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Russia · Trekking
The journey
Join this 9-day adventure on Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe, and take in its snow-clad peaks on a climb from the South to the Northern side. The route is designed for comfortable acclimatization, with key stops including Cheget Peak and higher-altitude hikes before the summit push. Along the way, enjoy Elbrus from different perspectives and work steadily toward Summit Point. The experience culminates with spectacular sunrises atop the mountain and a rewarding high-altitude ascent.
Join this 9-day adventure on Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe, and take in its snow-clad peaks on a climb from the South to the Northern side.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Land at Mineralnye Vody Airport, preferably before 3 pm.
Take a 200 km (3-hour) ride to a mountain hotel situated at the beginning of the Baksan Valley, almost on the slopes of Mt. Elbrus.
Meet your Russian guide and have dinner together.
Do an acclimatization hike to Cheget Peak.
Descend to the mountain hotel for an overnight stay.
Start with a morning acclimatization hike to Maid's Braids Waterfall (2,700 m) and continue further to the observatory (3,100 m).
Take a lift or cable car ride to the Refuge, where many huts and accommodation options are available.
Make an acclimatization hike at an elevation of 4,400 m, up to the end of the ridge.
Overnight stay in the huts at the Refuge.
Do an acclimatization hike to Pastukhov's Rocks (4,700 m).
Use the day for rest and relaxation, and also for making final preparations for climbing Mount Elbrus on the next day.
Climb to the summit of Mt. Elbrus (5,642 m). You will begin early, between 2-4 am. A Snowcat may be used, depending on trekking conditions. The proportion of Russian guides to clients is strictly maintained at a ratio of 1:3.
Descend to a hut on the northern side of the mountain.
Use the day for rest, or keep it as a reserve day in case the need arises during the climb up Mount Elbrus.
Otherwise, descend to Emanuel Glade for a further transfer to Terskol.
Airport transfers from Terskol are at 7 am, so plan your return flights accordingly. On the way, if there is time, you can stop in Pyatigorsk before reaching the airport and visit the birthplace of the well-known Russian poet Lermontov.
Where this trip takes you
Mount Elbrus, Cheget Peak, Pastukhov's Rocks
The route
The fine print
Mountain guides: one leading Russian tour guide for the Elbrus South to North traverse program, plus several assistants on the summit day, with a strict ratio of 1 guide per 3 climbers. This means that if there are four clients in a group, there will be two guides for them. The tour has no limitation on summit attempts for the group. However, if part of the group reaches the summit while some members fail to do so, summiting is considered successful, and any additional attempts are available for an additional payment.
Services of a cook.
Hotel accommodation in double and triple rooms. Duration of stay depends on the schedule.
Accommodation in huts. Duration of stay depends on the Elbrus climbing schedule.
All transfers mentioned in the itinerary, including lifts, from and to the airport or station.
Meals three times a day throughout the trip: dinner on the first day and breakfast on the last day.
All required permits and registrations.
Group equipment, including ropes, ice screws, radios, a first-aid set, and satellite navigators/GPS.
Snowcat on the summiting day
Single accommodation
Personal equipment
Any deviations from the original schedule
Logistics
Your 9 days finish where they began, in ул. Аэропорт.
Watch the film
Create your own adventure
Say goodbye to travel stress.
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