Kamchatka Krai: Volcanoes, Hot Springs and Protected Areas

Kamchatka Krai is known for its volcanoes, hot springs and protected areas. There are about 30 active and more than 160 extinct volcanoes in Kamchatka. In Nalychevo Nature Park, five named volcanoes frame a valley with hot and cold springs. Other natural attractions include Kuril Lake and the fumarole fields in Kronotsky Nature Reserve. When planning your trip, you can start by deciding which landscapes and experiences you want to focus on.

Volcanoes and Hot Springs in Nalychevo Nature Park

Seven tourist routes run through Nalychevo Nature Park and are accessible at different times of year. The number and availability of routes may change; confirm the latest information locally before committing to a route. The Nalychevo Valley is surrounded by the volcanoes Zhupanovsky, Avachinsky, Kozelsky, Koryaksky and Dzenzur.

There are about 200 hot springs in the park. They form groups that differ in water chemistry, temperature and balneological properties. The approximate number of springs may change. The central part of the nature park has hot and cold mineral springs with water containing carbon dioxide, arsenic and boron, as well as mineral trace elements.

Thermal Areas in the South Kamchatka Nature Reserve

The South Kamchatka Nature Reserve has several thermal areas and hot springs. The Verkhnekoshelevskoye thermal field lies in the crater of Valentin Volcano, at 1,250 to 1,400 m above sea level. The Lower Koshelevskoye thermal field is located on the slope of the caldera of West Koshelevsky Volcano, at an elevation of 750 to 800 m. Across an area measuring 100 to 450 m are boiling pools, mud pots, warm small lakes and steam vents.

Natural Heritage and Landscapes

Together with two federal protected areas, the nature parks Nalychevo, South Kamchatka, Bystrinsky and Klyuchevskoy are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Volcanoes of Kamchatka.”

In Kronotsky Nature Reserve

Snow-covered volcanoes and lakes are part of the natural landscape of Kronotsky Nature Reserve, along with hot springs and fumarole fields. Anyone wishing to visit the reserve independently must first complete an application on the website. Check with the reserve administration for current application requirements.

Kuril Lake and Bear Watching

Kuril Lake, the deepest freshwater lake in Kamchatka, is located in the South Kamchatka Nature Reserve. In August and September, brown bears come to its shores in search of food.

Separately, visitors to the South Kamchatka Nature Reserve can watch bears from a specially built observation tower, just a few dozen meters away. Check the current visitor requirements before making plans.

Guided Hike to Kutkhiny Baty

A one-day guided hike leads to the Kutkhiny Baty pumice deposits. Arrangements may vary by provider; confirm the details with the provider in advance.

Trip Planning and Hotel Search

If you are looking for a hotel in Kamchatka Krai, first decide which natural attractions you want your trip to focus on. Then compare the specific location of a hotel with the places you plan to visit. Each experience has different planning considerations: for Nalychevo, route availability and the time of year; for Kutkhiny Baty, arrangements for the guided hike; and for an independent visit to Kronotsky Nature Reserve, the application you must submit in advance.

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