here.

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