Climb Mount Elbrus from the South

This 9-day expedition takes you to the summit of **Mount Elbrus (5,642 m)**, Europe’s highest mountain and a symbol of the Caucasus.
The program is designed for gradual acclimatization, including pre-ascent hikes, technical training, and a reserve day to maximize your chance of reaching the summit safely.

Day 1 – Arrival in Mineralnye Vody & Transfer to Terskol
Arrive at Mineralnye Vody Airport (MRV), where a driver will meet you and transfer you through the scenic Baksan Valley to the mountain village of Terskol (approx. 3 hours). Upon arrival, check into your hotel, unwind, and enjoy a welcome briefing with your guide. Learn about the climb, safety procedures, and acclimatization plan. Evening welcome dinner featuring traditional Caucasian cuisine. Stroll through the village, admire the surrounding snow-capped peaks, and prepare for the days ahead.

Day 2 – Acclimatization Hike on Mount Cheget (3,000 m)
After breakfast, take a short drive to the base of Mount Cheget for your first acclimatization hike. The route gently climbs to about 3,000 m, providing your body the opportunity to adjust to altitude. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the Elbrus massif, glacial ridges, and alpine meadows. Return to Terskol for a relaxed afternoon, optional stretching, and dinner. Evening: briefing about mountaineering techniques, gear, and snow safety.

Day 3 – High-Acclimatization Excursion & Glacier Observation
This day focuses on pre-ascent acclimatization:

• Morning hike to Maid’s Braids Waterfall (2,700 m), observing mountain streams and wildlife.
• Continue to the Observatory Station (3,100 m) for breathtaking views of Elbrus West and East summits, glaciers, and surrounding Caucasus peaks.
• Lunch outdoors, practicing hydration and energy management at altitude. Afternoon: return to Terskol, rest, and optional gear checks. Dinner with discussion on summit strategy and weather considerations.

Day 4 – Transfer to Azau & Mountain Refuge (3,880 m)
After breakfast, drive to the Azau base station. Take the cable car up to 3,800 m, arriving at your mountain refuge. After settling in, enjoy a light lunch, then a short acclimatization hike along the ridge to 4,400 m. This hike allows your body to adjust and provides practice on snow terrain. Return to the refuge for a nutritious dinner, evening briefing on summit day logistics, and early rest.

Day 5 – Training at Pastukhov Rocks (4,700 m)
Wake up early for a full day of technical acclimatization:

• Ascend to Pastukhov Rocks (~4,700 m), experiencing high-altitude conditions.
• Practice walking with crampons, using ice axes, and rope techniques on snow and ice.
• Guides provide tips on pacing, oxygen conservation, and recognizing altitude sickness symptoms.
• Return to the refuge, enjoy a hearty meal, and review summit plans with your guide.

Day 6 – Rest & Preparation Day
Today is a rest and preparation day at the refuge:

• Optional short walks for gentle acclimatization
• Equipment checks, ensuring crampons, harnesses, ropes, and clothing are ready
• Nutrition briefing and high-altitude meal planning
• Evening: meditation or stretching, early bedtime to ensure optimal recovery for summit day

Day 7 – Summit Attempt (5,642 m)
Wake-up at ~2:00 am, breakfast, and gear check. Begin the summit ascent under expert guidance.

• Use snowcat transport optionally up to 5,000 m to save energy.
• Gradual climb across glaciers and snowfields, navigating ridges with rope support as needed.
• Reach the West Summit of Mount Elbrus (~5,642 m) around midday. Celebrate the achievement, take photos, and enjoy the panoramic view of the Caucasus.
• Begin the descent (~5–6 hours) to the refuge for rest, recovery meal, and overnight stay.
• Guides monitor all climbers for safety, hydration, and energy levels.

Day 8 – Reserve Day / Descent to Terskol
A reserve day ensures flexibility in case of weather delays. If the summit was reached successfully on Day 7:

• Descend to Azau base, then drive back to Terskol.
• Enjoy a relaxing afternoon, perhaps a short walk to nearby streams or meadows.
• Dinner in the village, sharing experiences and photos from the climb.
• Optionally, celebrate the achievement with a local cultural performance or evening by the fire.

Day 9 – Departure from Terskol / Mineralnye Vody
Early transfer to Mineralnye Vody Airport for flights home. Guests may have time for a short walk in Pyatigorsk, local market, or souvenir shopping before departure. Guides provide assistance with transportation and farewell arrangements.

📍 Hotel Alamat (4 nights): 2,000 m elevation, double/triple rooms with private bathroom, balcony, TV, mountain views.
📍 Mountain Refuge Nat.Park (4 nights): 3,880 m, shared rooms up to 4 people, electricity points, communal kitchen.

Included:
✔ Professional mountain guide and assistants
✔ Three meals per day
✔ All transfers according to itinerary
✔ One summit attempt
✔ Permits and registration
✔ Group equipment (ropes, ice screws, radio, GPS)
✔ Kitchen support at the refuge

Not Included:
✘ International and domestic flights to Mineralnye Vody
✘ Personal climbing equipment (if not rented)
✘ Personal insurance
✘ Optional snowcat transport to 5,000 m

Documents, 80L & 40L backpacks, sleeping bag (+0°C/+10°C comfort), trekking poles, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, mountaineering boots, waterproof and thermal clothing, layers, gloves, sunglasses, headlamp, water bottle/thermos, sunscreen, first aid kit.

The “Climb Mount Elbrus from the South” tour is available on the following summer 2026 dates:

- 30 May – 7 June 2026
- 6 June – 14 June 2026
- 13 June – 21 June 2026
- 20 June – 28 June 2026
- 27 June – 5 July 2026
- 4 July – 12 July 2026
- 11 July – 19 July 2026
- 18 July – 26 July 2026
- 25 July – 2 August 2026
- 1 August – 9 August 2026
- 8 August – 16 August 2026
- 15 August – 23 August 2026
- 22 August – 30 August 2026

**Who will be the guide?**
Experienced mountain guides with assistants, ratio 1:3 on summit day.

**Is this suitable for beginners?**
Recommended for physically fit climbers; prior training and high-altitude preparation required.

**What about meals?**
Three meals daily, designed for climbers’ energy needs.

**Best season?**
June to September, when weather conditions are most stable.

Don’t miss the chance to reach Europe’s highest summit! Contact us now for details, quotes, and bookings.