Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
One of Russia’s Seven Wonders, Valley of the Geysers is the second largest geyser field in the world, with about 90 geysers in the 6 kilometer basin. Visitors to the Valley of Geysers experience the undisturbed nature of a region inaccessible by car. The geysers are part of a wildlife reserve, and visitors are likely to see a variety of creatures during their time at the geysers.
The geysers are a result of geothermic activity, which also causes the nearby volcanoes. Some of the geysers have been named; for instance, Velikan, meaning Giant geyser, shoots up to 40 meters into the air.
Visiting the Valley is filled with perils and it is evident in the introduction at the entrance to the valley that states, “Each person getting to the Valley of Geysers for the first time, experiences its hypnotic power. The head is spinning with surprise and amazement. But the Valley of Geysers does not forgive heedlessness, and collects an annual tribute of scalded extremities.”
The Valley of Geysers has suffered several damages and losses. On October 4, 1981, Typhoon Elsa brought heavy rains flooding the river Geysernaya. Thus big boulders from the swelled stream damaged everything that came in their way. This caused the collapse of Geyser Bolshaya Pechka (Big Oven) and damaged Source Malakhitovi Grot (Malachite Grotto).
On June 3, 2007, a mudslide caused damage to the Valley of Geysers. Still, the Valley is active and alive. Due to its remote location, the Valley receives very less tourists.
Valley of the Geysers Map
Facts about the Valley of Geysers
- The Valley of Geysers was discovered in 1941 by Tatiana Ustinova and Anisifor Krupenin.
- It has the second largest concentration of geysers in the world.
- The Valley is a part of one of the World Heritage Sites, named Volcanoes of Kamchatka housed in Kronotsky Nature Reserve.
Where is the Valley of Geysers ?
The Valley of Geysers are located in the Kamchatka Peninsula, in the Kronotskiy State Natural Biosphere Reserve. This very remote location is only accessible by helicopter, and as a result it has only a few thousand visitors every year. You can board a helicopter from the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky airport located at a distance of 20 km. Due to the lack of public transport and requirement of special permissions, getting around the Valley of Geysers is difficult.
Best time to visit the Valley of Geyser
The region is part of Siberia, and the snow often lasts through spring. Summer is a good time to visit the Valley of Geysers, when the snow has begun to melt and the geysers are visible.
More about the Valley of Geyser
Nearby Attractions: Kamchatka Volcanoes and Clouds of Steam
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