Russia 🇷🇺 – Elbrus (5,642m)
July 12, 2026 - July 22, 2026
Elbrus – Europe’s Highest Peak and Symbol of the Caucasus
The Caucasus, home of legendary Mount Elbrus – Europe’s highest peak.
DEPARTURE DATE: 12.07.2026 – Mineralnye vody, Russia
RETURN DATE: 21.07.2026 – Mineralnye vody, 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: MINERALNYE VODY – TERSKOL. Arrival in Mineralnye Vody. Transfer to Terskol. Hotel accommodation and arrangement of necessary climbing permits with local authorities. Overnight.
Day 02: TERSKOL – ELBRUS OBSERVATORY. Acclimatization hike from Terskol. Trek to Elbrus Observatory (3,380m). Overnight in tents at 3,380m camp.
Day 03: TERSKOL. Return to Terskol. Rest day and expedition preparations. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 04: TERSKOL – GARABASHI CAMP – DIESEL HUT. Transfer from Terskol to Azau. Gondola ride to Garabashi Camp (3,800m). Ascent to Diesel Hut (4,157m). Overnight.
Day 05: DIESEL HUT – PASTUKHOV ROCKS. Acclimatization hike to Pastukhov Rocks (4,600m). Return to Diesel Hut. Overnight.
Day 06: DIESEL HUT – WESTERN ELBRUS SUMMIT. Early morning departure for Western Elbrus summit (5,642m). Return to Diesel Hut. Overnight.
Day 07: RESERVE DAY. Reserve day in case of bad weather.
Day 08: RESERVE DAY. Reserve day in case of bad weather.
Day 09: DIESEL HUT – GARABASHI GONDOLA – TERSKOL. Return from Diesel Hut to Garabashi gondola. Descent to Azau. Transfer to Terskol. Dinner and overnight.
Day 10: TERSKOL – MINERALNYE VODY – BELGRADE. Early morning transfer from Terskol to Mineralnye Vody airport. Flight back to Belgrade.
EXPEDITION COSTS
Total expedition cost: €950
Included in expedition organization:
- Mineralnye Vody–Terskol–Mineralnye Vody transfers
- Terskol–Azau–Terskol transfers
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Terskol (twin rooms, half-board)
- 4 nights at Diesel Hut on Elbrus
- Elbrus National Park entrance fee
- Mir gondola costs
- All necessary permits
- OVIR registration
- UIAA certified mountain guide
Not included:
- Food during ascent
- Insurance covering up to 6,000m
- Water and other beverages
- Visa costs (for travelers requiring Russian visa)
- Voucher for Russian visa application
- Personal expenses (phone, 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