Mount Elbrus Expeditions and Adventures

Mount Elbrus is one of the premier peaks in the Caucasus and in Europe. It is known as one of the legendary Seven Summits.

The South route is the mainly common climb route, offering more communications, way into ski lifts for carrying gears, and more urbanized mountain hut accommodation. With an elevation of 5642 meters, Mt Elbrus is a fine climb for basic climbing skills, although altitude and changeable weather might make it a tough and risky trip. It is ideal for people who desire to have ice and snow experience, for those wishing to ascend the Seven Summits, and for people who have wanted to go on to climb taller peaks in the Himalayas and South America.

Mount Elbrus

The first few days of acclimatization in the valleys are very pleasant and helpful to get to know the region: some people say it is a mixture of the Alps 50 years ago with a Wild West flavor. Isn't it a bliss indeed to stay in the hotel and have Russian sauna and herbal tea after a day of Alpine hiking?

Once acclimatized, the group will progress onto the mountain, hauling only day sacks. Living in the huts is quite comfortable: there are dining rooms and either bedrooms or dormitory rooms. Practicing with crampons and further acclimatizing to the summit of Pastukhov rocks is just a matter of waiting for the weather to permit for reaching the peak.

In good conditions it only takes about one day to climb the summit and back from the village: if you start in the early morning (3-4 a.m.), you'll be there by noon, and then you can return to the village at good time in the evening.

Summit day can be extended and difficult, taking something from 7 to 10 hours.

Climbs of Mount Elbrus on the North side are more difficult and deemed a purer climbing experience compared to the conventional Southern route. Although it has fewer ways of communication on the lesser reaches of the mountain, its landscape is naturally beautiful as it has less human trace. The peak route is tougher and longer than the South side, so it involves a temporary camp at 4600 meters (if the weather allows), which requires winter camping expertise and a good joint effort.

Mt Elbrus Caucasus

Mount Elbrus stands among the great masses of Europe and Asia, energetic in both region and land. It presents a tiring, yet satisfying ascend. The journey normally lasts thirteen days, including the trek, several days of acclimatization, hikes in the spectacular valleys, and a five day mountaineering period on Europe's top peak.

Groups are usually around ten in number, and on this way, we employ a ratio of 1 guide to three members, plus some porters to help move equipment up to the high campsite.