Expedition to the Northern Kuril Islands

The Kuril Islands are located in the Russian Far East. Like a giant necklace, they stretched from Kamchatka to Japan for more than a thousand kilometers. Relating to the Sakhalin region, the Northern Kurils still gravitate towards the closely located Kamchatka. Due to their geographical location, the islands are virtually cut off from the outside world and keep their secrets well.

This, like Kamchatka, is the land of active volcanism. Locals are not surprised by the neighborhood of their houses with volcanoes, and on the slope of the hills you can easily find hot springs.

Here lies an amazing place, the “eighth wonder of the world” – Krenitsyn volcano. Species of this volcano can often be found on the Internet, but only a few have seen it live. Located on the uninhabited island of Onekotan and jutting out of a water-filled giant caldera, it is considered the highest bunk volcano in the world.

In 2023, we will make an expedition to the Northern Kuril Islands. Our goal is to be on the island of Paramushir, where the Ebeko volcano is located - one of the most active in the region. Land on the uninhabited island of Atlasova, which is actually one huge volcano. And on the island of Onekotan to see the incredible volcano Krenitsyn. If time remains, we will cross the Second Kuril Strait by boat and visit the cemetery of military equipment during the Second World War on the island of Shumshu.

What awaits you:

• 10 days of unforgettable journey at the end of the world.
• About 600 kilometers across the Pacific Ocean.
• Observing marine animals in their natural habitat.
• Landings on uninhabited islands.
• Whale and killer whale watching.
• A tour of abandoned Japanese fortifications during World War II.

Detailed description of the expedition

• During the trip, we plan to land on four large islands of the Northern Kuril Islands. There is no infrastructure on the islands, so we will be on foot.
• In the Northern Kuril Islands, much will depend on the weather. Winds and fog, which are not uncommon here, can prevent landing on shore or delay us on the way. In any case, everything will be done for a successful and safe journey. Under favorable weather conditions, our program will take 10 days, but we recommend taking return tickets from Kamchatka with a margin of 3 days.
• Physical activity: ahead of us there are crossings on a sea boat, trekking on uninhabited islands, the longest of all 9 kilometers in one direction, and also, in favorable weather, simple ascents to volcanoes
• Weather: In summer, the average temperature in the Northern Kuril Islands rarely rises above 12 degrees. The cold is felt most on the water, so good warm clothes are a must.
• On the trip, it is advisable to take with you scattered tourist shoes.

Seaboat

• From Severo-Kurilsk we will go on a journey on a comfortable sea boat. There is no regular connection between the islands, so a boat trip is the only way to see the beauty of the region. and land in the most secluded corners of uninhabited islands. And, in addition, the boat does not deter whales and killer whales, so you can approach them closer.
• The vessel is equipped with all the necessary equipment for safe autonomous travel: satellite communications, modern navigation system and emergency rescue equipment.
• The boat is designed for 9 passengers and crew. There is a spacious dining room and two cabins for relaxation during sea crossings, as well as a refrigerator, gas stove and toilet.
• When traveling, we are not strictly tied to the schedule, so depending on the weather conditions, our program may change. If we have free time, we will visit unplanned places, and in others we can stay if we wish. In any case, we will make the program as rich and interesting as possible for each participant.

Day 1

Beginning of adventure

We meet at the airport, collect luggage and go to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. In the evening we will visit a restaurant in the city center, where we will discuss the upcoming trip. We'll sleep at the hotel.

Day 2

The beginning of the expedition

In the morning we will go by helicopter to the village of Nikolaevka, from where we will fly by MI-8 helicopter to the city of Severo-Kurilsk. Upon arrival in Severo-Kurilsk, we will settle in apartments and go on a tour of the surrounding area.

Day 3-8

Northern Kurils

Our experience in organizing trips to the Northern Kurils forced us to abandon a clear plan of the expedition. The weather here is very unstable, frequent storms and thick fogs, so follow a clear plan will not work. As they say, nothing happens in the sea. Instead, we left the locations we plan to reach during the expedition.

Onekotan Island

The pearl of the Northern Kurils. The island is so inaccessible that no more than three hundred people land on it per year. In the south of the island is a unique volcano Krenitsyn. Standing in an ancient caldera filled with water, it is the tallest double volcano in the world. To Lake Koltsevoe, inside which the volcano is located, there is a tourist trail 8 kilometers long. Climbing it is not difficult and under the power of any healthy person.

Atlasov Island

The first Kuril island is actually one large volcano growing directly from the water. The height of the volcano Alaid, the highest point of the island, is 2339 meters. In 1937, near the island of Atlasova grew out of the water small, a little more than 100 meters in height, the youngest volcano Kuril - volcano Taketomi. It was the first time in history that an underwater volcano was born. Climbing this volcano is simple, and the views from its top leave an indelible impression.

Shumshu Island

An island located between Kamchatka and Paramushir. The place of the last battle of the Second World War, where in August 1945 the Kuril landing operation took place. In the 40s of the twentieth century, the Japanese created a chain of long-term fortifications and airfields on the island, which are still in good condition. This island is an open-air museum, in which there are no more than two hundred people a year. Near the airfield are the remains of destroyed and destroyed fighters of the Second World War, and near the village of Baikovo installed steles in honor of the first settlers and liberators of the Kuril Islands.

Paramoushire Island

The largest island of the Northern Kuril Islands with the administrative center of the region - the city of North Kuril. Right at the port of the city there is a fleet of dead ships, and not far from the center spews ash the most active volcano in this region - Ebeko. In good weather, you can try to climb this volcano. The main thing is not to get too close to the crater – ash emissions are very dangerous.

Day 9

Return to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

Having completed the entire program on the Northern Kuril Islands, on this day we will return to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky by helicopter MI-8. We will check in at the hotel and celebrate our return in the evening in one of the restaurants of the city.

Day 10

Airport transfer

Last day of the program. Before departure, we will visit the fish market, where we will tell you which delicacies are best to bring home.

• Airport – hotel – airport (in case of arrival and departure with the main group)
• escort of the instructor from arrival in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
• all movements in Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands within the tour
• accommodation in hotels in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
• accommodation in apartments in North-Kurilsk
• feeding
• group equipment: tents, tourist mats and all kitchen equipment
• Health insurance (US$50,000 insured, helicopter evacuation included)
• kit
• permission to visit border zones (foreign citizens must provide copies of their documents not later than one month before the start of the expedition)
• satellite phone