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My trip to Sakhalin and Kunashir will forever remain in my heart as a bright and unforgettable adventure. Our journey started on September 21 and ended on October 1. I had packed plenty of warm clothes, but we were incredibly lucky with the weather. It was sunny every day on Kunashir, with temperatures ranging from +21 to +26°C, while in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk it was +18 to +21°C. Most of the time, I wore unlined hiking trousers (on some trails, shorts would have been perfectly fine), a thin base layer (we needed to keep our arms covered when walking through the bamboo thickets), or T-shirts. The evenings were a little chilly, as was one overcast day, when I had to put on my windbreaker.
On our first day on Kunashir, work gloves came in handy because the trail led through bamboo thickets. I hadn't even expected us to go swimming, perhaps just once... But as it turned out, we carried sandals and swimsuits in our backpacks every day, and went swimming every single day (in the hot springs, Hot Lake, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Okhotsk). I only wish I'd brought a second swimsuit!))
We were accompanied by professional guides throughout the trip. Slava and Andrey on Kunashir and Sergey in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk were all experienced and attentive. Thanks to them, we learned a great deal about the history of these places, local life, plants, and wildlife. The trip was both educational and full of interesting information.
The food was excellent. On Kunashir, we didn't have to worry about meals at all. The food was simple and hearty, and the portions were huge. We certainly got our fill of fish! Dinner usually included fish and seafood, while snacks along the way featured fish, shrimp, vegetables, fruit, and sweets.
On Kunashir, we stayed at the Flagman Hotel. It was a good place to stay. The only downside was that the showers were shared on the floor (we had deliberately chosen this budget-friendly option to save money)). However, there were never any queues, and there was always enough hot water for everyone. In Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, we stayed at the Mega Palace Hotel, a really lovely hotel with a buffet breakfast offering an incredible variety of dishes – something you don't find everywhere.
We travelled to Kunashir and back by ferry. For the journey there, we brought our own snacks. On the way back, we ate on board and saw no reason to bring food with us. A thermos and mugs came in handy, as hot water was available on the ferry throughout the entire journey. The cabins were very comfortable and clean.
Throughout the trip, our wishes and requests were taken into account, and we got to see more than was originally included in the itinerary. We were met and seen off at every stop along the route.
I don't see the point in trying to describe the beauty of Sakhalin and Kunashir. These are places you simply have to see with your own eyes at least once in your life. The nature is unique and unlike anything else. It feels like stepping into another world: cliffs, mountains, the ocean, the sea, abundant wildlife, sunsets and sunrises.
You can collect enormous seashells along the shore, eat wild berries (raspberries, kлопovka berries, blueberries, hardy kiwi, and grapes), listen to the cries of seagulls, and forget all about city traffic and the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
After the trip, I got tired of sending the tour link to everyone who wanted it! And that's despite the fact that photographs don't even begin to capture half the beauty we saw. The tour operator has done an enormous amount of work. I wholeheartedly recommend this trip!
I travelled with Strannik on the “Big Adventure in Georgia” from October 3 to 12, 2026. In my opinion, the highlight of the tour was the journey along the Georgian Military Highway. You rarely get to see such breathtaking scenery along a road. Next, we visited the high-mountain region of Svaneti, with even more beautiful views. And of course, there were the warm and welcoming people and delicious food.
There is just one thing to keep in mind: when Georgians say a dish is not very large, they are seriously understating it! Be careful - it's very easy to overeat, and it's hard to resist such delicious food. You can bring Russian rubles in cash to Georgia; they can be easily exchanged for lari almost everywhere. Our group consisted of people of very different ages and professions, but we quickly became a close-knit team. Special thanks to our guide Anna - she is one of Strannik's greatest assets. I highly recommend taking this tour of Georgia with Strannik!
This was my fifth trip with Strannik, and this time I chose the Western Lycian Way tour. I had already hiked the Eastern Lycian Way four years ago, in a more traditional trekking style - camping with friends and carrying huge backpacks. This time, I decided to try a different format. We spent our days hiking, enjoying the scenery, and getting a moderate amount of exercise (the children and teenagers were always running ahead - for them, the route was almost too easy!). The trails, villages, and viewpoints were all very well chosen. In the evenings, I could look forward to a lovely restaurant or café, sunsets, a comfortable bed, and electricity! And, of course, there was the company of like-minded people, people who share the same spirit - and that's truly precious! This holiday was 120% successful.
I choose Strannik for its fantastic routes, excellent organization, and fun, professional guides who take care of our safety and help resolve any issues that may arise during the trip. The logistics are always top-notch, too. Huge thanks to our guides, Igor and Dmitry, for their care, comfort, attention to safety, and great sense of humor. I hope to meet you again on future adventures!
