Petropavlovsk
The gateway to the great wilderness of the Kamchatka peninsula.
Petropavlovsk is the capital of the Kamchatka peninsula in Far East Russia. The city is situated on the Avacha Bay and in clear weather offers great views towards the Avacha and Koryaksky Volcanoes. The city isn't exactly picturesque, as the remnants of the days of the Soviet Union have really taken its toll. There are only 3 hotels in the city, none of which would reach more than a 2 star level. Nevertheless, Petropavlovsk is the gateway to the great wilderness of the Kamchatka Peninsula.
There are direct flights to Petropavlovsk from Beijing only in the height of summer. Otherwise the only way in is from Moscow, Khabarovsk or Vladivostok.
Whilst in town, make sure you visit Kamchatka's famous fish market in Komsomol Square in the capital Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, where you can buy smoked wild salmon (140 roubles for a whole fillet) and fresh salmon caviar (170 roubles for a tub). If you enjoy food, try Kamchatka's seafood specialities, especially king crab, scallops, sea whelk, wild salmon and caviar, as well as many varieties of wild mushrooms.