10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Kolyma Krai That You Shouldn't Miss

Reviewed By agrant1942 - Los Angeles, United States

In August 2017 we visited Kamchatka, Russia for the first time. Two weeks should be considered minimal for a first visit there, certainly not enough, surely we will return for more. The place is amazing, in many aspects it is unique in comparison with other tourist destinations, and this is said after extended trips over the past 30 years to Australia, China, Japan, South East Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia & Indonesia) to Europe and of course in the United States. Kamchatka is different, emphasis on different. Unless you are an extreme winter sports buff, the touring season in Kamchatka will limit your visit to the months of July – August, maybe from late June to Early September but that is already taking a risk with the weather. Not that in July or August you will sunbathe on a beach, no way, but at least there is a chance for relatively dry days and passable terrain, as most sites and sights in Kamchatka are accessible via rough gravel roads and by foot, some only by helicopter. So prepare for extensive walking. We arrived by flight from Anchorage. It is a weekly flight of Yakutia Airline which is available only 10 weeks each summer. Other options (certainly longer and perhaps cheaper) are via Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo, Moscow, and Vladivostok, Russia. But enough with the introduction, what we have seen and experienced is more important. Rafting and fishing on a river, climbing up volcanoes, viewing bears in the wild, walking by steaming Sulfur fumaroles and bubbling mud pools, with a native ethnic festival and a few museums to cap the visit, all this in two week – WOW !!! Our host was Martha Madsen (an American from Homer, Alaska living in Kamchatka for over 20 years and worthy of a story in her own right) who runs a lovely Bed and Breakfast place in Yelizovo, as well as the Explore Kamchatka (www.explorekamchatka.com / [email protected]) service. Martha organized the entire visit including tours, guides, translators, vehicles, helicopter flights, rafting, overnight stays, several visits to geo-thermal pools, in short – everything (!!!) in a most professional yet personal and friendly manner. We feel that we have gained a friend. For specifics and details, kindly see the following reviews: Mutnovsky Volcano Gorely Volcano Kurile Lake Kamchatka Museum of Local Lore Small Valley of Geysers T-34 Tank Monument The fact that during our two weeks in Kamchatka and with its reputation for erratic weather we did manage to see some 90% of the planned program is thanks to Martha’s skill and knowledge. As already stated by one far greater than myself (Gen. McArthur): “We Shall Return”.