- Summer ascent to West Elbrus from the south (5642 m) -
Only the mountains that are not yet conquered are the best challenge for a true mountaineer. We invite you to trek and climb the magnificent glacier- and snow-capped Elbrus, once upon a time volcano, and nowadays the highest peak of Europe and Russia. This itinerary offers the West Elbrus ascent from the south (5642)
Type: mountaineering
Duration: 9 days/8 nights
Season: mid-June – end September
Group size: 5-10 persons
Special requirements: physical fitness and basic alpinism skills; own personal alpinism equipment and outfit
Day 1
Arrival in the airport of Mineralnye Vody from Moscow. Meeting and transfer to a small village Terskol (180 km, 4 hrs). Check in at a hotel, overnight in twin rooms
Day 2
Breakfast. Leave for Cheget (3700m), acclimatization trekking up and down Mt Cheget, magnificent panoramic view of the Elbrus, Donguz-Orun, Nakru, and the route of our ascent. Going up by ski lift to 2940m. Trek Mt Kupol (3400)m.
Boxed lunch on the way. Return to the hotel, overnight
Day 3
Breakfast. Acclimatization trekking & climbing Mt Andyrchi (3913m), Mt Kurmychi (4050). Boxed lunch on the way. Return to the hotel, overnight
Day 4
Breakfast. Transfer to the lowest ski station Azau (2300m) by cable-way and further by chair ski lift via the station Mir (3500m) to Gara-Bashi station (3750m)*. Trekking to the Shelter of 11 refuge (4050m). Accommodation in rooms for 5 or more people, light lunch. Climbing for acclimatization to 4400m (2-3 hrs). Dinner, overnight in the hut
Ski lift operation is unstable, trekking might be required; optional luggage transportation by a vehicle available (extra cost)
Day 5
Breakfast. Acclimatization trekking&climbing to the Pastukhov Rocks (4600-4750m, 5-6 hrs), preparation for Elbrus ascent. Lunch, dinner, overnight in the hut.
Day 6
Breakfast. The day of ascent of Western Elbrus. Get up at 3 am to start the ascent at 4 am. Trek up to the top lakes for 4-6 hrs, then down for 2-3 hrs.
Boxed lunch. Dinner, overnight in the hut.
Day 7
Breakfast. Reserve day for another ascend attempt in case of bad weather, accommodation in the hut. In case of the successful ascent on the previous day, hike down to the Baksan gorge, accommodation in a hotel in twin rooms
Day 8
Extra day for unpredictable circumstances or a tour to Shkhelda Gorge. Farewell dinner of the national Balkar cuisine, overnight in the hotel
Day 9
Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the Minvody airport for departure to Moscow.
The itinerary is subject to changes due to weather and other conditions
