Climbing Mt. Elbrus northern route
Elbrus from the north is a route for lovers of the untouched nature.
There are no hotels, restaurants, cable cars and snow cats, so the climbers reach the summit by walking - from the beginning to the end. It is this very route that people used to climb Elbrus for the first time. That was 181 years ago.
Tour Highlights
♦ Caucasus Mountains range, stretching about 1,127 kilometers (about 700 miles) between Black and Caspian seas
♦ The highest point of Europe - Mt. Elbrus
♦ Moscow - the capital of Russia
Climbing Mount Elbrus from south was not an option in 2011 - access to the southern route is expected to be closed in 2012 as well.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Mineralnye Vody- Kislovodsk
Flight from Moscow to Mineralnye Vody. From the airport we drive to the town of Kislovodsk, the last town before the lower steppes of the Caucasus. Overnight in Kislovodsk.
Day 2. Kislovodsk – Base camp
Today we depart for Base camp (2200 m/ 8,300'). Once we establish our Base camp, we take a short acclimatization hike to explore the remote valley and stretch our legs after the many long hours of travel.
Day 3. Base camp - acclimatization
Acclimatization hike up to 3100 m. We'll see fascinating stone mushrooms with the height up to 5 m. Descend to the Base camp. Overnight in the Base Camp.
Day 4. Base camp - acclimatization
We pack up a portion of our supplies and make a carry to High Camp (3800 m/ 12,300'). After depositing our cache and enjoying the views, we descend back to Base Camp for the night.
Day 5. Base camp - High camp
The route from Base camp takes us above a narrow gorge and out of the high grasslands into the alpine zone, affording stunning views of the glaciers of Mt. Elbrus and the lower steppes of the Caucasus to the north. The last stretch of the climb leads through the jumbled rock moraine alongside the Mikelchiran Glacier before cresting a steep pitch and putting us in camp.
Day 6. High camp – acclimatization
Acclimatization hike to the Lenz Rocks (4800 m/ 15,200'). We will rope up in order to protect ourselves from the several crevasses we must cross.
Day 7. High camp – acclimatization
Relax day. Final preparations are made for Summit Day.
Day 8. Summit Day
After an alpine start we climb from the High Camp across the upper portion of the Mikelchiran Glacier until we reach the Saddle at 5300 m/ 17,700'. Mount Elbrus has two large summit domes and the Saddle separates the East Summit from the West Summit. Both are comparable in size and height. After enjoying the summit and its impressive views of the Caucasus mountain range, we descend back to our High Camp.
Day 9. High camp – Base camp
Today we breakdown our High camp and descend back to Base camp for the night. This day can also be used as an extra summit day in case we encounter bad weather or need additional time for acclimatization.
Day 10. Base camp - Kislovodsk
Transportation from Dzhily-Su to Kislovodsk where we will enjoy hot showers and a good night's sleep.
Day 11. Departure
Transfer from Kislovodsk to Mineralnye Vody airport.
Included in the price: ►group transfers to/from Mineralnye Vody airport to Kislovodsk ►accommoation in a 3* hotel in Kislovodsk in double or triple rooms (days 1 and 10) and overnights in tents in Base camp and High camp►full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner from dinner on day 2 to breakfast on day 11) ►English-speaking mountain guide throughout the trip (1 guide for 3-4 tourists during the summit day) ►cook at the Base camp and High camp►Caucasus National Park permit ►one summit attempt► group equipment (ropes, ice screws)►Russian visa support
Not included: ►flight tickets to/from Mineralnye Vody ►Russian visa ►insurance ►personal equipment (such as sleeping bag, boots, crampons) ►alcohol drinks, extra snacks and beverages ►personal expenses ►unexpected preliminary evacuation cost ►extra lift and transfers.
Other expenses: ►single supplement 125 EUR (in a hotel and a tent)
How to get there: Please, contact us if you would like us to help you find suitable flights at the best price. When helping you to find flights we always try to find the best price for you according to the departure and arrival times. Prices vary depending on the airline and current availability. However, remember that the cheap airfares are often difficult or impossible to reschedule or cancel. Payment of the ticket is with your own credit card directly to the airline or travel agent airline, which also sends out confirmation of booking. A service charge (non-refundable) will be added if you want us to help you find the appropriate plane ticket.
Visa: ►All nationals need visa to enter Russia. Please, check at the Russian embassy in your country about visa regulations ►we provide visa support while you have to take care of applying for your Russian visa
Recommended travel period of the year: June - September
Vacation Extensions:
Climbing Mount Elbrus (Russia) from south
Gallery
