Kamchatka krai (Kamchatsky) is a federal subject of Russia located in the Far East of the country, in the Far Eastern Federal District. The territory was founded in 2007 when the Kamchatka oblast (region) was merged with the Koryak autonomous okrug (district). The territory includes the entire Kamchatka Peninsula and the southern end of the Koryak Mountains. The administrative center is Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

The Kamchatka Peninsula forms the majority of the krai's territory, separating the Sea of Okhotsk and the Bering Sea in the Pacific Ocean. It is bordered by Magadan Oblast to the west and Chukotka to the north. Kamchatka Krai is an active volcanic zone which is home to Kluchevskaya, the largest volcano in Eurasia, and the Decade Volcanoes of Avachinsky and Koryaksky. In general, there are about 300 large and medium-sized volcanoes, 29 of them are active.

The region’s economy is based on fishing industry (fishing and seafood processing), agriculture, production of natural gas, coal, non-ferrous metals, electric power industry (including the development of non-conventional geothermal energy), tourism. Kamchatka krai has only three cities: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (with population of 181,000), Yelizovo (39,000) and Vilyuchinsk (22,000).

CAPITAL: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (settled in 1740, population 181,181 people in 2019, 

the city is located 6,766 km (4,204 mi) from Moscow and about 2,220 km (1,380 mi) from Vladivostok.)

AREA:  472,300 km² (182,400 sq mi), rank 10^th in country by the territory

 CLIMATE

The climate is subarctic in the northern part of the region, temperate maritime, monsoon - on the coast and continental - in the interior districts. Winters are long and snowy, the average temperatures in January and February range from minus 7-8 degrees Celsius in the south and south-east, minus 10-12 degrees C^o in the west, to minus 19-24 degrees C^o 

in the center and north.Summers are short, usually cool and rainy, the average temperatures in July and August range from plus 10-12 degrees Celsius in the west and the south-east, to plus 16 degrees C^o in the central part.

HISTORY

The first people inhabited Kamchatka in the early Neolithic. Since the Stone Age, the tribes of Koryak, Itelmen and Ainu settled in this territory. The total population mainly engaged in hunting and fishing was sparse. In the 17th century, Russians began to explore Siberia and the Far East. In the 1730s, permanent Russian population appeared and because of its scarcity it largely mixed with the natives.

In 1849, Kamchatka oblast (region) was formed with the center in the town of Petropavlovsk port (present Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky). Later in 1909, Kamchatka guberniya (province) was formed. In 1932, Kamchatka oblast was established as part of Khabarovsk krai.

In 1956, Kamchatka became an independent region. Koryak Autonomous Okrug was located on its territory and in 2005 a referendum on the unification of Kamchatka oblast and Koryak Autonomous Okrug was held. In 2007, a new federal subject of Russia appeared - Kamchatka krai.

 NATURE PRESERVES / WILDLIFE SANCTURIES

More than 14.5% of Kamchatka krai refers to specially protected natural areas. The six zones called “Volcanoes of Kamchatka” are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List: the Kronotsky Biosphere Reserve, the caldera of Uzon volcano, Bystrinsky Natural Park, Natural Park Nalychevo, South Kamchatka Nature Park, Klyuchevskoy Nature Park.

Area 1,183,662 hectares (including 135,000 hectares of the Pacific Ocean) (11,837 km²; 4,570 sq mi)

8 of the 25 volcanoes of the Kronotsky Reserve are active. The top of the highest, Kronotsky (3528 m) volcano, in clear weather can be seen for tens of kilometers from the ocean and land. Its ideal cone is reflected in the smooth surface of Kronotsky Lake, the largest fresh water body in Kamchatka.

The water area of the Kronotsky Bay is inhabited by whales, seagulls and seabird colonies and seal rookeries are located on the coast and islands.

Death Valley is a unique natural phenomenon, which just amazes with its cold blood to the residents who come down to feast on. For example, in the spring, when the snow melts, small rodents go for the grass. The fact is that from the earth cracks in this valley there is constant vaporization of poisonous gas, which causes the death of animals. Then carnivorous creatures go for food that also die. Especially for this was formed a group of volunteers of the Kronotsky Nature Reserve, which removed small animals, thus saving predators. Scientists still cannot understand the real cause of death, because the death of the animals does not occur immediately, but because of long exposure to the gas, and the rotting process is not clear, because in such circumstances, even the germs do not survive.

CCTV camera Vilyuchinsky volcano see here

Nalychevo Natural Park

Area 287,000 hectares

Nalychevo Valley is surrounded with always snow-topped volcanoes of the Avachinskaya and Dzendzurskaya ridge. The whole valley is covered with brushwood of Kamchatka's stone birch, alder thickets, elfin wood, and the river Nalychevo with tributaries and hot springs worked its way there.

The territory of the nature park Nalychevo has complicated geological structure. Combination of modern volcanic landscapes and ancient glaciers, some specific microclimatic conditions of the Nalychevo river valley have created an abundance and diversity of plant and animal life. Of special interest is vegetation formed in thermal water bodies and nearby. Erman (stone) birch woods, typical for Kamchatka, are unique in the vicinity of the springs because rare species of orchids family are unusually found here including adorably beautiful large flower ladie's slipper, registered in the Red Book of Russia.

The animal life is represented with 33 species of mammals. The largest animals are bear, wild reindeer, and snow sheep. The Nalychevo river valley is a site of seasonal aggregation of brown bear during salmon spawning and berries ripening period. Volcano slopes and rocks of Nalychevo cape are snow sheep habitation places.

The list of birds counts 145 species (including 90 nesting). Specially protected species are Pacific brant, Steller's sea eagle, sea eagle, Arctic falcon, peregrine falcon, golden eagle.

Five species of Pacific salmon spawn and have great numbers in the Nalychevo river and its tributaries. Rare species of char and Kamchatkan trout are found here.

Bystrinsky Natural Park

Area 1,325,000 hectares

The park’s significance lies in the primeval, virtually unchanged natural landscapes, dominated by alpine relief and larch forests, and also in the preservation of the traditional ways the indigenous people use natural resources here.

The main thing in the park is, first of all, its grand virgin landscapes of Sredinny Range, taiga forests and their animal life and, of course, traditional way of life of local indigenous people - Evens. Tens of volcanoes (including active Ichinsky volcano 3,607 m or 11,834 ft) and multiple thermal springs are located here. 7 groups of natural hydrothermal springs with different chemical constitution and temperature are located in the Sredinny Range area. The springs are popular with the locals because of their medical qualities and are used for bathing and healing. Besides, thermal water is used for heating houses and greenhouses.

A number of vegetation and animal communities, typical for Kamchatka, many of which are little studied and endangered, can be found in the park.

The peculiarity of the park’s land mammal fauna can be seen in the combination of forest, tundra and mountainous forms. The characteristic common species are brown bear, sable, river otter, bighorn ship, elk, arctic hare, northern pika, squirrel and black-capped marmot.

The bird population consists of true taiga-dwellers, originally associated with coniferous forests, as well as of common dwellers of Kamchatka leaf forests. Predatory birds are especially valuable. The bird diversity in the basin of the Kamchatka River is the greatest on the peninsula.

Indigenous people of the North living within the boundaries of the park and leading traditional life style make Bystrinsky Nature Park really special. The centers of preservation and cultivation of indigenous culture are Esso (translated from the Even language as “larch”) and Anavgai villages. There is an ethnographic museum in Esso settlement. One can see unique domestic and cultural items of Kamchatkan aborigines there. An exhibit center with national souvenirs shop works under the museum.

The lake is surrounded by a number of both dormant and active volcanoes. The most picturesque of these volcanoes is the Ilyinskaya Sopka (1,577 m high). A stunning bay formed at its base, the result of lava flow following an eruption, which reflects the volcano in its glassy waters. The lake is the largest spawning ground for Pacific sockeye salmon in Eurasia. From July to September, hundreds of thousands of fish come to the Kurile Lake along the Ozernaya River. The most massive gathering of bear fishing takes place here. Several dozen animals congregate on the lake as well. Visitors can watch the bears from a special observation tower nearby. Bears pay little attention to tourists and are more interested in fishing, raising their babies, fighting, and just relaxing.

Impressive photos with domestic volcanoes in the background can be taken without even leaving Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The city is surrounded by volcanoes which were nicknamed "Domestic" by locals for their proximity to the region's capital. Avachinsky is the most well-known and popular volcano. This is a 2741-m high active volcano. The same group includes the Koryaksky, Kozelsky, Aag and Arik volcanoes.

Klyuchevskaya Sopka is the most famous volcano of Kamchatka and the largest active crater in Eurasia (4750 metres). This beautiful and magnificent volcano is recommended for climbing only with an organised group of experienced mountaineers. You will need a special permit to ascend Klyuchevsky Volcano. What is more, participants need to be in good physical shape as they will have to cover up to 20 km uphill and downhill in one day. The route might be complicated by rockfalls and sloughing.

The coast line of Khalaktyrsky Beach is covered with black sand which is fine-ground volcanic rock from the nearby volcanoes. It is windy here all year round, while the wave height can reach 10–15 meters. When the water gets low, the sky and the clouds are reflected in the black sand. It is quite easy to get to the beach, which is popular with surfers and those who love picnics by the water.

The Commander Islands are inhabited by animals who are not afraid of humans. Here you will have a chance to observe rookeries of fur seals and eared seals, watch colonies of birds and take pictures of migrating whales. June to September is the perfect time to visit the islands.

Ethnographic Museum in Esso there you can find out much about the history of the area’s peoples in a charming Cossack-style izba (wooden house) set beside the rushing river that flows through Esso. The museum contains some truly memorable old photos. In addition there is a specially built defense tower, a Koryak semi-basement dwelling, and a booth, an exhibition hall in the museum.

                   Our Kamchatka Mass Media digest:                                                                         

“Across Kamchatka on foot: To see the unknown, wild side” by Russia Beyond

Tatiana Morina, a journalist, travelled to Kamchatka in summer 2016 as part of a project to help out at the Bystrinsky Nature Park. She spent three months in the great outdoors working as a volunteer to create a map of routes for future park visitors.

  “Forged by volcanoes, Kamchatka offers majestic magnetic wilds”

    by  Eva Sohlman and Neil MacFarquhar for NY Times

  to continue  click here

 “7 things that amaze travelers in Kamchatka, Russia’s other planet”

From the moment you arrive in Kamchatka you’ll be swept up by a Scandinavian-like atmosphere: Ascetic houses with a cool ocean in the background, long winters, hot water springs and geysers, snow scattered with volcanic ash and Erman’s birch trees. 

These trees, better known as stone birch trees and ubiquitous throughout the peninsula, are the only trees that cannot be broken by even the strongest of northern winds. If you combine all of these elements, I think you’ll quickly understand why Kamchatka has more in common with Iceland than much of Russia’s Far East. How does one of the remotest and least accessible of Russia’s regions attract tens of thousands of tourists every year despite the high prices and difficult logistics?

Kamchatka is the real “bear state” of the Russian Federation. According to various estimates, there are between 15,000 and 30,000 bears here. Such a high concentration of bears cannot be found anywhere else not only in Russia, but in the whole world. The safest and most impressive place to observe Kamchatka’s bears is at Lake Kurile (200 kilometers from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky).    to continue  click here

PLUNGING INTO THE NATURAL MAGNETISM OF KAMCHATKA AND THE KURIL ISLANDS AT RUSSIA'S EASTERN EDGE.

By    SOPHY ROBERTS

Berry picking in the Russian Taiga is tricky business, I think, as I graze on a bowl of mountain ash berries and picture the swampy forest outside. It’s September in Kamchatka, and I’m standing in the predawn darkness by the kitchen sink of a cabin in Yelizovo village. My host, Martha Madsen, who runs the guesthouse and is the only American living on the Kamchatka Peninsula, picked the berries during these few weeks of melt. Recently, another local went collecting in the woods and got lost in the huge thicket, never to return. The weather, too, is always against you. In Kamchatka, spring, summer, and autumn pass so quickly they feel like one brief season. Even now the freeze is pinching the last leaves off the trees, with cold air sweeping down from the Arctic to chill the bones of this volcanic peninsula on Russia’s eastern rim.

On a map, the Kamchatka Peninsula is the part of Russia that curls into the upper northwest Pacific like a dog’s ear. At its southern tip, it peters out into the Kuril Islands, also known as the Fog Archipelago, which scatter down into the Sea of Okhotsk just northeast of Japan.