Kamchatka: where the earth ends, and Russia begins

A unique region with pristine nature. A land of roaring volcanoes, gurgling mountain streams, bears prowling the woods and killer whales lurking in the sea.

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A unique region with pristine nature. A land of roaring volcanoes, gurgling mountain streams, bears prowling the woods and killer whales lurking in the sea. It is a place where one can live in harmony with Mother Nature. It is where Russia begins.

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Towing and dismantling old ships is too expensive, so they are gradually being given to the ocean.

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The famous rocks known as the Three Brothers guarding the entrance to Petropavlovsk Kamchatsky.

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A view of Petropavlovsk Kamchatsky.

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The Holy Trinity Cathedral in Petropavlovsk Kamchatsky.

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Border guard ships.

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The Blue Lake, an artificial body of water. Its unusual color is caused by the hydrogen sulfide coming out through the geysers.

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Geysers. A favorite for locals and tourists to visit.

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Global warming is especially felt here. The past summer was very hot, nearly melting snow that had accumulated for centuries.

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Evrazhka, a Siberian rodent (type of ground squirrel). They live in colonies in the valleys around the volcanoes.

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Foothills of the Avachinsky volcano in Kamchatka.

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Mount Verblyud (Camel) between the Koryaksky and Avachinsky volcanoes. Legends say it was once a volcano as well.

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Mount Babiy Kamen.

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Koryaksky volcano.