Yasur Volcano (height - 361 m; crater diameter - 400 m) is an active stratovolcano in Vanuatu, on the island of Tanna. Yasur, located at the junction of the Australian and Pacific lithospheric plates, was formed about a million years ago. It has erupted almost hourly for 800 years. Its eruptions are of the Strombolian type (andesitic lava).
In 1964, Yasur “threw out” a lava fountain to a height of 300 meters (it “gushed” for 10 days), in 1974 a fire geyser rose to a height of 100 meters, and in 1988 the ash thrown out by Yasur burned almost all the vegetation and crops on the island of Tanna.
As for the last strong eruptions, they are dated 2001 (the consequences of the eruption - funnel-shaped holes appeared in the ground, which were left by lava, "flying" from a great height), 2006 and 2008. Increased activity was observed behind the volcano in 2010 as well.
It is worth noting that Yasur was discovered in 1774 by the English navigator James Cook. Today it is the most “accessible” active volcano in the world - anyone can get to its crater to watch sparks and lava boiling.
Interesting facts about Yasura
A world record was achieved at Yasura. So, in 2010, Anatoly Yezhov came to Tanna Island to perform with kettlebells (kettlebell lifting) on an active volcano during the Yasura eruption. Having reached the foot of Yasur, he, loaded with weights (each weighing 16 kg), together with a sports observer and a mountain guide climbed on foot to the top of the crater. The athlete was able to descend 100 m into the crater and settle at the edge of the Yasura vent. While doing the exercises, Yasur threw out lava, and the guide, who was filming everything on camera, instinctively dodged volcanic bombs, as a result of which the camera's focus was lost. It turned out that the athlete was out of focus, so Anatoly had to repeat the exercises again. So, in 7 minutes he managed to make 157 lifts (the total amount of lifted kilograms is 7152 kg) in extreme conditions with the risk of his life.
Yasur (meaning “old man” in the local dialect) is called “Lighthouse in the Pacific Ocean” because its regular eruptions are visible from the sea. Yasur is interesting not only for tourists, but also for filmmakers: he acted as a filming location for the film “Armor of God 3: Mission Zodiac”.
Yasur for tourists
Despite the rather steep and uneven surface (ash is everywhere and volcanic rocks are scattered), the ascent to Yasur (season: June-September) is relatively short and does not cause any particular problems during the ascent. When approaching Yasuru, everyone will hear the rumble of the volcano and see different landscapes. But only those who reach the edge of the crater will be able to appreciate how impressive this miracle of nature is. Tourists will be allowed to approach almost the edge of the crater (up to the edge - 150 m) and walk along the perimeter of the crater.
During the ascent, travelers will be able to find a mailbox (this is the only volcanic post office in the world) - they can send a letter from here to themselves or their loved ones (the post office has issued a special series for sending "volcanic" letters, which includes a postal block, 4 postcards and stamps).
Despite the "accessibility" of the volcano, it is always dangerous to be near it (there is a risk of suffering from toxic gases, lava bombs and avalanches). Access to Yasur is open only if its volcanic activity is at level 0 (low activity) -1 (normal activity). Therefore, the ascent can only be made with an experienced local guide, armed with a flashlight, helmet and mask. It is worth noting that you can independently check the degree of Yasur's activity on the website: www.geohazards.gov.vu
Even if daytime temperatures can please travelers with pleasant indicators, it is quite cool at the top, especially after sunset (it makes sense to put warm clothes in your backpack). If you enjoy day trips, you should definitely make an evening climb to admire Yasur in natural light - molten magma in the dark.
Approximate tour program:
- Day 1: Arrival in the capital of the Republic of Vanuatu - Port Vila.
- Day 2: Bus tour of Port Vila after breakfast at the Holiday Inn Resort.
- Day 3: Climbing Yasur volcano.
- Day 4: Safari on Tanna Island and visit to a traditional Melanesian village.
- Day 5: Transfer to Port Vila.
Independent tourists interested in Yasur volcano can stay at Volcano Whispering Lodge, one of 5 bungalows with six double and 12 single beds (40 minutes walk from Yasur; 20 minutes walk from a traditional village where travelers can admire local dances).
