Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Included in the price?
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F.A.Q.
Related Adventures

Caucasus is a region found at the border of Europe and Asia, situated around Russia to the north, the Black sea to the east, Turkey to the southwest and Iran to the south. The Caucasus includes the Caucasus Mountains along with plains which surround the former. The Caucasus Mountains are often used as the dividing line between Europe and Asia; territories which occupy the Caucasus are considered to belong to both continents. The northern part of the Caucasus is known as Ciscaucasia, while the southern as Transcaucasia.

Elbrus (5642m) is the highest peak in the Caucasus, found in west Ciscaucasia, territorially belonging to Russia. It is also considered to be the highest point in Europe. ‘’The normal route’’ is considered to be the easiest and most accessible climbing route. Most groups utilize the gondola lift from the Azau station in order to get to Mir station, from where they would usually proceed on foot towards camp Garabashi (3800m). Above Garabashi, it is possible to rent a snowcat and reach Priut 11 or the Pastukhov rocks. If a group decides to proceed from Garabashi on foot, it would take 90 minutes to get to Priut 11 and an additional 2 hours to reach the Pastuhov rocks. From there, it would take around 3 to 4 hours of walking in order to get to the Saddle, and another 4 to 5 hours to reach the summit.

West summit is the highest point of this massive, two-peaked volcanic cone known as Elbrus. Asia, along with the border between Russia and Georgia, lies down the main Caucasian reef which is around 10 kilometers south from the summit of Elbrus. East summit (5621m) is around 1.5 kilometers away from its western counterpart, separated by ‘’the Saddle’’ (5416m). Over 70 glaciers are to be found sliding down the frozen cone of Elbrus whose icy surface covers around 130 square kilometers.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Mineralny Vody. Transfer from Mineralny Vody to Terskol. Arrival in Terskol. Accommodation in a hotel. Regulation of permits necessary for the ascent with the local authorities. Rest in a hotel, in Terskol.

Day 2

Ascent to the observatory in the vicinity of Terskol, for acclimatization purposes. Accommodation at a camp found at an elevation of 3380m. Rest.

Day 3

Return to Terskol in the early morning. This day is primarily designated for rest and preparation for the expedition to come. Rest in a hotel, in Terskol.

Day 4

Transfer from Terskol to Azau station. Arrival in Azau. Ascent to Mir station with a gondola lift (3500m), following it up with a light trek to base camp ‘’Garabashi’’ (3800m). Setup of the camp. Rest.

Day 5

Ascent to camp ‘’Diesel hut’’ (4157m) for acclimatization purposes. After a short break, we will proceed with our climb until we reach the peak of Pastukhov’s rocks. Return to camp ‘’Garabashi’’ (4600m). Rest.

Day 6

Arrival in camp ‘’Diesel hut’’ (4157m). Setup of the camp. Rest.

Day 7

Ascent to Elbrus’ west summit (5642m). Return to camp ‘’Diesel hut’’. Rest.

Day 8

Departure from camp ‘’Diesel hut’’ towards Mir station. Arrival in Terskol. Lodgings in a hotel.

Day 9

Day for rest and relaxation in Terskol. In the case of bad weather this is the extra day for summit.

Day 10

Transfer to Pyatigorsk. City tour. Transfer to Mineralny vody. Departure day.

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€1,080.00

per person

Dates & Prices

July 8th, 2019

Spots available: 6 1080 €, Per Person

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FAQ

What’s included in the price?
To maximize convenience, we include as much as possible, so you can just relax and think about hiking & climbing. Here’s what’s included:

Transfer from Mineralny Vody to Terskol, and back
Transfer from Terskol to Azau, and back
4 night stay in a hotel in Terskol , double room, (half-board)
Accommodation at Grabashi barrels & Diesel hut
All necessary taxes and fees
Use of cable cars in Cheget
Use of the gondola lift in Mir
All necessary permits
OVIR registration
Professional guide

Price doesn’t include the following:

Food during the ascent
Water & beverages
Visa expenses (for those who need a visa to enter Russia)
Voucher necessary to gain a Russian visa and enter Russia
Personal expenses such as use of telephone, internet access, souvenirs, etc.

You will need to cover flights; insurance and extra spend. You’ll need to book your flights to and from Mineralny Vody , travel insurance and cover other personal expenses.

What’s the hike like?
The hike is strenuous to very strenuous. Acclimatization hike to Cheget, that last 4 to 5 hours, with easy pace. You will walk on mountain trail. It is safe and solid. Second hike is moderate (Garabashi barrels – Pastuhov rocks – Garabashi barrels) , but you should walk slowly because it is more than 4000 above sea level. You will walk on snow with crampons. Third day you will climb to the Diesel hut and it is approximately 2-3 hours. Fourth day is for rest and acclimatization. Fifth day is the summit day when you walk up 6-7 hours and back 3-4 hours.

What’s the city tour like?

Half-day city tour is organized with our guide and transportation. We will see the most important cultural and historical monuments in Pyatigorsk.

What skills/experience/fitness do I need?
You need a high level of fitness level. We recommend the previous hiking experience at altitudes up to 4000 above sea level. Your guide will give you full instructions and a safety briefing at the start. Experience instructor will be with the group all the time. Climbing skills are desirable, but all you need to climb to this top, you will get instructions from the guide.

What do I need to bring with me?

Backpack (50-70l)
Climbing backpack (up to 30l max)
Sleeping bag (-10 Celsius in comfort zone)
Gaiters
Crampons
Ice axe
Harness
Carabineers (1 HMS, 2 regular)
Trekking poles
Headlamp
Sunglasses
Cotton t-shirts
Trekking socks
Gore-Tex jacket
Down jacket
Polar sweater
Trekking pants
Gore-Tex pants
Gloves
Polar of woolen cap
Hiking shoes
Climbing boots
Toiletries

What are the guides like?
All the activities on this trip will be led in English by qualified and professional guide and support by local guides.

What’s the food like?
All food is local and freshly cooked hearty mountain meals. These include domestic cheese, chicken and lamb meet, local tea, honey, eggs, rice, pasta and vegetable. We can organize your meal in the way you like. The drinks are not included.

Can my dietary requirements be catered to?
Absolutely. Just let us know when you fill in your travel documents.

When can I go on this trip?
Book on to our pre-set dates above. If you are considering alternative dates, the perfect time for this adventure is from May to September.

What’s the weather like?
Summer is the best periods to visit Caucasus region. In summer average temperature is around 18; Autumn is slightly chillier but still really pleasant and colors are stunning. During the final ascent average temperature is around – 15 degrees Celsius.

How do I meet the transfer?
At your arrival, the transfer will be holding a sign with the name of the tour. We’ll give you all extra details before travelling.

How big will the group be?
This trip will run with a minimum of 6 people, and a maximum of 15. Please note, if there are not 6 people booked the trip may be rearranged or cancelled. Please contact us for confirmation before booking your flights, or book with a credit card.

Can I customize the trip?
Of course! For private groups of six or more the trip can run on any days you wish, be extended or changed to suit your needs. Enquire now for a private trip.

TRAVEL IMPRESSIONS

“I went to Russia with a lot of prejudice, and I returned with a lot of good impressions. I did not expect such a glorious view from the top. It seems that the Caucasus is a much bigger mountain massif than I expected it to be, just by looking at the maps. Most importantly, my time there was spent in great company that despite 2-3 days of bad weather, kept an even greater atmosphere. Our guide, Peter is deserving every compliment, for his commitment and attention to detail, and EST in general, who were always at the height of the task. This is the quality I expect from an organizer of expedition of this magnitude.”