Mount Elbrus
Elbrus Expedition
The climb offers an experience like no other: A challenging and rewarding climb along with a enriching experience of the Russian country side. The ascent of Mt Elbrus by the north route is a long climb over a moderate incline (average 35 degrees, with some sections on the summit day increasing to 40 degrees) that requires good acclimatization but present few technical difficulties. However, despite the apparent simplicity of this route, it can be dangerous. The altitude, variable weather, and often low temperatures can transform the ascent into a real mountain adventure!
who can
Climb?
To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of pre-requisites that are required to climb Mt.Elbrus:
Physical Fitness:
Climbers are expected to have an exceptional level of physical fitness. Consistent, structured training specific to mountaineering over a period of 6-8 months will be an absolute requirement for anyone looking to climb this peak. One must be able to trek 6-8 hrs comfortably carrying a backpack weighing 10-15 kgs.
Mountaineering Experience:
Prior mountaineering experience will be a great advantage, for anyone looking to attempt Mt.Elbrus. For novices, good training lessons of ice & snow craft, ability to walk in boots attached with crampons, among others will be required.
Please check out our ‘Training’ page for custom programs for your climbs.
Tentative
Itinerary
Arrival at Mineralnye Vody Airport and drive to Terskol
Our English-speaking guide will be receiving you at the Mineralnye Vody (MRV) airport. We head towards our hotel in Terskol. The approx. 3.5 hr drive will pass through the scenic countryside of Russia, also giving us the first view of the peak. Overnight stay will be at the hotel on a sharing basis.
Acclimatization Hike to Mt.Cheget
Today we begin our first of the acclimatization hikes, to Mt. Cheget (3400 m). It will take about 4 hours to the top and 1.5 hours back to the base. After the hike, we head out to the local gear rental shops to hire any gear. Our guide will assist you to choose right equipment. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Azau to Base Camp Huts
Today we head to the huts located at 3800m. We do this by taking a series of cable cars from Azau all the way to the huts. Overnight stay at the huts.
Hike to Pashtukova Rocks
We undergo our next acclimatization hike up to the Pashtukov rocks (4800m) and return to the huts. The total time spent would be around 6-8 hrs of trekking on ice and snow.
Rest Day
Today we take a complete day off from climbing to allow rest and recovery of our body. During the later part of the day guide will do a refresher on the techniques of self-arrest. Each member will practice these techniques on the slopes.
Summit Day
We leave the huts at about 3 a.m. for the climb of Elbrus’ west summit, 5642 m (18,510 ft). It is possible to hire a snow-cat (Ratrak) for a group. This vehicle carries climbers (12 people) up to Pashtukov rocks and saves 4 hours of time and a lot of energy. Generally, for an average group, it takes about 9 hours to reach the top and 5 hours to come back to the hut.
This is a reserve day* in case of bad weather on the previous day. Overnight at the hut.
One more reserve day* in case of the bad weather or excursion. When the group takes an attempt of reaching the summit on this day, it is necessary to descend to the valley same evening, because the ski lifts conclude services each day at 4 p.m. Overnight stay at hotel.
Drive to Mineralnye Vody airport early in the morning to be in time for the flight. Arrive Moscow and continue flight to Delhi.
* Reserve days: In case of an early summit without delay, one can spend the remainder of the time in the base camp itself and all the food & accommodation is covered in the package. However, if one wishes to come back to Mineralnye Vody, the food and accommodation is borne by the client.
Enquire Here!
Mount Elbrus
Overview
- All transfers from Mineralnye Vody to Terskol and return
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Terskol (BB basis)
- English & Russian speaking mountain guide
- Climbers to Guide ratio 4:1
- Ski-lift tickets
- Accommodation and meals in huts on the mountain
- Immigration Registration in Terskol
- Registration with Russian Rescue Service
- Group equipment (ropes, ice screws)
- Peak Permit & communication radios
- Garbage management
- Summit Certificate issued by Russian Mountaineering Federation.
- Personal equipment purchase & rental.
- Personal risk insurance
- Snow cat charges for summit day (optional)
- Additional meals in Terskol and alcoholic beverages during entire trip
- Visa, International & Domestic Flight tickets
- Tips to the staff
Climbing Mt.Elbrus requires a structured level of preparation. A good way to train for the climb is to start working on your basic cardiovascular fitness supplemented by a simple strength program. Going on regular hikes (6-7 hrs) on local trails about 1-2 times a month will be a great way to condition yourself for the climb.
Our decades of experience in the mountains have helped us prepare the perfect training programs for people coming from diverse backgrounds. For tailor made training plans for your ascent of Mt.Elbrus, head to our ‘Training’ page.
Climbing Mt.Elbrus requires all the gear required to climb a 6000m peak. Based on our experience, we have carefully selected the following list that is suitable for this climb. We just like to add one golden rule in the aspect of purchasing equipment/gear i.e., “Try before you buy.”
Climbers are suggested to arrive 1-2 days before the start date of the expedition. This allows ample time to recover from any jetlag and settle in the local city. The return ticket may be an ‘open ticket’ or 1-2 days after the last day of the expedition.
Insurance
It is mandatory for every climber to have an insurance that covers medical emergency & evacuation during the full duration of the expedition. Along with that, we also highly recommend a ‘trip cancellation’ insurance for any eventuality. Having such an insurance will ensure that you as a climber are covered from all aspects.
Currency
Russian Ruble will be used for doing all the local transactions throughout Russia. One can withdraw the same from the ATMs/Banks. And alternatively, carrying USD will be of great value, as pretty much everyone accepts them without any hesitation.
Visa
We provide full support in the form of supporting documentation and all the necessary communication required for the processing of your visa.
A booking fee of USD $500 will be required to confirm your trip for an upcoming season. This fee is non-refundable but transferable. Please refer our detailed booking policy sent to you on request.
Payment Policy
Convenient part payment options are available for this trip. However, the complete payment has to be made on or before 10 days before the start of the itinerary.
Transfer Policy
Incase for any reason your trip has to be transferred to the next season, the same can be done within the ‘Transfer period’ for each trip.
Cancellation Policy
Our cancellation policies are customer friendly and can be easily availed within the ‘cancellation period’ of each trip. Please note that the cancellation will be subject to the prevalent conditions.
For a detailed list of all the policies, please write to us at info@transadventures.com
highlights from
Previous Elbrus Expeditions
Why
Transcend Adventures?
Safety
Safety is the highest priority in our expeditions. When we say safety, we just don’t mean climbing. Right from the food you eat at our camps, to all the tiny pieces of rope & hardware, & our mountain/expedition guides are the best in class. All these will ensure the safest climbing experience.
Guide / Sherpa
Our Mountain Guides are of the finest in the region. They form the backbone of all our expeditions. Highly experienced, they bring all of it to your table, so that you’ll enjoy the best of climbing experience on the big mountains.
Success Rate
Honestly, it’s an open secret that the above two aspects of safety and hospitality have been propelling our clients to the top of every summit. With over 90 summits to Everest and another 200 summits covering all the 7-Summits, we let the numbers speak our success.
Base Camp Services
Our base camp services across the globe are unrivaled! For us, a base camp is a “Home away from home”. Whether you’re from the west or the east, we ensure that we serve you your native food on a daily basis. With a host of custom packages to choose from, we’re certain that you will not miss the comfort of your home!
Exclusive Doctor
An experienced high altitude medical doctor is always with us during every expedition to Mt.Everest. He/she is always available at the Base Camp/ Advanced Base Camp for any medical related concern, however small the condition is. Well, in the mountains it’s the small things that matter the most!
Weather Forecast
The weather plays the single most important factor on your probability of reaching the summit. We have 3 independent weather forecasts from the most reliable weather forecasters that ensure that we pick the most safest weather window for your summit attempt.