10-Day Elbrus Traverse: South to North

Accommodation 

Service

• Group transfers according to the itinerary
• Accommodation on the south and north side of Elbrus in mountain hotels and camps
• Three meals a day throughout the expedition, including cooking services
• Porter service for transporting food, gas, and group equipment
• Services of professional mountaineering and climbing guides

Special offer!

Book your tour to Mount Elbrus by December 31, 2024, and get exclusive discounts:

Standard tariff

• Visa invitation letter. We will send this as soon as we receive your deposit and a copy of your passport.
• Local registration for foreigners in accordance with Russian law.
• Group transfer (Mineralnye Vody - Terskol, Emmanuel Glade - Kislovodsk, Kislovodsk - Mineralnye Vody).
• Accommodation in one of the hotels in the Cheget Glade: "Snezhny Bars", "Smile", "Solnechnaya Glade" (2-3 bedded rooms).
• Accommodation in the mountain hotel "Cheeper-Azau" (5-8 bedded rooms with shower).
• Accommodation in the mountain hotel "Heart of Elbrus" (8 bedded rooms with shared facilities)
• Accommodation on the north slope in base camp (10-14 bed cabins) and in high camp (8-bed cabins).
• Accommodation in a hotel in Kislovodsk (twin room with breakfast)
• Services of an experienced guide who will accompany you throughout the programme, as well as assistant guides on the day of the ascent.
• Three meals a day made from natural products, including packed lunches for acclimatisation outings and the ascent. Chef services are included throughout the tour.
• Group equipment: ropes, carabiners, ice drills, first aid kit.
• Safety equipment: GPS-navigators, radios, registration with the Ministry of Emergency Situations, expedition medical kit etc.
• Porter services for transporting group equipment and food from base camp to the upper camp.
• Permit to visit the Prielbrusie National Park.
• Ski lift and cable car fees
• Transport of personal belongings from Terskol to Kislovodsk (if necessary)
• Commemorative badge "For climbing Elbrus"
• Certificate of ascent or of reaching a certain altitude for each participant.

Additional amenities in the "Comfort" tariff

• Superior accommodation in a hotel on the Cheget Glade (single standard room or twin accommodation in superior hotel rooms)
• Superior accommodation in the mountain hotel "Cheeper-Azau" (3-4 bedded rooms)
• Superior accommodation in the mountain hotel "Heart of Elbrus" (comfortable 4-bed rooms with bathroom on the floor)
• Superior accommodation in the base camp (4-bed cabins)
• Superior accommodation in the high camp (4-bed cabins)
• Single room supplement in a hotel in Kislovodsk 
• Individual transfer from Kislovodsk to Mineralnye Vody airport.

Additional amenities in the "VIP" tariff

• Accommodation in the exclusive panoramic eco-hotel "Liprus" (12 bedded rooms)

Not included

• Entry visa for Russia
• Compulsory mountaineering insurance
• Private transfer from/to MRV airport (80-90$)
• Single supplement in Terskol/Cheget hotels (45$ per person)
• Single supplement in Kislovodsk hotel (55$ per person)
• Optional snowcat lift (approximately 200-250$ per person)
• Personal clothing and equipment, much of which can be hired (see kit hire list)
• Expenses for personal items such as gifts, alcohol/bottled drinks, laundry, etc
• Snowcat lift descent fees (if you choose not to walk down) 
• Expenses related to an unscheduled descent for any reason.
• Additional climbing attempt (450 USD)
• Climbing the second peak (optional): $120
• Gratuity for guides (at your discretion).

Additional Services

• Personal equipment hire: sleeping bag, boots, crampons, etc.
• Single supplement in Terskol: $45 per day.
• Snowcat lift: Approximately $200-250 per person.
• Climbing by snowcat: from high camp to the Pastukhova Rocks (4800 m) or the Kosaya Shelf (5100 m) and return costs around $200-250 per person. Using a snowcat conserves energy and time, enhancing ascent success.
• Extra night in hotel at Cheget Glade: $55 for a twin or triple room, $45 for a single room. Breakfast included; other meals are not provided.
• Individual airport transfer: approximately $80-90 needed if:

1. Arriving in Mineralnye Vody after 14:15 on the first day.
2. Return flight is earlier than 11:30 or much later on the last day.

• Extra Summit Attempt: $450 for 1-3 people needed if:

1. Initial conditions are suitable but deteriorate to dangerous weather (e.g., storms, heavy snow, dense fog), requiring descent.
2. One or more participants feel unwell or abandon the climb.

• Additional climbing attempt: $450 for guiding services, plus $100 per person for mountain lodging and meals for you and your guide.
• Climbing the second peak (optional): $120

Day 1: Arrival in Mineralnye Vody. Transfer to Cheget. Meet your guide

Please arrive in Mineralnye Vody by 14:00. For early or late arrivals, we can arrange an individual transfer at a cost of approximately $80 for up to 3 people. A group transfer will take us to Cheget Glade, situated 2000 meters above sea level at the foot of Elbrus. The journey covers 185 km and takes approximately 3 hours by car. Upon arrival we will check into the hotel where we will spend the night. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner and itinerary briefing.

Day 2: Walk  to the Terskol Waterfall (2100 m - 2800 m - 2100 m)

The first acclimatisation walk is along the Terskol Gorge to the most impressive waterfall in the North Caucasus and Russia, located at an altitude of 2800m. From the Terskol Gorge there are stunning views of the Donguz-Orun mountain range, glaciers and the peaks of Kogutai as the trail winds along the picturesque mountain river. The route to the waterfall is a pleasant one - a gradual climb allows you to enjoy breathtaking views with minimal effort, culminating in the sight of a roaring stream of pure glacial water. Return to Cheget.

Day 3: Acclimatization ascent to Cheget-2 Station (2100 m - 2750 m - 2100 m)

Today we start our acclimatization trek to Cheget-2 station at 2750 meters. The program includes training in trekking techniques and high altitude breathing. In the evening, the guide will give a theoretical session on the basics of mountaineering and mountain safety. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Climb to Peak Terskol  (2100 m- 3150 m - 2100 m)

The second acclimatization trek takes us to the stunning Devichiye Kosy (or Virgin's Braids) waterfall at 2800 m. Then we climb to the Russian Academy of Sciences High Mountain Observatory at 3150 m. The Terskol Peak Observatory has been in operation since 1980 and is used for observations of the Earth's outer space and research to ensure the planet's safety from asteroids, comets and space debris. Finally we will return to the hotel in Cheget. There will be a briefing, gear selection and equipment check for the next stage of acclimatization.

Day 5: Move to Cheeper-Azau (3000 m). Acclimatisation hike to 3850 m.

In the morning, we will pack the necessary equipment for the trek. Any unnecessary items can be left in the hotel's luggage room. The day begins with a transfer to the Cheeper-Azau Mountain Hotel. After a 3 km drive to the Azau Glade, we will take the cable car to the Stary Krugozor station, where we will check into our reserved rooms and have lunch at the hotel. After lunch, we will go on an acclimatization hike past the Sarykaya-Su waterfall to the Mir cable car station at 3450 meters or to a scenic glacial lake. Depending on the weather and participants' conditions, the group may continue to the highest station of the Gara-Bashi cable car at 3847 meters. Then we descend to the station Stary Krugozor and spend the night in the mountain hotel Cheeper-Azau.

Spending the night at this altitude is an important part of the program as it ensures temporary acclimatization. Most climbing programs on Mt. Elbrus involve a direct ascent from hotels in Cheget, Terskol, and Azau at 2100-2300 meters to high altitude hotels at 3800-3900 meters. However, such a rapid transition can lead to headaches, insomnia, and serious physical problems. Unlike the usual practice of rapid altitude changes, our program ensures smooth and gradual acclimatization, which helps minimize negative health effects.

Day 6: Climb to the Pastukhova Rocks (4800 m). Snow and ice activities.

The day starts with a cable car ride to Gara-Bashi (3847 m). Near the station there are two hotels where we will spend the next day: the Heart of Elbrus Hotel (3820 m) and the Liprus Eco-Hotel (3910 m). After checking our climbing equipment, we will make an acclimatization hike to the Pastukhova Rocks. The height of the climb will depend on the weather conditions and the fitness level of the group. The Pastukhova Rocks are situated at an elevation of 4600–4800 meters. In addition to a review of safe mountaineering practices, you will receive hands-on instruction on the slopes in the use of crampons, rope work, and self-belaying on snow and ice slopes with an ice axe At the end of the day, we descend to the Cheeper-Azau Hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 7: Rest day. Snow and ice training (3820m)

A day of rest is an important part of our preparation for a successful summit.  Today we have the opportunity to get some much needed rest. After a late breakfast, we will gather our equipment and head to either the Heart of Elbrus Hotel (3820 m) or the Liprus Eco-Hotel (3910 m). There will be no trekking today. Instead, we will focus on snow and ice training (weather permitting), including knot-tying exercises. The day will also include lunch, board games, dinner, and a discussion of tomorrow's plans, with an emphasis on an early departure. Overnight in high camp.

Day 8. Summit day on Elbrus (3820 m - 5642 m - 3820 m)

Summit day is the most important and challenging part of the expedition. We start early with a light breakfast before putting on our harnesses and heading out on the route. Participants who wish to save time and effort can choose to ascend by snowcat to the Pastukhova Rocks (4800 m) or to the beginning of the Kosaya Shelf (5100 m). This decision should be made the day before the ascent. If a snowcat is booked, the departure time is around 4:00 am.

The trekking group, consisting of at least 3 people with one or more "assistant guides", will start 3-4 hours earlier than the main group. Please note that if a participant is unable to continue due to illness or other reasons, the remaining 1-2 participants and the guide will descend as a smaller group. If less than 3 people wish to ascend without a snowcat, a personal guide must be hired at an additional cost.

In the event of a forced descent from lower altitudes (up to 4500m), a second attempt at the ascent on the same day is possible if the descent is made to the mountain hotel before the main group leaves. The group can then rejoin the main guide for the ascent. After crossing the Kosaya shelf and reaching the Elbrus saddle at 5300m, you can rest, have a snack and warm up with hot tea. The ascent to the West Summit of Elbrus (5642 m) usually takes from 10:00 to 13:00, depending on the pace of the group. From 14:00 all group members start the descent, which takes 5-6 hours.Dinner and overnight at high camp on the north slope.

Day 9. Reserve Day. Descent to Base Camp (3800 m - 2500 m)

In case of bad weather, this day will be used as a backup to wait for better conditions. If the ascent goes as planned, we will descend to base camp and the transfer to Kislovodsk will be organised the same day. Your belongings left on the south side of Elbrus will be waiting for you at the hotel. In the evening there will be a celebratory dinner and the presentation of the Elbrus Ascent Certificates. Overnight at the hotel in Kislovodsk.

Day 10. Transfer to Mineralnye Vody Airport. Fly home.

In the morning a transfer will bring you to the airport of Mineralnye Vody by 10:00 am. Due to possible delays on days 8-9, we recommend that you buy a return ticket for the afternoon.If your return flight is earlier or much later and you do not want to wait at the airport, you can book a private transfer to the airport for $30.