This incredible land is often called another planet, which is quite right: stunning landscapes and pristine nature, untouched by man, surprise with truly fabulous views. Perhaps someone does not know, but until 1990 Kamchatka was a closed territory for most Russians. An amazing area with protected areas and a special atmosphere attracts tourists from all over the world to enjoy marvelous places, as if specially created for travel.
Fiery Peninsula
What are the main attractions of Kamchatka? The first association, of course, will be associated with volcanoes, of which there are about three hundred here, and twenty-nine of them are active. Sometimes the region is called the "fiery" peninsula, and for good reason - some objects erupt to this day.
Excursions are organized on the territory formed by the active activity of volcanoes, and in order to get close to the most curious places, special equipment is used. The peninsula is divided intoseveral zones for the convenience of travelers, each of which contains unique sights of Kamchatka, included in the UNESCO heritage list.
Uzon volcano caldera
Located in the Kronotsky Reserve, a huge depression was formed more than forty thousand years ago at the site of a volcanic eruption, later destroyed by powerful explosions. The caldera, a whopping 150 square meters, contains thousands of powerful thermal springs of various shapes and sizes.
Scientists who studied the water in the volcano's basin found a high content of mercury, arsenic and copper, and amazing archaea microorganisms live in such an uninhabitable liquid. They thrive in boiling water, and the sulfur replaces their oxygen.
Uzon is a real phenomenon for all researchers. It is here that modern minerals are born in natural conditions, which are not found anywhere else. Scientists consider this place to be the center of everything that Kamchatka is famous for: hot springs, mud mini-volcanoes, tundra full of berries and … geysers. The latter are the natural sights of Kamchatka, which come to see from all over the world.
Valley of Geysers
In the same Kronotsky Reserve there is the well-known Valley of Geysers, in which an ecological disaster occurred nine years ago. A powerful mudflow, destroying all living things in its path, destroyed geothermal springs and bas alt rocks, which were restored over time.
This unique place, one of the largest geyser fields in the world, is considered an anomalous territory due to the unstable microclimate and natural conditions. Tourists are brought to the protected area only by those companies with which an agreement has been concluded at the reserve.
Each visitor gets acquainted with the norms and rules of conduct in the Valley of Geysers, so as not to harm the ecosystem of the peninsula. Unfortunately, not everyone can be accepted by Kamchatka. Attractions for tourists who want to come here on their own have been closed since 1967, as “wild” tourism is prohibited here. No more than three thousand people visit the protected area per year, which is very few, but the issue of increasing the quota remains unresolved.
Severe land
Everyone who goes to the peninsula in winter should familiarize themselves with the climate and weather conditions in advance, because the upcoming route will depend on this. January is the coldest month in Kamchatka, and due to raging snowstorms, many roads leading to the sights of the region are covered with snow, so sightseeing tours reduce their program or change directions.
Most inaccessible places can only be reached by helicopter or snowmobile, which increases the cost of excursions, and extremely low temperatures jeopardize long walks.
Kamchatka: attractions in winter
It is in winter that dog sled tours are organized, which are extremely interesting not only for foreigners.
Descents from steep mountainslopes - an extreme pleasure that increases the level of adrenaline in the blood. There are many snow tracks in Kamchatka, divided by levels, and it is important to assess yourself correctly so that the downhill does not end in tragedy.
The harsh region will surprise you with bathing in thermal springs, and what could be more pleasant than a dip in hot water, good for he alth, in a piercing icy wind? Only in winter you can feel the bright contrast between snowdrifts and warm geysers.
Vilyuchinsky waterfall
Picturesque waterfalls are the favorite sights of Kamchatka among tourists, related to natural monuments. Many of them impress with incredible beauty not only in summer but also in winter.
Vilyuchinsky waterfall, completely freezing cold sometimes, is adored by tourists from all over the world. This is a favorite place for lovers of unusual photos. A frozen huge snow-white icicle in the sun shimmers with blue hues. Those who have been there in the winter note that such an amazing sight is worth it to hit the road even in severe frosts.
It is impossible to describe all the sights of Kamchatka in a short article. The land of truly unearthly beauty will forever remain in the memory of those who were lucky enough to be here. On the peninsula, you admire the majesty of mother nature, which has created unique picturesque corners that give surprises at any time of the year.
