Mt. Elbrus Expedition

Ascent Mt. Elbrus (5642m) in the Caucasus and check the view on top of Europe in 9N/10D.
Location
Russia
Duration
9N/10D
Meeting point
Mineralnye Vody Airport (MRV)
Group size
4 - 12
Activity level
Challenging
The climb is strenuous, with approx. 5 - 7h of hiking during the ascent w/ the final climb lasting 10h total.

Comfortable

Made for beginners in mind. Take your first dip into the world of adventure travel.

Moderate

Reasonable level of fitness required. Around 4 - 5 hours of activity per day.

Challenging

For those with previous experience looking for a bigger thrill. 6 - 8 hours of activity per day.

Demanding

For people at the top of their fitness levels, ready to tackle the most demanding tours.

What will you experience?

  • Reach the highest point of Europe, Elbrus (5642m) in Russia.
  • We're going via normale or ‘’The normal route’’, considered to be the most accessible climbing route.
  • Afterwards relax w/ a city tour of Pyatigorsk and its important cultural and historical monuments.

Itinerary

Expand all
Day I
Arrival in Mineralny Vody

Arrival in Mineralny Vody. Transfer from Mineralny Vody to Terskol. Arrival in Terskol. Accommodation in a hotel. Regulation of permits necessary for the ascent with the local authorities. Rest in a hotel, in Terskol.

Arrival
Dinner
Day II
Terskol
Acclimatization

Ascent to the observatory in the vicinity of Terskol, for acclimatization purposes. Accommodation at a camp found at an elevation of 3380m. Rest.

2 - 3h acclimatization hike
Breakfast & Dinner
Day III
Terskol

Return to Terskol in the early morning. This day is primarily designated for rest and preparation for the expedition to come. Rest in a hotel, in Terskol.

Rest
Breakfast & Dinner
Day IV
Terskol - Azau - "Garabashi" camp
Garabashi camp

Transfer from Terskol to Azau station. Arrival in Azau. Ascent to Mir station with a gondola lift (3500m), following it up with a light trek to base camp ‘’Garabashi’’ (3800m). Setup of the camp. Rest.

2 - 3h hike
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day V
Ascent to ‘’Diesel hut’’ camp and back

Ascent to camp ‘’Diesel hut’’ (4157m) for acclimatization purposes. After a short break, we will proceed with our climb until we reach the peak of Pastukhov’s rocks. Return to camp ‘’Garabashi’’ (4600m). Rest.

4 - 5h acclimatization hike
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day VI
‘’Diesel hut’’ camp
Diesel hut

Arrival in camp ‘’Diesel hut’’ (4157m). Setup of the camp. Rest.

4 - 5h hike
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day VII
Mt. Elbrus ascent
Mt. Elbrus ascent

Ascent to Elbrus’ west summit (5642m). Return to camp ‘’Diesel hut’’. Rest.

10h climb (6h ascent & 4h descent)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day VIII
Descent to Mir station
Mt. Elbrus from Terskol

Departure from camp ‘’Diesel hut’’ towards Mir station. Arrival in Terskol. Lodgings in a hotel.

3 - 4h descent hike
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day IX
Rest in Terskol

Day for rest and relaxation in Terskol. In the case of bad weather this is the extra day for summit.

Rest day
Breakfast & Dinner
Day X
Pyatigorsk city tour

Transfer to Pyatigorsk. City tour. Transfer to Mineralny vody. Departure day.

Transfer to airport for your flight home!
Breakfast
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What’s included?

  • Transfer from Mineralny Vody to Terskol, and back
  • Transfer from Terskol to Azau, and back
  • 4 night stay in a hotel in Terskol , double room, (half-board)
  • Accommodation at Mountain huts
  • Food during the ascent, full board
  • All necessary taxes and fees
  • Use of cable cars in Cheget
  • Use of the gondola lift in Mir
  • All necessary permits
  • OVIR registration
  • Professional guide

What’s not included?

  • Flights to/from Mineralnye Vody
  • Visa expenses (for those who need a visa to enter Russia)
  • Voucher necessary to gain a Russian visa and enter Russia
  • Personal expenses such as use of telephone, internet access, souvenirs, etc.
PRICE FROM
1040.00
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FAQ

How big will the group be?

This trip will run with a minimum of 4 people, and a maximum of 12. Please note, if there are not 4 people booked the trip may be rearranged or cancelled.

Can I book on my own?

Sure can! A lot of people do, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

What’s the canyoning like?

Tribuca River Canyon is one of the nicest canyons in Serbia. It is a very active adventure with jumps, rappelling, and swimming. It will take around 4-5 hours to make your way through the canyon. Full neoprene wetsuits, helmets, and harnesses will be provided. Despite its technicality, you do not need previous canyoning experience—that’s what the guide is there for!

What’s the hike like?

The hike along Gradac River is a pleasant and easy 2-hour walk. The water in the stream is so clean you can drink it straight! Sometimes you’ll follow a trail, and other times you’ll walk through the water, crossing the river several times (up to knee-deep).

What skills/experience/fitness do I need?

You don’t need any previous experience, just a good attitude, and adventurous spirit! Your guide will give you full instructions and a safety briefing at the start and will be watching you every step of the way to make sure everyone is safe and happy. You need a basic level of fitness for several hours of activity.

What’s the food like?

All the food is local and freshly cooked. Meals are typically hearty, and include domestic cheese and other local milk products, dry meats, fish, and local fruit and vegetables. Drinks are not included.

Can my dietary restrictions be conformed?

Absolutely! Just let us know at booking.

What’s the weather like?

Summer and early autumn are the best periods to visit the area. In summer the temperatures range from 20 – 30 °C. It cools down at night. Autumn is slightly chillier but still really pleasant, and there’s the added bonus of stunning fall colors.

What should I pack?

All technical equipment will be provided. You need to bring:

  • 2 pairs of hiking shoes that you don’t mind getting wet
  • Lightweight, breathable shirts and trousers/shorts
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock)
  • Warm jacket for the evenings
  • Small rucksack to carry personal belongings
  • Water bottle
What flights should I book?

Start point? You will be met at the Belgrade airport on Friday. Your transfer will meet all flights scheduled to land by 15:00 pm or earlier. Your host will be in touch before the trip to finalize all details. Finish point? Your tour will end at Belgrade airport on Sunday. You are free to book any flight that departs after 13:00 pm.

How do I meet the transfer?

At your arrival, the transfer will be holding a sign with the name of the tour. We’ll give you all the extra details before traveling.

Important notes

This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions, and forecasts, special events, etc. We can’t guarantee the availability of twin rooms for the duration of the tour. All rooms will, in most cases, be double, or more. Or single upon request. In a highly unlikely case of an insufficient number of people accommodated in one of our selected hotels, dinner will be served on the basis of a predetermined menu of 2 or 3 meals.

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