UNDP/GEF
Conservation of Biodiversity on Kamchatka's 4 Protected Areas

Bystrinsky Nature Park

Bystrinsky Nature Park is part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site “Volcanoes of Kamchatka.” Bystrinsky Nature Park is an enticing wilderness area covering 1,325,000 hectares, located in the middle of the Kamchatka Peninsula in an area sometimes referred to as “Kamchatka’s Switzerland.” The park is part of the Sredny Mountain range representing almost all features of the central Kamchatka ecosystem. The park’s breathtaking landscapes include intact taiga forests and diverse wildlife. The primary goal of the park is to preserve the traditional lifestyles of the Even people, who live in the villages of Anavgai and Esso, within the park’s boundaries. As both the largest and one of the least developed of Kamchatka’s nature parks, Bystrinsky Park offers huge and underdeveloped recreational opportunities. It is the park’s current quest to interest international volunteers to assist in better management of its potential. Bystrinsky offers excellent opportunities for volunteers with an interest in community based tourism projects and intertwining the park’s purpose with the local peoples economic, social and other interests.

What to see
The park comprises some of the most dramatic mountains, lush alpine tundra, meadows, and birch and conifer forests on Kamchatka. The park is the homeland of big horn snow sheep, moose, sable, bear, beaver, mink, fox, wolves, and reindeer. The park’s birdlife includes the highest diversity of birds of prey on Kamchatka, including the Steller Sea Eagle and Golden Eagle. The region’s conifer forests are exclusive to the area and cannot be found in other parts of Kamchatka. For climbing enthusiasts there is the massive Ichinsky Volcano, the highest active volcano in the Sredniy Mountain Range.

Highlights
Most definitely the park’s location close to the villages of Esso and Anavgai, inhabited by Koryak and Even people, offers cultural opportunities not found elsewhere on Kamchatka. Anavgai’s wonderful small cultural center “Menedek,” managed by the local people, offers both historical and present day highlights into the culture of the local people. There is also a small shop where local made souvenirs, pictures and books are sold. The Bystrinsky District Museum, located in Esso, has the best collection of Kamchatka Koriyak and Even ethnographic material to be seen on Kamchatka.

How to get there
The entrance to the park is about 8-10 hours drive from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky on the only road north close to the village of Anavgai.

What to do
The park offers trails used for decades by regional hunters and reindeer herders. These trails can be used both for trekking and horseback riding. The local Even people use sturdy northern horses for travel into the wilderness. Some of the wildest and most scenic rivers on Kamchatka flow through the park. Specifically, the Esso Bystraya River is a favorite for white water rafters. In Esso there are several tour companies that run 1 to 3-day rafting trips on the Bystraya River. You may also contact our advertisers for trip information.

Another great way to see the park is on horseback and both day trips and overnight trail rides are available. Esso has several horse trip outfitters.

Hiking in the park is a good way to see the Bystrinsky’s unique pocket of conifer forest. Check at the park headquarters in Esso about trails and guide services.

Thanks to the efforts of Native leaders from Anavgai and Esso, there are several wonderful cultural festivals each year and everyone is welcome to join in the merrymaking. Each March the Beringia Sled Dog Race from Esso to Ossoro, on Kamchatka’s northeast coast, has a ceremonial and heartwarming start for one of the toughest dog races in the world. The summer solstice is the Even New Years celebration and autumn brings the harvest festivities usually in early September.

In 2004, with support of the UNDP/GEF an Even camp “Menedek” was created in the village of Anavgai, where visitors may experience the traditional culture and life of the Even people. At this cultural center, one may acquire authentic handmade souvenirs, and enjoy a snack and tea with the Even people while learning about this reindeer-herding culture.

Visitor information
Bystrinsky Nature Park Visitor Center
8 Lenina Street, Esso
Bystrinsky District, Russia 684350
Telephone (242) 21-4-61,
Fax 8 (242) 21-6-88
E-mail: essopark@yandex.ru