Hiking around Tolbachik
with climbing the volcanoes Plosky Tolbachik and Bezymyanny

Northern Breakthrough and Tolbachik Base Camp

In the morning, after breakfast, we set off towards the Ostry and Plosky Tolbachik volcanoes. Today we have about 15 kilometers to walk, but along the way we will have stops and small radial light excursions to see the sights. And the most important of them are the cones of the Northern Breakthrough, from where an eruption occurred in 1975-76, covering the forest with volcanic slag, which became Dead. Here, to this day, minor volcanic activity continues - gases and steam come out, the stones in some places are so hot that you can light small sticks or boil eggs from their heat.

By evening we will arrive at the reserve cordon, near which the base camp of the Ostry and Plosky Tolbachik volcanoes is located, where we will spend the night almost in comfort - a spring with crystal clear water, toilet cabins and even a dining room-kitchen under the roof are at our service.

Tolbachik and its environs

Today we have a relatively relaxed day - we walk around the surrounding area, examine the incredibly beautiful and unreal volcanic cones and craters, the huge lava field of the Tolbachik fissure eruption of 2012-2013 with bizarre layers of lava, similar to the roots of exotic plants. Some parts of the lava resemble real works of art made of glass and other incomprehensible substances. In the lava field there are several caves formed due to the uneven layers of huge masses of flowing lava, and there are areas where the lava is blown by hot gases coming out through cracks and is still hot. We will examine several fresh volcanic cones and craters, which together form an alien landscape that is unreal for Earth. And all this in torn shreds of clouds and fog flying in at high speed every now and then, against the background of the snow-capped Ostry and Plosky Tolbachik. Believe me, you will not see such landscapes anywhere else in the world! The day will be very exciting and will allow you to take fantastic, unrealistic pictures, and at the same time rest a little before the difficulties of the upcoming ascent and hike.

However, depending on the weather, on this day we can climb Plosky Tolbachik, and do the above-described walks the next day - all this is decided on the spot.

Climbing Tolbachik

Very early rise (no later than 4 am), quick breakfast and we set off towards the top of the Plosky Tolbachik volcano. The climb and rest take, depending on the weather and the group's preparedness, from 6 to 10 hours. Those who do not feel strong enough for a rather difficult climb, which requires not only good physical preparation but also developed moral and volitional qualities, are better off staying in the camp and just relaxing, walking lightly around the area.

Tolud Base

After climbing Tolbachik, many will be tired, so on this day we will make a minimal transition by the standards of our hike - 7 kilometers - to the Tolud base. Volcanologists once worked here, but after they left, a good wooden house was abandoned and today it is not possible to live in it. But next to it there is a modern canopy, a place for a fire and a sufficient number of flat places for tents. Here we will set up our camp.

Continuation of the hike

We have breakfast, pack up camp and head out towards the three great Kamchatka volcanoes - Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Kamen volcano and Bezymyanny volcano. However, today we will not reach them, but will limit ourselves to a 17-18 km hike, setting up camp on a plateau between the Plosky Tolbachik, Bolshaya Udina and Ovalnaya Zimina volcanoes. The plateau is cut by ravines, along which swift streams and small rivers flow from the volcanoes, partly covered with snowfields, partly with grass. We set up camp, rest and enjoy the views of these natural wonders.

Field of Mars - Polenitsa - Plotin's house

Another hiking transition across the plateau, as well as the Tolbachinsky pass, from which in good weather (let's hope that we are lucky with it) a three-dimensional panoramic view of all the volcanoes of the Klyuchevskoy cluster and a huge Martian valley of large and small craters covered with delicate greenery opens up. Then, 2.5 km after descending from the pass, we will stop for a rest and a snack at the Marsovo Field tourist camp, next to which there is a waterfall with very tasty water, and then we will make the final dash and pass by the famous Polenitsa (a mountain, the structure of the stones is similar to a woodpile of firewood), through a small pass we will come to Plotin's house - an old house of volcanologists, which now serves as a shelter for tourists - inside the house you can spend the night in case of bad weather, and in good weather there is a beautiful flat meadow for tents around.

Climbing Bezymyanny Volcano

Early in the morning we will climb Bezymyanny Volcano. Technically it is not difficult and not very long, but you will still have to puff and pant - first you need to overcome huge boulders, then steep slopes with loose rock, somewhat similar to the slopes of its older brother - Klyuchevskaya Sopka, however, at a much lower altitude and without the danger of rockfalls (an excellent opportunity to practice and feel the level of difficulty for those who are planning or thinking about climbing Klyuchevskaya Sopka). Again, for those who do not feel strong enough for a difficult climb, it is better to stay in the camp and rest.

Bezymyanny Volcano itself is very active, consists of a crater, inside of which a new cone rises that has grown over the years since the last eruption in 1953, on top of which there is another crater. The lower crater is densely covered with fumaroles, the cone is all in smoke from the abundant gases coming to the surface, and the upper crater is completely hidden from view by thick smoke. In order to climb to the very top, you need a respirator - the gases are quite poisonous and cause coughing fits that do not go away for several days. However, there is no particular point in climbing to the very top - the lower crater gives an idea of ​​the power and grandeur of this volcano, relatively small by Kamchatka standards. And the views even from the edge of the lower crater are stunning, its activity is amazing, so get ready for very interesting and unusual sensations!

After descending from the volcano, we pack up camp and head towards the camp "Edelweiss Glade". However, today we will not reach it, setting up camp on the bank of the Razmyvochny stream in a suitable place for this.

Campsite Polyana Edelweiss

Today we have to walk along the edge of an old lava field, along the Razmyvochny stream, cross a long section of tundra plowed by a recent mudflow and come to the Studenaya River. We cross it on huge boulders above the canyon, at the same time we examine the canyon itself - a rather interesting and unusual natural formation - a riverbed carved out over millions of years in a black stone monolith.

Closer to the evening we will come to the campsite Polyana Edelweiss, where there is a canopy, places for tents, sweet fed squirrels live, and at a short distance, if you walk along the path for about a kilometer, you can find that very meadow of famous mountain flowers.

Spare day

Spare day for a day off and rest during the hike. It is not very correct to plan places for day offs in advance, since the weather can make its own adjustments - we will use them based on the short-term weather forecast in places with beautiful views.

Kozyrevsk

In the morning, after breakfast and packing, we will make a short walk (9 km) to the Kopyto campsite, where a delivery car will be waiting for us. It will take us to the village of Kozyrevsk, where we will stay in a local guest house - simple in terms of amenities, but there is a bathhouse, a visit to which after a hike and overnight stays in tents gives incomparable pleasure!

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

In the first half of the day we load into the minibus that has come for us and set off for Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. It's almost 600 km, half of which is on a gravel road, so we'll be in the capital of Kamchatka closer to evening. We check into a hotel, walk around the evening city, and relax.

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

Free day in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. If the group wishes, you can join together and take a joint sea excursion to Russkaya Bay (we highly recommend it! but the excursion is not included in the tour price!), or go to Khalaktyrsky Beach, or everyone can choose for themselves, separately from the group, an activity to their liking: go to the volcanoarium, to the market for caviar and fish, just walk around the city or order one of the many excursions by sea or to home volcanoes.

Home!

In the morning we will have time to run to the market, buy red fish and caviar, after which around lunchtime we will transfer to the airport and fly home. However, the most active and insatiable ones can stay in Kamchatka for a few more days to take helicopter excursions to the Valley of Geysers or Kuril Lake, or go rafting, take additional sea excursions or surf on Khalaktyrsky Beach.

The weather in Kamchatka does not spoil you with warmth and a large number of sunny days, it is harsh and unpredictable. Therefore, take the selection of clothes and shoes for this trip seriously!

You will definitely need: a membrane jacket, a raincoat, a light down jacket or vest, a fleece, two pairs of hiking pants (waterproof or quick-drying), thermal underwear, good trekking boots, boots, slippers for wading streams and rivers, trekking poles, a headlamp, a mosquito net, a 70-90 liter backpack with a protective cover for it... A full list of necessary clothes, shoes and equipment will be sent to you after signing up for the tour and making an advance payment.

The tour is very active and intense, so it requires discipline and personal involvement in the process from the participants.

During the trip by car, delays and unforeseen circumstances are possible - car breakdown, river flooding, road and bridge repairs. During the trip, the route may be adjusted depending on the current weather, possible injuries and the condition of the participants. Changes are discussed with the participants, but the final decision is made by the instructor, as he is responsible for the program and safety of the group.

During the hike, the group moves at the speed of the weakest participant, dividing the group into "weak" and "strong", as well as any other division of the group is not allowed! If you are not ready to help each other, are not ready to be part of one team, you should go on this or a similar trip on your own.

The instructor is responsible for preparing food, the help of the participants is welcomed, and sometimes simply necessary!

This hike does not provide a separate menu for vegetarians and / or vegans. If you belong to one of these categories, of course, you can take part in the hike, but responsibility for your food lies with you personally, claims against the organizers for the lack of sufficient vegetarian food are not accepted!

Air tickets are purchased by the participants themselves. It is better to do this in advance - in December-February, at this time the lowest price is possible plus the opportunity to buy subsidized tickets (if you belong to one of the categories of citizens for whom this is possible).

Arrival in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and departure from it earlier or later than the dates specified in the program is paid for by the participants themselves, including transfer to/from the airport, as well as accommodation in hotels/hostels on days outside the tour dates.

1. If you are interested in this tour, leave a request using the form below or call the numbers listed, we will contact you and answer all your questions.
2. To reserve a place, you must make an advance payment of 30% of the tour cost. The advance payment is refundable 45 days or more before the start of the tour and non-refundable, unfortunately, less than 45 days before the start of the tour, if the refund is due to your refusal to participate (for any reason). If the tour does not take place due to our fault, due to the group not being formed, or due to force majeure, the advance payment will be guaranteed to be returned to you in any case.
3. The advance payment is made through the Payment section on this website. The final payment can also be made via the website, but not less than 5 days before the start of the trip, or in cash on site, on the first day of the tour. Before making an advance payment, first send an application or contact the organizer in any other way (phone, messengers, email), make an advance payment only after receiving confirmation from the organizer!