The eastern borders of our country still keep the treasure trove of new discoveries and one-of-a-kind places. The travel to Far East itself means something unbelievable and unforgettable. And when it comes to Kuril Islands, then multiply emotions by two.

The Kurils are the chain of the volcanic islands between Okhotsk sea and Pacific Ocean. Each of islands is unique and has bright sides which make it worth visiting. You can begin your acquaintance with Kurils from the biggest representative of this archipelago.

Iturup is the island that combined exclusive features of a good travel – accessibility of popular landmarks, availability of hot springs, mild climate and unique character of the nature which you can meet once in a lifetime. Iturup is another planet which is reachable in less than in a day.

Yankito plateau

Baranskogo vulcano

Boiling River (Kipyaschaya River)

Black Cliffs

White Cliffs

Thermal springs

Fumarole field of Baransky volcano

Itinerary

Day 1. Volcanic plateau Yankito

We arrive to the island. The flight from Sakhalin to Iturup takes you a little longer than an hour but it is already a part of adventure. Soaring above Okhotsk sea is priceless.

Iturup will greet you with a scenic view of Bogdan Khmelnitsky – one of the highest volcanos in the region. On the way to the hotel you won’t get a feeling that you’re somewhere on the periphery of the country, and trust, it’s pleasantly surprising. Checking-in, lunch. We rewind these details and go to a little sightseeing tour in Kurilsk.

It is a very small city but its history is much greater and deeper in comparison to many other locations. After granite landmarks we’re going to volcanic plateau Yankito. It’s a ripped into pieces solidified lava on the shore of Kuril bay. Already familiar to us volcano Bogdan Khmelnitsky created this ensemble teaming up with waves of Okhotsk sea. After a long walk we are going to the hot springs (Vannochki recreational facility). There we complete the main mission of the day: “We’re in the Kurils”.

Day 2. Baransky volcano

In the morning we look out of the window and check the weather conditions. In case of sunny weather, we pack our bags, take delicious fish burgers and hurry to the Baransky volcano.According to tradition, after eventful day we’ll spend some time in the emerald hot springs which can sweep away your fatigue and give a feeling of bliss.

This area is abundant with volcano performances in different scenes and halls, but out target is to see the backstage of this drama. We are going to have an uneasy but breathtaking route to the top of this hot cone. We surely won’t see boiling lava in a huge volcanic crater but Baransky will show us an amazing picture of Iturup which you can see only from above.

Having enjoyed a landscape, we’ll go down to the upper solfatara field of the volcano, will try to outshout the roaring fumarole and taste the Kuril jungles. Difficult part of the way will be over but in the stores of this theatre there will be a few surprises.

Our way will go along the source of Boiling River (Kipyaschaya river) where we’ll get acquainted with the azure lakes. They are just like mythic sirens – dangerous creatures of unearthly beauty.

Day 3. White Cliffs

Today we will have a little offroad safari on the shore of Prostor bay. In these places the beach line can easily compete with popular resorts of South-Eastern Asia – the reason is a lovely azure of Okhotsk sea. And no, it is not the highlight of the show. Today we’re going to visit the island celebrity of all showplaces. We will be passing by the White cliffs with no stops for now. It’s necessary to pass the challenging area before it will be filled with salty water. But no worries, later we will pay enough attention to the cliffs.

We arrive to Parusnaya bay, there are the clearest water and incredible sea scents. On this location behind the rocks there’s a waterfall hiding from people’s eyes. It’s humble but really impressive. Its local name «Maiden plaits» and - believe – they deserve your attention.

We start moving backwards and visit the narrowest pace of the island – Windy neck, watch the fading away particles of military history and hurry to the cliffs.

White Cliffs are the carved pumice wall which length is about six kilometers and that reminds legendary architectural objects. We will walk on the largest canyon of this giant, climb on the little summit and feel like in a Wonderland.

Will we have hot springs? Of course, today we are going to visit a new recreational facility with a self-explanatory name “Hot waters”. This cozy place will grant maximum of pleasure this day.

Day 4. Pacific Ocean

The natural treasures are not the only treasures of Iturup. Today it is going to be a day of contrasts, history, new discoveries and… Main point of attraction this day is Pacific Ocean. Read the contract carefully, one of the clauses states that you will have to swim in these great waters.

We are to visit Kasatka bay which keeps the treasures of historical heritage. In this place there have been a lot of events: hungry driftage, hurricanes, stranded ships, beginning one of the most famous military operations of the last century. In the period of Japanese presence on the island many locations were literally pierced with tunnels and catacombs – later we will explore some of these places. After underground walks we will travel to the settlement which was abandoned by majority of its residents. It is an ambiguous place but it is also a part of Iturup history.

On the way back we can touch the vessel on the eternal moorage in the bay. Just like yesterday this day will be finished in the hot springs of already known recreation facility “Vannochki”.

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Iturup Island

Itinerary

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