This travel covers everything you could wish for. Divers in every way, with a unique 5000er and a region with lots of historical background. In the beginning our journey leads us from Moskau to Mineralny Vody (mineral water) in the northern Kaukasus. On the first 3 days, we will do a few lift-supported acclimatization tours in order to have the ability to ascent in two days over the classic southern route to the summit of Mt. Elbrus where magnificent views as far as to the ocean await us. The Elbrus is the perfect mountain to start the Seven Summits – close to Europe, e relatively moderate height and only 9 days of expedition until you can strike off the first of the Seven Summits from your bucket list.
Since Mt. Elbrus is a unique experience as a ski tour, we offer a special spring date for a ski touring ascent – don’t miss it.
Info Elbrus:
Mt. Elbrus is a non-activ, strongly glaciated stratovolcano with two peaks, situated in the western Caucasus region. His massive ice cap nourishes 22 glaciers. The western peak (main peak) is 5642 m, the eastern peak 5622 m high, which makes the Elbrus the highest mountain of Russia. The generally accepted geographical border between Europe and Asia runs along the main ridge of the Ural Mountains and the Caucasian watershed. Because of its higher altitude and location just north of Caucasus main ridge, the Elbrus is considered the highest mountain and the highest volcano of Europe which also makes him one of the Seven Summits and the Volcanic Seven Summits.
Still, some theories define the Kum-Manytsch flatlands, south of the Caucasus, as the border between Asia and Europe. According to this theory the Elbrus lies in Asia, which would make the Mont Blanc (France) the highest mountain of Europe.
Highlights:
- Highest mountain and highest volcano of Europe
- Lift-supported acclimatization
- Permanent support by IFMGA mountain guide
1. Day: Flight from Europe over Moscow to Mineralny Vody, overnight stay at the hotel.
2. Day: Early departure to Terskol (4h) to our hotel at the foot of Mt. Elbrus. Short acclimatization tour with lift-support in the afternoon (1-2 h, at 3460 m). Overnight stay at the hotel.
3. Day: With the cable car we drive vom Azau at 2200m to the top station and further on with the chairlift to Garabashi station at 3750 m, just a few meters below the famous “space capsule huts”. After a short acclimatization tour to the Diezel hut at 4050 m, we get some rest at one of the lower situated huts where we will also spend the night (3900m).
4. Day: Acclimatization tour (3-4 h) to the Pastuchov Rocks at 4650 m. Descent back to the hut.
5. Day: Today is for some more acclimatization hikes and should also leave some time to regain energy for the upcoming summit push!
6. Day: Summit day! We rise early at 3 am because a long and exhausting day awaits us (9-11 hours). We can either start our ascent directly at the hut (3900m) or rent a snowcat to bring us up to Pastuchov Rocks and start from there. Snowcats are not included in the price, but can be rented on spot, if required. If we are in favour of the weather we are able to see the Black and the Caspian sea from the summit. After the summit we descent back to the hut at 3900 m where we will also spend the night.
7. Day: Reserve day (in case of bad weather)
8. Day: Descent to Azau and transfer back to the hotel. During a meal, we can celebrate our successful ascent or just rest.
9. Day: Transfer to Mineralny Vody and flight back to Europe.
- Whole organization of the travel
- All Accommodation in double rooms, including breakfast (hotels, guesthouses, huts)
- All transfers according to the program
- Summit and climbing permits
- Lift tickets
- Permanent support by IFMGA mountain guide
- Porters, pack animals
- Half- and full-board during the whole travel (except on flight days)
- First aid equipment, high altitude emergency medicine
- Kitchen crew
- Satellite communication
- Radio communication
- All fees and permits
- weather forecast
- Security and warranty of an Austrian tour operator
- International flights to/from Mineralny Vody
- Visa for Russia (members have to apply in time at the Russian embassy at the home country)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Additional porters for personal Equipment
- Personal insurance
- Personal mountain- and climbing-equipment
- Personal expenses of all kind
- Costs that arise due to premature cancellation of the expedition, all additional costs during an unpredicted stay at the camps
- All not specifically mentioned included services
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