Posted on February 18 2020
Repeat, there will be air service from Alaska to Kamchatka this summer. We’ve gotten wind that bookings to one of the world’s most incredible trout and salmon fisheries are a bit down, as many wondered about the ability to get to Kamchatka as in years past. Not going to be an issue. Book now to get a prime week, because it’s essentially the same program.
Here’s the official release from the air carrier:
This summer, Russian air carrier Yakutia Airlines marks the 9th season of its Alaska – Russian Far East Air Service, providing scheduled service from Anchorage, Alaska to the Russian cities of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and Yakutsk. The service will operate for ten weeks on Mondays from July 13 to September 14, 2020, utilizing Boeing 737-700 aircraft configured with Economy Class. The schedule permits travelers from North America to make same-day connections at Petropavlovsk and Yakutsk to Moscow, Khabarovsk, Vladivostok and other Russian cities. The flight from Anchorage to Kamchatka is just 4 ½ hours. For 2020, the season has been extended two weeks to include the prime fishing and hunting opportunities, as well as the traditionally good weather, of early September. This year the airline formally introduces Premium Economy Service, which includes such benefits as extra seating room, premium meals and alcohol, extra baggage allowance, and more flexible terms. Tickets are now on sale through the InterPacific Aviation and Marketing web portal, AirRussia.US, most professional travel agents, and ticketing outlets across Russia. The airline will also offer twice-weekly nonstop service between Tokyo (Narita) and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky during the month of July, 2020.
The Kamchatka Peninsula is a popular destination for outdoorsmen and adventure travelers. Thousands of miles of pristine rivers and streams flow from the scimitar-shaped peninsula’s volcanic mountain ridges to the sea, forming ideal habitat for rainbow trout, salmon and other fish species; for anglers worldwide, an expedition to Kamchatka is the trip of a lifetime. The region’s active volcanoes, Uzon caldera and Geyser Valley are must-see sites for visitors. Trekkers will appreciate the breathtaking landscapes, wildlife viewing, and a soak in one of the area’s countless hot springs. Kamchatka’s indigenous Koryak, Even and Itelmen peoples welcome travelers to experience their rich culture first-hand at such events as the lively thanksgiving festival Alkhalalalai. Festivals and conferences throughout the summer appeal to travelers with more specific interests, such as Volcano Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, Russians Navy Day, Skyrunning competitions, and the a volcanology field school.
Yakutsk is the capital of Russia’s Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), in Eastern Siberia. It is the world’s largest city built on permafrost and, with an average winter temperature of -30F, it is the coldest major city in the world. Visitors to the city will enjoy visiting the Mammoth Museum, its outdoor “living” shamanism museum, and the underground Permafrost Museum featuring ice sculptures year-round. A day-cruise up the Lena River from Yakutsk tower the breathtaking Lena Pillars, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; these picturesque cliffs reach up to 900 feet high and extend for miles along the river. Yakutia, an area almost five times the size of France, is rich in natural resources; most notably, it produces more than 25% of the world’s supply of diamonds. Yakutsk is sister city to Fairbanks, Alaska.
Eastern Russia boasts five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is of increasing popularity as a travel destination. Travelers may choose from itineraries that unite such unique features as Lake Baikal, the Lena Pillars, the Trans-Siberian Railroad and Kamchatka. Tour operators and outfitters experienced in travel to Kamchatka offer trips to accommodate a wide range of interests and budgets, ranging from bear-viewing and volcano climbing to fishing and scientific expeditions. Fly-fishing outfitters include The Best of Kamchatka, The Fly Shop, Ultimate Rivers and Ouzel Expeditions. Treks and cultural tours are available through such experienced operators as Kamchatintour, Red Rivers, Explore Kamchatka, Travers-Tour, Secret Compass, 50 Degrees North, Betchart Expeditions, MIR Corporation, EastLink and 56th Parallel. Most operators are pleased to arrange custom trips upon request. Links to operator sites may be found at AirRussia.US. Expeditionary cruise ship operators, including Heritage Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions and Silversea Cruises, explore Russia’s wildest coastlines, from Japan to the Arctic.