Mount Elbrus

Mount Elbrus is the highest mountain in Russia, located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. The mountain’s characteristic two-headed peaks covered with snow are a trademark of the North Caucasus. The dazzling Elbrus is also the highest peak in Europe.

The height of the eastern peak of the mountain – 5621 meters, the western – 5642 meters, between them lies a saddle, inferior to the peaks in height of 300 meters. The white cover of Elbrus consists of more than 80 glaciers, the largest of them are Terskol, Bolshoi Azau and Irik. The glaciers start at a height of 3500 meters, their area is 145 km². Huge ice masses give rise to the rivers Kuban, Malka, Baksan and tributaries of the Terek.

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Video: Mount Elbrus

Mountaineering

Every year thousands of climbers and tourists storm the slopes of Mount Elbrus. Thanks to the improvement of mountaineering equipment, anyone with acceptable physical fitness can visit the top of the mountain.

For those wishing to make the ascent are organized routes in different directions. Climbing Elbrus on the classic way from the south side does not require from tourists special mountaineering training. People of average physical shape can participate in such a trek. Tourists can use the cable car, which delivers the conquerors of Elbrus to the shelter “Bochki”, located at an altitude of 3750. The shelter’s restaurants, bars and hotels are at the guests’ disposal, where they can rest and refresh themselves before rushing to the summit.

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Conquering Elbrus
On the summit
Flowers on Elbrus

Sights

Dzhily-Su

Dzhily-Su tract, located on the northern slope of Elbrus, is known for its healing mineral springs. Warm waters flow directly from the rock and are collected in an artificial bath, renewed every 10 minutes. Bathing is organized according to the schedule. Local narzans have a beneficial effect on the heart, nervous system, cure some skin diseases and allergies. In total there are 14 springs in the tract, each of which has its own specialization: “kidney”, “eye”, “liver” and others. There are stunning waterfalls in Dzhily-Su – the famous forty-meter giant Sultan and Karakaya-Su with a height of 25 meters. Popular with tourists located in the tract are the Valley of Castles, the Valley of Stone Mushrooms and the German airfield.

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On Cheget Mountain, at an altitude of 2719 meters, is equipped with a viewing platform, where, sitting in rented deck chairs, you can endlessly admire the majestic nature of the North Caucasus. Those who wish to refresh themselves are met by the cafe “Ai”.

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Hotel Balkaria
Hotel Vershina

Recreation base “Elbrus” is waiting for guests in a pine forest on the bank of the mountain river near the village of Tegenekli. Hotel “Balkaria” is located on the slopes of Elbrus at an altitude of 2300 meters. A little higher, in the village of Terskol, there are hotels “Vershina”, “Seven Summits”, “Antau”.

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There are shelters built for climbers who meet climbers on glaciers. At an altitude of 3750 meters you can spend the night and gain strength in insulated carriages of the shelter “Bochki”. The more comfortable shelter “Liprus” welcomes guests at an altitude of 3911 meters. The highest altitude hotel in Russia “Shelter of Eleven” is located at an altitude of 4130 meters.

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Prices for accommodation in the hotels of Prielbrusie range from 1000 to 8000 rubles for a double room per day, depending on the season and on the class of the hotel. As a rule, the price includes two meals a day and transfer to the ski slopes.

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Inexpensive accommodation is offered by the private sector of the villages of the Elbrus region – Tegenekli, Elbrus and Terskol.

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Yak
Black sheep and white goats
Foal

Tour organization and safety

Dawn at 5100m
All disputes are resolved before ascent and after descent.

All instructions of the guide must be obeyed without question. All disputes are discussed either before the ascent or after the descent.

Climbing organizers have the right to terminate or reduce the tour for individual climbers or the whole group in case of:

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  • Violation of the rules of safety and behavior in the mountains;
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  • Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages;
  • Failure to observe the norms of public order;
  • Disrespectful attitude towards nature and local residents.

Tourists from 16 to 18 years old must provide written permission to climb from parents. Children from 14 years of age are allowed on easy routes together with their parents.

If you go to the mountains on your own, you must necessarily register with the local department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, have with you sources of communication – walkie-talkie or cell phone. It is preferable to use the services of operators Beeline and Megafon, MTS does not always provide a stable connection.

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All climbing participants should have with them identity documents and medical policy.

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Morning Panorama.

How to get there

By train or plane to the cities of Kislovodsk, Mineralnye Vody, Nalchik or Cherkessk, from where a cab or bus will take you to the desired place in Prielbrusie. If you arrive as part of an organized group, you will be provided with a transfer.

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