CLIMBING TO ELBRUS BY SOUTH ROUTE 2024

Elbrus is a dormant two-summit volcano in the central Caucasus. As the highest peak in Russia and Europe, it is one of The Seven Summits, the list of the planet’s highest mountains. The two summits are two separate volcanos. The “young cone” – the eastern summit – is 5621m high, while the highest point – the western summit – is 5642 m. Elbrus’s slopes generally are not steep but the average slope angle reaches 35 degrees after 4000m altitude. Northern and western slopes feature numerous vertical cliffs as high as 700m. Eastern and southern slopes are low-pitched.

The classic southern route leads to Elbrus’ western summit (5642 m). The route is not technically difficult but requires good physical form, acclimatization and skills in using some alpinist equipment. Our qualified guides will train and help you.

Region: Russia, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Elbrus (5642m)
Activity: alpinism
Expedition duration: 8 days
Group size: from 4 persons
Price: 1240 USD
Advance payment: 25 % of the full price.
In case of the cancellation, prepayment is not refundable.
INDIVIDUAL TOURS ARE POSSIBLE!
ASCENT ITINERARY

DAY 1

Arrival to Mineralnye Vody
Meeting at the airport.
Transfer to the Terskol village (3-3.5 hours)
Check-in to the hotel.

DAY 2

Acclimatization trek to the Cheget mountain (3100m, 4-5 hours)
Return to the hotel, equipment check.

DAY 3

Ascent by cabin ski-lift to the Gara-bashi station (3847m)
Check-in to the hut.
Acclimatization trek to the Refuge of the 11 (4100m)
Ice-climbing lesson.
Night in the hut.

DAY 4

Acclimatization trek to the Pastukhov cliffs (4600m, 5-6 hours).
Night in the hut.

DAY 5

Rest day, Equipment check.

DAY 6

Summit day. Early start at 1 am. The length of the climb is 10-17 hours (ascent 8-12 hours, descend 4-5 hours).
Ascent to the summit is possible only in good weather.
Ascent to summit, photo opportunity, return to the hut.
Night in the hut.

DAY 7

Reserve day.
Return to Terskol.
Check-in into the hotel.
Free time.

DAY 8

Departure to the Mineralnye Vody airport.

The guide can change the itinerary (without changing its destination) depending on the weather, the condition of the team etc.

THE PRICE OF THE TOUR INCLUDES:

  • Qualified guides
  • Transfer from the Mineralnye Vody airport to Terskol and back
  • Hotel stay and meals in Terskol
  • Stay and food in the hut
  • Lunch-pack during the trek
  • Ascent and descend by ski-lifts
  • National park fee

THE PRICE OF THE TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • Flight or overland trip to Mineralnye Vody/Pyatigorsk and back
  • Rental of personal alpinist gear
  • Single room accommodation at the hotel
  • Ratrack during the summit night
  • Any changes in the itinerary that cause additional expenditure

PERSONAL GEAR:

  • Crampons, well-fitted to the boots
  • Ice axe
  • Harness, self-belay, 3 carabiners
  • Adjustable trekking poles
  • Glacier glasses, protection level at least Degree 4
  • Googles
  • Summit rucksack, 25-30 l
  • Sleeping bag, comfort -5 C
  • Head lamp, spare battery
  • Thermos 0.5-1 l
  • Sun-protection cream

CLOTHES AND FOOTWEAR:

  • Wind-waterproof jacket-shell and trousers with membrane
  • Warm down jacket till -10 C
  • Warm fleece or light-down insulation jacket
  • Baselayer
  • Mountaineering boots
  • Campshoes
  • Gaiters
  • Warm climbing socks
  • Warm gloves
  • Mittens for -20 C
  • Warm hat
  • Face mask or buff
  • Personal toiletry kit
  • Personal medicines

It is possible to rent equipment for the entire length of the expedition

DATES IN THE SEASON 2024

  • 04.05 — 11.05
  • 11.05 — 18.05
  • 18.05 — 25.05
  • 25.05 — 01.06
  • 01.06 — 08.06
  • 08.06 — 15.06
  • 15.06 — 22.06
  • 22.06 — 29.06
  • 29.06 — 06.07
  • 06.07 — 13.07
  • 13.07 — 20.07
  • 20.07 — 27.07
  • 27.07 — 03.08
  • 03.08 — 10.08
  • 10.08 — 17.08
  • 17.08 — 24.08
  • 24.08 — 31.08
  • 31.08 — 07.09
  • 07.09 — 14.09
  • 14.09 — 21.09
  • 21.09 — 28.09