Kutkhiny Baty, a bizarre curtain of pumice rocks, is a unique natural monument located approximately 4 kilometers from the source of the Ozernaya River (Kuril Lake) in Kamchatka.

According to legend, Kutkh – a powerful spirit, the creator of the world, people, and nature – lived in Kamchatka and traveled its rivers and seas. One day, he prepared to leave, and so he placed his “baty” (traditional pumice boats) on the banks of the Ozernaya River, intending to return for them later.

The legend imbues this place with sacred significance and makes it special in the eyes of the indigenous peoples of Kamchatka. “Kutkhiny Baty” can be translated as “The Boats of the God Kutkh.”

This story was passed down from generation to generation among the Itelmens, Koryaks, and other peoples of Kamchatka, who saw traces of a divine presence in this place. Today, Kutkhiny Baty is an important symbol of Kamchatka’s cultural heritage and mystical history.

Indeed, these rocks resemble long boats (similar to Indian canoes), ready to set sail at the first call of their master. This is a very unusual and beautiful place. Kutkhiny Baty on Google Maps. Photos by: lusika33.

Kutkhiny Baty are cliffs and outliers formed from pumice and tuff – light, porous volcanic rocks formed by powerful volcanic eruptions. These formations formed approximately 8,000-10,000 years ago, when powerful eruptions in the Kuril Lake region released enormous quantities of volcanic ash and lava into the atmosphere.

Over time, the rocks hardened, and erosion and wind sculpted them into whimsical shapes reminiscent of carved boats moored on the shore.

The pumice that makes up the Kutkhiny Baty rocks is unusually light and porous, giving the outliers a pale, almost snow-white appearance that stands out against the greenery of Kamchatka’s natural landscape. These formations are particularly striking at sunset, when the sun’s rays cast warm pink and orange hues across the rocks.

The cliffs reach a height of up to 110 m. In summer, the thickets of dwarf alder around the cliffs give them a special contrast.

The area around Kutkhiny Baty is rich in natural beauty and a diverse flora and fauna. Dense tundra vegetation, dwarf shrubs, and flowering grasses enliven the landscape around the cliffs. Nearby is Kuril Lake, home to one of the largest populations of sockeye salmon, making the area an important part of Kamchatka’s ecosystem. And it attracts numerous brown bears and birds of prey, such as eagles.

This part of Kamchatka is protected, and Kutkhiny Baty, like Kuril Lake, is part of the South Kamchatka Nature Reserve. This protected status helps preserve the natural environment and ecosystem, protecting native plant and animal species.

Kutkhiny Baty have become one of Kamchatka’s most popular tourist attractions. Despite its inaccessibility, travelers flock here to see the unique volcanic formations, imbued with mythological and cultural significance. Many tourist routes in southern Kamchatka include a visit to Kutkhiny Baty, along with Kuril Lake and its surrounding area, allowing for a better understanding of the region’s natural and cultural features.

A visit to this place offers a unique opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of Kamchatka’s indigenous peoples, experience their mythology, and see places that play a significant role in their worldview. Tours to Kutkhiny Baty include guided tours of Kamchatka’s legends and history, making the experience not only spectacular but also educational.

Following the earthquake of July 30, 2025, this unique natural site suffered damage: the middle rock of the group was severely damaged, and a deep crack appeared in another. The site was not closed, but the tour route was changed to ensure the safety of visitors to the reserve.

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