Teamhike reviews

Thank you for an unforgettable, professionally organized trip to Kamchatka in 2023. I came home with so many highlights. Thank you to the Teamhike crew for your support, for the great weather, both outdoors and in the group, and for the chance to learn more and take in such beautiful scenery.

Without exaggeration, this was the best vacation of my life. I was lucky to travel to Kamchatka with Sasha and his team in August 2023. It was an incredibly full week, meticulously organized, yet flexible enough to adapt as conditions changed. Sasha planned each day with us, accounting for shifting winds and cloud cover so we could enjoy clear views on our climbs. On other days, we could enjoy activities away from the mountains: swimming in hot springs, exploring the city, and more. Everything was included except airfare. Absolutely everything, and that matters: all meals, including a cafe by the ocean, all excursions, and all transfers. We only paid extra for souvenirs and activities we chose to add ourselves, such as surfing on the last day. I’ve traveled with quite a few other companies, and almost always had to pay extra for something, like lunch at a cafe. The itinerary was packed. Since our plans kept changing with the weather, we were always on the move. Sasha juggled drivers, crew-cab trucks, and overnight stays with real skill, and we managed to fit it all in: three volcanoes, a boat trip, hot springs, waterfalls, a beach, and a chance to discover Kamchatka’s wildlife, from Arctic ground squirrels to a bear that came by our camp at night. This is a fairly demanding tour. If you want to complete every climb and get the most out of the trip, you’ll need to be in good shape. Some days can last 14 hours, and we did a night climb of Avachinsky Volcano in below-freezing temperatures. At times, we really had to push ourselves. But there are always alternatives for anyone who can’t or doesn’t want to climb. We came with a group of friends, and everyone was absolutely thrilled with both Kamchatka and the organization. By the end of the trip, we’d lost count of how many things we’d tried for the first time. Thank you, Teamhike!

We went to Kamchatka with the Teamhike crew and climbed four volcanoes, including Avachinsky Volcano on a night ascent. The last climb was uncertain because of the weather, but Alexander planned it all expertly. At first light, we reached the summit. Throughout the tour, everything was very comfortable, from meals to nights in tents and hotels. The team cooked all our meals outdoors. Tatiana made camp feel cozy. When tired hikers dragged themselves back from a climb, she’d take good care of them with tea and food. Ksyusha was in charge of setting up camp and was also our food and fishing expert. If you’re traveling with kids, Volodya will keep them all entertained, which is especially important on long drives. We did everything on the itinerary. The Surf Camp on the last day made us realize that after a vacation, you need another vacation. This tour isn’t for people who love beach vacations or don’t like adventure. But if you’re ready to encounter a bear, fox, or Arctic ground squirrel, and to get tired during the day in exchange for a ton of highlights, you should go. I highly recommend it.

An amazing team. We just got back from our trip to Kamchatka. We're thrilled and impressed, and hugely grateful to the team for the excellent preparation, itinerary, and organization.

This isn't our first trip with Teamhike. This year, we went to Kamchatka. The tour organization gets a 5+. Everything was top-notch and thought through down to the smallest detail. We always had a hot meal, even when we were camping in tents. The team knows their stuff. Highly recommend.

We'd like to thank Alexander and Tatyana from the bottom of our hearts for organizing and leading an unforgettable rafting trip on the Zilim River. The scenic route was thoughtfully planned, and the professional support made it even better. Putting up tents, hearty camp meals, delicious tea with Baikal herbs, and conversations around the campfire will keep us energized for a long time. Alexander is a true professional. You should have seen how skillfully he removed ticks that had already latched on to two of our "lucky ones." And in Kinderlin Cave, he made sure everyone was safe as they climbed down. We'd never been rafting before and somehow brought our summer sleeping bags. We froze on the first night, but the caring organizers came to our rescue again, lending us warmer sleeping bags they had brought as spares. I sincerely hope we'll set off with this wonderful team again next year to discover more of our planet's unique places.

My 9-year-old daughter and I got back from winter on Lake Baikal a week ago. Saying we were impressed doesn't even begin to describe it. It was like a fairy tale! Every day we headed out to incredibly beautiful places that left us speechless. We went dog sledding and rode buggies, and ate plenty of delicious, hearty food. We were sorry not to spend the night in tents as planned, but the strong wind was forecast by Sasha a full day in advance. Sasha is very capable and knows his way around every situation. He adapts quickly to the weather and changes plans as needed. His assistant guide, Roma, is a great conversationalist, well organized, and an excellent, easygoing driver. My daughter and I will join the team on other tours.

We spent an unforgettable week with the Teamhike crew. There were 17 of us (!!!), and they handled such a big group brilliantly. I won't try to describe the beauty and magic of winter on Lake Baikal. Everyone should see it at least once in their life. I'm generally a well-traveled person, but several times I felt like a kid again, in awe of the views and the intricate ice formations along the way. The well-planned itinerary included both eco-treks and extreme adventures. We got to know the everyday life, food, and culture of the local Buryat people. Of course, it was all set up for tourists, but the approach is very different from a "trip to see the Bedouins" in Egypt. Buggy races and dog sledding, a banya with a hole in the ice of Lake Baikal, and a hot furako tub right on the ice all added extra excitement to a packed itinerary. You can tell the team loves what they do, and shares that love with their guests. Don't expect comfort or a wide variety of food; that's not what this kind of trip is about. Everything else was beyond praise!

My first trip to Russia: Olkhon Island and Lake Baikal. I don't like the cold, but this winter adventure was absolutely worth it! The scenery is incredible, captivating, and full of energy. The Teamhike crew showed us many amazing places. Be ready for a simple way of life. There isn't much in the way of service on the island, but it's a chance to switch off and rest, body and mind. There are several banyas nearby, and, of course, a hole in the ice of Lake Baikal. The itinerary is quite packed, with early starts. Personally, I could have used a couple of extra days to do nothing, take in the beauty around me, and go for a walk. I also would have liked to learn more about local life, legends, and the natural features of the area. I think one good, in-depth guided tour would have covered that. That's the only reason for taking off a star. Otherwise, I'm very grateful to the Teamhike crew for the fresh experiences, for showing us the beauty of our country, and for sharing their love of what they do!

A huge thank-you to the Teamhike crew for our vacation on Lake Baikal! We contacted the agency a week before our vacation, and the group was already full. Luckily, Alexander kindly offered to arrange a private tour for us. We have no regrets; the organization was top-notch! Sasha is a master at rearranging stops to make sure we visit each place in comfortable weather. There was plenty of delicious, fresh food: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including local dishes. By our second day with the team, we already felt like old friends. These people love what they do, and they love nature and people. Our guide, Lesha, deserves a special mention! Driving on the ice is an art, but we felt completely safe throughout the trip. Thanks for all the emotions we experienced! The nature on Lake Baikal is incredible. We recommend everyone visit and feel the energy of these places: see the unbelievably beautiful ice, go skating, breathe the pristine air, take a dip in Lake Baikal after a banya, and try the wonderfully tender, freshly caught omul (Baikal whitefish). We live in such a beautiful country! Sasha, thanks again to you and your team for giving us the chance to see this beauty up close. Wishing you every success! We'd be happy to travel with you to other parts of the world.

We got back from Lake Baikal a couple of days ago, and we'll remember this trip for a lifetime! Sasha and Roma showed real professionalism in organizing the tour, and made sure every group member felt cared for. The itinerary was packed and exciting. In one week, we saw some of the most scenic places and tried all kinds of adventurous activities: quad biking, buggies, huskies, and skating on the ice. Unforgettable! Thank you for all your hard work. I recommend this trip wholeheartedly!

We had a fantastic time on Lake Baikal with Sasha and Roma. Amazing places, a great itinerary, and outstanding guides. The team provided everything we needed and kept us entertained throughout. We're so grateful. They fed us delicious, hearty, varied meals. They even brought a speaker, so we sang and danced. We had a wonderful time. The thyme tea was great! Highly recommend.