Ascent to Mount Elbrus 5642m in Russia

August 6 – August 13, 2021

Mount Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe and one of its coldest mountains. It is located in Russia, just a few kilometers from the Georgian border. Elbrus is one of the technically easiest mountains to climb and is situated in the Caucasus Mountains, which is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world and is therefore included in the list of the highest peaks on the planet.

It is an inactive volcano, with its last eruption around 50 AD, and its crater (300-400 meters in diameter) is now filled with ice and snow. The mountain has a slightly sloped, conical shape and two main peaks. The western peak is at an elevation of 5642.7m, and the eastern peak is at an elevation of 5621m.

The first ascent of the mountain was made in 1813 by Russian academic V.K. Wisnevsky, who first determined the height of Elbrus at 5421m. The first ascent of the Western peak was in July 1874 by climbers F. Crauford Grove, F. Gardiner, H. Walker, A. Sottajev, and P. Knubel. The first ascent of the Eastern peak was in 1829 by Killar Hashirov.

Ascent to Elbrus

All you need to join such an expedition is good physical condition and, of course, a desire for new experiences in the mountainous regions of the Caucasus.

Elbrus can be climbed from any side: south, north, west, and east. There are more than 100 different routes to the summit, but the most popular and simple route for climbing Elbrus is from the south, from the village of Terskol or the Azau clearing. The route we choose for our ascent starts from the Baksan Valley and presents no technical difficulties, making it suitable for beginner climbers.

It is a mountain rich in history, with fantastic geology and lush green foothills waiting for us to enjoy!

Excursion Program

Day 1

Arrival at Min Vody and transfer to the Baksan Valley, where the village of Terskol is located. The village is at the foot of the mountain and will be our base for the next two days. We meet our local guide and, after dinner, rest at our hotel. D, 4 hours (mini bus).

Day 2:

We wake up early in the morning enjoying the tranquility of the Baksan Valley. We start the first acclimatization ascent to the summit of Cheget (3600 m) starting from the base of the mountain where the village of Cheget (2200m) is located. Return to our hotel and prepare our backpacks for the next 3-4 days that will find us above 3780m. Overnight at hotel B,L,D

Day 3:

After breakfast, we start with the mini bus to Azau station (2440m), where, using the lift, we reach Mr Station (3500m). From here, we ascend towards the Barrels hut (3780m), while our belongings will arrive with the help of the lift at the refuge, where we will spend the next nights on the mountain. After a short rest, we can continue an ascent for our acclimatization up to Priut-11 (4050m). Overnight at the Barrels. B, L, D.

Day 4:

A good acclimatization day starts in the morning, so after a good breakfast, we ascend to the Pastuhov rocks (4600m). Here we will stay for a few hours to enjoy the view and feel the altitude in our lungs. Return for overnight at the Barrels (3780m) and preparation for the next important summit day.

Overnight at the Barrels. B, L, D.

Day 5:

Time to test our strength for the summit! Early in the morning, using the Snow cat, we reach the Pastukov rocks (4650m). The place is familiar to us, and we continue our night effort before the sunrise floods the sky with that orange color and welcomes us to our first traverse before the saddle of the two peaks (Eastern 5321m and Western 5642m). Then we reach the highest peak in Europe, Elbrus, where after the necessary photos, we carefully start the descent to the Barrels. Overnight at the Barrels. B, L, D.