#213 X-country skiing in the Valley of Nalychevo, National Park

The best time for this type of tour is March and April when the days become longer and the temperatures are warmer, allowing for more skiing and perfect sun-tan. The route passes through a picturesque scenery of surrounding volcanoes, stone birch forests and variety of mineral springs, both cold and thermal. The valley of Nalychevo river suddenly opens your eyes a bright, wide and calm view. It is situated between two parallel volcanic chains: Avacha Mountain chain on the south (Avachinsky, Koryaksky, Kozelsky, Aag and Arik volcanoes) and Zhupanovsky, Dzenzur volcanoes on the north. Being surrounded by the volcanic chains Nalychevo valley resembles a kind of a bottom with walls of 2,5-3 km high. The park encounters numerous species of mammals and birds, so you may be lucky to meet a fox, marmots or a sable.

Departure: March 15^th – March 26^th  
April 05^th - April 16^th

Day 1. Arrive in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Rest and unwind from travel. Accommodation in a hotel.

Day 2. Travel to Pinachevo village by truck. Today we ski through the Pinachevo Valley to the "Perevalny" camp (20 km). To get to the camp we ski via 2 passes: Sedlo pass (950 m), and Bezymyanny pass (825 m). Overnight in a hut or tents.

Day 3. Continue through the Pinachevo Valley on skis to the "Perevalny" ski camp. Mountains that surround Perevalny camp create an unforgettable scenery. From the top of Sedlo pass you can observe an extinct Cupola volcano (1644 m) and the valley of Kehkui river; from Bezymyanny pass you will see the Avachinskaya group of volcanoes. Enter the Nalychevo River Valley (23 km in total). We spend the next few days in the area of Nalychevo Nature Park with hot springs close-by and comfortable wooden lodges to be sleeping in.

Day 4. Reserve day in case of bad weather.

Day 5. Day trip to the Aagskiye mineral water springs (12 km). Those who wish can make 3 km more to see the waterfall on Shumnaya river (6 m high, 6-8 m wide). Some brown bears are concentrated here, so keep quiet not to wake a hungry bear up. Return to Nalychevo lodge.

Day 6. Day trip to the Talovskiye hot-springs (12 km). Take a dip in the hot-springs or even a mud bath. Do not forget your sunblock. Return to camp.

Day 7. Ascent Dzenzur volcano (2285 m) on skis. Overnight in huts.

Day 8. Return to the Nalychevo Valley (12 km). Overnight in lodge.

Day 9. A free day in the valley. We enjoy hot springs, go for a ski, or work on suntan. Overnight in lodge.

Day 10. Return to the "Perevalny" camp via a different pass, called Pinachevsky (1160 m). From above you will enjoy a stunning panorama of Zhupanovsky, Yurievsky and Koryaksky volcanoes. Spend the night at "Perevalny."

Day 11. Ski the final leg back to Pinachevo settlement and return by truck to the city of Petropavlovsk. A farewell party in a restaurant. Make sure to check out city nightlife. Acommodastion in a hotel.

Day 12. Drive to the airport for your departure home.

Group size is 10-15.

Before the tour we make a helicopter drop off with your food supply to make your route easier. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide, a cook, and an interpreter.

Included: double accommodation, visa invitation and registration, in this trip is all transportation, bed & breakfast in the city, full board en route, and accommodation. We provide all camping gear except sleeping bag and mat.

It is of importance reminding you to bring sunblock and quality sunglasses. Of course you will need to bring your own ski equipment. We suggest a touring ski.

Note: This itinerary is a guide only. Any day's schedule can be changed at the group's request or according to the weather conditions.