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 in 1829.
We offer also a climb from the southern side, which you can see here. The south side is concidered to be a bit easier. The route to Elbrus from the north begins from the colorful Djily-Suu gorge. Throughout the entire journey, incredible landscapes and the beauty of the North Caucasus await you
Highlights:
♦ Caucasus Mountains range, stretching about 1,127 kilometers (about 700 miles) between Black and Caspian seas
♦ The highest point of Europe - Mt. Elbrus
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arriving
Arrival at the Mineralnye Vody airport (MRV) with any flight before 2 p.m. -/-/-
Day 2. Camp 1
Meeting at the office. Equipment check-up. Transfer to Emmanuel’s Glade Meeting of the group at our office in Pyatigorsk at 9.00 a.m. Transfer to Emmanuel's Glade, where we set up the camp. Overnight at tents at 2500 meters (Camp 1). We recommend to arrive to Pyatigorsk one day before in order to check the equipment without rush. -/-/D
Day 3. First trak (3000 m)
Hike to the next camp at 3000 meters "German airfield" (Camp 2) or a bit higher at 3250 near to “Stone Mushrooms”. B/L/D
Walking time: 5h
Day 4. Northern Shelter and acclimatization (3750 m)
Acclimatization hike to the Northern Shelter at 3750 meters visiting the "stone mushrooms" and "lunar" fields on the way. Returning to Camp 2. B/L/D
Walking time: 6h
Day 5. Hike to the Base Camp at 3750 m
Hike to the "Northern Shelter" at 3750 meters (Camp 3). Training in walking with crampons and using an ice ax. Overnight at Camp 3.* B/L/D
*you can stay at the Mountain shelter instead of tent which we can book for you upon request
Walking time: 6h
Day 6. Acclimatization day
Early rise. Acclimatization hike up to 4800 meters. B/L/D
Walking time: 7-8h
Day 7. Day of rest.
Today there will be no hikes, only a snow- and ice course near the camp. The guide will show you how to use an ice axe when you are sliding down the slope. Every participant will be trained in the technique of stopping the slide with an ice-axe. B/L/D
Day 8. Ascent day (5621 / 5642 m)
Early rise at midnight. The ascent will take from 7 to 12 hours, depending on weather conditions and the speed of the group. The descent to Camp 3 will take around 4 hours. B/L/D
Walking time: 12-14h
Day 9. Going back
Descent to the Emmanuel glade. Transfer back to Pyatigorsk. B/L/-
Walking time: 7-8h; Driving time: 4h
Day 10. Extra day
Reserve day that might be used in case of bad weather. B/-/-
Day 11. Departure
Good to know:
♦ Contact us regarding airport transfers, because they vary depending on flights and time of arrivals
♦ Food, gas and public equipment will be carried by our porters. You will have to carry your personal belongings from the base camp up to the high camp. This will be done in two carries. Normally, active acclimatization is very helpfull and enhances your chances to reach the summit.
♦ Mountaineering insurance is highly recommended for climbing Mount Elbrus.
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:
Mt. Elbrus Climb from South, Russia
Gallery
Currency fluctuations might cause correction of price at any time.
Tours of this level demand that you be really in good shape. The paths are not always in the best condition and the marking can be scarce. There are day-treks with big ascents and descents. Changing weather conditions /even in midsummer/ play an important role when trekking/cycling at a very high altitude and may cause changes of the preliminary route. This is to be decided by the mountain guide on the spot. Normally, the treks are 6/8h per day, but some can be longer. Preliminary hiking experience is an advantage, but not necessary if you are really in a good shape. Note that during some of the days, you should personally carry your baggage, which is naturally an additional difficulty. No rock/ice climbing experience is needed.
14.02.2025 11:50
We just got back from an unforgettable journey through Cameroon and the Central African Republic, and we’re still buzzing from the experience. It was an adventure in the truest sense - bouncing along remote dirt roads in sturdy 4x4s, deep in the Central African rainforest, where every turn reveals something incredible—lush green landscapes, curious children running out to greet us,...
12.02.2025 07:47
Some places pull you in with their beauty, others with their mystery. The Central African Republic (CAR) does both. It’s not a country you stumble into—it’s a place you choose, a place that challenges and rewards in equal measure. Our journey took us through its bustling capital, deep into the jungle, across colonial relics, and to breathtaking waterfalls, but more than...
24.01.2025 06:56
Just off the coast of French Guiana, the Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands) shimmer like emerald jewels in the Atlantic, enticing travelers with their beauty and enigmatic past. The name might suggest refuge, but for most who came here, salvation was the furthest thing from reality. The islands were so named because they offered a safe haven from the deadly diseases that ravaged French Guiana's...
22.01.2025 08:09
Nestled deep in the pristine rainforest of Guyana, Kaieteur Falls is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. Cascading 741 feet (226 meters) from the Potaro River into a gorge below, it’s not only one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls globally but also one of the most mesmerizing. Whether you're drawn by its sheer scale, lush surroundings, or the sense of untouched...