For centuries, a tiny piece of land known as the Valley of Death in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula wasn’t known to humanity until it was accidentally discovered in the 20th century. According to legend, two hunters found this bizarre place in the 1930s at the foot of the Kikpnych Volcano, on the upper Geyzernaya River. The men were faced with an arid land with no grass or plants, covered with the bodies of dead animals. After several minutes the pair felt strong headaches and fled the area, a decision which saved their lives. The story the hunters told about the territory raised strong interest, and in the 1940s and 1950s many adventure seekers journeyed to the valley in a bid to solve its mystery, but not all returned. Locals say about 80 people have been lost there. After analyzing research carried out from 1975 to 1983, scientists came to the conclusion that the animals and birds are killed by the high concentration of poisonous gases that rise from the volcano. A deadly mix of hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon disulphide, and other elements accumulates in the valley’s lowlands without any winds to blow it away. The Valley of Death is a relatively small area just 1.2 miles long and 1,640 feet wide. The period from May to October makes this territory a natural killer, as that’s when the snow cover melts and frees the deadly gases. The first victims are birds that drink the water in the thawed river. They are followed by foxes which come to the valley to hunt. This attracts larger predators, including bears and wolverines. The bodies of the dead animals are preserved for a long time because the deadly gases prevent the bacteria responsible for decomposition. Partially rotted animal bodies in the valley are not uncommon. So why don’t animals run when they begin to feel the symptoms? Some believe that elements in the valley’s gases can cause partial paralysis, but that hasn’t been proven. Humans are often hit with headaches, fever and weakness as warning signs to leave. How do tourists visit the Valley of Death? It an be observed from a specially organized observation deck installed at a safe distance from the valley. Visitors can enjoy the incredible landscape and listen to interesting facts explained by a tour guide. The number of excursions in May and June is limited. A one-day walking tour is 1,470 Rubles ($18.72) per person.
