Kamchatka, Nalychevo Nature Park
At the start of my outdoor journey, there was no outdoor community around me; finding information was tough, and this blog was created to fill that void. Today, the outdoors is my passion, my work, and my life, surrounded by a growing community of backpackers exploring the world. In my trek reports, I strive to share practical insights, yet every expedition begins with an emotion. It sparks from a random photo in a feed or a story that resonates so deeply it becomes the catalyst to learn everything about a place and ultimately set out to explore it. This project is designed to capture those emotions in photos and inspire people to journey into new lands.
- Location: Russia, Kamchatka Krai. Nalychevo Nature Park. The closest nature park to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and Yelizovo. Trailhead: Pinachevo ranger station, about 30–40 km from Yelizovo via a relatively firm road. Mountain pass at 1,160 m.
- Best time to visit: August – September
- Route highlight: The rarely trodden Dzenzur Volcano and panoramic vistas over open wilderness and the dramatic contours of volcanic peaks. You won't find landscapes like this anywhere in the Caucasus.
- Why go: The route heads toward Avachinsky Volcano with an overnight stay at the foot of Koryaksky (its symmetrical cone and vast surroundings are breathtaking); here you will witness the most stunning sunrises and sunsets, where mountains appear to float above the earth. It gets bitterly cold, dropping below freezing at night. Trekking across black cinder fields is demanding, with boots sinking into volcanic ash just like deep snow.
- Tip for hikers: Wild berries peak in August; you can sit in one spot and feast on everything within arm's reach. Bears love them too, but it is typically only the young, skittish bears foraging on the slopes. Large bears are busy fishing salmon in the rivers at this time (a great advantage of visiting in August).
- Trek story: Mount Camel (Verblyud) and Avachinsky are heavily frequented by tourists—crowded, littered, and rather disheartening. The ascent of Avacha is long but straightforward up to 2,000 m. Higher up, you encounter snowfields, high winds, and steep terrain. Scree-running down the volcanic cinder on the descent is pure joy. Getting back to town requires a shift-bus (vakhtovka) or an all-terrain vehicle; otherwise, expect an arduous 20 km trek along a riverbed track shared with vehicles.
- Why visit: Nalychevo reveals Kamchatka without needing helicopters or off-road rigs. If you want to immerse yourself in solitude—welcome—or travel on a budget without major expenses other than a taxi to and from the trailhead. Nearby lies Khalaktyrsky Beach with its flawless black sand, surf breaks, and the endless Pacific Ocean. A taxi costs around 700 RUB one way.
- How to get there: Direct flights from Moscow to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky operate almost daily. It is best to book six months in advance. Pre-COVID, November was the prime booking window when fares dropped 3–4 times; my round-trip cost 22,000 RUB. A taxi to Pinachevo costs around 1,000 RUB, though fares vary; local taxi apps work well. From Avachinsky, it is easiest to hitch a ride on a shift-bus or hike out. Food prices are elevated, especially dairy and fruit. August is the fresh caviar season—enjoy it, but be mindful of protein overload. Allocate extra days for your itinerary (7–10 days or more), as rains can last for days on end. Rainy days are perfect for relaxing in the thermal springs; note that some bathers may not be comfortable with nudity. The route can be tackled solo or in small groups. Always pack out food scraps and store provisions in airtight containers outside your tent. Make plenty of noise when moving through dense bush to alert bears. Trek at your own pace❤️
Avachinsky Volcano
Koryaksky Volcano
Central Ranger Station and Dzenzur
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