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Join Us On Mount Elbrus Climb Trip
The Mount Elbrus South Route Climb is a 9--day expedition to the top of Europe’s highest peak (18,510 ft. (5,642 m)! Our local, professional mountain guides will train you in technical skills and lead you safely up Mt. Elbrus. This trip is designed for both novice and serious climbers who want to climb to the roof of Europe.
Mount Elbrus, the crown jewel of the Caucasus Mountain Range, is the highest peak in Europe, making it one of the coveted 7 summits. It is often the second of the Seven Summits attempted by climbers and considered one of the "easiest." A quick glance at any picture of the mountain, however, will quickly clue you in that the word "easy" in reference to one of the Seven Summits is a relative term. Note that in every picture the mountain appears to be covered in snow. Even during the summer (when the lower elevation areas of the Caucasus Mountains reach 95F or 40C), Mt. Elbrus is shrouded in snow and ice which flow off in glaciers down every side of the mountain.
Climbing Mount Elbrus is considered "technical mountaineering" with even the easiest route requiring the use of technical climbing equipment such as rope, harness, crampons and ice axe. Objective hazards include steep icy slopes, glacier navigation, mountain weather (cold, wind, unexpected storms) and high altitude.
Your trip includes a one-day tour of Moscow or Saint Petersburg and a guided summit of Mt. Elbrus.
FYI: In order to enter Russia, most foreigners need visas and official invitation letters from an inviting party in-country. Check on your country's Russian embassy site for exact details on visa requirements to Russia for you. Most countries have visa-processing companies that can help you procure a Russian visa and letter of invitation. However, keep in mind that this process normally takes a month — so make sure you think ahead and allow yourself enough time! A passport is required.
Duration
11 DaysLocation
Caucasus Mountains, RussiaPassport
Not requiredMinimum Age
13 years oldActivity
Trekking and MountaineeringAccommodation
6 nights in hotels and 4 night in mountain shelters/lodges during acclimatization PRICE BASIS
PRICE INCLUDES
- One summit attempt (any departure from base camp on summit day or reserve day is considered a summit attempt)
- All transportation (excluding individual airport transfers on Day 1 in Moscow/St. Petersburg)
- One full day Moscow/St. Petersburg tour with English-speaking guide
- All excursion and entrance fees
- Full board - all meals included (only breakfast in Moscow/St. Petersburg)
- Unlimited drinking water
- Lodging - 6 nights in hotels and 4 nights in mountain shelters during acclimatization
- Group expedition equipment (ropes, communications, first-aid supplies, etc.)
- Professional and experienced English-speaking mountain guides
- Additional guides for summit attempt (1 guide/ 3 climbers)
- Registration with Russian emergency search and rescue services
- Entrance fees to national park
- Gondola fees
- Extensive pre-trip planning, customization, & customer service
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- International and domestic airfare
- Russian tourist visa (approx. $300-$400)
- Rental of personal climbing gear (see required gear list)
- Additional services requested at the hotel (spa/banya, etc.)
- Additional summit attempt (approx. $400 per guide)
- Use of "Snowcat" tractors/snowmobiles on acclimatization climbs or day of climb (approx. $100 to ascend to 4700 meters and approx. $150 to ascend to 5100 meters. Descent cost approx. $60)
- Any change to the program that requires extra expense (any departure from the itinerary will be booked by you at your own expense)
- Additional beverages at meals (non-alcoholic and alcoholic)
- Personal Insurance for climber
- Tips for guides, drivers & meals
- Lunches and dinners in Moscow/St. Petersburg
- Individual transfers in Moscow/St. Petersburg on Day 1
- Personal Insurance for climber
- Tips for guides, drivers & meals
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Arrival To Moscow
Welcome to Russia! Get settled into your hotel and be sure to get plenty of rest tonight. Tomorrow you experience Moscow!
Overnight at Mercure Baumanskaya, or similar accommodations.
Overnight at Mercure Baumanskaya, or similar accommodations.
Day 2 :Tour Moscow
Today you will start shaking off your jet-lag as you experience the must-sees for anyone traveling to Russia: Red Square, the Kremlin, and of course the famous Saint Basil’s cathedral and its onion domes. Standing in the middle of Red Square, you can’t help but feel overwhelmed by the weight of both history and modernity surrounding you: the Kremlin walls, Lenin’s Tomb, and Gum Mall. You will have a guided tour inside the world-renowned Kremlin, seeing the Armory and its fascinating collection of national treasures. After lunch, your guide will tour you through Moscow’s world-famous metro system, which is like a museum in and of itself.
Overnight at Mercure Baumanskaya, or similar accommodations.
Overnight at Mercure Baumanskaya, or similar accommodations.
Day 3 : Arrival To North Caucasus
After flying into the Caucasus Mineral Waters airport (MRV), settle in for the scenic, 3-hour drive to Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe. Your guide will brief you on the history of the Balkar people along the way, among whom you will be spending the next week. Upon completion of the breathtaking drive to the foot of Mount Elbrus at 7,500 ft (2,300 m) you will check into your hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the area and take in the views around you. You will meet with your guide tonight and go over the plan for the next 6 days, and a successful Elbrus ascent!
Overnight at Hotel Kristall 139, or similar accommodations.
Overnight at Hotel Kristall 139, or similar accommodations.
Day 4 : Acclimatization Hike
Distance hiked: 5 mi (8km)
Sleeping elevation: 7,000 ft (2,300 m)
Maximum elevation: 10,000 ft (3,000 m)
Your acclimatization to the Caucasus Mountain heights starts today! Most of today is focused on preparing for your Elbrus ascent. Cheget is a neighboring mountain to Elbrus with a beautiful view, if the weather allows. You will spend several hours hiking up Cheget to reach a rough elevation of 10,000 ft (3,000 m), getting your body used to the elevation and conditions. After a tasty lunch on the mountain, all gear will be double-checked (and rented as necessary) for your upcoming ascent. Be sure to try some of the tasty local cuisine at dinner tonight!
Overnight at Hotel Kristall 139, or similar accommodations. .
Sleeping elevation: 7,000 ft (2,300 m)
Maximum elevation: 10,000 ft (3,000 m)
Your acclimatization to the Caucasus Mountain heights starts today! Most of today is focused on preparing for your Elbrus ascent. Cheget is a neighboring mountain to Elbrus with a beautiful view, if the weather allows. You will spend several hours hiking up Cheget to reach a rough elevation of 10,000 ft (3,000 m), getting your body used to the elevation and conditions. After a tasty lunch on the mountain, all gear will be double-checked (and rented as necessary) for your upcoming ascent. Be sure to try some of the tasty local cuisine at dinner tonight!
Overnight at Hotel Kristall 139, or similar accommodations. .
Day 5 : Acclimatization Hike
Distance hiked: 6 mi (10km)
Sleeping elevation: 7,000 ft (2,300 m)
Maximum elevation: 10,000 ft (3,000 m)
Today you will do another hike up a nearby mountain and do some group training in preparation for the icy conditions of Elbrus. You will be awed by the jagged mountains around you. Don't be surprised if you start planning for a return trip right now! Rest up tonight, as tomorrow you are moving up to base camp!
Overnight at Hotel Kristall 139, or similar accommodations. .
Sleeping elevation: 7,000 ft (2,300 m)
Maximum elevation: 10,000 ft (3,000 m)
Today you will do another hike up a nearby mountain and do some group training in preparation for the icy conditions of Elbrus. You will be awed by the jagged mountains around you. Don't be surprised if you start planning for a return trip right now! Rest up tonight, as tomorrow you are moving up to base camp!
Overnight at Hotel Kristall 139, or similar accommodations. .
Day 6 : Base Camp
Distance hiked: 1,000ft (300m)
Sleeping elevation: 12,000 ft (3,800 m)
Maximum elevation: 13,400 ft (4,100 m)
Today you get to meet Mount Elbrus up close and personal. You will take the famous cable car system up three levels to the climbers' base camp at 12,500 ft (3,800 m). This will be your home the next 4 days for your Elbrus ascent. As riveting as you will find Elbrus itself, perhaps the surrounding Caucasus range, stretching into Georgia and beyond is even more so. Once you have settled into your lodging, one of the infamous "barrel huts", you will go on another brief acclimatization climb combined with some self-arrest training. Your body will continue to adjust today, as the elevation has doubled, not to mention the significantly colder weather (there is snow here at base camp year-round). Your mountain guide will daily be walking you through practical precautions for summiting Elbrus safely and successfully. Your private cook on Elbrus will make sure you are getting the nourishment your body needs.
Overnight at Heart of Elbrus Lodge, or similar accommodations. .
Sleeping elevation: 12,000 ft (3,800 m)
Maximum elevation: 13,400 ft (4,100 m)
Today you get to meet Mount Elbrus up close and personal. You will take the famous cable car system up three levels to the climbers' base camp at 12,500 ft (3,800 m). This will be your home the next 4 days for your Elbrus ascent. As riveting as you will find Elbrus itself, perhaps the surrounding Caucasus range, stretching into Georgia and beyond is even more so. Once you have settled into your lodging, one of the infamous "barrel huts", you will go on another brief acclimatization climb combined with some self-arrest training. Your body will continue to adjust today, as the elevation has doubled, not to mention the significantly colder weather (there is snow here at base camp year-round). Your mountain guide will daily be walking you through practical precautions for summiting Elbrus safely and successfully. Your private cook on Elbrus will make sure you are getting the nourishment your body needs.
Overnight at Heart of Elbrus Lodge, or similar accommodations. .
Day 7 : Acclimatization
Distance hiked: 12 mi (6 km)
Sleeping elevation: 12,000 ft (3,800 m)
Maximum elevation: 15,400 ft (4,700 m)
During your second day on the mountain you will get a good feel for the ascent day route, as you do an acclimatization climb up to the Pastukhov Rocks, around 15,400 ft (4,700 m). Spend some time getting used to the gear you will be using with some ice axe training. If you have a chance today, make sure to check out Elbrus's infamous "World's worst outhouse"; now you can mark that off your bucket list.
Overnight at Heart of Elbrus Lodge, or similar accommodations. .
Sleeping elevation: 12,000 ft (3,800 m)
Maximum elevation: 15,400 ft (4,700 m)
During your second day on the mountain you will get a good feel for the ascent day route, as you do an acclimatization climb up to the Pastukhov Rocks, around 15,400 ft (4,700 m). Spend some time getting used to the gear you will be using with some ice axe training. If you have a chance today, make sure to check out Elbrus's infamous "World's worst outhouse"; now you can mark that off your bucket list.
Overnight at Heart of Elbrus Lodge, or similar accommodations. .
Day 8 : Rest Day
Wake up with excitement today, as it is your final day before your Elbrus ascent. Today is a day to rest up before the big summit attempt tomorrow and to allow your body one more day to adjust to the altitude. Get to know some of the other climbers on the mountain, play some board games or just get extra sleep. If there are more than 3 people in your group, you will meet your second summit guide today, who will team with you and your guide on your ascent tomorrow. Turn in to bed early after dinner, as an early wake-up call awaits!
Overnight at Heart of Elbrus Lodge, or similar accommodations. .
Overnight at Heart of Elbrus Lodge, or similar accommodations. .
Day 9 : Summit Day
Distance hiked: 7 mi (10 km)
Sleeping elevation: 12,000 ft (3,800 m)
Maximum elevation: 18,510 ft (5,642 m)
It's Summit Day! You have an 8 to 12 hour ascent ahead of you, and so will start your climb in the dark between 2:00 and 3:00 am. Team is a beautiful thing as you work together with your group up the mountain. The early morning hours of your climb can be surreal, with a long line of climbers ascending Elbrus, lit up by a highway of head lamps. Your climb will not be easy by any stretch of the imagination, with altitude sickness, extreme cold temperatures, and unpredictable weather all real possibilities, but it will all be worth it when you reach the top. Take in the view from the roof of Europe at 18,510 ft (5,642 m). Once you have a quick celebration of your success, prepare for your 3 to 4 hour descent back to base camp. Dinner never tasted better than it will tonight.
Overnight at Heart of Elbrus Lodge, or similar accommodations.
Sleeping elevation: 12,000 ft (3,800 m)
Maximum elevation: 18,510 ft (5,642 m)
It's Summit Day! You have an 8 to 12 hour ascent ahead of you, and so will start your climb in the dark between 2:00 and 3:00 am. Team is a beautiful thing as you work together with your group up the mountain. The early morning hours of your climb can be surreal, with a long line of climbers ascending Elbrus, lit up by a highway of head lamps. Your climb will not be easy by any stretch of the imagination, with altitude sickness, extreme cold temperatures, and unpredictable weather all real possibilities, but it will all be worth it when you reach the top. Take in the view from the roof of Europe at 18,510 ft (5,642 m). Once you have a quick celebration of your success, prepare for your 3 to 4 hour descent back to base camp. Dinner never tasted better than it will tonight.
Overnight at Heart of Elbrus Lodge, or similar accommodations.
Day 10 : Reserve/ Rest Day
Rest day! You have earned it. Gather your things and jump on the cable car to head back down to Cheget this morning. Today you will want to peruse the charming local souvenir markets, full of tempting local goods, including Caucasus Papakha hats,
beautiful hand-knit slippers, shawls, and tasty local jams. Or, if you are up for it, go on a local horseback excursion, see a beautiful waterfall, or try out a 4-wheeler on the local trails. In case there was inclement weather on Day 8 (yesterday’s planned ascent), today will be your summit day up Elbrus.
Overnight at Hotel Kristall 139, or similar accommodations.
Overnight at Hotel Kristall 139, or similar accommodations.
Day 11 : Departure Home
Pack your bags and say goodbye for now to the North Caucasus, a place we hope you will come back for another adventure very soon. Fly out of the local Mineral Waters airport (MRV), through Moscow, and back to wherever you call home. We are certain you will never forget your North Caucasus experience!
FAQs
How much weight will I be carrying? Are porters available?
All acclimatization and summit hikes are day hikes. You are only carrying around 10kgs (water, snacks, ice axe, clothing layers, and wearing a harness with carabiners for locking into the ropes on steep sections of the summit climb). Porters are available, however, it's extremely rare that a climber feels the need to hire one. A porter on summit day costs ~$450.
Do I need technical climbing experience to climb Mt. Elbrus?
No. Summiting Elbrus requires only basic skills using an ice axe and crampons. Training for this is provided by your guide on the mountain.
What meals are provided? What is the regional cuisine like on this trip?
All meals at Elbrus are included in the cost. In Moscow only breakfast is included.
What do we do about waste generated on this trip?
Unfortunately, recycling is close to non-existent in Russia in general. Trash is simply thrown away in bins and hauled down the mountain where it is sent to the dump.
What technology should I bring?
Phone, camera, earphones. Some bring ipads, however, internet connection isn't great for watching movies outside the lobby. It's best to pre-download all media while at the hotel at the base of Elbrus (Hotel Kristall 139).
Do I need travel insurance?
We don't require it, however, we HIGHLY recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers extreme sports. I've attached a document on purchasing travel insurance.
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