Mt. Elbrus Climb from South, Russia

Mt. Elbrus Climb from South, Russia

The highest European point - Mount Elbrus is a dream for many mountaineers all over the world. It is a crater of an extinct volcano on a side ridge of the Russian Caucasus Mountains. Its double-headed snow covered peak and its glaciers (the longest of them is 8,2 km) are traditional targets for many climbers. The high altitude (835 meters higher than Mont Blanc), accompanied by lack of oxygen and strong wind are the main difficulties climbers face on the way to the Elbrus top. Yet those whoreached the top enjoy the right to be considered true climbers - which is one reason this route is so popular.  

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. Arrival at the Mineralnye Vody airport (MRV) before 2 p.m. There are several flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg and international flights arriving from Istanbul and Yerevan. Our guide will be awaiting you outside the arrival hall. Once everyone has arrived, the bus leaves the airport heading to the town of Terskol. The drive will take 3 - 3.5 hours. Upon arrival at the hotel you will have some free time for resting and taking a shower, then dinner and first briefing with the guide. -/-/D

Day 2. After breakfast the group will go for its first acclimatization day. Today you'll ascend the peak Terskol (3100 m) or Mt. Cheget (3100 m), this depends on weather conditions. The hike will take 4-5 hours. Overnight at hotel. B/L/D

Day 3.Acclimatization to Old Observatory 3200 m. Second acclimatization day. Hike to the Old Observatory (3200 meters) and visiting the famous Maiden's Braids waterfall.B/L/D

Day 4. Check-out from the hotel. Transportation to the mountain shelter by cable-car Lifting by the cable car and check-in at the mountain shelter at 3850 meters. Short acclimatization walk up to 4100 meters. Training in walking with crampons and using an ice ax (walking and hacking on a snow-ice slope). B/L/D

Day 5. Acclimatization to 4800 m. Early rise. Acclimatization hike up to 4800 - 5000 meters. B/L/D

Day 6. Day-off. Day off. We will spend this day at the shelter preparing to ascend. B/L/D

Day 7. Summit day. Early rise at midnight. The ascent will take from 8 to 12 hours, the descent will take additional 2-3 hours. Depending on the condition of the group, we may descent by cable car to Terskol and go back to Pyatigorsk. If the ascent takes more time, we spent overnight at the shelter B/L/D

Day 8. Reserve day that might be used in case of bad weather. B/-/-

Day 9. Departure

Good to know:
♦ The arrival transfer on day 1 is scheduled according to the flight arriving at Mineralnye Vody before 14 h. While the departure transfer is scheduled according flights departing after 9.30am.
♦ Mountaineering insurance is highly recommended for climbing Mount Elbrus


Price Includes:
2 mountain guides for the group of 10 people
all meals acc itinerary
accommodation in hotel in Terskol village (3 nights)
accommodation in mountain shelter (4-5 nights)
cable car from Azau glade to Gara-bashi station (3850 m) and back
group equipment (ropes
cookware)
transfer from / to Mineralnye Vody airport
transfer from Pyatigorsk to Terskol village and back after the climb
entry permits to National parks
registration at Rescue service
climbing certificate
visa support (if required)

Additional Services:
rent of snowcat: on the spot
individual transfer from or to the airport - €80


Gallery


Mt. Elbrus Climb from South, Russia (Rated 4.85 / 5 Based on 428 Reviews.)

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.

Group Size
Min. 1
Reservation System Code
RUCaucasus
Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia 2240 , 8 Days

Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is one of the most enigmatic places to visit in the Middle East - a blend of...
Mainland Yemen 2190 , 8 Days

Mainland Yemen

In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula lies a land of ancient cities, remote villages, and coastal...
Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip 740 , 8 Days

Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip

Situated on the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria is still one of the least explored countries in Europe....

View all» What people say about us

Great
Penguin Travel on Trust Pilot
Based on 86 reviews
Trust Pilot
Binky's Review Verified review Verified
Great caucus Explorer trip
Caucus Explorer( Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan ) was a great trip . Even though our Van is fully...
Beth, 5 May
Daniel's review Verified review Verified
8 day Caucasus trip
5/5 for the Caucasus trip in apr/may 2024. Everything was well planned and executed.
Haris, 3 May
Maribeth's review Verified review Verified
Excellent and Amazing Tour
Excellent tour. My highlight of the tour is Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid and more places. I like the itinerary...
Arnold, 6 April
View all»

Blog

13.08.2024 16:52

5 Unique African Festivals and Traditions for the Bold Explorer

Travel, at its most meaningful, isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about connecting with the cultures that breathe life into those places. Africa, with its vast landscapes and myriad traditions, offers unparalleled opportunities for explorers who yearn for authentic experiences. Below, you will find 5 of our favorite festivals and traditions you can experience while traveling in...


30.07.2024 18:38

Gabon: Where Eco-Friendly Adventures Meet Stunning Wilderness

At Penguin Travel, we believe in the power of authentic experiences, and there are few places as untouched and awe-inspiring as Gabon. Nestled on the west coast of Central Africa, Gabon is a sanctuary for nature lovers and a testament to the beauty of unspoiled wilderness. Our tours are designed to immerse you in Gabon's incredible landscapes and wildlife, offering a truly unique adventure. Gabon...


09.07.2024 16:01

Photo Diary: Afghanistan Tour (Kabul, Herat, Bamiyan, Band-e Amir, Mazar-I-Sharif and Other)

In today's article, we will take you on a virtual journey to a misunderstood land where ancient civilizations have left their mark on rugged mountains and sweeping valleys. Afghanistan, a land often overshadowed by conflict, unveils a strikingly different side to those who dare to look beyond the headlines. It's a place of profound beauty and cultural richness, a stark contrast to its war-torn...


27.06.2024 17:45

Everything you need to know about travelling to Afghanistan: Essential travel information (Q&A with our tour leaders and local guides)

Traveling to Afghanistan in 2024 is an adventure like no other. Despite its rocky past and current political situation, more tourists are starting to explore the country, thanks in part to the Taliban's push for tourism. Penguin Travel is leading the way, having successfully organized a few trips in the last year. Must-see spots include the stunning Bamyan Valley, the gorgeous Band-e-Amir...