Mount Elbrus Climb: 10-Day Adventure via the North Route

Standard - $ 1390, Comfort - $ 1690

Day 1: Arrival at Mineralnye Vody. Transfer to a hotel in Kislovodsk. 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 $30 for up to 3 people. It takes about 50 minutes to get to Kislovodsk by group transfer. 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. Overnight in Kislovodsk.

Day 2: Transfer to Base Camp (2500 m / 8064 ft)

In the morning, around 8 a.m., all participants prepare for departure by loading backpacks, food, and equipment into a comfortable off-road vehicle. We will drive through Karachay-Cherkessia, passing through the villages of Kichi-Balyk and Khasaut, with stops for photos at the most picturesque spots. After a three-hour drive, we will reach our base camp at an altitude of 2500 meters. Here, our first excursion will be a visit to the warm Narzan Baths of Dzhila-Su, for which the North Elbrus region is famous. On the way, you will be impressed by the power and beauty of the 40-meter-high Sultan waterfall. We will also have the opportunity to taste Narzan from 14 different springs. Overnight at base camp.

Day 3: Acclimatization Climb to High Camp (3800 m / 12300 ft)

Today, we will bring some of our equipment up to the high camp at 3800 meters. We will carry the mountaineering boots, crampons, and ice axe first, and bring the rest tomorrow. On our return, we will pass through the Valley of Stone Mushrooms. This surprising and flat area at 3200 meters is covered with large boulders shaped like mushrooms. Here, you can walk, enjoy some tea, and take unique photographs of these natural stone wonders. After descending, we will spend the night back at the base camp.

Day 4: Move to High Camp (3800 m / 12300 ft)

We will collect the rest of our belongings, hand over any extra equipment to the porters, and set out for the high camp. An early start will allow us ample time to enjoy the ascent. The route from Base Camp leads us through a narrow gorge and transitions from high grassland to the alpine zone, offering breathtaking views of Elbrus’s glaciers and the lower Caucasian steppes to the north. The final stretch takes us through the moraine alongside the Mikelchiran Glacier. Once at the high camp, we will have lunch, and rest.

Day 5: Acclimatisation Climb to the Lenz Rocks (4800 m / 15200 ft)

Today, we will ascend to the Lenz Rocks at 4800 meters, traversing fields of snow and ice. This climb will serve as a fitness and preparation test before our summit attempt. At 3900 meters, we encounter a crevasse zone. For safety, we will use crampons and ropes, moving as a roped team for the first 500 meters. Once we pass the glacier zone, the terrain becomes easier, allowing us to move more freely. We will return to the high camp for the night.

Day 6: Rest Day. Snow and Ice Training (3800 m / 12300 ft)

A rest day is a crucial part of our preparation for a successful summit. Today, we have the opportunity to catch up on much-needed rest. 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 7:  Summit Day on Elbrus (5642 m / 18510 ft)

The day of the ascent is the most important and challenging day of the expedition. We will wake up early, have a light breakfast, and head out on the route. As soon as we leave camp, we will put on our safety harnesses, crampons, and headlamps. The trek will take about 8 hours to climb and another 4 hours to descend. By the time of the ascent, you will be acclimatized and able to walk effectively, breathe comfortably, and use crampons and ice axes if necessary. It is important to remember that you will need strength not only for the ascent but also for the descent! We will greet the dawn on the slope above the Lenz Rocks, take beautiful photos, and enjoy the panoramic views of the Main Caucasus Mountains and stunning peaks such as Ushba, Donguz-Orun, and Nakru. Here, you can rest, have a snack, and warm up with hot tea. Our goal is to reach the western summit by 13:00 at the latest, after which we will begin our descent to the high camp.

Day 8: Reserve Day. Descent to Base Camp (3800 m - 2500 m)

The reserve day is set aside to choose the best weather conditions for the ascent to the top of Mount Elbrus. If the ascent goes as planned, we will descend to base camp, where we can rest and celebrate our successful climb. After a group debrief, you can visit the springs, enjoy a steam bath, and continue sharing experiences with new friends. In the event of bad weather, this day will serve as a backup to wait for better conditions.

Day 9: Reserve day. Transfer to Kislovodsk.

Today we will return to Kislovodsk after breakfast. At a festive dinner we will distribute certificates to all participants.

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.