MT. elbrus
expedition

7 summits challenge

FULL SERVICE
U$D4.270

18 DAYS
EXPEDITION

PRIVATED &
SCHEDULED

FULL SERVICE
U$D4.270

18 DAYS
EXPEDITION

PRIVATED &
SCHEDULED

MT ELBRUS BY SOUTH ROUTE 7 SUMMITS CHALLENGE

KMt. Elbrus, with its 5,642 meters, becomes the highest mountain on the European continent. Live a unique experience in an incredible and unique place, achieving one of the famous 7 summits.

Elbrus is a dormant two-summit volcano in the central Caucasus. 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.

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Elevation: 5.642 m/ 18.442 ft
Continent: Europe
Country: Russia
Range / Region: Caucasus
Difficulty: Ascent on the altitude, transit on glacier
Route: South Route
Nearest airport: Mineralnye Vody, Krai de Stávropol (MRV)

ABOUT ELBRUS

Elbrus is located 20 km north of the main divide of the Greater Caucasus and 65 km southwest of the Russian city of Kislovodsk. Its permanent ice cap feeds 22 glaciers, from which the Baksan, Kuban and Malka rivers are born, among others.
The Elbrus region remains one of the most attractive among all the regions of the Caucasus, despite great height and varied weather.
Being an artificial border, it is considered that the northern part of the Caucasus is European and the South Asian part. Therefore, Mount Elbrus, with 5,642 m of altitude, is the highest mountain in Europe when it is located in the North Caucasus.
Traditionally it was thought that the mythical Mont Blanc was the highest in Europe; however, the Elbrus exceeds it considerably by 800 m.

Mawenzi is seven miles east of Kibo, separated by a long depression. It is an older cone, jagged from erosion, with pure faces on all sides. Despite its lower elevation, ascent of Mawenzi is more difficult, and no approach is possible without rock climbing and ice climbing skills and snow.

MT ELBRUS BY SOUTH ROUTE 7 SUMMITS CHALLENGE

KMt. Elbrus, with its 5,642 meters, becomes the highest mountain on the European continent. Live a unique experience in an incredible and unique place, achieving one of the famous 7 summits.

ABOUT ELBRUS

ITINERARY MT ELBRUS EXPEDITION

DAY 01 - Arrival to Moscow
DAY 02 - Transfer Moscow - Terskol Village
Day 03 - Trekking Acclimatization Observatory
Day 04 - Terskol Village to Garabashi Base Camp

2100 m to 3750 m – 6890 ft to 12300 ft /
This is the day when we move to the mountain refuge at 3800m. We will transfer by minibus to the Azau station, and then will move via cable car to Mir, then chairlifts ferry us to Garabashi Station (3,750m) where we walk the final 50m to the Barrel Huts – converted fuel tanks that form our accommodation. From here we’ll begin an acclimatization trek to Priyut 11 (4050 m), the famous hut completed in 1939 which had a remarkable history during the golden era of Soviet mountaineering that eventually suffered a catastrophic fire in 1998. A new smaller hut called the Diesel Hut was built nearby in 2002. Overnight at the refuge.
Day 05 - Acclimatisation Hike up to the Pastukhova Rocks

3750 m to 4700 m – 12300 ft to 15420 ft /
This day we’ll start a trekking to acclimatize and practice some crampon walking technique to climb up to Pastuchov’s Rocks (4,650m) which will take several hours affording us views that will quite literally take our breath away. The route is not too steep with the last part being the steepest at 20 to 25 degrees. Overnight at the Barrel huts with a briefing on our summit bid and discussion on what kit to take.
Day 06 - Mt Elbrus Summit

3750 m to 5642 m – 12300 ft to 18510 ft /
An early start (at 2 AM o’clock) from the Barrel huts we make our way to the Pastukhova rocks using the headtorches where we stop for a short rest and have some drinks. From Pastukhova rocks the slope is not more than 20-25 degrees. You’ll be using crampons the whole time as some sections are completely solid ice while other areas can have deep snow covering hidden crevasses. A final big effort is needed to reach the western summit (5,642m). On very clear days it is possible to see both the Caspian and Black seas! It will be a long an exhausting day taking around 14 hrs to return to the Barrels but it will be well worth the effort.
Day 07 / Day 08 - Contingency days
Day 09 - Return to Terskol
Day 10 - Return to Moscow

NOTE
The proposed itinerary can be changed due to weather conditions o other forced situations that put in risk the group security. The guides have the authority to change the program according to their criteria. You can be sure the changes have two fundamental objectives. These are to maximize the security and the summit chances. And they are based on our guides knowledge and experience.

services MT ELBRUS expedition

SERVICES INCLUDED

Invitation, Permission to climb the Elbrus and stay in the National Park.
Accommodation in hotel in Elbrus Region (Terskol Village) and accommodation in “The Barrels” refuge at Base Camp
All meals during the stay, at Base Camp. A rich diet, complete and balanced. All meals are prepared daily by the chef at The Barrels. All three meals are provided: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Mountain Guide-Coordinator and Experienced Local Mountain Guide qualified to operate in Mt Elbrus.
Transport in-out Mineralnye Vody Airport/Hotel in Elbrus Region by private vehicles. Only for group, not individual.
Transport in-out from Terskol Village to Azau Station and Cable Railway Tickets for the ascent to Base Camp
Administrative payments in Elbrus Region
Complete expedition Kit (Personal equipment not included)
Coordination and advice.