All your questions answered:



How do I get there?
Do I have to choose from one of your package tours?
What if I don't have a group of 8 (or 6 or 10) people?
Is there a guide on every tour?
Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
Am I too young- or too old?
Do many people travel alone?
Are the trips difficult?
What is the weather like?
Can I change the itinerary?
Are the itineraries likely to change?
How can I get a visa?
Is Petropavlovsk safe?
What is there to buy on Kamchatka?
Can I use credit cards or traveller's checks on Kamchatka?
How can I get more information?
What should I bring with me?
How should I prepare for the trip?

How do I get there? The only way to reach Kamchatka is by plane- there are no roads or rail lines connecting the peninsula to the mainland, and there is no regularly-scheduled boat service. There are direct flights from Anchorage, Alaska via VladAvia twice a week in season, or you can fly Aeroflot from most major Russian cities. The cheapest route from Europe and the U.S. (surprisingly) is often through Moscow (because so many carriers fly to Moscow). Back to top

Can you organize a tailor-made tour or combine two or more for me? Of course. If you would like a custom-designed trip for youself or any number of participants, such as families, clubs, societies and companies, we will do our utmost to fulfill your requirements. If it is impossible somehow for us to implement your request we will offer you information and contacts that can be useful for realizing your plan. Back to top

What if I don't have a group of 8 (or 6 or 10) people? We list prices for our tours based on groups of 6 or 8 or 10 people, depending on the tour. Many of the costs of travel on Kamchatka (such as helicopter time) are fixed- thus, the more travellers in the group, the lower the cost per person. In order to keep our prices low, we try to travel with an optimally sized group. If you don't have enough people to meet the requirement, however, don't worry. You have a couple of options: 1. you can arrange an individual tour for your group: contact us to find out the price for smaller groups; 2. you can join other travellers who wish to go on the same tour as you in order to form a larger group. Click here for dates for the 2008 season.

Is there a guide on every tour? Yes. Each departure is accompanied by at least one guide and, in some cases, there are two or more guides (in addition to local experts who often add further insight and knowledge). We believe that qualified guides are very important. From a practical point of view, especially when traveling to remote places, their considerable experience in travel can help to smooth the way and, indeed, they often solve problems before they are even noticed by members of the group. But guides also enhance every tour: Ours are chosen for their leadership abilities, enthusiasm, sense of humor and desire to share their extensive knowledge and love of the Kamchatka wilderness. In all cases the tour will be met by a LOST WORLD representative on arrival in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Back to top

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed? There are no guarantees, of course, because we have no control over either the weather or the wildlife. Even after many years of living in Kamchatka we can never predict exactly what we will see. But that's all part of the fun! Nevertheless, we put a great deal of time and experience into identifying the best locations, and the best times of year, to maximize our chances of seeing the most interesting species. We also try to keep our itineraries flexible to deal with unforeseen circumstances and to take advantage of new opportunities. Back to top

Am I too young - or too old? Most of our guests are in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s or 60s, but some participants are in their teens and many are in their 70s or 80s. If you are young at heart, and are in reasonably good health, you will be able to enjoy any of the tours in these pages. Occasionally, we advise of potential problems - for example, if you have a bad back and boat rides are likely to be bumpy it is worth checking the specific information for individual tours. Some of the tours are unsuitable for young children, but there are others for which we are able to accept bookings for children and teenagers(if they are accompanied by an adult). Back to top

Do many people travel alone? A typical group consists of an interesting cross-section of people: traveling alone, with friends, or with their partners (men and women travel in roughly equal numbers). The basic prices are based on two people sharing a twin room. If you are traveling alone, you can either share with another member of the group of the same sex (if there is someone available and willing to share) or you can pay the single supplement and have a room of your own (subject to availability - please ask for details). Back to top

Are the trips hard work? No! Our trips are designed for people who enjoy the outdoor life and who prefer to be active rather than lying on a beach. There may be some early mornings, and a few long days, but the tours are generally conducted at a relaxed and easy pace. We tend to avoid unnecessary and expensive luxury, but aim to provide the most comfortable and interesting accommodation allowed by the different localities and surroundings. The tour descriptions give more specific details. If you are looking for an extreme experience, however, that can certainly be arranged! Just let us know your interests and we would be happy to put together a tour for you. Back to top

What is the climate like? Not as extreme as you would think. Click HERE for details. Back to top

Can I take a different flight or add to the itinerary? Yes. So if you would like to leave a little earlier, or stay on after a tour has finished, give us an e-mail or call and we will be happy to help. Alternatively, you may wish to combine two or more tours to make a longer one (and, of course, to save money on flights). Wherever possible, our staff will tailor-make an itinerary to suit your needs. Back to top

Are the itineraries likely to change? We try to keep to the itineraries as closely as possible, and while major changes may be necessary, they are unlikely. However, we do like to remain flexible - depending on the weather - to make the most of every opportunity. Back to top

How can I get a visa? After we receive a signed booking form from you, we provide a visa invitation to accompany the application for the visa. You should send the application form fully completed and signed, with three photographs, your passport and invitation to the nearest Russian Consulate or Embassy. Click here to obtain full information about Russian Visa Requirements. Back to top

Is Petropavlovsk safe? Yes. Petropavlovsk and Kamchatka are generally safe. Entry into hotels is controlled and it is quite safe to walk around the town at any time. People are usually friendly and can be very helpful. But you should take precautions similar to any other foreign city. Back to top


What can I spend my money on? During the trip you may have the opportuniy to buy souvenirs, arts and crafts, ethnic carvings in wood and bone, some extra food and drinks, maps etc. You can also purchase some local delicacies to take home with you: smoked salmon, caviar, and king crab.

You can change money at the airport, local banks and hotels. You can have problems changing bills dated earlier than 1991.

Please note that credit cards are not accepted on Kamchatka, and there are no cash machines (ATMs). You can use Travelers Cheques (Visa, Thomas Cook, American Express). On these the bank will charge a 3% fee. Back to top

How do I obtain more information? Send us an e-mail at Info@KamchatkaPeninsula.com and we will be happy to answer your questions and provide further information. 

What do I need to bring?

  • Passport, tickets and a money belt
  • A well broken-in pair of walking boots with strong ankle support. Sneakers/tennis shoes, etc. simply do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of boots. Many people now trek in the lighter weight Gore-Tex or leather boots. They have the advantage that they take little breaking in. We do not recommend borrowing or renting boots. It is a good idea to carry your boots in your hand luggage on international flights or wear them - should your luggage be delayed, your well broken-in boots are the one thing which will be irreplaceable.
  • Trainers/sneakers or trekking sandals. Useful around camp, in towns and when traveling. You will need an old pair of trainers/sneakers or sandals for crossing rivers in - they will get wet!
  • Waterproof jacket and boots
  • Anorak
  • Long warm pants/underpants
  • Wind-proof suit
  • Warm mittens or gloves, good socks or gaiters
  • For warm days: shorts, lightweight trousers, long sleeved cotton shirt, T-shirt, sun hat and sunscreen are ideal. Lightweight pants are long-sleeved shirts are ideal for hiking.
  • When the sun disappears you will need to supplement these with thermal undergarments and/or fiber-pile/fleece clothing
  • Sleeping bag and foam mat/thermarest. We recommend 3-4 season sleeping bags. A cotton liner helps to keep your bag clean.
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Water bottle with at least 1-liter capacity
  • Head torch with spare batteries and bulbs
  • Good hiking/trekking backpack ("rucksack" in the UK). At least 80 litres is recommended plus sleeping bag and mat (about 12kg loaded) for the entire trek. It should be waterproof (or have a waterproof bag liner) and have good comfortable straps for extended trekking. Although porters (not provided, unless by prior arrangement) will carry all the camping and cooking equipment and food you will be expected to carry all your own belongings. Tents, food and cooking equipment will be divided among the group (including your cook and guide). It is a good idea to pack your rucksack as a trial before leaving for the trip and to do at least one extended day's trekking with full load. Preferably you should aim to do a few days continuous trekking - especially if you have not been used to walking with a full rucksack before. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. Advice on how to pack and what to take on the trek will be given by our guide at the trek briefing.
  • Swim suit
  • Insect repellent and mosquito head net
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and/or snowgoggles.
  • Band aids, small bandage, blister treatment
  • Leatherman or Swiss army knife
  • Durable drinking cup, plate, spoon, fork
  • Camera, film, polarising filter, spare battery and dust proof bag. A cleaning kit is essential
  • Reading materials
  • A box of Ziplock plastic bags to help keep your equipment dry in the rain.

What should I do to prepare for my trip? There is not much that you have to do to prepare, other than packing, getting your visas etc. No special training is necessary for our trips, though you will enjoy your trip more if you are in reasonably good shape. You can learn more about your destination by reading some of the books and videos about Kamchatka that are available. The PBS video in particular will give you a good introduction to the Peninsula.



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