MOUNT ELBRUS
| Itinerary Below
| Schedule & Rates
One of the seven summits having the distinction of being the highest point of the European Continent located in the heart of the Caucasus, Mount Elbrus, at 18,510', is not only a great climb, but also a cultural experience.
We meet in the fascinating city of Moscow, to begin this expedition. There we will visit the Kremlin, Red Square, and more, as we stroll along the banks of the Moscow River. Then we head to the Caucasus Mountains. Enroute, we will have the chance to appreciate the local culture and countryside.
We have designed this program with several days built in for acclimatization. We believe it is the best way to accomplish, in good style, Elbrus's long & strenuous summit day. Once we are well acclimatized, after several days, we move to our high camp. An alpine start for the summit, fun, classic snow climbing will take us to Elbrus's western summit, which is the highest of the two peaks. From the summit plateau of this double-coned volcano, the views are truly amazing.
Elbrus, although a non-technical climb, is a serious high altitude climb. You need to be comfortable climbing 4-8 hours per day. Summit day is a long strenuous day, where we climb approximately 5,000', which involves about 8 hours for the ascent, and 4-6 hours for the descent. You should ideally be familiar with the use of crampons and ice axe, and have glacier travel experience. High winds and cold temperatures at high altitude are to be expected, as on any big mountain.
After the climb, we return to Moscow, our departure point for the trip home.
| Click here for Eiger, Matterhorn & Mont
Blanc Equipment List
Elbrus Itinerary
|
DAY 1 & 2: |
Fly to Moscow |
|
DAY 3: |
We begin our journey with a tour of Moscow. |
|
DAY 4: |
Flight to Mineral Vody. After breakfast we fly south to Mineral Vody (mineral water), and travel by bus to our hotel in the Baksan Valley. The Baksan is known for its Russian climbing camps. Mountaineers from all over the New Commonwealth of Independent States come here to train in hopes of becoming a guide. It is also a great location for them to develop the technical skills necessary to climb great peaks around the world. |
|
DAY 5: |
The acclimatization process begins by hiking in the beautiful Baksan Valley. The trails wind delicately throughout the foothills and offer exquisite views of Mt. Elbrus’ twin peaks. We take the ski tram to 11,000’, and lodge at a nice hotel, which is also a children’s summer camp |
|
DAY 6: |
Acclimatization hike to local observatory. This is a long day of walking with slight altitude increases. By the end of this day, most climbers are feeling strong and accustomed to the altitude. |
|
DAY 7: |
Move gear to “barrels” where we lodge at about 11,000’. We use the tram and ski lift to help move our gear. Here we put on crampons and hike up to the old Pruitt Hut. Sleep in Barrels. (Lodging conditions such as the “barrels” and Pruitt Hut change from year to year depending on maintenance. Our schedule may be adjusted to utilize the best available shelters. |
|
DAY 8: |
Hike to Pastukov Rocks (15,416 feet) and travel by Sno-Cat back to lodging. |
|
DAY 9: |
Move to hut, spend afternoon readying ourselves for the summit attempt. Lodge in Hut |
|
DAY 10: |
Summit day. Depart camp via Sno-Cat at 3:00am and ride to Pastukov Rocks area. From the rocks we begin our summit ascent. It is a long summit day. Expect a 12-hour round trip climb. From the summit, we have excellent views of the Caucuses, including Ushba, the Matterhorn of the region. Descend to lodging. |
|
DAY 11: |
Remain at lodging |
|
DAY 12: |
Hiking, barbecue, celebration. (Days 11-12 can also be used as extra summit days). |
|
DAY 13: |
Return flight from Mineral Vody to Moscow |
|
DAY 14: |
Day in Moscow. This final night is a “free” night for climbers to unwind from the climb as they desire. (Meals not covered this night). |
|
DAY 15: |
Depart Moscow. |
This itinerary is intended to be a guideline only, weather days and rest days are always a possibility while on a climbing trip.
COST INCLUDES
Guiding services, all hotels and climbing huts, private ground transportation for the group, breakfast and dinner while climbing, most restaurant meals within Russia, and group climbing equipment
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare to, from, and within Russia, any required overnight stays returning home from Russia, visa fees, select restaurant meals, personal climbing equipment, and items of a personal nature.
|
