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World > Eurasia > Kamchatka > Mutnovky and Goryely Volcanoes Route

Nine-day Tour
Available 10 July to 30 September
30-50 km hiking dependent on road condition
Moderate hiking not difficult

Mutnovsky Volcano (2324 meters) is one of Kamchatka's most active volcanoes one of the largest geothermal deposits in the world. Seventy kilometers south of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the volcano is accessible by unpaved road, a 46-hour drive from Yelizovo. Mutnovsky erupted in June 2000, with its activity melting some of the glacial ice on the slope of the crater. This formed a large lake in the crater. The entire volcanic mass is composed of 4 cones. The mountain has vast areas covered with tundra wild flowers in summer and in other areas huge fields of volcanic rock, sand, and debris.

Goryely Volcano is 5 km from Mutnovsky Volcano and is 1829 meters high. It last erupted in 1984-85. Goryely consists of 11 superimposed craters at the summit. Inside the active crater is a turquoise-blue acidic lake.

Day 1 Arrival, overnight at hotel in Paratunka geothermal area or homestay as desired. Meet guides, equipment check, buy last minute supplies. Swim at hot springs area as desired.

Day 2 Drive 4-6 hours to Mutnovsky Volcano. The drive is over unpaved roads through a spectacular birch forest, rising up above treeline to the alpine tundra of the volcanic zone. Frequent stops along the way will give a chance for photography. Picnic upon arrival, make camp. Explore the camp area. Overnight in tents (2 per tent).

Day 3 Hike up to the active crater of Mutnovsky Volcano (10 km). The actual amount of hiking may depend both on weather and on the road conditions which in early summer may not allow the vehicle to drive very close the the volcano. In August-September, road conditions often allow one to drive to within a 40 minute hike up to the crater.

Day 4 More hiking along the crater of the active Mutnovsky Volcano

Day 5 Drive or hike to Goryeli Volcano. Hike with backpacks along the Goryeli Volcano. Hiking 2-4 hours. Make new camp and take hikes around the old lava fields.

Day 6 Hike to the hot acidic lake in the crater of Goryeli Volcano. All day hike with day packs.

Day 7 Hike back to the vehicle. Return to the city, overnight in the hotel.

Day 8 Excursion to Paratunka for swimming at one of the many spas. Overnight at hotel or your homestay.

Day 9 Departure flight from Kamchatka

Note: This route may be extended to include a rest at the Viluchinskiy Hot Springs located in the area of the Mutnovsky Volcano.

This tour is organized by Yelizovo Tour Service. Please contact them for more information.

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