Climbing Mountains with Guide

Caucasus. Russia. Kabardino-Balkaria.

Northern Central Caucasus. Climbing Elbrus (5648 m). Classic climb of West Summit (5648 m) from the South via the Saddle

Altitude: 5648 m
Program category: Mountain Climbing
Difficulty: basic (SPECIAL SKILLS ARE NOT REQUIRED!)
Duration: 12 days
Season: May - September
First climb: Chilar Khashirov, July, 10, 1829

Classic climbs of Caucasus - Climbing Elbrus (5648 m), the highest mountain of Europe

Elbrus is a place of the constant pilgrimage of people who love climbing and skiing mountains. As Elbrus officially acknowledged as the highest mountain of Europe, climbing its summit is a part of the popular climbing program "Seven Summits", - it attracts climbers from all the world. There is other reason of the high popularity of Elbrus – its technical easiness and accessibility. Many beginners start their climbing carrier on Elbrus, getting from this mountain their first lessons, measuring by its altitude their willingness to improve themselves physically and mentally..

Classic Mountaineering, Climbing Elbrus (5648 m)

This 12 days Elbrus climbing program is intended for people, who have small climbing experience or have none at all and who would like to try what the mountain climbing is. Elbrus is ideal for that purpose. The climbing route is not difficult and does not require any technical skills or spending long time at high altitude. The Brief AlexClimb course of mountain technique is recommended before the trip.

The First Law of AlexClimb
The first rule, by which we are guided in developing of the program - it is Safety. Professional Guides lead the group, only the high quality certificated equipment and advanced navigating systems are used. All that guarantees the highest possible level of your Safety, and it is the most important part of our work.

The AlexClimb Elbrus climbing schedule:

Guided ascent of Elbrus, 2a Russian Grade
Easy Climb, Basic level

Day 1 - International flight to Moscow, hotel accommodation*** Day 2 - Domestic flight to Minvody, transfer to the Base Camp in Baksan valley, accommodation Day 3 - Trekking to the Kashkatash glacier (2500 m), all-day basic iceclimbing course, descent to BC Day 4 - Acclimatization. Trekking to the camping ground (3500 m) near the VCSPS Pass, carrying over equipment and food. Descent to BC Day 5 - Acclimatization. Setting the acclimatization camp near VCSPS Pass (3500 m). Overnight in the tents Day 6 - Acclimatization. Walking up to the Pass (3700 m), climbing Mount Andyrchi (3900 m) easy, trekking Day 7 - Acclimatization. Walking up to the Pass (3700 m) climbing Mount Kurmychi (4050 m) easy scrambling, descent to the Valley, overnight in BC Day 8 - Day off (All-day sightseeing excursion to the Chegem Falls (option) Day 9 - Transfer to the base of Elbrus route (Azau place), transfer to the "Priyut of 11" (4100 m), (chair lift up to 3700 m, then walk), mountain hut accommodation, acclimatization walk to the "Rocks of Pastukhov" (4800 m), descent and overnight in the hut (4000 m) Day 10 - Summit Day, descent to the Valley, overnight in the BC Day 11 - Spare Summit Day Day 12 - Transfer to Minvody and domestic flight to Moscow, hotel accommodation*** Day 13 - Return International Flight

You have to be ready for:

• 5-6 of camping life in the field conditions;
• Cooking your meals while climbing the mountains;
• Carrying a 15-20 kg backpack;
• Air temperature can be down to -20°C on the altitude higher than 3000 m;
• Average temperature on the route is comfortable: +20°C;

The cost of the program from: 670 Euro

Conditions: minimum 5 participants, the Brief AlexClimb course of mountain technique is recommended before the trip.
The cost includes: guide services, rent of the communal equipment (ropes, belaying and navigation equipment, cooking gear), hotel, camping and mountain hut accommodation, transfers from the point of the beginning of the program to its end (Minvody), using the communal basic medical kit, local registering and climbing permits, food for outdoor part of the program.
The cost does not include: Russian visa charges*, International and domestic flight expenses to and from the point of the beginning of the program (Minvody), Moscow hotel, food and sightseeing, climbing insurance, rent of the personal equipment, restaurant food and drinks while being in valley, using the satellite phone.
Group capacity: 12
Guides: 2

*AlexClimb Mountain Climbing School can provide Russian Visa support for you. More information on request.

Equipment list for Elbrus AlexClimb Program
The application form for participation in Elbrus AlexClimb Program.

Photos
Mountain climbing in Caucasus, climbing Elbrus, season 2008
Mountain climbing in Caucasus, climbing Elbrus, November 2007
Mountain climbing in Caucasus, climbing Elbrus in June 2007
Mountain climbing in Caucasus, climbing Elbrus, Skkhara and Dykh Tau, Bezengi, June 2007
Mountain climbing in Caucasus, climbing Elbrus in July 2007
Mountain climbing in Caucasus, climbing Elbrus in June 2007
Mountain climbing in Caucasus, Photos from the Season 2005, climbing Elbrus, Ushba
Mountain climbing in Caucasus, Selected Photos, climbing Elbrus, Ushba

Stories
Climbing Elbrus, just feel it:) Story
Interview with Boris Tilov, the Chef of Elbrus Rescue Service

Route descriptions
Caucasus, technical description of the West Elbrus route
Caucasus, technical description of the East Elbrus route