Russia 🇷🇺 – Elbrus (5,642m)

Elbrus – Europe’s Highest Peak and Symbol of the Caucasus

The Caucasus, home of legendary Mount Elbrus – Europe’s highest peak.

DEPARTURE DATE: 11.07.2026 – Terskol, Russia (09.07.2026 from Belgrade)

RETURN DATE: 19.07.2026 – Terskol, Russia

EXPEDITION DESCRIPTION

The Caucasus is a unique region on the border of Europe and Asia, famous for its magnificent mountain ranges. Its crown jewel, Mount Elbrus (5,642m), stands as Europe’s highest peak and a challenge for every passionate mountaineer. This legendary mountain, part of the western Caucasus in Russia, features an icy volcanic cone with two summits – western (5,642m) and eastern (5,621m), separated by a saddle at 5,416m.

The route to the western summit takes us through Garabashi Camp (3,800m), passing famous landmarks like Priut 11 (4,100m) and Pastukhov Rocks (4,700m). Glaciers covering 130 km² cascade down Elbrus’ slopes, creating unforgettable landscapes. With the help of gondolas and snowcats, the trek and ascent will be challenging but with proper acclimatization and guidance, every step toward the summit will be safe and filled with breathtaking views.

Elbrus isn’t just Europe’s highest point – it’s a mountain that connects continents, cultures and history, offering an unforgettable experience to every mountain and nature enthusiast.

EXPEDITION ITINERARY

Day 01: TERSKOL. Meeting in Terskol. Accommodation in the hotel and obtaining the necessary climbing permits from local authorities. Dinner. Overnight stay.

Day 02: TERSKOL – CHEGET. Breakfast. Acclimatization hike from Terskol to Cheget (3,400m). Return to Terskol. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03: TERSKOL – AZAU – GARABASHI CAMP – DIESEL HUT. Transfer from Terskol to Azau. Gondola ride to Garabashi Camp (3,800m). Ascent to Diesel Hut (4,157m). Overnight stay in the hut.

Day 04: DIESEL HUT – PASTUKHOV ROCKS. Acclimatization day with ascent to Pastukhov Rocks (4,600m). Return to Diesel Hut. Overnight stay.

Day 05: DIESEL HUT – WESTERN ELBRUS SUMMIT. Departure for the ascent to the summit of Western Elbrus (5,642m) around 1 a.m. Return to Diesel Hut. Overnight stay.

Day 06: RESERVE DAY. Reserve day in case of bad weather.

Day 07: RESERVE DAY. Reserve day in case of bad weather.

Day 08: DIESEL HUT – GARABASHI – AZAU – TERSKOL. Departure from Diesel Hut towards the gondola at Garabashi. Descent by gondola to Azau. Transfer to Terskol. Dinner.

Day 09: TERSKOL. Breakfast. End of the program in Terskol.

EXPEDITION COSTS

Total expedition cost: €1.150

The expedition organization includes:

• Transfers Terskol – Azau – Terskol
• Accommodation in a hotel in Terskol, double rooms, 3 nights – half board
• Accommodation in a mountain hut on Elbrus, 4 nights – half board
• Entrance to Elbrus National Park
• Gondola Mir expenses
• All necessary permits
• OVIR registration
• UIAA mountain guide

The expedition organization does not include:

• Insurance covering up to 6,000 m
• Water and all other beverages
• Visa expenses (for travelers requiring a visa for Russia)
• Voucher for obtaining a Russian visa and entry to Russia
• Personal expenses such as phone use, internet, souvenirs, etc.
• Snowcat services

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

• Backpack (50-60L)
• Sleeping bag (comfort zone to -10°C)
• Down jacket
• Gaiters
• Trekking poles
• Crampons
• Headlamp
• Sunglasses
• Cotton t-shirts (3-5)
• Trekking socks (3-5 pairs)
• Base layers
• Fleece jacket
• Gore-Tex jacket
• Gore-Tex pants
• Down or ski gloves (for -20°C)
• Fleece or wool hat
• Mountaineering boots
• Toiletries
• Trekking poles

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Applicants must submit climbing resume, insurance and passport scan. The expedition is open to those who have summited peaks above 4,000m or multiple peaks above 2,000m. Participants must be physically capable of hiking 15-20km with 1,000m elevation gain in our mountains, regularly practice aerobic sports (running, cycling etc.), and have winter climbing experience using crampons. Required skills include setting up tents in strong winds and overnight camping with independent food preparation on stoves.

Participation requirements:

• Successful ascent of a peak above 4,000m or multiple ascents above 2,000m
• Medical examination and sports medicine stress test

Application deadline:

• 90 days before expedition departure

Payment terms:

• 10% deposit upon registration
• 40% due 60 days before departure
• 50% due 30 days before departure

Cancellation policy (participant):

• Cancellation >60 days before departure: 100% refund
• Cancellation 30-59 days before departure: 50% refund
• Cancellation <29 days before departure: No refund

Cancellation by organizer:

If canceled due to insufficient participants, notice will be given 45 days prior. Full refund.

Additional information: We’ve successfully guided over 55 mountaineers to Elbrus.

CONTACT

For inquiries and applications: info@extremesummitteam.com