This volcano doesn't scare people

Russia's Avachinsky volcano in Kamchatka contains the highest concentration of active volcanoes on Earth. The volcano activities also create thermal springs that attract a number of tourists. Kamchatka region has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.

Petropavlovsk Kamchatsky: Going near a volcano sounds terrifying and that too if the volcano is active. But, Russia's Avachinsky volcano in Kamchatka peninsula which spans 370,000 kilometres and contains the highest concentration of active volcanoes on Earth, over three hundred according to NASA, has now become a tourist spot.

According to the Smithsonian Institution Global volcanism programme, 4688 metre Kluchevskaya Sopka is the highest active volcano in the northern hemisphere but tourists are often found here enjoying the scenic beauty.

Describing the attractions of the region, tour guide Natalya Nimets says, "Kamchatka is a very densely populated area in terms of volcanoes. Here, there are around 30 active volcanoes (which erupted recently). The most famous volcano is Kluchevskaya Sopka. This is the highest volcano in the Eurasian continent. In addition, you can find a very strange and interesting volcano here. For example, the volcano Maly Semyachik has an acid lake inside it, which does not freeze. It has a very beautiful turquoise and azure colour. Here, there are other active volcanoes which erupt pretty frequently. For example, the volcano Shiveluch which erupted at the beginning of 2019 with not only smoke but also lava coming out of it."

Avachinsky volcano

Tourists come to Kamchatka not only for the landscape, but also to relax in the thermal springs formed by volcanic activity. The Khotdutka springs, which is only accessible by helicopter, attracts local as well as foreign tourists.

"For me, this water is a surprise because I was not expecting that it would be so warm and pleasant. I was very much afraid when I went out and it was cold, but in the water it is great. I do not even want to get out," says Khoda Rakhme, a first time visitor.

Russia's first ever volcano museum, Vulkanarium, opened in Petropavlovsk Kamchatsky, in June 2017. It is dedicated to the country's spectacular volcanoes and the rare elements they contain.

UNESCO has described the Kamchatka region on its website as 'one of the most outstanding examples of volcanic regions in the world'. Kamchatka region has been an UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.