The Caucasus is a mighty chain of high alpine mountains, separating Europe from Asia. Just north of the main range, several kilometres into Europe, lies the highest European peak – Mount Elbrus, 5642 m. Such a high altitude, redoubled with damp air from the Black Sea, demands several days for acclimatization. We spend them in climbing lower nearby peaks.

The climb of Mt. Elbrus is long and strenuous. It is not technically difficult but usually requires use of crampons, alpenstocks and occasionally - ice axes. Experienced skilled guides always do their best to ensure that each participant would have his/her best chance to reach the summit. Among many available routes we are choosing the most popular one.

The 8-days itinerary is for lucky people who believe in proper weather on the day of climbing the summit. In case of improper weather there is a chance for the second and last attempt next day with a long descent straight to the hotel in the valley. A group with good previous acclimatization may skip the day 2 of the itinerary to get one more day for climbing the summit.

The 9-days itinerary grants excellent acclimatization for the most of people and the best chance to climb the summit of Europe.

Elbrus is a volcanic massif to the north of the Caucasus Main Ridge. Normally the ascent is started from the Baksan Valley and is led on a south slope of mountain Elbrus.

The trip is not technically difficult but requires crampons and ice axe. Systematic programmer of acclimatization is essential prior to making the ascent.

The climb itself may take between 6-10 hours; the descent another 4-6 hours. The main obstacles are high altitude, fog, wind and cold.

Guiding this climb are experienced top Russian mountaineers.

This no technical climb is a test of stamina, and with proper acclimatization and good weather, you can reach the summit.

Day 1 - Arrive in Mineralnye Vody. A member of our staff will meet you at the airport. This representative will answer questions, brief you on the immediate arrangements, and escort you to the Baksan valley (4 hours.). Check into a hotel that situated in the village of Terskol. The rooms are comfortable and cosy, with a toilet and a shower.

Day 2 - Today we will have acclimatization hikes in the Terskol valley(2600m). There is a magnificent view of Mt. EIbrus. Ascent along the Terskol river through meadows (5 hours). Return to the hotel. Afternoon is free.

Day 3 - Acclimatization hike to Cheget peak (3050m) will take us about 5 hours. It is so nice to relax at the "Ai" cafe (2750m.) where you can appreciate a panoramic view of the Baksan valley and the twin summits of Mt.Elbrus. Ascent of the Mt.Cheget top and then return to the hotel.

Day 4 - After breakfast we'll have 15 minutes drive to the cable-car station Azau and, take two trams up to the Mir lift station (3500m). An acclimatization hike to 4100m. (where Priutt 11 Refuge was situated). Then return to the hotel..

Day 5 - After breakfast we'll have drive to the cable-car station Azau and, take two trams and a chairlift up to the Garabashi lift station (3750m). Check into the Barrels Refuge. The same day we'll do an acclimatization hike to 4600m to the Pastukhov Rocks.(From everywhere on the slopes of Elbrus a panorama of the Central Caucasus spreads out). Overnight in the hut.

The Barrels Hut - it is situated on Elbrus slope close to the Garabashi lift station at 3750m. These are small houses shaped like barrels to stay in. There is a sleeping room with 6 beds and a small room with a wardrobe, and a table in every house. There is a canteen with kitchen in a separate hut. There is no shower, the toilets are in a separate hut.

Day 6 – Rest day. Overnight in the Barrels hut.

Day 7 - Today we will make an attempt to reach the main target of the trip - summit of Mt Elbrus(5642m). We have to start very early before dawn. Using headlamps we make our way to Pastukhov Rocks where we stop for a short rest and some drinks. After the saddle (5300m) is reached, the summit climb itself will start The reward is to stand on top of the highest mountain in Europe. Descent to the Barrels Refuge. Overnight there.

Day 8- Descend to the hotel. Accommodation at the hotel. Rest.

Day 9 - Drive to Mineralnye Vody. Departure.

Mount Elbrus Climb Customer Review

Meals

We provide half board at the hotel and lunch in a cafe. At the Barrels meal will be cooked by a professional LenAlpTours cook. During the route meal will be prepared by guide with help of a group.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

Down jacket, GORE-Tex (or similar) jacket & trousers, warm trousers, warm mittens, warm hat, balaclava. Mountain plastic boots, crampons, ice-axe, harness with a short piece of rope for selfbelay and 2 carabiners. Sun-protection glasses and means of sun-protection for the face. Sleeping bag (for overnights at a hut), thermal bottle. For acclimatization hikes: trekking boots (or sport shoes) and rain proofs.Big and small backpacks.

THE PRICE INCLUDES

• Transfers as in the program, lift to Elbrus
• Double/ triple accommodation at a hotel
• accommodation at the mountain Hut,
• full board
• An English-speaking mountain guide
• Mountain guides for summit attempt (1 guide : 4 clients)
• a cook (at the Hut)

National Park “Prielbrussie” permit (including massive of Mt.Elbrus), visa support, registration.

THE PRICE DOESN’T INCLUDE

-single supplement at the hotel 110 Euro p/p

-snow cat (400 EURO per one drive per the group 1-8 pax from a mountain hut to Pastukhov Rocks)

-extra lift and transfers, rent of individual equipment

-alcoholic beverages, extra snacks and beverages

-Insurance, Unexpected preliminary evacuation cost

-Air ticket Mow-M. Vody (return) 260euro

2012 Mount Elbrus Climb Dates

June 18-June 26

June 26-July 4

July 4-July 12

July 12- July 20

July 20-July 28

July 28-August 5

August 5-August 13

August 13-August 21

August 21-August 29

August 29-September 6