Mount Elbrus

Mt Elbrus is the highest mountain in Europe; it stands 5642m above the Baksan Valley in the Caucasus mountain chain. For this expedition no advanced mountaineering experience is required. This trek using winter walking skills in glaciated mountains and can be achieved by anyone who is reasonably fit.

From the hotel you will undertake a series of day walking expeditions in the local mountains. This enables you to enjoy beautiful forested valleys, alpine meadows and glaciated mountain passes. This also helps you to acclimatise and gain experience in using an ice axe and crampons on some of the easier slopes, while experiencing superb panoramas of the Caucasus mountain range.

 

For the ascent of Elbrus we take the cable car system to the Garabashi Huts at 3800m. Here you will spend a day relaxing and walking part of the way for acclimatisation before ascending the peak at night. If the weather conditions are unsuitable on the first night this trip is flexible enough to give you a second opportunity to reach the summit on the following night.

 After the ascent of Elbrus is complete you will use the cable car system to return to the hotel and the following day you will fly back to the UK.

Day 2 - Arrive in Mineralnye Vody, on the plains north of the Caucasus. Drive to hotel (about 3,5 hours) in Baksan Valley near Elbrus at the altitude of 2100m.

Day 3 - Acclimatisation walk in the Terskol Valley up to the Observatory, 3100m. Approximately 6hrs walking providing magnificent views of Mt. Elbrus. Return back to the hotel.

Day 4 - Walk to the Mount Cheget spur up to 3100m - a magnificent viewpoint over Elbrus. About 7 hours walking up. Return to the hotel.

Day 5 Transfer to Terskol, climb the Ice Base, 3550m, descent to Terskol. Transfer to hotel.

Day 6 - We take the cable car up to the Mir station, 3500m, then the chair lift up to Garabashi station, 3800m. Accommodation in the Barrels hut. Acclimatisation walk to the Priut hut at 4100m, Overnight in the Barrels hut.

Day 7 - Acclimatisation walk to Pastukhova Rocks up to 4700m. 4 hours walking up. Return to the hut.

Day 8 - Summit day. We begin in the early hours of the morning to ascend the highest of Elbrus' twin peaks - the West Summit. You carry your day pack with the day's requirements. Optionally you can use a snowcat up to 4650m.We return to spend the night at the hut.

Day 9 - Spare day to attempt Elbrus if the weather on the previous day was bad. Overnight in the hut.

Day 10 - Return to the hotel.

Day 11- Drive to the airport in Mineralnye Vody for the flight back to the UK.

 

The price is all inclusive; covering accommodation, flights, transfers, city tours, guides, porters, cooks and all food throughout your expedition. The price also covers a local training day for the group. 

The only costs not included are kit hire, use of the snow cat, VISAs, and insurance.