Located in the Russian Far East, lies a stunning peninsula with a high density of active volcanoes and exceptional congregation of brown bears.
Kamchatka has only started opening its doors to tourism in 1990, which makes it a relatively untraversed and remote region. If going on an expedition to areas that are pretty much untouched by the backwash of tourism, this is the place for you.
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Tolbachik Volcano in sunset
How many times have you caught yourself scrolling through countless photographs and articles of traveling on your phone, wishing that this trip of a lifetime were yours? Add up the total amount of time you spent doing that each day, you can be trekking through this amazing peninsula and looking upon one of the greatest beauty of natures.
With an astounding total of 160 volcanoes on this fish-shaped region, 29 of which are currently active ones, it is no wonder that this extraordinary destination is known as the “Land of Fire and Ice”. The magnificent mingling of active volcanoes and glaciers comes together to give us an artistry landscape of beauty that is bound to overwhelm you with its grandeur. Once you’ve set foot here, you can feast your eyes on this gorgeous sight and take in a luxurious breath of mountainous air.
Unusual Expedition, based in Singapore, never fails to bring you to exotic places. They conduct photography tours to volcanoes and lava fields. One of them is Tolbachik Volcano.
Water pond with reflection of a volcano
Tolbachik, an unusual type of landform that consists of two volcanoes: a flat-topped one made up of mostly fluid magma called the Plosky Tolbachik and another steeper, conical shaped volcano named Ostry Tolbachik. It is not often that we come across such a uniquely complex natural creation, making this trip totally worth it. Getting ourselves nearer to Tolbachik took us about a day in a 6 wheeled-drive as only special designed vehicles are able to pass through the rough terrains. After much bumping around on unpaved roads and crossing through a myriad of forests and rivers, we found ourselves at the foothills of Tolbachik. The most recent eruption of the Tolbachik was dated November 2012. Lava flowed continuously for over a month and according to the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT), moderate explosive eruption is still happening. Of course we had to see this for ourselves! Hence, we embarked on a 1hr hike to look for the lava field.
Trust me that you do not want to be next to me!
The lava field was a mass of black rocks and rivulets of red-hot lava. We could even feel warmth emitting from the ground that we were stepping on and it was such a thrilling experience. Knowing that an eruption has just taken place not long ago made it feel worlds away from stepping on hot stones in onsens. It grounds you (pun intended) and the magnitude of nature’s creation sets in. Proceeding with our journey, we found ourselves next at the Dead Forest. A somewhat eerie name that came about when the 1975 eruption wiped out thousands of trees, leaving them with bare branches. Facing an expanse of lifeless trees that have witnessed so much destruction left us feeling rather overwhelmed. Yet as we gazed upon the once lively forest, we started to spot signs of life. A few patches of green breaking through the grey ashy ground, a couple of tiny life forms stirring in this stretch of stillness.
The Dead Forest
The epic sunset on the rain clouds
Some kids playing in the small village, life can be simple
The russian girl standing by the jeep
The ice cave
The lunch, Whep!!! luckily it’s not me!
Moving on from the solemn mood, we decided to head to Lake Kuril – a UNESCO World Heritage Site next, a freshwater crater lake with an abundance of salmon fishes and teeming with furry brown bears going about their day.
Observing bear activities are conducted through the Ozyornyi Ranger Station & Lake Kuril Campsite with experienced park rangers educating us on the dos and don’ts while ensuring our safety.
Exploring around, we spotted several brown bears tranquilly hunting for salmon fishes in the lake. It was an incredible sightseeing these brown bears put their muzzles into the water and pouncing after a few moments of tracking fishes. They would then sit up with a salmon caught between their teeth and start contentedly munching. The urge to give these brown bears a massive hug is real!
Single bear fishing for salmon
Smelling something fishy?
The next trip to Kamchatka will be in September 2016. They will be covering Camp 1, Tolbachik, Mutnovsky, Uzon and Lake Kuril in 18 days. Inclusive of 4 helicopter flights and land tour by 6 wheel-drive truck.
Why wait for the trip of a lifetime? Join us for your next adventure!
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