The Elbrus Traverse is one of the most beautiful ways to climb the mountain. It lets you see both sides of Elbrus and enjoy the advantages of each route. For those who want an even bigger challenge, there is an option to climb both summits — the East Peak (5,621 m) and the West Peak (5,642 m).

The South to North traverse (10 days) is the easier option. It does not require previous mountaineering experience, only good fitness.

The North to South traverse (11 days) is more difficult. The northern slopes are steeper and have crevasses, so you need to use ropes and crampons. For this option, you should have strong physical fitness and some trekking experience.

Before the summit attempt, our guides will give you snow and ice training: how to walk in crampons, use an ice axe, move in rope teams, and stay safe on the glacier.

On the northern side you will enjoy quiet wilderness and the distant lights of the Caucasus Mineral Water towns. On the southern side you will finish your climb with more comfort — staying in mountain hotels, near streams and fresh alpine air.

 Citizens of 55 countries can obtain an e-visa to Russia for $ 52 within 5 days. 

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Itinerary Traverse from North to South, 11 days

Day 1. Arrival in Mineralnye Vody – Transfer to Kislovodsk (760 m / 2,490 ft)
Meeting with your guide or company representative at Mineralnye Vody airport between 13:00 and 15:00. For early or late arrivals, a private transfer can be arranged ($30 per car, up to 3 people). Group transfer to Kislovodsk — the starting point of the northern ascent. Check-in at the hotel, gear check, and evening briefing. Welcome dinner and overnight in Kislovodsk.

Day 2. Transfer to North Base Camp (2,600 m / 8,530 ft)
After breakfast, transfer by 4x4 vehicles through Karachay-Cherkessia with scenic photo stops along the way. The drive takes about 2.5–3 hours. Upon arrival at Base Camp, check into the huts or tents and have lunch. In the afternoon — an excursion to the Dzhily-Su hot springs and the 40-meter Sultan waterfall, as well as tasting mineral water from 14 natural springs. Overnight in Base Camp.

Day 3. Acclimatization hike to the Stone Mushrooms (3,200 m / 10,500 ft)
Acclimatization hike to the Stone Mushroom Valley — a unique natural formation of large mushroom-shaped rocks surrounded by mountain scenery. Short rest, tea, and photos. Return to Base Camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 4. Acclimatization climb to High Camp (3,800 m / 12,470 ft)
Ascent to High Camp to drop part of your gear (mountain boots, crampons, ice axe, and warm clothing). This helps lighten the load for tomorrow’s full move. Return to Base Camp for rest and overnight.

Day 5. Move to High Camp (3,800 m / 12,470 ft)
After breakfast, climb with the remaining gear to High Camp (porters available upon request). The trail passes through a narrow gorge, then through alpine meadows with views of Elbrus glaciers and the wide Caucasian steppe. Continue along the moraine by the Mikelchiran Glacier and up a steep slope to reach the huts at 3,800 m. Lunch, dinner, and overnight in High Camp (shared accommodation in 8-bed huts).

Day 6. Acclimatization climb to Lenz Rocks (4,800 m / 15,750 ft)
Climb over snow and ice fields to the Lenz Rocks area (4,800 m). At about 3,900 m, the crevasse zone begins: we put on crampons, rope up, and move as one team for safety. After crossing the glacier, the terrain eases. Return to High Camp for rest and overnight.

Day 7. Rest day at High Camp (3,800 m / 12,470 ft)
Full rest and recovery day before the summit push. No trekking planned. Weather permitting, we’ll review snow and ice techniques, knots, and rope work. Relax, play games, enjoy dinner, and discuss the summit day plan. Early lights-out.

Day 8. Summit Day – West and East Peaks (5,642 m / 18,510 ft and 5,621 m / 18,440 ft)

Early wake-up around 2–3 a.m., light breakfast, and start of the climb. Right after leaving the camp, we put on harnesses, crampons, and headlamps. Sunrise will meet us above the Lenz Rocks, where we’ll stop to take photos and enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the Main Caucasus Range with its majestic peaks — Ushba, Donguz-Orun, Nakra, and others. Here we can rest, have a snack, and warm up with hot tea.
Our goal is to reach the summit of Mount Elbrus no later than 13:00, after which we begin the descent. The total climb usually takes 10–13 hours, and the descent about 4 hours.

If you wish to climb both peaks with a private guide, you’ll first ascend the East Summit, then descend to the saddle and continue to the West Summit. Afterward, you’ll descend along the southern route to the Heart of Elbrus high-mountain hotel at 3,800 m.

Day 9. Reserve day. Descent to Cheget (2,100 m / 6,890 ft)
Extra day in case of bad weather on summit day. If the ascent was successful as planned, descend to Cheget Glade in Terskol for rest, a hot shower, and celebration. Optional activities include horseback riding, visiting the Geduko hot springs, or excursions to the Chegem waterfalls. Overnight in a mountain hotel.

Day 10. Return to Kislovodsk (760 m / 2,490 ft)
Drive back to Kislovodsk. Check into the hotel, rest, and enjoy a farewell dinner with certificate ceremony. Overnight in Kislovodsk.

Day 11. Departure
After breakfast, group transfer to Mineralnye Vody airport. Recommended to book return flights after 12:00. For early or late flights, a private transfer can be arranged ($30 per car).