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Climbing to the Highest Mountain in Europe - Elbrus (EL-01)

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Day 1 - Moscow

Airport arrival transfer to the hotel
Arrival in Moscow. Our driver will meet you in the arrival sector with a Go Russia sign board. Transfer to the hotel.


Day 2 - Moscow - Elbrus

Airport departure transfer from the hotel
Transfer to the airport. Our driver will meet you with a Go Russia sign board at the hotel lobby.

Flight from Moscow to Mineralnye Vody
Flight from Moscow to Mineralnye Vody.

Transfer to Terskol village
Our driver will meet you at the airport with a sighboard with your name. On the way from the airport we pass local cities and villages and in approximately 4 hours, arrive in the valley of the Baksan River. Here we can already see the snow-capped summits. Check-in at the hotel.


Day 3 - Elbrus

Acclimatisation hike to Cheget peak (3,050m)
A day to acclimatise. After breakfast we hike up to the Cheget peak (3,050m) for approximately 5 hours, stopping to relax at the “Ai” café (2,750m), from where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Baksan valley and the twin summits of Mt.Elbrus. The route is not technically difficult, and the degree of the slope is app. 15-25°. Return to the hotel.


Day 4 - Elbrus

Acclimatisation hike in Terskol valley
Another day to acclimatise. After breakfast we go trekking in the Terskol valley which offers magnificent views of Mt.Elbrus. We will be gradually ascending the area through beautiful meadows and along the river Terskol (5 hours). Return to the hotel. Free time.


Day 5 - Elbrus

Breakfast. Check out from the hotel
Breakfast. Check out from the hotel.

Acclimatisation hike up to the former refuge “Prijut 11” (4,200m)
Drive to the cable-car station "Azau" and then up to the "MIR"/Garibashi station (3,750 m) by two lift trams. Begin an acclimatisation hike to 4,200m. (Up to the former refuge “Prijut 11”). Overnight at Barrels hut (Bochki).


Day 6 - Elbrus

Acclimatisation hike up to the Pastukhova rocks (4,700m)
Breakfast.  Acclimatisation hike higher up to the Pastukhova rocks (4,700m). The route is not too steep with the last part being the steepest at 20 to 25 degrees, but it is tough going at this high altitude. Be prepared for hard walking. Overnight stay at Bochki camp.


Day 7 - Elbrus

Rest day. Overnight at the Bochki camp
Rest day. Overnight at the Bochki camp.


Day 8 - Elbrus

Summit attempt. Celebration dinner at the Bochki camp
Today we attempt to reach the main target of our trip – the summit of Mt.Elbrus. We will wake up very early, at 3 a.m., to start our climbing. Using the headtorches we make our way to the Pastukhova rocks where we stop for a short rest and have some drinks. From Pastukhova rocks the slope is not more than 20-25 degrees, but the high altitude starts to affect your stamina. Over 5,000 m the route turns to the left and we start traverse the slope in the direction of the small flat “saddle” plateau, which we will reach in 2-3 hours. A final big effort is needed to reach the top, which we can do by going either to the East or West Summit. East Summit (5,624 m) - it is an easier option because the icy slope from the saddle is not so steep (maximum 30 degree). The route leads to the top without any technical difficulties. However this route takes some time. 

West Summit (5,642 m) - this is a more difficult choice because a steep clear ice slope (30-35 degrees) leads to the summit plateau. We will need to use crampons, ropes and in some cases ice-screws here. But after hard work we will arrive at the long (approx. 1 km) flat top plateau, leading us directly to the peak. 

Return to the Bochki camp and prepare for a celebration dinner for the winners in the evening. You will also receive your certificate confirming you’ve been on the top of Mt. Elbrus once you are down in the valley. Overnight stay at Bochki camp.


Day 9 - Elbrus

Descend down to Terskol
Descend down to Terskol and overnight at the hotel.


Day 10 - Elbrus - Moscow

Free time in the morning. Transfer to the airport Mineralnyje Vody
Breakfast in the hotel. Free time. In the afternoon transfer to the airport Mineralnyje Vody for your flight back to Moscow.

Flight from Mineralnye Vody to Moscow
Flight from Mineralnye Vody to Moscow.

Transfer from the local airport to the international airport
Arrival in Moscow. Our driver will meet you in the arrival sector with a Go Russia sign board. Transfer from the local airport to the international airport for the flight back home. 

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DATES
17 Jun 2012 - book now
25 Jun 2012 - book now
03 Jul 2012 - book now
11 Jul 2012 - book now
19 Jul 2012 - book now
27 Jul 2012 - book now
04 Aug 2012 - book now
12 Aug 2012 - book now
20 Aug 2012 - book now
28 Aug 2012 - book now
SUMMARY
SEASON: Summer
DAYS: 10
DISTANCE: 155 km
GROUP SIZE: 4-12
TOUR GRADE:
Strenuous

ACTIVITY:
Climbing

ACCOMMODATION:
HotelSingle Option Available

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