Kamchatka

June-September

Siberia is subject to hot, humid summers and frigid winters. July is the  peak of the trekking season and also the peak of the mosquitoes! We prefer going during the shoulder months of August or September when there are even less trekking groups and a milder ( though colder) climate. 

Daily temperatures can vary greatly but you can plan for +5-20 °C. Subzero temperatures at night are possible but quite unlikely. However, it can be wet so bring quality rain gear and waterproof your boots. Snow is possible in the fall trekking season (September and October)

When we are not out in the wilderness, during which time we will be mostly wild camping, we will use local guesthouses and cabins. While these are usually of high standard, they do not offer as many amenities due to their remote location. Still, they are warm, comfortable, and offer three hot meals a day.

Near the beginning of the trip, we will also be staying in the small, remote village of Kozyrevsk. Here we will use local cabins as our accommodation. The cabins are located in the backyard of a local and the host(s) are always very welcoming.

Once we leave Kamchatka City, WiFi is non-existent.

There is no mobile reception whatsoever on the trek. To stay online in Kozyrevsk and Petropavlovsk avoiding data roaming charges you can buy a local SIM card for about €5.

Guides do carry satellite messenger devices.

In general, the Kamchatka is a place relatively free of crime found in the big cities. There are brown bears (not grizzlies) out in the national park, though they are typically shy and avoid humans.

While in cities, we feast on a variety of tasty local  Siberian and typical Russian food. For our trek, we pack, healthy, filling dehydrated meals prepared in advance by your guides. Typical dishes include local meat, fish, noodles, pierogis, soups, and… even bear paws – which we still don’t know how we feel about. 

Getting a Russian Visa is straightforward. You will need a letter of invitation to Russia from our partner in Russia, a copy of your passport, a filled-in visa form, a passport copy, etc. A full list and instructions will be provided when the time comes to apply. It really is not difficult and typically visa approval occurs within 10 days or less. 

The official currency of Russia is the ruble. Depending on the markets, conversion rates are usually around 75-100 rubles to 1 USD.

• ATMs are common in Russia but less common (or non-existent) once in Siberia or the Kamchatka Peninsula. We highly recommend that you change/withdraw your money in a more developed area before arriving in Kamchatka.
• Due to sanctions, it is impossible to use United States credit or debit cards in Russia. American clients will need to be prepared with sufficient cash for exchange and expenses.
• For that matter, Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, JCB, or American Express cards issued abroad do not work in Russia either.
• We always recommend that instead of relying on your ATM card, bring foreign cash and change it in the city (if the money changer is open at the airport). USD, Euro, and British Pounds are all fine.
• Make sure to bring notes that are free from any defects. The money changers like PERFECT banknotes.