Esso is a village in Kamchatka's central region, 520 km north of the capital. It was established in 1932 at the junction of the rivers Bystraya and Uksichan.
Understand
In the language of Even people "Esso" stands for larch-tree. If you enjoy warmer temperatures, August and September are the best-advised months for you to visit. If you prefer cold weather then you may enjoy sightseeing all year long, especially in the winter when local geothermal sources such as the hot springs are most enjoyable. The abundance of hot water has supposedly caused the locals to give the place the nickname "Kamchatka Switzerland". Interestingly enough, hot springs are also used for heating homes in Esso.
Get in
You can get to Esso from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky by car or public bus. The journey lasts roughly 10 hours. The road is gravel so you'll need some stamina.
Get around
You will mostly get around by foot, and less so by half-track and helicopter. Dogsleds and horses are a must vehicle here.
See
- Ethnographic Museum (dead link: December 2020) has a vast collection of ethnic clothes, utensils and religious artifacts.
- Museum of Bears
- Ethnic music groups performing traditional Koryak, Even, and Evenki songs.
- Bystrinsky Nature Park (dead link: August 2018)
- Koryak ethnic camp Chau-Chiv
- Reindeer farms
- Native common 'Katep' for dogsledding
Do
- Dogsledding - It is the main means of transport in the village.
- Hot springs - Large and small pools are available in all seasons.
- Skijoring competition. Let the pair of dogs drive your ski and compete with all-Kamchatka champions.
Events
Annual dogsledding races Beringia (dead link: January 2023) (Берингия): The race is 1980 km long, and is listed in Guinness Book of World Records.
Buy
Local souvenirs are abound.
Eat
- Cafe "Minutka"
- Restaurant "Paramushir-tour"
There are several shops.
Drink&Sleep
There are several hotels run by families or small enterprises.
- Eremenko’s Lodge, Esso village, Bistrinskiy district, Zelenaya Str.10 (not far from the public swimming pool), +7 41542 21-7-30. A two-story wooden house with 5 guests rooms and 12 beds, 2 bathrooms with showers, a spacious dining-room with a kitchen, a veranda, and a bath-house. Food is homemade; the owner grows her own vegetables to cook for the guests.
Connect
Go next
- A number of travels are offered including day tours to see natural wonders and ethnic curiosities, rafting, horse riding, and extreme tours. Some of the tours are organized in the villages, some in Petropavlovsk.
- Anavgai village and 'Menedek' camp.