Climb the Highest Peak of Europe - Mt Elbrus
Almost all first time visitors to the Caucasus are keen to ascend Mount Elbrus, 5642m, the Europe's highest mountain.
The double-breasted summit of Elbrus can be seen for miles around from different parts of the Caucasus region. Both East (5621m) and West (5642m) summitsare permanently covered with snow. Many of the remote side valleys where it is possible to have some acclimatization training are seldom visited even by locals.
Our standard trip is 15 days. During the first we week we train in using an ice axe and crampons and have a good number of acclimatization walks. But for those who are already rather acclimatized, there is also an opportunity to join us for a short 9-day trip.
It is also possible to combine Short Elbrus trip with the ascent of Mt. Kazbek. See Elbrus and Kazbek itinerary.
The trip begins in Moscow. Then we fly to Mineralnye Vody and drive to the base hotel in the Baksan Valley. From the hotel we make several trips following beautiful forested valleys, walking through alpine meadows, crossing glaciated mountain passes and climbing some of the easiest summits which provide superb panoramas of the Caucasus Range. These initial trips will be porter supported and will involve camping and backpacking. They will provide us with fitness and acclimatization necessary for the ascent of Elbrus itself. For the ascent of Elbrus we use a cable car system to take us to the height of about 3800m, where we stay in the Garabashi Huts and/or Diesel Hut (4200m). The actual program will depend on the weather, group condition and the availability of a snowcap which we will use to help us up the lower slopes of the mountain (if available and necessary). The trip finishes in St.Petersburg with time to visit some of the wonders of this beautiful city.
GRADE AND QUALIFICATION
This trip is graded as D. The first week involves porter-supported back-packing, camping in alpine meadows crossing high passes and the ascent of a simple glaciated summit. The final few 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 ten days.
WEATHER, EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHES
Elbrus may be attempted by any strong mountain walker who is familiar with the use of an ice axe and crampons. Nevertheless it is important to remember that good acclimatization is essential. In bad weather conditions may become Arctic. You should carefully think over the clothes and respect the recommendations. We also would like you to take a lightweight harness with karabiner. You might not need them but it can be useful in bad weather, and in different snow conditions that we can meet on the mountain. A four season sleeping bag and a 60 liter rucksack should be adequate. A detailed list of equipment will be sent along with confirmation.
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| Day 1 |
Arrive in Moscow. Hotel*** in the city center Free time for sightseeing. Dinner. Night in a hotel.
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| Day 2 |
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Mineralnye Vody, on the plains north of the Caucasus. Drive by private bus to Terskol town (see pictures) (about 3,5 hours) the hotel in Baksan Valley (see pictures), near Elbrus (the altitude is 2100 meters).
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| Day 3 |
Our trek starts with walking up the beautiful Irik valley. This is an excellent day to tone up our muscles for the days ahead. We camp in the valley at an alpine campsite at 2560m. About 4-5 hours walk.
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| Day 4 |
Walk up to Terskolak Pass 3600m. About 3,5 hrs walk. If the weather condition is good we leave rucksacks on the pass and Climb Terskolak Peak 3790m. Return to the pass. From the pass 1-1,5 walk down to the upper section of the Terskol Gorge. Camp at 3200m.
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| Day 5 |
Finishing our descent of the Terskol Gorge we return to the hotel. The afternoon is free to relax.
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| Day 6 |
Our second trek starts with a pleasant walk up the Adyl-su valley to the "Green Hotel" campsite, an alpine meadow campsite at 2600m. 2 hrs walk. After lunch we go to the nearest glacier for crampons practice.
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| Day 7 |
Walk up the Jankuat Glacier, ascend Gumachi Peak, 3805m, a fine summit with a mixture of terrain providing good practice with ice axe and crampons. Return to the camp.
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| Day 8 |
After breakfast we descend to the Adyl-su valley and have a lunch at the hotel. The afternoon is free to relax, have a sauna or wander into Terskol.Night in the hotel.
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| Day 9 |
We take the cable car/chair lift system up Elbrus and stay in the Garabashi Huts at 3800m or the Diesel Hut at 4100m.
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| Day 10 |
Acclimatization walk to Pastukhova rocks at 4800m. If conditions are good a summit attempt could be made.
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| Day 11 |
We begin in the early morning hours to ascend the highest of Elbrus' twin peaks - the West Summit. You carry your day pack with the day's requirements. We return to spend the night in Garabashi or camp.
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| Day 12 |
Spare day to attempt Elbrus if the weather on the previous day was bad (otherwise return to the hotel).
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| Day 13 |
Return to the hotel. Relax and perhaps enjoy one of the fine walks from the hotel.
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| Day 14 |
Drive to Mineralnye Vody, fly to St Petersburg; dinner and night at a hotel in the city center.
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| Day 15 |
After breakfast we check out of the hotel and drive to the airport for the return flight home.
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| Required Skill Level |
Open to All
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| Required Equipment |
Optional
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| Our Certificatons |
The Geographic Bureau has been operating in Russian Adventure Travel Business since 1989.
It is one of the first private adventure travel firms which emerged in this country as a result of Gorbachev's "perestroika".
Founded by professional geographers from St. Petersburg State University it specializes in organizing tours and expeditions to the remote wild areas of Russia and the republics of the former USSR.
Geographic Bureau staff is a strong and friendly team of hard-working professionals. Our passion to traveling to remote areas unites us in our mutual aim to provide our customers with unforgettable and very special holiday. If you join us in wild area trips you will feel yourself in a pleasant company of people from different countries, accompanied by friendly staff. |
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