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Mt. Elbrus Expedition- “The highest peak of European continent”

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Available date:
10-08-2023

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Fees based on the final number of participants. Kindly contact +91-9051055011/ +91-8969336262 for the further detail before proceeding for the payment.

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8 days
Availability : 01-07-2024
Mineralnye Vody, Russia
Mineralnye Vody, Russia
Min Age : 18+

Glimpse of Mt.Elbrus Expedition:

Location: Caucasus Mountains, Russian Federation

Duration: 8 Days/ 7 Nights

Trek gradient: Difficult

Maximum Altitude: 5,642 meters (18,510 feet) above sea level

Pickup/ Drop Point: Mineralnye Vody, Russia

Best Season: May to September. July and August have the most stable weather.

Customized fees:
Fees based on the final number of participants. Kindly contact +91-9051055011/ +91-8969336262 for the further detail before proceeding for the payment.

Overview of Mt.Elbrus Expedition:
  • Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Russian and European continental plate, is one of the 7 Summits.
  • Elbrus is the tenth most prominent peak in the world standing high at 5,642 meter (18,510 feet), ris­ing approximately 914 meter (3,000 feet) high­er than sur­round­ing peaks.
Geographical overview of Mt.Elbrus:
    • The most people think Mt.Blanc in France as the highest mountain in Europe but Mt.Elbrus in Russia holds the record of being the highest peak in Europe because many of its glaciers extend onto the European continental plate.

     

    • Elbrus lies in the Caucasus Mountains, between the Black Sea on the west and the Caspian Sea on the east. On the south of Mt.Elbrus lies the main body of the Caucasus Mountains. It rises majestically from the lush green plains which extend northward into Russia. Hence, it is geographically on the territory of Russian Federation, lying just 20 km from the Georgian border.

     

    • Elbrus is a dormant volcanic mas­sif. The last explosion occurred about 2000 years ago. Mt.Elbrus has two summits: “West” and “East”, with a gentle col, Sedlowina Saddle between them. These two summits are actually two craters of volcano. Hence, you will see debris of solidified lava everywhere on the slopes. Being of volcanic origin, the summits are quite rounded and the slopes less angled; contrary to the other peaks in the Caucasus range.

     

    • The “West summit is 5642 m high and the “East summit” is 5621 m, ie. 21 m shorter than the West summit. The two peaks correspond to two different volcano vents: Zapadnaya forms the Western peak and Vostochnaya forms the eastern peak. The gigantic crater is spread over 250 m in diameter.

     

    • The circular lava massif of Mt.Elbrus has a diameter of 18 km and more than 70, large and small glaciers flow from its slopes.

     

    • There are two routes up the Mt.Elbrus, the Northand the South. The mountain is almost symmetrical, making the contours for climbing the North and South sides almost similar.

     

    • There are two routes to climb up Mt.Elbrus: North route and South route.

     

    South side: This side is a ski resort in winters and has villages with the facilities like hotels, restaurants, cable car and chairlift up to the Barrels Hut (Garabashi) at around 3000 m this. Hence, making the South route more favourable for the less experienced climbers, who can actually get trained in snow climbing during this expedition. This side has snowmobiles and ratracks/ piste groomer to assist. All said, this shouldn’t be underestimated to be a cake walk as it still demands a significant amount of stamina especially on the summit day when the climbers will have to ascend 1000m over 9-10hr. Unpredictable weather and high altitude makes the ascend even more challenging.

    North side: This side has no village in the vicinity. There are a few tented camps run by locals during the season. As there are fewer facilities, the climbers need to be self-sufficient and ready to manage any crisis without any support. Clear enough, the north route is for those with a mountaineering experience, seeking a more traditional expedition experience. On the summit day, the north side involves crossing the whole length of col between the two peaks which is often choked with snow, making the summit day longer and harder as compared to the south side. The route through the col between the two peaks is nearly a kilometre which is quite significant at this altitude. North side is not technically difficult but the ascent of 1900m on the summit day (12-16 hr) makes it challenging.

Climatic overview of Mt.Elbrus:
  • Summer is the best time to climb Mt.Elbrus. Even during the summers, the temperature at the night remains minus 8°C but during the winters the temperature at the higher altitudes can drop to minus 30°C during the day.

 

  • Mount Elbrus is an inland, midway along the Caucasus Range, between Caspian and Black Seas. These two massive water bodies influence the wind and precipitation on the Caucasus range. Although the impact of the winds are also moderated by the nearby mountains.

 

  • The area of Mt.Elbrus is officially classified as ‘Arctic climate’. The climate on Mt.Elbrus is dominated by the humid westerlies and the altitude. The Caucasus range acts as a barrier to the northerlies, whereas the warm winds blow from the south from the Mediterranean.

 

  • Springs and Summers are generally dry and warm with an average temperature of 20°C during the day, accompanied with a frequent thunderstorms.

 

  • Autumns and Winters are mainly cold, dry and clear with temperature dropping several degrees below zero during the day. Winter is from December to February. Above 2000m of altitude, it extends from October to April, with a frequent snowfall. Snow cover reaches around half a metre on exposed ground and 3m in sheltered areas.

 

  • Avalanches are not uncommon during the winters and early spring. Warm dry winds descend from the mountains into the valleys and can cause thawing leading to snowfall. Annual precipitation is of around 600mm in the valleys, but it is 1000mm south of the main ridge due to the humid westerlies.

 

  • Summer is the best time to climb Mt.Elbrus. Even during the summers, the temperature at the night remains minus 8°C but during the winters the temperature at the higher altitudes can drop to minus 30°C during the day.

 

  • Challenges due to Climatic condition: Even though there are no major crevasses or objective dangers on either of the routes (north or south) the expedition is quite challenging due to the fact that the weather is very temperamental and the visibility can drop rapidly. Sudden storms and extremely cold weather are common, even during the peak of summers (July and August). There are incidences of climbers becoming disorientated when the cloud comes causing them to wander off the route. Danger of frostbite and cold weather injuries can’t be overlooked.

 

  • Like any other high altitude mountaineering, Mt.Elbrus expedition demands a proper acclimatisation and adequate hydration by increasing the liquid intake. This holds true especially on the summit day which is a long day with a significant gain in elevation. Making it essential to keep one hydrated and energized with plenty of snacks and energy bars.
Why Mt. Elbrus Expedition…?
  • Being a non-technical moderate-altitude mountaineering, Mt.Elbrus expedition is a perfect way to start off with your Seven Summits. Elbrus expedition is a great way to learn the Basic Alpine skills like self-arrest, use of cram­pons, ice axe, and roped travel.

 

  • The sum­mit offers breath-­tak­ing views of Cau­ca­sus Moun­tains and the trib­utary val­ley sys­tems feed­ing the rag­ging Bak­san Riv­er. Trekking through Bak­san Val­ley will take you to the fields of wild­flow­ers stretched over poplar and pine forests.

 

  • Being approximately 20 km north of the main Caucasus range, the best view of the Caucasus is seen throughout the south route of Mt.Elbrus expedition. 

 

  • Due to the volcanic origin of Mt.Elbrus, the summits are quite rounded and the slopes gently angled, unlike other peaks in the Caucasus range.

 

  • Apart from the expedition experience, the climbers will also get an opportunity to experience Europe’s richest and most unique cultures, one climbs in Russia near the border to Georgia.

 

  • Extend your itinerary, to explore Russia’s greatest cities, Moscow and St.Petersburg to experience Russian rich culture and history closely.

Departure Location

Drop Location

Mineralnye Vody

Mineralnye Vody

Price Includes

  • TransportationTransfer Mineralnye Vody– Terskol – Mineralnye Vody; Transfer Terskol – Azau Glade – Terskol; Carlift transport to Garabashi station and back to Terskol; Snow Cat lift up on the Summit Day
  • AccomodationAccommodation in tents/huts on sharing basis; Camping essentials: Tents, Sleeping bags, Mattresses, Kitchen tent, Toilet tent
  • Food All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Evening tea with snacks, Dinner); Note: Packed meal will be provided during the expedition if required
  • Support staffMountain Guide, Group Porter, Cook, Helper
  • Group climbing equipmentMountaineering ropes, carabiners
  • MedicalPortable Oxygen cylinder, Emergency medical kit, Pulse oximeter, BP apparatus, Infrared thermometer
  • PermitElbrus National Park fees

Price Excludes

  • InsuranceRecommended to get an insurance coverage which includes emergency medical, helicopter evacuation, repatriation and rescue expenses)
  • In an event of a participant deciding on discontinuing the expedition mid-way due to any circumstance/ evacuation, he/she will be escorted till the nearest road end from where the further expenses of transportation, hotel/hospital and food shall be managed and borne by that participant. In such unfortunate event the participant won’t be eligible for the refund
  • Personal clothing and equipment gears like trekking poles, toiletry and other items mentioned later in things to carry section
  • Any cost escalation (accommodation, food, transportation) due to unforeseen circumstances like landslides, roadblocks, bad weather, pandemic crisis, sudden government policies or regulations
  • Any expense arising out of itinerary will have to be borne by the participant
  • Gratuity/ Tip
  • RescueExpenses of rescue via Snow-mobile or Snow cat

Advisory

  • Always carry the original passport with you during the expedition
  • It is advisable to carry 2 extra passport photos, photocopies of passport and relevant visa pages, proof of insurance
  • Statistically Elbrus has relatively higher number of fatalities out of the Seven Summits, and the reason appears to be an underestimation of the challenge of this expedition compared to the likes of Mt.Everest, Mt.Denali and Mt.Aconcagua. The harsh weather of this mountain often leads to low visibility which is often the cause of the accidents during the expedition. A lot of mishaps occur because of exhaustion and falls due to leaving the route. Hence it is strictly adviced to follow the leader’s instructions and be fully prepared in terms of the physical and mental preparedness
  • In an expedition there are more than 50% chances of facing uncertainty, hence you see it’s mentioned “Tentative” itinerary. Weather conditions, wildlife movements, permission changes can often force the leader to change the itinerary, distance or place
  • Throughout the expedition, starting from the pick up to the drop point, the final decision will be taken by leader and all the trekkers will be expected to abide to the same.
  • All participants are expected to have high level of fitness, stamina and the ability to sustain harsh environments.
  • Every participant will have to undergo a temperature and other vitals check-up every day.
  • Do weigh your gears post packing. It should be on the lighter side for you to carry throughout the expedition.
  • Keep minimum 2 days of buffer days at the end of your itinerary while booking your return ticket.Climate is unpredictable on Mt.Elbrus and buffer day can be utilized if summit push can't be attempted due to unfavourable climate.
Essentials
  • Enrolment form
  • Medical form
  • Self-declaration form
Booking terms
Confirmation policy
  • Email on booking@meandmountain.com or WhatsApp on +91-9051055011 the following details: Name of the participant(s), Name of the event, Date of the event, Email address (Note: This is not the Enrolment form) and proceed with the online payment either via the payment link shared via WhatsApp or the payment section on the website.
  • Mode of payment: only online
  • The participants will receive the Confirmation email and Ticket via email within 48 hours.
  • Ater the confirmation, you will need to send the dully filled, signed and scanned forms (Enrolment, Medical & Self-declaration) to booking@meandmountain.com, before commencement of the expedition.
  • The forms can be downloaded from the links below or ‘FORMS’ section in the home page.
  • It is mandatory for all the participants to submit all 3 forms before the expedition, in absence of which Me and Mountain shall have a full right to deny the entry of that participant to the particular expedition.
Cancellation policy
  • Cancellation done by 60 days before the commencement of the expedition: 100% of payment will be refunded.
  • Cancellation done between 45 days to 60 days before the commencement of the expedition: 50% of payment will be refunded.
  • In case of cancellation done within 45 days before the commencement of the expedition, the amount shall be adjusted in any of the events done later with ‘Me and Mountain’.
Discontinuation policy
  • In an event of a participant deciding on discontinuing the event mid-way due to any circumstance other than medical condition requiring emergency evacuation, he/she will require to do so by signing the ‘Discontinuation form’ after which he/she is set to go on own. In such situation the participant will neither be eligible for the Refund or the Adjustment voucher.
Tentative Itinerary
May change as per the local authority permission & availability of accommodation

Day 1Reach Mineralnye Vody & Drive from Mineralnye Vody to Terskol (2000m)

Drive time: 4 hr drive

Arrive at Mineralnye Vody airport (2hr flight from Moscow) by 14:00. Mineralnye Vody is known for its abundant mineral springs. Drive from Mineralnye Vody to Terskol. Reach Terskol, checkin the hostel and settle in the alloted bed.

Day 2Acclimatization in Terskol

Trek from Treskol to Cheget across the lush green meadows, mountain streams and rivers to get acclimatized. You shall be seeing Donguz-Orun mountain with the massifs of Kogutay and Nakra. Return to the hostel.

Day 3Drive from Terskol to Azau (2250m) (4km drive), cable-car lift from Azau to Garabashi. Acclimatization hike

Drive from Treskol to Azau, the lowest station of the Elbrus cable-way. Reach Garabashi station via cable car and checkin the hut in Garabashi. After a rest we shall go for acclimatization hike to Diesel hut. We shall return to our hut in Garabashi and have the night stay there.

Climb high, Sleep low

Day 4Trek from Garabashi to Diesel hut (Shelter 11). Acclimatization hike

We shall ascend from Garabashi station to Diesel hut. Diesel hut is built at the same location where the famous Shelter 11 was located which burnt down in a fire mishap. Checkin Diesel hut, get settled in the bed alloted to you. Take rest and go for the acclimatization hike to Pastukhov rock. You shall learn the technique of using the ice crampon. Return from Pastukhov rock to Diesel hut and have a night stay there.

Climb high, Sleep low.

Day 5Night push for summit

After good meals & rest during the day time, we shall the summit push at midnight. As we have already acclimatized to the altitude of Pastukhov rock, we shall take a snowcat to Pastukhov rock. From here onwards we shall ascend towards the summit. The climb would be challenging with places where you will be climbing with fixed rope support. The climate condition is more challenging on Mt. Elbrus with frequent whiteouts and spine chilling temperature drop. 

Day 6Summit Day & descend to Diesel hut

After the summit climb we shall spend sometime on the summit, clicking photographs, enjoying the view. Then we shall start the descend. The favourable window period is very narrow on Mt.Elbrus hence staying on the summit for a longer time is not adviceable.

We shall descend till Diesel hut and stay there for rest of the day.

Day 7Descend from Diesel hut to Terskol via Garabashi

We shall climb down from Diesel hut to Garabashi via same route from where we had climbed. Take the cable car from Garabashi to Azau station and drive from Azau to Terskol. Check in a hostel in Terskol and take a good rest. Explore rest of Terskol, visit the local market for purchasing souvenirs (tip: mountain herbal tea is a good option)

Day 8Drive from Terskol to Mineralyne vody

Leave for Mineralnye Vody airport or railway station for departure to the respective cities/ Moscow

Diet recommendation
  • Consume less spicy diet at least 7 days prior to the expedition
Things to carry
Layering the upper body during trek
  • Layer-1: Body warmer
  • Layer-2: Dry-fit T-shirts
  • Layer-3: Fleece jacket
  • Layer-4: Down/ synthetic padded Jacket
  • Layer-5: Hard shell wind & waterproof jacket with hood
  • Layer-6: Heavy down coat
  • Gloves: Lightweight poly-liner gloves; Mid-weight soft shell gloves – water/wind resistant; Heavy- weight waterproof gloves with removable liner; Expedition weight mittens with fleece mitt liner
Lower body during trek
  • Layer-1: Synthetic underwear
  • Layer-2: Medium or expedition weight thermal bottoms
  • Layer-3: Trekking trousers
  • Layer-4: Waterproof/breathable pants with full side zips
  • Layer-5: Heavy insulating pants - Down or synthetic pants will full zips
  • Polyester/ active-wear socks
  • Trekking boots
Layering the upper body in the campsite
  • Layer-1: Body warmer
  • Layer-2: Dry-fit T-shirts
  • Layer-3: Sweater
  • Layer-4: Another layer of sweater
  • Layer-5: Fleece jacket
  • Layer-6: Down/ synthetic padded Jacket
  • Gloves
Layering the lower body in the campsite
  • Layer-1: Synthetic underwear
  • Layer-2: Body warmer
  • Layer-3: Polar fleece or soft shell pants
  • Layer-4: Trekking trouser
  • Polyester/ active-wear socks
  • Woolen socks
Clothing for layering upper and lower body
  • 4-5 Dry-fit T-shirts
  • 1 Fleece jacket
  • 1 Down/ synthetic padded Jacket to withstand sub-zero temperature
  • 1 Hard shell wind & waterproof jacket with hood
  • 1 Heavy down coat - a very warm down coat with hood or an 8,000m coat with hood
  • 2 Sweaters
  • 2-3 pairs of Trek pants
  • Medium or expedition weight thermal bottoms
  • Polar fleece or soft shell pants
  • Waterproof/breathable pants with full side zips
  • Heavy insulating pants - Down or synthetic pants will full zips
  • 2 sets of Body warmers (polyester, avoid cotton)
  • 4-5 pairs of Socks meant for active-wear (blend of woolen & synthetic fabric) for wearing during the expedition
  • 4-5 pairs of Woolen socks for wearing at the campsites
  • 4 pairs of well insulated Gloves: Lightweight poly-liner gloves Mid-weight soft shell gloves – water/wind resistant; Heavy- weight waterproof gloves with removable liner; Expedition weight mittens with fleece mitt liner
Headgear
  • Helmet
  • Buff/neck gaiter
  • Woolen cap, big enough to cover the ears along with the head
  • Woolen balaclava, covering the neck, mouth & nose
  • Sun cap with a back flap to protect the nape of the neck
Footwear
  • BootsPlastic or composite double boots (Koflach, La SportivaSpantik, etc) Modern waterproof, single boots designed for 4-5,000m peaks may be suitable if they can be worn with 2 pairs of socks and vapour barrier lines and/or they are equipped with overboots
  • Trainers, running shoes and/or sandals for campsite to be worn with woolen socks
  • Sturdy leather walking boots
Gears
  • Large rucksack/backpack: 80+ litres with rain cover
  • Daypack/ Summit pack: 20-30 litre with rain cover
  • Large (120+ litres) duffel kit bags for clothing and equipment
  • Small luggage locks for duffel kit bags
  • Glacier sunglasses with side shields
  • Ski goggles with light and dark lenses
  • Trekking poles (preferably a pair)
  • Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
  • Water Bottles: 1 Thermos & 1 regular bottle of 1 litre capacity
Other essential items
  • Quick dry towel
  • Toilet kit
  • Tiffin box
  • 2 Tissue rolls
  • Sunscreen: SPF 40+
  • Personal medical kit
  • Mosquito repellent cream
  • Hand sanitizer gel (small bottle)
  • Bar of soap
  • Extra prescription glasses/contact lenses and supplies
  • Snacks for personal consumption
  • Self-heating warming pouches (available online)/ hot water bag to keep yourself warm at night
  • Ladies: Menstrual hygiene products with zip lock bags to carry back waste for disposal. Menstrual cups are recommended over tampons /sanitary napkins.
  • Pee bottle (1 litre or larger)
Photos