Basic travel information
We travel to the borders of Europe and Asia, the Caucasus Mountains to southern Russia. Our goal is to climb the highest peak in Europe, Elbrus (5642 m). Elbrus is part of a volcanic mountain that rises up to over a thousand meters above the surrounding mountains. It is one of the most easily accessible “Seven Summits” mountains, the highest mountains on the seven continents of the world.
Elbrus is perfect as a first peak for those interested in mountaineering. The ascent is not technically demanding, but the thin air and the harsh weather conditions in the area make the ascent challenging. The mountain accommodates fixed, heated barrels. The base camp offers a magnificent view of the main zone of the Caucasus. Before and after the ascent, it’s time to explore the local markets and the surrounding area.
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Itinerary
DAY 1 – HELSINKI – MOSCOW – MINERALNYE VODY – TERSKOL
Flights to Southern Russia from Mineralnye Vody and transport along the Baksan Valley to the Elbrus region, the village of Terskol.
ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL
DAY 2 – CHEGET
After breakfast, we make an acclimatization trip to an altitude of about 3000m, either on Mount Cheget or on the other side of the valley, to the Pik Terskol Observatory. We stop at the local market and shops where we make last minute purchases before returning to the hotel. (UNDER)
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL
DAY 3 – BARREL HOUSES
We ascend by elevators to the barrel huts (approx. 3800 m), which serve as a base camp for the Elbrus ascent. In the afternoon we will make an acclimatization ascent to the Diesel hut (approx. 4000 m). (UNDER)
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN A
MOUNTAIN LODGE
DAY 4 – BARREL HOUSES
Resting and preparing, observing the weather, and planning to climb to the top, we make a second acclimatization ascent to the upper end of the Pastukhov rocks (4800 m). (UNDER)
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN A
MOUNTAIN LODGE
DAY 5 – BARREL HOUSES
Resting and preparing, observing the weather and planning to climb to the top, we make the third acclimatization ascent above the Pastukhov rocks (approx. 5000 m). (UNDER)
ACTIVITIES
CLIMBING
ACCOMMODATION IN A
MOUNTAIN LODGE
DAY 6 – BARREL HOUSES
We practice climbing techniques and check out our gear for the next day’s dawn. (UNDER)
ACTIVITIES
CLIMBING
ACCOMMODATION IN A
MOUNTAIN LODGE
DAY 7 – ELBRUS 5642 M
We wake up early in the morning and after breakfast we start ascending towards the western peak of Elbrus in the light of the headlamps. We get to experience a spectacular sunrise on a mountainside near the Pasctuckhov rocks, from which we ascend higher and higher surrounded by the beautiful peaks of the Caucasus Mountains. We reach the top of Elbrus after about seven hours of climbing. After congratulations and taking pictures, we descend the same route back to the barrels. (UNDER)
Elbrus is known for its challenging, irregular and unpredictable weather conditions. We make the decision to top off on site and it can be a day in advance. If the peak has already been reached the day before, we will return to the hotel and have time to relax or explore the surrounding area. (UNDER)
ACTIVITIES
CLIMBING
ACCOMMODATION IN A
MOUNTAIN LODGE
DAY 8 – TERSKOL
Even this morning it is possible to try to the top. In that case, however, you have to get down before the lifts close. In the evening, a farewell party with our mountain guides at a local restaurant. (UNDER)
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL
DAY 9 – MINERALNYE VODY – MOSCOW – HELSINKI
In the morning transfer to the airport and return flights to the home country.
MEALS: (A) BREAKFAST (L) LUNCH (I) DINNER
Additional information
NOTE: The weather conditions on Mount Elbrus are unpredictable all year round. Reaching the top is not always possible due to the weather. We are accompanied by local mountaineering guides for climbing to the top. The price of the trip includes one attempt to climb to the top (additional ascent at your own expense, weather permitting). We strive to choose a day with the primary focus on safety when moving in the mountains and the health of our clients.
Accommodation and services
In the valley we stay in a comfortable tourist class hotel. The Elbrus area is a ski resort, so there are also restaurants, a local market, a post office, shops and a very well-equipped climbing shop (however, international branded equipment is very expensive here). On the mountain we stay next to the barracks next to the newer and more comfortable container (3800m). The barrels are boarded by car and chair lifts. Each container can accommodate 8 people, the cottages have heating and electricity part of the time. There is also a dining and kitchen area in a separate building, as well as an outdoor toilet. The beds have mattresses and pillows, your own sleeping bag is necessary and despite the heating we recommend a warm enough model. A sleeping pad is not necessary.
