The legendary Mount Elbrus (5,642m) is one of the World’s Seven Summits and an essential ascent for those who can meet the challenge and reach the roof of Europe! Travelling amongst the four- and five thousand metre peaks you can’t miss the highest one of all. You’ll be stunned by the view of the double- capped Elbrus, towering in its majestic grandeur over lower ranges of snowy mountains, and inviting you to scale it. The breathtaking scenery of the Caucasian mountains and this ultimate climbing challenge will make this trip unforgettable for anyone looking for some holiday adrenaline!
The ascent of Mount Elbrus by the classic route from the South, which is the most popular, is a splendid, long, high-altitude climb over a moderate incline, that requires good acclimatization but has no technical difficulties. However, despite the apparent simplicity of this route, it still can be dangerous because of frequently changing weather conditions.
After your ascent don’t miss the chance to try the delicious Caucasian cuisine and local wine; and on your way back have fun discovering Moscow, the political, cultural and commercial centre of Russia. This amazing trip will stay in your memory forever - Mount Elbrus is too much of a challenge to miss!
Tour condition: Grade D.The 3-4 days are devoted to the ascent of Elbrus. Although no advanced mountaineering experience is required for the ascent of Elbrus, it is necessary to be familiar with the basic use of crampons and ice-axes. There will be several opportunities to practice them during the first days. ITINERARY
Day 1. Arrival in Moscow. Transfer to the hotel. Your first night in Moscow. Day 2. Check-out from the hotel. Transfer to the airport to meet your flight to Mineralnye Vody, where you will be met by our English-speaking representative. 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. A 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 4. Another day to acclimatise. After breakfast we hike up to the Cheget peak (3,050m) for approximately 5 hours, stopping to relax at the “Ai” cafй (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 5. After breakfast we drive to the cable-car station Azau and then up to the "MIR" station (3,750 m) by two lift trams. Begin an acclimatisation hike to 4,200m. (Up to the former refuge “Prijut 11”). Return to the hotel.
Day 6. After breakfast we drive to the cable station Azau, take a cable car and a chair-lift up to the Garabashi lift station (3,750m). Accommodation is located in Bochki camp. We will leave our belongings there and walk higher up to the Pastukhova rocks (4,600m). 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. Rest day. Overnight at the Bochki camp.
Day 8. Today we attempt to reach the main target of our trip – the summit of Mt.Elbrus. If the sky is clear 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. Descend down to Terskol and rest at the hotel.
Day 10. Breakfast in the hotel. Free time. In the afternoon transfer to the airport Mineralnyje Vody for your flight back to Moscow. Arrival in Moscow and transfer to the hotel. Free time. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 11. Check-out from the hotel. Today we will have the whole day to explore the major highlights of Moscow. After visit to the Red Square and Kremlin, a short bus tour around Moscow is waiting for us. In the evening you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight home.
Some places you visit in this journey are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Please click here to view the UNESCO review page:
Accommodation & meals: 2 nts 3* hotel DBL Moscow, 5 nts 3* hotel DBL Elbrus, 3 nts Bochki camp (sanitary facilities outside); 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners (full board in Elbrus region) Transport: car or minibus, public transport or on foot Tour staff & support: English-speaking guide in Moscow, professional English-speaking mountain guide at Mt. Elbrus, mountain guides for the summit attempt (1 guide per 3-4 clients), cook, transfer driver Other services & Info >>>
TOUR MAP
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Some places you visit in this journey are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Please click here to view the UNESCO review page:
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