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Sakhalin + Iturup, Pearl of the Kurils

Destination: Sakhalin
Easy - nothing more than normal walking while sight-seeing
Moderately Easy - 1-3 hours of physical activity daily
Moderate - 3-5 hours of physical activity daily
Challenging - 5-7 hours of challenging physical activity daily
Extreme - 7+ hours of challenging/extreme physical activity daily
Difficulty
Basic — most of nights in tents or rooms with shared WC, some nights in comfortable rooms.
Standard — most of nights in comfortable rooms, some nights in tents or rooms with shared WC.
Upgraded — all nights in comfortable rooms.
Comfort
Minimum age of the participant of this trip
11 Days
Highlights
  • All Sakhalin island in one tour
  • Visit of the pearl of the Kurils - Iturup Island
  • All types of Sakhalin landscapes: mountains, steeps, bays, islands and volcanoes
  • Acquaintance with culture and untouched nature in one tour
  • Visit a secret place not marked on many maps
  • Excursion to the most inaccessible and beautiful lighthouse in Russia
  • Discovery of one of the Itutup's symbol - White rocks
  • Famous landmarks of Russian and Japanese Culture
Tour Overview

Sakhalin is a region shrouded in secrecy, a place uniting oriental wisdom and mystifying Russian soul. This is exactly where our unique and unusual trip will take place.

During 11 days we will try to show you how immense and beautiful Sakhalin Island is with its abundant biodiversity. We will discover almost the whole territory of the island; see dozens of sights and fascinating landscapes. We will head for to the famous Aniva lighthouse, walk along the shores of the most beautiful bays of Sakhalin to discover all its diversity. Moreover we will be one of the firsts in Russia to meet the dawn as we will be on one of the easternmost subjects of the Russian Federation.

Sakhalin Island is also famous for its volcanoes and hot springs. During the tour we will have the opportunity to bath in those springs and see the volcanoes with our own eyes.

However, in spite of rich program on the Sakhalin Island, the pearl of our trip will be the Iturup Island that makes our voyage more exclusive. Being one of the largest in the Kuril chain of islands it has a remote and isolated location. So, we will have to take a plane in order to get there. But thanks to the same inconveniences in geographical availability, we will catch the opportunity to admire the pristine nature: volcanoes, waterfalls, geysers, lakes, hot springs and so on.

Tour programme
  • Day 1
    Aquaintance with Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
    Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
  • Day 2
    Along the east coast of Sakhalin
    Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk — Tikhaya bay
  • Day 3
    Sakhalin's most famous lighthouse
    Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
  • Day 4
    Bizarre arches, caves and grottoes of Cape Giant
    Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk — Cape Giant
  • Day 5
    Iturup -the pearl the Kurils islands
    Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk — Iturup Island (Kurilsk)
  • Day 6
    Baranskiy volcano
    Iturup Island (Kurilsk)
  • Day 7
    White rocks
    Iturup Island (Kurilsk)
  • Day 8
    Kasatka bay and Pacific ocean
    Kurilsk
  • Day 9
    Return from the Kuril Islands
    Iturup Island (Kurilsk) — Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
  • Day 10
    Reserve day
    Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
  • Day 11
    End of the programme
    Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
  • 09:00
    Arrival to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and meeting with your guide
    *The indicated time is approximate and can be changed according to the chosen flight.
  • 12:30
    Lunch Not included
  • 14:00
    Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk city-tour
    Aquaintance with the administrative centreof the Sakhalin island. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is a city of snowfall that surrounded by the mountains. In winter it's really cold and in summer very hot. The name of the city has been changed a lot of times. The south of the island was the territory of Japan during 40 years. Only in 1946, the city was named Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. During the excurison we will visit the viewing point "Mointain air".
  • 17:00
    Dinner in the cafe Not included
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel Gagarin
Twin room
  • 08:00
    Breakfast in the hotel
  • 09:00
    Departure to the Tikhaya bay
    On the way, we will visit the old Japanese Torii gate, installed in front of Shinto shrines. Also, we will make a stop in the village of Vzmorye, where you can buy delicious crabs.
  • 12:30
    Discovery of Tikhay (Silent) bay
    This place is not even marked on all maps of Sakhalin, so it is a real lonely corner of peace and silence... Tikhaya Bay is a unique natural corner, carefully sheltered from winds and typhoons, located in the Makarovsky district, 130 km from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. The name of the bay was given by the great navigator Ivan Kruzenshtern. We will take a walk along the coast (1.5-2 km one way), and see the extraordinary beauty of the lagoon, grottoes and gorges. Here you can also observe Japanese cranes and find a seal rookery.
  • 13:00
    Lunch-picnic
  • 14:00
    Time at leisure
    You can walk around the area or even swim in the sea!
  • 15:00
    Return way to the city
    After a bright and interesting trip, we will return to the city.
  • 19:00
    Dinner Not included
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk — Tikhaya bay
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel Gagarin
Twin room
Note

6 h transfer  (260km)

  • 06:00
    Breakfast
    In the hotel you can take the breakfast box.
  • 07:00
    Start of excursion to the Lighthouse Aniva
    The way to the most inaccessible lighthouse in Russia lies through the town of Korsakov to the village of Novikovo. Then, by speedboat we will go to the Cape Aniva of the same name (2.5-3 hours on the way). The path goes along the Aniva Bay to the eastern and most beautiful cape of Sakhalin Island.
  • 13:00
    Lunch
    Lunch boxes
  • 14:00
    Discovery of the lighthouse Aniva
    It is one of the most inaccessible lighthouses in Russia, that lies in an area very difficult to navigate, so in 1930s Karafuto Prefecture authorities (Sakhalin was Japanese at the time) decided to build a lighthouse here. Building materials could only be delivered by ship. Nevertheless, in 1939 the lighthouse was build. In the XX century, the cape belonged to the territory of Japan and was considered a masterpiece of lighthouse construction. Having reached the boat by sea, if there is no storm, you will disembark and find yourself at the foot of the majestic 9-storey tower 31 meters high.
  • 15:00
    Continuation of the excursion
    After the first stop, there will also be an opportunity to see Cape Marble and Cape White Stone. Return to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in the evening.
  • 19:00
    Dinner Not included
  • Overnight at the resort
Photo of the day
Route
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel Gagarin
Twin room
  • 08:00
    Breakfast
  • 09:00
    Departure to the cape Giant
    The natural monument "Cape Velikan" (Cape Giant) with an area of 43 hectares is located on the territory of the Korsakovsky district, on the southern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. The ridge starts from Cape Aniva and extends to Cape Tonin (Cape Svobodny); total length - 90 kilometers, width 20 kilometers, maximum height - 544 meters.
  • 11:00
    Exploration of the coastline
    Cape Giant is considered to be one of the most beautiful coastlines on Sakhalin. The secret of this place's popularity lies with its unusual relief: along its sandy coast you will find stone monuments and arches in strange and unusual formations. Rocky cliffs, taiga and the harsh Sea of Okhotsk meet here. We will take a walk about 1,5-2 km one way.
  • 13:00
    Lunch-picnic
    Lunch (lunch box) of local dishes, tea with Sakhalin herbs.
  • 15:00
    Return to the city
  • 19:00
    Dinner in the hotel Not included
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk — Cape Giant
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel Gagarin
Twin room
Note

2 h transfer  (85km)

  • 08:00
    Breakfast
  • 10:30
    Flight to the Iturup island
    Iturup is the largest island of the Kuril Archipelago. Some people claim that it is also the most beautiful with its volcanoes side by side with hot lakes, and bizarre white cliffs stand out against a background of emerald forests. You will just fell in love with this place! After our arrival, transfer to the hotel. Accommodation and rest.
  • 13:00
    Lunch in the hotel's cafe Not included
  • 14:00
    Visit of Yankito Plateu
    The Yankito Plateau is another noteworthy place in Iturup. It is a frozen volcanic lava. Here, you can not only admire the black west coast, but also learn about the early man sites of the Early Neolithic era (6900-7100 BC) that were found here. Exploration of lava outcrops and descent to Drovyanaya bay.
  • 16:00
    Excursion and bathing in the springs
    After lunch, sightseeing tour around the village. Then you can relax and enjoy bathing in the hot springs (payment for visiting thermal springs on site from 500-1000 rubles / person)
  • 19:00
    Dinner Not included
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk — Iturup Island (Kurilsk)
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel "Ostrov", Iturup (Kurilsk)
Twin room
  • 09:00
    Breakfast
  • 11:00
    Excursion to the volcano Baranskiy
    The volcano was named after the famous Soviet geographer, founder of economic geography N.N. Baransky. Transfer to the foot of the Baransky volcano. Excursion to the fumarole field with exploration of the fumaroles. Descent along the stream to the Starozavodsky field. Discovery of mud volcanoes.
  • 13:00
    Lunch-picnic
  • 14:00
    Bathing in the hot springs Not included
    After lunch we will visit the sources of the Kipyaschaya river. Two boiling lakes (also named Blue Eyes) give rise to a beautiful sulfuric stream. Swimming in the Boiling Creek, in the recreation area called “Waterfall” (included in the cost of the tour). There are curative volcanic baths with different temperatures from 42 ° to 70 °, a jacuzzi and a hot waterfall.
  • 19:00
    Dinner Not included
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Baranskiy volcano, Iturup
Route
Iturup Island (Kurilsk)
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel "Ostrov", Iturup (Kurilsk)
Twin room
  • 09:00
    Breakfast in the cafe
  • 10:00
    Start of the 4x4 excursion
    White cliffs with very bizarre shapes stretch along the Sea of Okhotsk. Their landscape is constantly changing due to the fact that the rock is soft and prone to weathering and water erosion. Due to severe erosion, unique rock formations of grey-white pumice formed bizarre canyons and crevices. The height of the rocks is from 17 to 114 m. Their white colour is in sharp contrast with the bright greenery and the dark grey sandy beach.
  • 13:00
    Lunch (picnic)
  • 16:00
    Return to Kurilsk
  • 19:00
    Dinner Not included
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
White rocks, Iturup
Route
Iturup Island (Kurilsk)
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel "Ostrov", Iturup (Kurilsk)
Twin room
  • 09:00
    Breakfast
  • 11:00
    Departure to Kasatka bay
    Kasatka Bay formerly known by its Japanese name Hitokappu Bay, is a natural harbor at the central part of Iturup, Kuril Islands. Here we will visit the Mirror Beach and Devil's Rock with the remains of Japanese fortifications. Probably the only place on the island where you can easily get to the Pacific Ocean!
  • 13:00
    Lunch picnic
  • 15:00
    Visit of thermal springs Not included
    Not far from the Rybaki village, there are hot springs and a lovely recreation area "Baths", where you can swim in the pools with thermal water (payment for visiting thermal springs on site from 500-1000 rubles / person).
  • 19:00
    Dinner in the local cafe Not included
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Kurilsk
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel "Ostrov", Iturup (Kurilsk)
  • 09:00
    Breakfast
  • 10:00
    Transfer to the airport
    The flight to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Transfer to the hotel, check-in.
  • 17:00
    Free time and rest
  • 19:00
    Dinner Not included
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Iturup Island (Kurilsk) — Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel Gagarin
Twin room
  • 09:00
    Breakfast
  • 11:00
    Day at leisure in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
    * Optional: city tour, visit of Busse lake or rock "Frog" (extra charge).
  • 13:00
    Lunch Not included
  • 19:00
    Dinner Not included
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Plateau Yankito, Iturup, Sakhalin
Route
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel Gagarin
Twin room
  • 09:00
    Breakfast
  • 11:00
    Transfer to the airport
    End of the programme.
Photo of the day
Route
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Detailed description
New departures available soon
Price includes
  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • Transport as per itinerary
  • Excursions and visits as per itinerary
  • Transfer from airport / railway station on first day
  • Transfer to airport / railway station on last day
  • Railway tickets
  • Letter of invitation
  • Meals according to the program
  • English-speaking guide services
  • Reserves and national parks entrance permissions
Price does not include
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Visa fees and travel insurance
  • Optional activities
  • Airline tickets
For more info, please download the detailed description of the trip.
Note

The price is given for the group of 3 persons. If the the number of participants in the group is less, the price of the tour is following: For a group of 2 people - 261 800 rubles / person For a group of 4 people - 198 700 rubles / person For a group of 5 people - 181 900 rubles / person For a group of 3 people - 161 900 rubles / person The flights Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk - Iturup and Iturup - Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk are included. *** IMPORTANT: For all foreign citizens, it is necessary to apply for special permission to enter the territory of the border zone - the Kuril Islands. The documents should be filed one month before the departure.

Reviews
4.67
4.67
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
5.00
Quality of accommodation
4.00
Quality of transport / transfers
4.00
Quality of meals
5.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
5.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Andreas
From 9 August 2021 to 19 August 2021
Destination: Sakhalin
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
all the best, it was wonderfull
4.83
4.83
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
5.00
Quality of accommodation
5.00
Quality of transport / transfers
4.00
Quality of meals
5.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
5.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Angelika
From 9 August 2021 to 19 August 2021
Destination: Sakhalin
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
It was a wonderful tour that was very well organized. A flight cancellation was rebooked immediately and everything was adjusted. It was a great experience if you like nature and want to get to know it. We recommend.
BaikalNature's reply
Thank you very much!
No reviews anymore or no reviews at all for this destination. Below all reviews.
5.00
5.00
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
5.00
Quality of accommodation
5.00
Quality of transport / transfers
5.00
Quality of meals
5.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
5.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Pierrette
From 29 February 2024 to 8 March 2024
Destination: Lake Baikal
Custom tourBaïkal Hivernal Classique
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
Ce voyage, compliqué en cette période géopolitique critique, a été bien organisé en coopération avec le bureau, selon mes préférences, mes besoins. Tout a été prévu avec minutie. Accueil très chaleureux individualisé. J'ai été réellement bluffée et hyper satisfaite de toutes les prestations. Le personnel, guide et chauffeurs, est très professionnel, très attentionné, bienveillant et d'une qualité
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5.00
5.00
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
5.00
Quality of accommodation
5.00
Quality of transport / transfers
5.00
Quality of meals
5.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
5.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Liang
From 28 July 2023 to 7 August 2023
Destination: Kamchatka
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
An excellent travel tour! The organization was top-notch, the tour leader was exceptional, and the customer service was outstanding, promptly addressing any inquiries.
5.00
5.00
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
5.00
Quality of accommodation
5.00
Quality of transport / transfers
5.00
Quality of meals
5.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
5.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Владислав
From 23 July 2023 to 27 July 2023
Destination: Lake Baikal
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
Замечательный тур! Очень понравилось всё, начиная от организационных моментов, заканчивая самим путешествием, замечательным гидом Егором, удивительно живописными местами, супер устойчивыми байдарками и разнообразной погодой.
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