Elbrus
Explore Tours
Destination: The Caucasus Mountains, Russia
Your Ultimate Adventure Awaits
Please make sure to complete your booking/reservation. Once submitted, we will contact you to confirm availability and provide further details. Thank you!
Date: 31th May – 7 June / 19-26 July / 16 – 23 August
Embark on an 8-day expedition through the rugged and untamed beauty of the Caucasus Mountains, culminating in the ascent of Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe. This journey is for those who seek a true test of endurance, ready to challenge their limits and immerse themselves in some of the most stunning alpine landscapes on the planet. From glacier-covered slopes to dramatic ridges and high-altitude plateaus, each day will take you deeper into this awe-inspiring wilderness.
What to Expect
This is not just about reaching the summit—it’s about the thrill of the entire journey. Picture yourself trekking across expansive glaciers, breathing in the crisp, high-altitude air, and standing at the pinnacle of Europe at 5,642 meters (18,510 feet), where the sky and earth meet. Whether you’re navigating steep ascents, acclimatizing at high-altitude camps, or witnessing breathtaking sunrises over the Caucasus range, this expedition is for adventurers who crave the ultimate challenge.
Adventure Highlights
- Summit Mount Elbrus: Reach the highest point in Europe and take in sweeping views from the top of the continent.
- Glacier Trekking: Traverse vast glaciers and experience the power and beauty of frozen landscapes.
- High-Altitude Camps: Acclimatize and rest at mountain camps with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
- Unforgettable Sunrises: Wake up to stunning sunrises over the majestic Caucasus range, a memory that will last a lifetime.
Who Should Join?
This expedition is designed for thrill-seekers, experienced trekkers, and adventurers who are ready to take on one of the world’s Seven Summits. If you’re eager to push your limits and immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Caucasus Mountains, this journey is for you.
Limited spots available! Secure your place today and prepare for an unforgettable adventure to the top of Europe.
Included/Exclude
- Local registration in compliance with Russian law.
- Group airport transfer: Mineralnye Vody - Cheget Glade and return.
- Group transfers are available for arrivals at MineralnyeVody before 2:00 p.m. on the first day. On the final day, thetransfer will arrive at the airportby 10:00 a.m.
- Accommodation: 3* Hotel " on Cheget Glade, Mountain Hotel "Cheeper-Azau" - 5-8 bedded roomswith showers, Mountain Hotel VIP Eco-Hotel "Leaprus" at 3910 m withshared facilities.
- Guides: Experienced guide for the entire program and assistantguides on summit day (1 guide for every 3 participants).
- Cable car tickets for one ascent and one descent on Mt. Elbrus.
- Park fee
- Three meals daily, including packed lunches for acclimatization hikes and the summit climb.
- Group equipment: Includes ropes, carabiners, and ice axes.
- Safety equipment: GPS navigators, radios, registration at theMinistry of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief of Russia, and an expedition medical kit.
- One summit attempt. If the group starts in safe weather conditions but later encounters dangerous conditions (such as a storm, heavy snowfall, or dense fog) and must descend, this is considered an expended attempt. Similarly, if one or more participants feel unwell and cannot continue, it is also countedas an attempt.
- Commemorative badge: "For climbing Elbrus."
- Certificate of ascent or specific altitude reached for each participant.
- Russian entry visa
- Mountaineering insurance
- Snowcat lift for ascent
- Personal clothing and equipment
- Personal expesnens; gifts alcohol, bottled drinks, laundry etc.
- Expenses related to an unscheduled descent
- Additional climbing attempt Gratuity for guides
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
Our guide will meet you at Mineralnye Vody Airport by 2:00 p.m. If you arrive earlier or later, a private transfer can be arranged for up to 3 people at an approximate cost of $80.
At 2:30 p.m., we’ll drive to the foothills of Mount Elbrus, specifically to the Cheget Glade, located 2,000 meters above sea level. The journey covers 185 km and takes about 3 hours.
Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel, and in the evening, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner followed by a detailed briefing about the itinerary ahead.
Ascent to Cheget-2 Station (2100 m - 2750 m)
Today marks the start of our acclimatization trek to Cheget-2 Station at an altitude of 2,750 meters. Along the way, you’ll practice trekking techniques and high-altitude breathing, all under the expert guidance of your guide.
In the evening, there will be a theoretical session on the basics of mountaineering and mountain safety.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Acclimatization Hike to 3,850 m
In the morning, we’ll pack our gear for the trek, leaving any unnecessary items in the hotel’s luggage room. A short transfer will take us to the Cheeper-Azau Mountain Hotel. After a brief 3 km drive to Azau Glade, we’ll take the cable car up to the Stary Krugozor station, where we’ll check into a comfortable hotel situated at an altitude of 3,000 meters. Lunch will be served at the hotel.
In the afternoon, we’ll set off on our acclimatization hike. The trail passes the picturesque Sarykaya-Su waterfall and continues to the Mir cable car station at 3,450 meters. Weather permitting, we may proceed further to the Gara-Bashi cable car station at 3,850 meters or visit a stunning glacial lake nearby.
We’ll return to Stary Krugozor for an overnight stay at the Cheeper-Azau Mountain Hotel. Spending the night at this altitude is a vital part of the program, ensuring smooth acclimatization.
Unlike many standard climbing itineraries, which jump from hotels at 2,100–2,300 meters (Cheget or Azau Glade) to high-altitude shelters at 3,800–4,100 meters in one day, our program emphasizes a gradual ascent. This approach helps minimize the risk of headaches, insomnia, and other altitude-related health issues, giving you the best chance for a safe and successful climb.
Snow and Ice Activities
A cable car ride takes us to the Gara-Bashi station, located at 3,847 meters. Here, two of the most comfortable high-altitude hotels in the South Elbrus region await us: the Heart of Elbrus Hotel (3,820 m) and the eco-hotel “Leaprus” (3,910 m), where we’ll spend the next day.
Once we’ve checked our climbing equipment, we’ll head out on an acclimatization hike to the Pastukhov Rocks, located at an altitude of 4,600–4,800 meters. The exact elevation reached will depend on the weather and the fitness level of the group.
At the Pastukhov Rocks, you’ll participate in practical training on snowy and icy slopes. You will learn essential mountaineering skills, including walking in crampons, using ropes, self-arresting with an ice ax, and tying knots. Our guide will also review critical safety practices to prepare you for the ascent.
After completing the hike and training, we’ll return to the Cheeper-Azau Hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Snow and Ice Training (3820 m)
After the hard work of the last few days, it's time to relax and prepare for tomorrow—the most important day of the tour.
We begin with a late breakfast, giving you time to sleep in. Then, we gather our equipment and ascend to the high mountain hotel, either the Heart of Elbrus (3,820 m) or the eco-hotel “Leaprus” (3,910 m). If the weather permits, you’ll take part in additional snow and ice training, including knot-tying.
The rest of the day is for relaxation: enjoy lunch, play board games, and unwind with your group. After dinner, we’ll hold a briefing to finalize plans for the summit attempt. An early bedtime will ensure you’re well-rested for the climb. Overnight at the high camp.
Summit Day: The Ultimate Challenge
The most important and challenging part of the expedition begins with an early rise and a light breakfast. After putting on our harnesses and making final preparations, we set out on the route.
For those wishing to save time and energy, a snowcat can be arranged to ascend from the high mountain hotel (3,800–3,900 m) to the Pastukhov Rocks (4,800 m) or the Kosaya Shelf (5,100 m). This option must be booked the day before the ascent and typically departs at 4:00 a.m.
Participants who prefer to ascend on foot will form a trekking group of at least three people, accompanied by one or more assistant guides (1 guide per 3 clients). This group starts 3–4 hours earlier than the main group. Please note that if any member of the trekking group needs to descend due to health or other reasons, the entire mini-group, including the guide, must return together. If fewer than three participants choose this option, a private guide must be arranged at an additional cost.
If a participant descends early from lower altitudes (up to 4,500 m), a second summit attempt may be possible on the same day. This is only an option if they return to the mountain hotel before the main group departs. For later descents, they can rejoin the group at the Kosaya Shelf if a snowcat is arranged under the supervision of the main guide.
After crossing the Kosaya Shelf and reaching the saddle at 5,300 m, there will be a short rest with snacks and hot tea. The final ascent to the West Summit of Elbrus (5,642 m) typically takes place between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., depending on the group's pace. Starting from 2:00 p.m., all participants must begin the descent, which usually takes 5–6 hours. After returning to the high camp, it’s time for dinner and much-needed rest.
Weather Contingency & Rest Day
This day allows us to select the best weather for the Elbrus ascent. If weather delays the climb, it will be used as a backup. If the summit attempt is successful on the previous day, we descend to Cheget Glade to rest and celebrate.
You’ll have the chance to enjoy delicious Caucasian dishes, such as khychins, zhar-baur, and shashlik. Optional activities include fishing, horseback riding, or relaxing in a Russian sauna. For an additional fee, you can explore the scenic highlights of Kabardino-Balkaria, such as Lake Gizhgit, the Chegem Waterfalls, or the Geduko Thermal Complex with its soothing mineral baths.
In the evening, we gather for a festive dinner and the presentation of climbing certificates.
Departure Day
In the morning, a transfer will take you from the hotel to Mineralnye Vody Airport, ensuring you arrive by 10:00 a.m. If your return flight is scheduled earlier or much later, a private transfer can be arranged for $80.
Even if we didn’t reach the summit, we return home victorious—having stepped out of our comfort zone and experienced the breathtaking beauty of the Caucasus Mountains.
See you again on the next adventure!
