Climbing Mt. Elbrus from south 2025

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South Route, 8 days

Standard – $ 1390, Comfort - $ 1750, VIP (Leaprus) - $ 1850

Accommodation Packages on the South Side of Mount Elbrus

Standard

Comfort

VIP

Itinerary of 8-days Mt. Elbrus climb from south

In the 9-day climbing program, an additional acclimatization hike to the Devichiye Kosy (Maiden Braids) Waterfall is included after the second day.

Day 1: Arrival in Mineralnye Vody. Transfer to Cheget. Meet your guide
Arrive in Mineralnye Vody by 14:00. For early or late arrivals, we can arrange a private transfer for $80 (for up to 3 people). A group transfer will take us to Cheget Glade (2000 m), at the foot of Elbrus. The 185 km drive takes about 3 hours. Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner with an itinerary briefing in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2. Acclimatization at Cheget-2 Station (3050 m)
Acclimatization hike past the “Maiden Braids” waterfall (2,800 m) to the RAS Observatory (3,100 m), or along the slopes of Mount Cheget, from Cheget-2 Station (2,750 m) — near the famous "Ai" café — to Cheget-3 Station (3,050 m).
After returning to the hotel: gear check and rental of any missing mountaineering equipment.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Transfer to Cheeper-Azau (3000 m) and Acclimatization Hike (up to 3850 m)
In the morning, pack your climbing equipment; unnecessary items can be left in the hotel’s storage. We will transfer to the Cheeper-Azau Hotel after a short 3 km drive to the Azau Glade. A cable car will take us to the Stary Krugozor station, where we check into the hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, we hike past the Sarykaya-Su waterfall to the Mir station (3450 m) or a nearby glacial lake. Depending on the group’s condition and weather, we may continue to the Gara-Bashi station (3850 m). Overnight at the Cheeper-Azau Hotel.

Spending the night at this altitude is a crucial part of the program, allowing for effective temporary acclimatization. Most climbing programs on Mt. Elbrus involve a direct ascent from hotels in Cheget, Terskol, or Azau (2100–2300 m) to high-altitude accommodations at 3800–3900 m. Such rapid altitude changes often result in headaches, insomnia, and serious physical discomfort. Unlike these standard approaches, our program ensures a smooth and gradual acclimatization process, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness and improving overall performance during the climb.

Day 4: Climb to Pastukhova Rocks (up to 4800 m). Snow and ice activities.
We take the cable car to Gara-Bashi (3847 m) and check into either the Heart of Elbrus Hotel (3820 m) or the Leaprus Eco-Hotel (3910 m). After preparing climbing equipment, we begin an acclimatization hike to the Pastukhova Rocks (4600–4800 m). Training includes crampon use, self-arrest techniques, and rope work. Return to the Cheeper-Azau Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Rest day. Snow and ice training (3820 m)
Rest is vital before the summit. After a late breakfast, we transfer to the high-altitude camp (Heart of Elbrus or Leaprus). The day focuses on snow and ice techniques, including knot-tying. Leisure activities such as board games, discussions, and equipment checks will help prepare for an early departure. Overnight in high camp.

Day 6: Summit Day (3820 m – 5642 m – 3820 m)
The climb begins early with a light breakfast. Participants can use a snowcat to ascend to the Pastukhova Rocks (4800 m) or Kosaya Shelf (5100 m) for an additional fee. If a snowcat is booked, departure is around 4:00 am. The trekking group, consisting of at least 3 people with one or more "assistant guides," will begin their ascent 3–4 hours earlier than the main group. If fewer than 3 participants wish to ascend without a snowcat, a personal guide must be hired at an additional cost. Please note, if any 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.

In the event of a forced descent from lower altitudes (up to 4500 m), a second attempt at the ascent on the same day is possible, provided the descent is made to the mountain hotel before the main group departs. The participant can then rejoin the main guide and the rest of the group for the ascent.

After crossing the Kosaya Shelf and reaching the Elbrus saddle at 5300 m, you can take a rest, have a snack, and warm up with hot tea. The final push to the West Summit of Elbrus (5642 m) usually takes place between 10:00 and 13:00, depending on the group’s pace. By 14:00, all participants must begin their descent, which typically takes 5–6 hours. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the high camp.

Day 7: Reserve day. Descent to the Cheget (3820 m – 3000 m)
This day serves as a weather reserve or a celebration day after a successful summit. We descend to the Cheget Glade and enjoy activities such as exploring the Chegem Waterfalls, Lake Gizhgit, or Geduko Thermal Complex (optional, extra fee). A festive dinner with climbing certificates concludes the day. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Transfer to Mineralnye Vody Airport
After breakfast, we transfer to the Mineralnye Vody Airport by 10:00 am. To avoid stress, we recommend booking return flights for the afternoon. If your return flight is scheduled earlier or significantly later, and you prefer not to wait at the airport, you may book a private transfer for $80.