Elbrus North route 2026

Client to Guide Ratio

For safety and comfort, you will be accompanied by an experienced instructor-guide throughout the program. On summit day, additional guides will be provided at a ratio of one guide for every three participants (1:3).

Day 1. Arrival in Mineralnye Vody — Kislovodsk 
Meeting with your guide or a 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, where the northern ascent starts. Check into the hotel, gear check. In the evening — welcome dinner and briefing. Overnight in Kislovodsk.

Day 2. Transfer to Base Camp (2600 m / 8530 ft)
Morning departure by 4x4 vehicles through Karachay-Cherkessia, with scenic villages and photo stops along the way. The drive takes about 2.5–3 hours. On arrival, check into Base Camp (2,600 m). Excursion to the hot springs of Dzhily-Su and the 40-meter Sultan waterfall, with a chance to taste mineral water from 14 springs. Overnight in Base Camp.

Day 3. Acclimatization hike to the Stone Mushrooms (3200 m / 10 500 ft)
Hike to the unique Stone Mushroom Valley (3,200 m). Walk among giant mushroom-shaped rock formations, rest, tea, and photos. Return to Base Camp for overnight. 

*️⃣ Please note: this day is included only in the 11-day program. In the 10-day program, the group goes directly to High Camp the following day.

Day 4. Acclimatization Climb to High Camp (3800 m / 12300 ft)
Ascent to High Camp (3,800 m) to drop part of the gear — boots, crampons, ice axe, and warm clothing. The rest will be carried up tomorrow. Descent and overnight in Base Camp.

Day 5. Move to High Camp (2,500 m – 3,800 m)
Climb to High Camp (3,800 m) with the remaining equipment (porters available). The route leads through a gorge and alpine meadows with panoramic views of Elbrus glaciers and the Caucasian steppes. Continue along the moraine by the Mikelchiran Glacier, then up a steep slope. Accommodation and rest in High Camp (comfortable 8-bedded huts).

Day 6. Acclimatization climb to the Lenz Rocks (4800 m / 15200 ft)
Climb through snow and ice fields to the Lenz Rocks (4,800 m). At 3,900 m the crevasse zone begins: we put on crampons, rope up, and move as a team for about 500 m. After crossing the glacier, the terrain eases. Return to High Camp for overnight.

Day 7. Rest day at High Camp  (3800 m / 12300 ft)
Recovery day before the summit attempt. No trekking is planned. Weather permitting — snow and ice practice, knot training. Meals, rest, board games, dinner, and discussion of the next day’s early start. Overnight in High Camp.

Day 8. Summit Day (East Peak, 5,621 m / 18440 ft)
Early wake-up (around 2–3 a.m.), light breakfast, departure with harnesses, crampons, and headlamps. Sunrise above the Lenz Rocks, with panoramic views of the Caucasus peaks (Ushba, Donguz-Orun, Nakru). Snack and hot tea break. The goal is to reach the summit by 13:00, then begin the descent. Total time: 10–13 hours up, 4 hours down. Overnight in High Camp.

Day 9. Reserve day / Descent to Base Camp (2,600 m)
Reserve day in case of bad weather. If the summit is completed as planned, descent to Base Camp for rest, hot spring visit, steam bath, and celebration. Overnight in Base Camp.

Day 10. Return to Kislovodsk
Drive back to Kislovodsk. Check into the hotel, rest, farewell dinner, and certificates of achievement. Overnight in Kislovodsk.

Day 11. Departure
Morning transfer to Mineralnye Vody airport after breakfast. Recommended to book return flights after 12:00.

Services included and not included

Itinerary of climbing Mt. Elbrus from north, 10 days itinerary