Far East Russia is a world apart from the country’s west – almost literally, lying thousands of miles and many time zones away from it. A huge area with rugged mountains and spectacular Pacific Ocean coastline, Far East Russia borders China and North Korea on its south and nearly touches the United States to the northeast. Cities like Vladivostok and Khabarovsk are here, but the glorious natural wonders (like the volcanoes and national parks of the Kamchatka Peninsula) are what draw many.
Restaurants in Far Eastern District Bed and Breakfast Inns
5.0 based on 171 reviews
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”.
5.0 based on 105 reviews
I wouldn't write another enthusiastic review but would rather mention a couple of moments that might be useful for newcomers to take account of. Me and my wife visited the place during our Lena cruise and would definitely return time and again if it were possible. Still, since there are so many places to see on Planet Earth, we'd hardly repeat it in future. Anyhow, we enjoyed every moment of our stay there - the climb, the summit, the views, voodoos, etc., etc., etc. Still, for those who plan to visit this fabulous miracle of Mother Nature the following remarks might be instrumental: 1. Mosquito headnet. Repellents do scare mosquitos away but they are helpless against gnat. Therefore, to have such net at least in your backpack would be a good idea. Summers may be quite hot in Yakutia so you may feel like in a sauna with such a "hat" on but at least you'd have a choice - to fight stuffiness or to suffer from these omnipresent tiny devils. 2. Start your climbing either to be the very first on top or - preferably - the very last. The area up there is not very large so do bear in mind that you may easily find yourself like in a subway car in rush-hours and nice photo opportunities may be scarce. The flip side of it may be that you might lose a chance to take part in a voodoo rituals organizers stage right after landing but, again, it's your choice. 3. Please be VERY cautious when on top. It may be slippery there even in dry weather, wooden railings are not the most reliable in the world - to say the least - no guards on duty are available and stunning panoramas may take your breath - and mind - away so an accident is something one must not forget about. Moreover, people behave there rather wildly, fighting for an optimal place to take pictures and selfies and all this only aggravates the situation. (This is another reason to come there either the first or the last.) Nevertheless, if you follow these simple rules you'll be absolutely awestruck by the place. And safe. As we were.
5.0 based on 78 reviews
Magic place where you feel the spirit of Kamchatka. Superb experience where you can ski from the top. Bring your food first:)
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