Kamchatka and Commanders - birding wonderland

Region: Kamchatka

Reserve: Commander Islands Reserve Kronotsky Reserve

Kamchatka and the Commander's islands, situated on the north-east from the peninsula in the Pacific, are recognized as one of the most exciting regions of Russia. Its nature and wildlife are astonishing. Here, over 390 bird species are registered, around 800 plant species and over 200 seaweeds species. There are approximately 400 fish species in the seas of the region.

Tourist season here lasts all year round, but for birdwatchers and wildlife viewers the most interesting time is from May to October. Thus, if you come in May, in addition to flourishing tundra, you'll get into birds wonderland, local and migrating birds abound the seashore rocks. In June, active breeding period of seashore mammals starts on the Commander's and the owner of taiga - brown bear gets out of its den on Kamchatka. July and August are the most common months. September is the most beautiful and comfortable time to visit the region. Active wildlife is accompanied by amazing fall colours, mushroom and berries harvest, warm and stable weather.

Our guides Birds checklist

Photogallery of tour:

Monument to V. Bering in Nikolskoe settlement

Itinerary:

1 day	Arrival in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, accommodation in Elizovo airport, acclimatization, rest. After lunch (on your own expence) Excursion around the city. Dinner in the restaurant.
2 Day	Breakfast in a hotel. The whole day excursion to Itelmen ethnographic settlement, birdwatching in the forest along Sosnovka river. Lunch in the settelement, dinner on your own.
3 Day	Breakfast in a hotel. Flight Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky - Nikolskoe (Commander's islands). Arrival, accommodation in a hotel. Visit to a local museum, walk along Bering sea shore, shore-birds watching.
4 Day	Morning excursion by the ship to the Puffins and Ariy Stone islands - birds colonies (puffins), sea mammals (sea otter, seals, whales, orcas, breeding colony of Steller sea lions). Ocean fishing is possible (halibut, cod). Return to Nikolskoe around a lunch time. After lunch excursion by lorry to reproductive colony of the fur seals
5 Day	Trip in cross country vehicle to south-east edge of Bering island - Cape Tolsty. Arrival to the cape in the evening, accommodation in the guest house, traditional fish-soup "Ukha" and walk along the Pacific shore
6 Day	The whole day walk along the ocean shore till 5 waterfalls. Along the way observation of the great marine birds colonies, sea otters and arctic foxes. Climbing into tundra to observe endemic bird species. In tundra we can meet reindeers and observe rare plants listed in Russian Red Book (Steller's orchid, juniper)
7 Day	Walk along the ocean shore to Peregrebnaya bay (9 km).
8 Day	Return to Tolsty Cape across the island (9 km)
9 Day	Return to Nikolskoye by cross-country vehicule (stop at the Commander bay - Memorial complex for Bring expedition, fishing)
10 Day	Return flight to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Transfer to a hotel in Paratunka. Accommpdation. Free time.
11 Day	Helicopter trip to Geyser valley
12 Day	Helicopter trip to Kurilskoe lake.
13 Day	Free time.
14 Day	Breakfast in a hotel, transfer to the airport. Departure from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

Price:

Number of PAX	6	8	10
Price, RUB	500 000	375 000	300 000

Additional payments:
Helicopter excursion to the Geisers Valley&Kurilskoe lake ~39 000 RUB per person each excursion.

INCLUDED:

Accommodations, meals, all excursions according to the program, English-speaking guide, all transportation PTRK-PTRK, medical insurance

NOT INCLUDED:

international airfare to/from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, invitation letter and visa fee, personal expenses

Equipment