Mt. Elbrus (5,632m): 14 days
Europe - Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe, lies in the Caucasus mountain range in southern Russia and forms a natural boundary between Europe and Asia. As such, the Elbrus region has a complex history and is home to a variety of ethnic groups of people. The Adyrsu Valley is in considered the most beautiful in the Elbrus area. We'll be treated to superb alpine scenery in an area much less developed than elsewhere in Europe.
Over the next seven days, we'll gradually gain height from 3,200m to 4,700m before climbing the east summit of Elbrus. Though not technical, the climb is strenuous and requires willpower to reach the summit. The end of the schedule accommodates one, possible two, reserve days (for possible bad weather or the need for further acclimatization) before departures from Moscow to the US.
Itinerary
| July 7 |
Depart USA |
| July 8 |
Arrive in Moscow. Transfer from airport to hotel. Overnight stay in a hotel. |
| July 9 |
Moscow. Sightseeing - Moscow, the Kremlin and Red Square. |
| July 10 |
Two-hour flight to Mineralnye Vody (Caucasus). Four-bus ride to a mountain hotel in the Baksan valley. Overnight stay in a hotel 2000m. |
| July 11 |
Acclimatization hikes to 3000m. Overnight in hotel 2000m. |
| July 12 |
Ride ski lifts. Acclimatization hike to 3400m. Overnight stay in a hut 3050m. |
| July 13 |
Acclimatization hike to 4050m. Overnight stay in a hut 3050m |
| July 14 |
Hike to a hut 4050m . Overnight stay in the hut 4050m |
| July 15 |
Acclimatization hike to the Pastukhov Rocks, 4800 m (15,740 feet). Overnight stay in a hut 4050m |
| July 16 |
Summit day. Leave base camp about 3 am for the climb of Elbrus' west summit, 5642 m (18,498 feet),. Descend to the hut 4050m |
| July 17 |
Reserve day for climbing Elbrus (in case of bad weather) or descent to the Baksan valley if we climb the summit. |
| July 18 |
Reserve day. Descend to the Baksan valley. Overnight in a hotel 2000m |
| July 19 |
Drive to Mineralnye Vody. Fly back to Moscow. Overnight stay in hotel. |
| July 20 |
Transfer from hotel to airport. Fly home. |
Cost Includes:
- Visa support and invitation to Russia
- Accommodation, based on double/triple: Moscow - hotel; Baksan valley (Caucasus)a hotel; Mountain hut or tents on Elbrus
- Transportation: Sightseeing Moscow, the Kremlin and Red Square
- Domestic Air Travel: Air tickets Moscow - Mineralnye Vody - Moscow.
- All transfers in Moscow and Baksan valley, lifts.
- Group Climbing and Cooking Equipment
- Food: Moscow - breakfast only, Baksan valley; hotel and mountain hut - all meals. All necessary permits and registrations.
Cost Excludes:
- Airfare to Moscow
- Lunch and dinner in Moscow
- Non-scheduled Airport Shuttles
- Personal equipment
- Staff/guide gratuities
- Items of a personal nature, personal gear, phone calls, laundry, room service, etc.
- Airport transfer for the flight hom
- Airport taxes
- Medical/evacuation and trip insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Snow-Cat and other optional transportation
- You are allowed only free 20kg of gear and personal items for the internal flights in Russia.
* Additional details to follow shortly. Please contact us if you are at all interested for 2006!
* Side Trips and addiltional excusions possible. We'll fit in as much as we can.
