
CULTURE, CLIMBING AND A SEVEN SUMMIT — DA!
Climbing Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe and one of the Seven Summits, perfectly immerses you into expedition climbing and gaining experience with the acclimatization process. The gentle slopes of Mount Elbrus beckon climbers in a range reminiscent of the Alps. Jagged peaks with glaciers that flow into mountain valleys dotted with pine forests, alpine meadows, and remote villages welcome visitors traveling into this mountain paradise.
Time spent exploring the extraordinary city Moscow also offers interesting glimpses into Russia’s rich culture and history. And if you want to see how the Russian czars really lived and explore one of the world’s most compelling cities, check out the St. Petersburg extension. If you’re looking for some serious culture, a Seven Summit, and for Kilimanjaro climbers and others looking for an introductory glacier climb, there’s no better objective for those with no experience — our guides show you the ropes during the trip. They may even lead you astray for some caviar and vodka at the end of the trip.
A volcanic massif located north of the Caucasus main ridge, 18,510-foot / 5642 m Mount Elbrus rises almost 3,000 feet / 914 meters higher than surrounding peaks. The summit offers breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains and the impressive tributary valley systems feeding the raging waters of the Baksan River. The Baksan Valley offers trekking through fields of wildflowers, amongst poplar and pine forests.
After acclimatization hikes in the Baksan Valley and a day spent reviewing skills, we take a cable car up the mountain to the shelters at Kharabashi. Here we spend several nights before our summit attempt. The climb offers great introductory level glacier climbing that includes the use of crampons, ice axe, and roped travel.
Also, contributing to your success are decades of experience in the Caucasus. Our roots on Elbrus go way back, from Scott Fischer’s first guided trip there in the 80’s to Mountain Madness’ current owner Mark Gunlogson and his first trip to the region in 1990, shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since a time when the country experienced food shortages to now, our program has been carefully crafted to take in the best of Russian culture, food, accommodations, and people. Along with an experienced guide from the U.S. or Ecuador, you will be traveling with Russian guides that know the area as their home. All this combines for the perfect experience in an area that remains as intriguing as ever.
Short on time? Join us on our 11-day Mount Elbrus Express climbing trip — an express experience to this 7‑Summits peak that gives you an opportunity to hone your expedition climbing skills. Or double down and climb Kilimanjaro and bag two of the 7 Summits on our 19-day Mt. Elbrus and Kilimanjaro Combo trip.
Flight Information
The total number of days for your trip includes all travel to and from your destination, with some exceptions. Dates listed on the website start with a departure date from the U.S. and include the day you arrive home. For this trip you will need to arrive in Moscow, Russia on Day 2 anytime during the day. You will be met at the airport by a Mountain Madness representative and transferred to your hotel.
If you are traveling from Europe it’s possible you can eliminate one day from the itinerary as long as you arrive on Day 2 of the itinerary. Return flight is scheduled for Day 14 of the trip.
Domestic flights to Mineralnye Vody are included in the cost of your trip. If you choose to fly direct to Mineralnye Vody, thus eliminating time in Moscow, we can carefully coordinate this with you so that you meet your group at the domestic terminal in Moscow or in Mineralnye Vody.
Please contact our office for any help needed with your flight schedule.
Day 1
TRAVEL
The first day is allocated for those requiring an overnight flight to Moscow.
Day 2
MOSCOW
A Mountain Madness representative will meet you at the airport. You will be transferred to your hotel where you will spend the night.
Day 3
MOSCOW
Tour the city of Moscow, including a visit to the Kremlin Cathedral and Armory. Overnight at hotel. Orientation meeting and gear check.
Day 4
MINERALNYE VODY / TERSKOL
Elevation: 7,030 ft / 2143 m
Transfer to domestic airport for the two hour flight to the city of Mineralnye Vody (Mineral Water) or Nalchik. Continue by bus to a hotel in the town of Terskol in the Baksan Valley, where you spend the next several nights.
Day 5
TERSKOL
Elevation: 7,030 ft / 2143 m
To prepare for our summit attempt of Elbrus, and to enjoy the magnificent Caucasus Range, we take a day hike in the Baksan River Valley. At the end of the day you overnight in the hotel.
Day 6
TERSKOL
Elevation: 7,030 ft / 2143 m
To further prepare for the climb, we ride the cable car and practice crampon and ice climbing skills. Overnight at hotel.
Day 7
KHARABASHI
Elevation: 12,467 ft / 3800 m
Ride the cable car up to Kharabashi, which is Balkarian for “where black rock meets glacier.”. We settle in for a rest day in comfortable barrel shelters. More skills review possible.
Day 8
ACCLIMATIZATION HIKE
Elevation: 12,467 ft / 3800 m
Acclimatization hike to Pastukhov Rocks and return for another night at the barrels.
Day 9
REVIEW SKILLS
Elevation: 12,467 ft / 3800 m
Further review basic mountaineering skills. Rest and prepare for the climb.
Day 10-11
SUMMIT ATTEMPT
Elevation: 12,467 ft / 3800 m
Two days are scheduled for our summit attempt. We increase our chances for a successful summit climb by riding a snowcat to just below our previous highpoint near the Pastukhov Rocks. If weather allows our group to summit on the first day, we descend the following day and have an extra day in the Baksan Valley.
Day 12
TERSKOL
Elevation: 7,030 ft / 2143 m
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 13
MINERALNYE VODY / MOSCOW
Drive to Mineralnye Vody. Fly back to Moscow. Transfer to hotel.
Day 14
FLY HOME
Depart Moscow and fly home.
Note on Itinerary: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control and in the guide’s best judgement.
- Assistance with obtaining visa vouchers for visa applications (extra fees may apply for non-US citizens)
- Domestic flight from Moscow to/from Mineralnye Vody
- Moscow city tour
- Scheduled restaurant meals in Moscow
- Three scheduled hotel nights in Moscow (double or triple occupancy)
- Four scheduled hotel nights in Cheget (double or triple occupancy)
- All food during the climb
- All team climbing gear and cooking gear
- All expedition support staff
- Lift fees on Mt. Elbrus
- 1 Sno-Cat ride
- Airport transfers at the beginning of trip
- International airfare
- Russia entry visa and airport fees
- St. Petersburg extension
- Excess baggage fees on flight to Mineralnye Vody from Moscow
- Airport transfer at end of trip
- Personal climbing gear and clothing
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra meals, etc.)
- Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy
- All expenses associated with non-scheduled departure
- Breakfast and lunch Day 2
- Lunch and dinner Day 14
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
- Guide/Staff gratuities
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