Kikhpinych

Kikhpinych is a mountain within the Kronotsky Nature Reserve in Kamchatka that rises to about 1,550 meters (5,085 feet). The slopes descend steeply and display different rock layers shaped by volcanic processes.

The mountain experienced volcanic activity in the past, with the last recorded eruption occurring around 1550. This event marks an important moment in the geological story of the Kamchatka Peninsula.

The mountain holds importance for local communities who maintain traditional practices of environmental stewardship within the Kronotsky Nature Reserve boundaries.

Visiting this area requires special permits from the reserve administration and guidance from trained guides due to its protected status. Travelers should understand that strict conservation rules limit where and how the site can be explored.

At the base of the mountain lies the Valley of Death, where volcanic gases create a hazardous environment that affects how local wildlife moves and survives. This natural gas phenomenon is a striking feature that visitors often miss despite being a key part of the region's ecosystem.