Useful Information
Kamchatka Brown Bear Viewing
Kamchatka Brown Bear Viewing
It is hard to imagine Kamchatka without bears. August is the best time to view them, particularly at the Kurilskoye Lake, the second largest on Kamchatka located in Yuzhno-Kamchatsky Reserve. It attracts the highest concentration of bears on the Peninsula along with other wildlife rushing for salmon feast.
Main highlights of this trip include:
Observe bears catching salmon from the safety of a viewing platform just 15 feet above the bears. Learn about the Lake's complex and rich ecosystem. Contribute to the Reserve's efforts to prevent poaching of salmon and bears. Visit the salmon research station, which monitors the largest salmon run on the Peninsula. Walk to the tundra and watch bears eating blueberries.
Day1: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky city
Arrival and meeting at the airport. Transfer to accommodations (Bed & Breakfast) in Yelozovo village. Go over the trip plan, and settle in. Go to Paratunka resort for a hot springs swim.
Day 2 - 5: Kurilskoye Lake Camp.
Fly to Kurilskoye Lake by helicopter. The daily itinerary is flexible but will certainly include a maximum amount of time outdoors viewing bears. Usually you'll be outdoors by 9:00. Don't worry if it rains, we'll head out anyway since the bears don't seem to mind wet weather. We can take hikes along the lakeshore, to the tundra, to a bear-viewing platform overlooking a salmon-filled river. When hiking, one of the Reserve's rangers will accompany the group along with your guide. Lodging at Grassy Point in cabins (2-4 people per room). On day 5, helicopter back to Yelizovo.
Day 6: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky city.
Free day. This day is yours to tour the city. Overnight in Yelizovo village at local Bed & Breakfast.
Day 7:
Airport transfer for your flight home.Included:
- Invitation letter and visa registration
- Professional guide and assistant
- Full board & lodging (2-4 people per room) as described
- Transportation & Transfers as described
- National Park fee
- Sokol orientation guide
Not included:
- International and domestic air fares to/from Kamchatka
- Visa processing fee
- Travel/Health Insurance
- Personal expenses
Special tour-related note:
Please inquire availability prior booking.Comments:
- The guide speaks English, German and French.
- Family-style dining in the lodge.
- Electric lights at night only from a generator.
- Be prepared to take a "shower" in the lake or river if needed, fight mosquitoes and share mutual "body inspections" with the guide or your team for ticks (in the summer).
- If personal hygiene is an issue-bring your own sleeping bags.
- Be prepared to use an outdoor toilet (wooden box).
- Carry toilet paper when in the field.
Route:
Kamchatka Peninsula - Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
Duration:
7 days
Date:
set schedule: August 7-14, August 14-20