Ditch the tropical vacation; join our Epic adventure to K2 Base Camp this summer!
Ditch the tropical vacation; join our Epic adventure to K2 Base Camp this summer!
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
TOTAL TREK DISTANCE: 70 km
MAX ALTITUDE: 3000 meters
TOUR DURATION: 13 days
LODGING: Mix of wild camping, hotels
GROUP SIZE: 10 – 12 people
How many of you or your friends have heard of the Kamchatka Peninsula?
Probably not many. That’s exactly why we love it
Witness surreal volcanic landscapes in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage national park in Kamchatka — a Siberian peninsula that is closer to Alaska than the nearest Russian city. This EPIC 13-day itinerary is tailored for keen trekkers and lovers of wild camping among active volcanoes!
Discover the raw splendor of the Kamchatka Volcanoes on a self-supported trekking expedition of a lifetime.
Dates | Places | Deposit | Full |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coming Soon | Coming Soon | $800 | $3175 |
Whether you’re just curious about this trip or are ready to make a deposit, we’re here for you.
To submit an inquiry or make a trip deposit, please fill out and submit the form below.
10 AM arrival at PKC airport. Thermal pools soak to ease the muscles after a few days of travel. , check in to a hotel/guesthouse.
Today we will have our first team meeting and take some of the afternoon to rest.
Tonight we will have an EPIC group feast.
Note: clients are responsible for book their own return flights from Moscow.
We recommend that you sleep one night at a hotel in Moscow before the trip starts (not included).
Starting at 8AM, 7-8 hrs private minibus transfer to Kozyrevsk village with lunch en route. Then 3 hrs 6WD transfer to Kopyto drop-off point, North of Tolbachik volcano .
Trek to Edelweiss Meadow campground. Hiking around. Epic views of Klyuchevskoy Volcano – the highest active volcano in the Northern hemisphere
Tonight is the first day we are tents! Enjoy a tasty hot meal before spending the evening relaxing and getting ready to do some star photography once it gets dark.
Distance: 8 km
Today is the day we explore landscapes straight out of a graphic novel as we head to a place that literally makes you feel like you are walking on another planet Mars Field.
We will wade the Studenaya river en route to our stopping point of the day: Mars field camp ground.
Distance: 15 km
Today we will cross the beautiful Tolbachinsky pass.
This is the point of the trip where every where you look there are mind bending views of volcanoes set against lush fields of green tundra pasture.
We finish the day with a hike to Zimina Shoulder with yet another epic perspective of Klyuchevskoy Volcano.
Distance: 8 km
Today we head to one of the only man made landmarks found out here: Tolud cabin.
The hiking today is challenging and over varied terrain. Sighting brown bears (not Grizzlies), marmots, and other animals is not uncommon.
We sleep in tents or in the cabin if it is open/available.
Distance: 17 km
Another day brings another stunning objective: trekking Tolbachik Basecamp.
We try to arrive at campsite not too late as we have a big day tomorrow.
Distance: 10 km
Today we are sending a Volcano Guys! This trek is probably the most challenging day of the whole trip, but by this point everybody will be ready to crush it.
The steep climb to the summit (3,000m) requires about 1,700m in elevation gain with plenty of rests in route including a visit to the breathtaking lava caves.
We return to the basecamp in the late afternoon to spend another night in our cozy tents.
Distance: 24 km
Alas our trip by foot comes to an end. Our trusty Mad Max rigs pick us up and shuttle us back to Kozyrevsk Village in the morning with an excursion around the lava fields along the way.
The total drive back to the village takes around 5 hours.
What is in store for tonight? A real bed and a traditional Russian steam sauna to sooth those tired joints and feet.
Distance: 5 km
Road trip day!
The minibus transfer back to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky takes around 7-8 hrs.
Listen to your favorite podcast or music while taking in the serene views. Lunch en route.
Early in the morning we head straight to the port to experience Kamchatka and its wildlife from the seaside!
A comfortable boat takes us out to Avacha bay, one of the largest natural bays in the world. We sail by the legendary ‘Three Brothers’ rocks – a magnificent symbol of the city and a mascot of local sailors.
We exit the bay and venture into the open ocean aiming at a tiny Starichkov island located about 30 kilometers south of the city. Rising steeply up to 140 meters above the sea its shores are home to multiple colonies of countless marine birds, mainly ancient murrelets (the islet is named after them in Russian!) and puffins but also red-faced cormorants, guillemots and seagulls. Often it is possible to spot fur seals lazing on the coastal reefs and if we are lucky we may even catch a glimpse of an orca (killer whale)!
Weather-permitting, we will take turns using an inflatable motorboat to draw closer to the island. Those remaining on the boat can try their hand at sea fishing with the most common catch being plaice, halibut, sea perch, greenling and cod. At the same time, a professional diver will fetch sea urchins, sea stars or even crabs from the ocean floor. In a short time piping hot seafood will be waiting for us, complemented with a tasting of sea urchin caviar! The entire trip takes about 6-7 hours which seems to pass all too quickly!
We use custom-made all-terrain monster trucks (the Mad Max rigs) to reach Russia’s only geothermal power plant and then trek into the caldera of the Mutnovsky volcano.
This place feels like one of the planet’s energy nodes where its raw untamed energy comes out in the form of sulfur vents, roaring like jet engines, steam fountains and bubbling mud. The downside of the show, of course, is the acrid smell of rotten eggs!
The heat of the Earth melts glaciers in the caldera, giving birth to a wild stream that cuts through colorful layers of volcanic sediments and abruptly ends in a dramatic 80m high waterfall. On the way back to the city we stop at one of the numerous thermal pools which are a delight to soak in after our adventure.
We return to Kamchatka for our final group meal and party.
Today is the day we say good bye and head back to the other side of Russia.
Transfers from the hotel to the airport will be arranged.
Note: Epic Backpacker Tours staff do not fly back to Moscow with you and it is your responsibility to make your own hotel arrangements there – though we can provide suggestions of course!
Best done as a day trip or an epic 2 day rafting expedition. You can observe spawning salmon and there is a high probability of brown bear sightings. If you are serious about fishing we recommend taking 2-day rafting exped instead.
Inquire for price.
The Valley of Geysers is a UNESCO Heritage site and the world’s second-largest geyser field that rivals Yosemite! After spending 1.5 hours in the valley (a geyser sighting is guaranteed!) the next stop is at the mind-blowing caldera of Uzon volcano with its colorful moonscapes of steaming vents and bubbling mud painted by thermophilic algae and microorganisms. The last stop is at Nalychevo national park where you can soak in natural hot springs.
The trip also includes a flyby of Karymsky and Maly Semyachik active volcanoes, the latter featuring a bright turquoise acidic lake inside its crater.
Price is around $800 if you are one person, and of course it would be less per person if the cost is shared among other trip members.
Witness traditional, colorful dances and taste authentic dishes with the locals of Siberia. On the way back, there is a stop at relaxing hot springs – because this is volcano country!
Inquire for price.
Finally, if that is your first time in Russia, it makes perfect sense to stop in Moscow and Saint-Petersburg for a few days on the way back. We can provide recommendations on sightseeing and how to extend your visa accordingly.
Inquire for price.
Not at all although a visit to your local embassy is usually required. We will e-mail you a scanned copy of the invitation letter and the ‘tourist voucher’. Our team is available in case you have any difficulties filling the online application. Most nationalities have their visas issued within 5 working days. You do not need your air ticket to apply for the visa.
Sightings are not guaranteed but quite likely despite barren volcanic landscapes. The animals are not aggressive unless provoked but the group must be large enough to be a deterrent. We will be safe as long as there are at least 4 participants plus the guide. The bear population in this part of Kamchatka is sparse and we do not carry firearms – just flares.
It is safer to say YES – but – hiking in September the mosquito populations are way less than in July. Mosquito repellent of industrial strength – at least 30% DEET – is essential. A mosquito net is also necessary to enjoy quiet evenings but most of the time we will be walking without a face net.
Strenuous: Trekking in the Kamchatka Tre is a challenge even for experienced hikers. As a group, we spend 6 days trekking deep into one of the world’s wildest areas – with all of our gear on our back. Unlike in Nepal, there are no villages out here. This an expedition style trek, meaning we carry all of our gear with us – though we aim to keep everyone’s backpack weight between 15 and 20 kgs maximum.
Our trekking days will certainly not be “death marches” and all trekking days are of reasonable distance and intensity.
You do not need technical mountaineering gear. You do need things like mosquito repellent, mosquito net, sturdy hiking boots, your preferred tent, sleeping bag, and trekking poles.
We will also send you a detailed gear list along with the visa invitation once we have received the deposit.
You need to arrive at Kamkatcha Airport (PCR) on day one of the tour at the latest.
We do recommend that people arrive earlier if your schedule permits. Pre-tour accommodation is not included.
Geographically Kamchatka is a peninsula but there are no roads from the mainland. In fact, the only practical way of getting there is by air. The airport code is PKC, which is much easier to type in when searching for tickets than the full name of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
Flying from Europe, it is convenient to take a direct flight from Moscow operated by Aeroflot daily. The flight is usually refundable for around €30. From Hong Kong or Seoul there are flights via Vladivostok by S7, another reputable Russian carrier. Kamchatka can also be reached from the West Coast of the USA on a flight from Anchorage run by Yakutia airlines.
Cheap fares for July are on sale regularly and start at €300 roundtrip from Moscow with luggage, which is actually very reasonable for an 8 hour non-stop across the globe. If you are considering bespoke dates, mind that flights can be up to two times more expensive in August.
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.
Chat with us now!
Chat with us now!
Adventure Guide
Hailing from the Toronto region of Eastern Canada, with a background as a former standout athlete (hockey of course) and a love of mountain adventure, Clark is a welcomed addition to the Epic team.
In addition to being a keen photographer and adventurer, Clark brings his brilliant sense of humor, leadership skills, and positive attitude to everything he puts his mind to.
When he is not leading trips, he is working on taking over the hard apple cider game in Canada as a skilled craft brewer.
Meet him during : K2 Base Camp Trek
Adventure Guide
Noemi grew up in the mountains of German-Speaking Switzerland where she naturally developed a deep love and respect for mountain environments.
She is a talented photographer, aspiring climber, and speaks at least 5 languages fluently including Arabic (and probably a few more that we don’t know about), which she taught herself in a matter of months by watching YouTube videos.
Noemi has spent the last several years traveling, hiking, and photographing her way around many different countries in the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and Europe, and we could not be more stoked to welcome her to the Epic team!
Meet her during : Discover the Celestial Mountains | Island Peak Climbing Expedition
Adventure Guide
As our man on the ground in Mongolia, there is not much this legend can’t do. As a native the Bayan-Ölgii province of the Western Mongolia Altai, Syerik has been working as a guide and tourism entrepreneur…
for the past several years and is one of the rising stars in Mongolia adventure travel industry.
He is currently building a beautiful Ger (Yurt) camp near his hometown where he will host Epic Mongolia team members on our trip as well as other travelers from around the world!
“
He is the perfect guide for your trip to Mongolia. Serik did an amazing job giving us a well rounded experience in the Altai NP region and down in the Gobi…
The food was fantastic and Serik gave us many opportunities to learn about the Kazakh culture in that region including traditional meals. (I can’t recommend enjoying the milk tea enough!)
– Coastal
Head of canine operations
Choriza started off life as a care-free vagabond on the streets of Madeira Island without any place to call home. From the moment we met her, we knew this dog was just different, and it was pretty much love at first sight.
She gave up the dog street life in favor of joining her new dad Chris to become a full-time member of the Epic family towards the end of 2022.
These days she can be found listening in on the fringes of important Epic business meetings while half-asleep on the couch. She is a keen hiker, lover of mud, rare steak, and might just be the sweetest little dog we have ever seen.
Adventure Guide
An experienced trek leader and
IFMGA aspirant ski guide, avid alpine climber, devoted adventure photographer.
Organized and guided trekking expeditions, climbs and ski tours in Tajikistan’s Pamirs, Patagonia, Peru, Morocco, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Georgian and Russian Caucasus and Kamchatka.
A full member and meets the organiser of the British Alpine Club. Visited over 40 countries, lived in the UK for four years. Certified first-aider.
“
We joined Andrew on a fantastic trip to the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan, pure nature and magnificent scenery! Andrey was super prepared and led us safely up and down numerous passes and through some rough and icy cold rivers. Thank you for a very memorable trip, your planning and prep was excellent!
– Monika Steinlechner
Meet him during : Trekking in the Fann Mountains
Adventure Guide
Our man in Nepal, Sandip is what we like to call a “Swiss Army Knife”. There is not much Sandip can’t do when it comes to helping Epic to run our expeditions smoothly in Nepal.
His tireless work ethic, passion for all things trekking in the Himalayas, and smart decision-making mean that Sandip is a truly invaluable member of our team.
Sandip is passionate about showing visitors to his country an amazing time, and he goes above and beyond to make sure that happens.
His company Himalayan Masters is Epic’s trusted partner in Nepal and one of the country’s top new tour agencies.
“
We really enjoyed the entire journey, and I would like to say that Sandip is truly professional. He guided us and he is a hardworking person, providing us with the best service and taking care of each one of us. Plus, he is super funny! The kind of professionnal you always want to find on your path for your explorations!
– Alexandra Ruth
“Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem.
Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?”
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Our flagship Pakistani adventure tour. Road trip with some hiking and cultural immersion.
A trekking-style tour that features some very remote locations, inlcuding a K2 viewpoint.
Adventure Guide
João has born in the mountains of Madeira Islands in Portugal. Nature lover, writer, musician, guide, for him, a day without contact with outdoor vibes is a nightmare.
With a degree in Cultural Studies in Portugal and a Master of Arts in Global Cultures and Creativity in the U.K.
João found out what really matters in life can be found on the trails, and in the contact with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Guiding, crazy trekking missions, and sharing observations about the natural world, – these are some of João’s passions.
After trekking to K2 Base Camp and exploring all over Northern Pakistan, he fell in love with the country and the local people. His experiences resulted in his desire to share these feelings with the world.
João is one of the most experienced guides at Epic and his skillset and positive mindset in the mountains is second to none
When not in Pakistan, João is guiding and exploring in the Madeira Islands trails – discovering some of the hidden treasures on his Portuguese Island.
“
João I can not thank you enough for the off the beaten paths and views you keep giving. Definitely one of the most challenging and amazing hikes we did 1200m meters all the way up to Fanal forest and circling back to the hidden village. Wow!
– Jeffery
Meet him during : Lost World of Europe | Discover the Hunza Valley | K2 Base Camp Trek
Adventure Guide
Sohail is the newest addition to the Epic team and we are beyond stoked to have him on board. As a veteran of the Karakoram and a native of Karimabad in Hunza, there is not much Sohail can’t do in the mountains.
Besides having the ability to speak more languages than we can count, Sohail has explored every corner of Gilgit Baltistan and logs more trekking miles
in a year than most people will do in a lifetime. As of the summer of 2022, Sohail has summited Gasherbrum 1, Gasherbrum 2, and K2 – three of Pakistan’s five 8000-meter peaks. Sohail guides several trips including our annual bespoke expeditions but specializes in Hunza Valley tours.
“
Chris and Sohail, and the team at Epic are FANTASTIC! Highly recommend anyone to do a tour with ‘Epic’. They have the perfect balance of fun, excitement and wild adventures, tied in with being super professional and ensuring your safety/health in a foreign environment. Don’t waste a moment and book a tour with these guys as the value for money is UNREAL!
– Borgan
Meet him during : Discover the Hunza Valley
Adventure Guide
Pedro’s been traveling all around the globe since 2009. His keen interests in documentary photography, rural life, and local people from different ethnic groups have been the focus of many of his professional projects.
Since 2012, he has developed his passion for travel and awesome shared experiences into a full-time adventure photography tour leader position.
Pedro has found himself continuously going back to the Middle East, with his likely favorite destination being Iran. Pedro lead his 11th tour in Iran with Epic in spring 2020
When Pedro’s not traveling the world with Epic Expeditions, you’ll find him based in the western south of Portugal planning he’s next adventure missions, logistics and working out his photos in local exhibitions.
“
I loved the combination of hiking, camping around breathtaking scenery mixed with the cultural aspects. The guide (Pedro) is knowledgeable and work very hard to make the trip as memorable as possible. All in all an epic adventure with some extremely epic individuals! Go for it, you won’t regret it!
– Coastal
Adventure Admin / Marketing
After fleeing from the corporate fashion world in Paris towards the start of 2020, Diane has been working as a web developer and graphic designer remotely from various bases across the globe
She brings all of her incredible design and organizational power to Epic Expeditions and is responsible for many of the beautiful behind-the-scenes design elements.
Diane has been to Iran and to Pakistan twice including all over Gilgit Baltistan and KPK.
Head of Operations | Guide
A veteran of Pakistan travel, Ralph is an experienced guide, photographer and writer who specializes in documenting remote locations.
Not one to simply go where everyone else does, he insists on exploring new and lesser-known areas.
Together with Epic Expeditions, he shows people parts of Pakistan that most other operators don’t even know about. He is particularly fond of the village of Barah, which he believes will become just as famous as Hunza one day.
“
Just got back from EBT’s Trekking Amongst Giants 15 day tour. The experience was first class. Ralph, our head guide, ensured that the entire trip ran smoothly and relatively on time (a bonus for anyone travelling in Pakistan). We had so many unforgettable days on the tour and the trekking was well-planned, safe but also a rewarding challenge.
– Calvin
“
Traveling to a non-tourist destination can be a little intimidating but EBT takes all of the worry and trepidation away. From the pre-trip call to meeting the wonderful staff in person you can tell that you are dealing with a company that has a passion for what they do each and every day. Ralph, Zahid, and Khan were supportive, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that everyone on the trip was getting what they wanted out of the experience.
– Katrina
Meet him during : Trekking Amongst Giants | Discover the Celestial Mountains | K2 Base Camp Trek
Founder | Adventure Guide | Director
Since he started exploring the world, Chris has been seeking out every shade of adventure in various parts of the globe and had visited more than 70 countries along the way.
Over the last 10 years, Chris has logged more than 7000 trail miles across five continents and climbed multiple 6000 + 7000 meter peaks in Pakistan and Nepal.
A few years back, a distant dream and a deep passion for the mountains and the people of Pakistan led Chris to co-found Epic Expeditions at a time when foreign adventure tourism in Pakistan was almost nonexistent. Since then, Chris has guided more than 20 expeditions to various parts of Northern Pakistan.
Chris believes in using photography and powerful adventure experiences to dismantle negative stereotypes regarding what mainstream media considers “dangerous” countries while facilitating unique and meaningful memories in the mountains for countless people from around the globe.
For him, an ideal start to the day begins with a steaming cup of good coffee, the beam of a headlamp, alpine boots, and a camera in hand.
He lives in Madeira Island when not leading expeditions in far-flung lands.
Chris also works as a writer and photographer on his blog Off the Atlas – an adventure travel blog all about Pakistan.
Read this interview our staff did with Chris to learn more about him!
“
Chris believes in Pakistan and its people, and he believes in the value of journeys shared with others and family cultivated on the road. Honesty and integrity are at the heart of what he does, and this really shines through in his work as a guide. He also makes great coffee – whether at 5am in an empty guesthouse or half way up a Himalayan peak.”
– Will De Villers
“
Pakistan is a magical country! Had 3 of the best weeks of my life thanks to Epic Backpacking Tours with owner, and one of our awesome guides, Chris. From detailed itinerary, preparation with an equipment list, and visa assistance. To amazing food, great porters, helpful guides, and great accommodations. Epic really hit home run after home run. […]
Their desire for adventure and amazing trip is just as high as yours. Bring a good pound of coffee for the trip. French press coffee every morning and no average tin coffee, plus you’ll be in your guides good books.
– Clark Tyler
Get exclusive trip updates, be the first to know when we launch a new itineraries and offer discounts, and stay up to date with what’s happening at Epic Expeditions!
