Climbing Elbrus

Conquer Europe's highest mountain

Imagine your triumph of climbing Europe’s highest mountain, Mount Elbrus 5,642m (18,510 ft.) Your climb to these majestic peaks will be rewarded with a high level of satisfaction and provides wonderful views over the Caucasus mountain range. Experience is not needed, but a good health and condition are required. Our professional trained guides will provide the needed training in mountain climbing.

The climb to the peaks of the Elbrus will take about a week 7-8 days. There is one summit day, but you will need time to acclimatize to the high altitude before you can climb the summit. In circumstances of high altitude there is less oxygen in the air, to which your body has to adapt to in order to avoid altitude sickness. On the route up to the summit, there are several huts where climbers can overnight and acclimatize. During these days you will receive the needed mounteneering training.

Here we provide more information about the ascent on the South face of Elbrus during the summer months. For climbing Elbrus during the winter season or from the north side, contact us to receive more information.

Itinery

Day 1: Arrival

Arrival at the Airport in Mineralniye Vodi, (or another regional airport) and transfer to the hotel near Elbrus (about 4 hours traveling). During the evening we will get to know each other and prepare for the next day outing to mount Cheget.

Day 2: Acclimatization climbing Peak Cheget

Today will be a acclimatizing day with a ascent to Peak Cheget at a height of 3460 m. Under good weather conditions you have a wonderful view on the Elbrus from mount Cheget. During this trip you will be thoroughly instructed in the needed skills for mountaineering and you have the opportunity to check your equipment.  

Day 3 Ascent to base camp

Today we will start our way up to Elbrus. With the ski lifts we go up to the base camp (Garabashi) at 3840m. From there we will have an acclimatization trip to Diesel Hut (4050 m). This includes mountaineering over a snowy plateau with a moderate rise (8-10%) We will have a break at the Diesel hut with lunch and descent down to the base camp. In the evening we prepare and select personal equipment for the next day.

Day 4: Acclimatization climb to the Shepherd's rocks

The third acclimatization day will bring us to the Pastukhov’s rocks (shepherd’s rocks) on 4.650 meters. This climb takes about 3-4,5 hours. You will be training to use other parts of your equipment for mountaineering in snowy conditions such as an ice axe. During this day you probably will be fully confronted with effort of climbing on high altitude. After a short visit we will return to Base Camp.

Day 5: Rest and final preparation

Just one day to go before summit, and today will be a resting day. Your body will get more used to be active at high altitude, which will be needed for the final summit day. Take time to be with your team, play board games, go out for a walk. If you go in a larger group, today you’ll get to know the other guides that will bring you safe to the summit. Make sure you rest and sleep enough today, for tomorrow you’ll need all your strength and energy…

Day 6: Ascent day!!!

Summit day!!!  At 2 or 3 in the morning, when it’s still dark you will start your tour from the base camp to conquer Elbrus. The 7-9 hour ascent to the Western peak requires endurance and team work under cold weather conditions. You will struggle with altitude, that limits your strength significantly. But once at the top, you know, you have made it. You conquered Elbrus! The surrounding mountain range that seemed to be so impressive from the valley has turned into small toy mountains. If the weather conditions are very clear it is even possible to see the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea at the same time. After a short celebration we will descent to the base camp, which will take about 3-4 hours. After we got our stuff we will be descending to the valley to a comfortable hotel. After this day your rest will be well deserved.

Day 7 Reserve day or free time

This is a reserve day, if due to weather circumstances the group couldn’t do the summit on day six, this will be your summit day. Otherwise, today you will have a rest, sleep as long as you want, buy souvenirs or to do an excursion to the hot springs or other beautiful places of the North-Caucasus. In the evening we will have our closing dinner.

Day 8: Leaving... or prolonging

Today you will leave the beautiful Elbrus area, knowing that you’ve ticked off the Elbrus from your bucket list. Either you go home from airport Mineralniye Vodi, or…  you could prolong your experience for some days visit St. Petersburg or Moscow. Or you could discover more of the North Caucasus. What to think about the beautiful Mountains of North Ossetia and Ingushetia, relaxing in the beautiful historical cities with Russian holiday resorts and mineral water springs or a tour to Dagestan. Look at our Short Trips [MAKE LINK] for ideas and inspiration.

Other Elbrus climbs

This intinery is a climb from the South slope during the summer period. The ascent from the South is the most common and popular route. This route is technically not too difficult and appropriate facilities for climbers are provided. The best weather conditions for climbing are during the summer season from May till September. During these months the weather is warmer and there will be less Ice on the tracks, which makes the ascent easier. Caucasus Mountain Tours offers Elbrus Mountain Tours offers climbs on the Elbrus from almost every angle, the whole year round. The north route is more rough, with less facilities and requires a higher level of experience. Contact us to know more about possibilities for the alternative routes.

Clothing and Equipment

In the price included

In the price is included:

• Overnights in 3 or 4* hotels and in the base camp.
• Three meals a day with suitable food for high intense activities.
• English speaking guides (One guide during the whole time and on the day of ascent extra guides per three people).
• Training in mountain climbing.
• Transfers from and to the airport.
• Visa support.

Not included in the price:

• Flights to and from Mineralniye Vodi.
• Souveniers and extra excursions on the day of rest.
• Health insurance (Required for every traveler!!!)