Mount Elbrus Expedition - Russia
Climbing/Mountaineering in Russia with SWS Mountain Guides
Highlights
- Acclimatization Treks in the Caucasus Mountains
- Full Review of Alpine Mountaineering Skills
- Experience the Russian Culture
- Small group sizes with low guide to client ratios
- Climb with SWS Mountain Guides with over 20 plus years of international guiding experience
- Experienced American Guides on every Expedition, Course or Trek
- Excellent Safety Record in over 29 years of continuous operation
Full Description
Climb Mt. Elbrus (18,587 ft.), the highest Peak in Europe and one of the seven summits!
The expedition begins in Mineralnye Vody and a drive to the base hotel in the Baksan Valley. From the hotel we make several trips following forested valleys, walking through alpine meadows, crossing glaciated mountain passes and climbing some easy summits which provide superb vistas of the Caucasus Range. These initial trips will be porter supported and will involve backcountry trekking and basic climbing instruction, this will allow us the time needed for proper acclimatization for the ascent of Mt. Elbrus. With opportunities to ascend various easy summits for exceptional views of Mt. Elbrus and the Caucausus range. The Caucausus Mountains which form a chain of high alpine mountains separating the Republic of Georgia from that of Russia. For the ascent of Mt. Elbrus we use a cable car system to take us to the height of 12,350 ft. and a hike to the Garabashi Huts at 13,800 ft. From this location we will spend time on the lower slopes practicing the skills we will need to ascend Mt. Elbrus An alpine start begins our ascent of the twin summits of Mt. Elbrus via the standard route, which requires use of ice ax, crampon, and rope team travel. We will then descend to the Garabashi Hut for the night. Returning to our hotel in the Baksan Valley the next day with flights the next day back to the States. Optional sightseeing tours to St. Petersburg, a fantastic and historical city are available before heading back home the States.
Includes:
- Professional American guide(s)
- Russian guides and interpreters, cook(s), and information support
- Land transportation
- Hotels and hut fees,
- Porters (as needed for communal gear)
- All food while trekking and climbing
- Entrance fees to parks
- Climbing permits
- Radios, safety equipment, and group technical equipment,
- Group camping equipment including tents, stoves, and fuel
- All necessary permits
- OVIR registration
- Russian entry visa support
Excludes:
- International Airfare to Mineralnye Vody international airport taxes
- Russian Visa fees
- meals in cities/hotels, and beverages as noted under food and beverages
- Laundry
- Personal items such as: sleeping bag, pack, proper footwear, personal clothing
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Mineralnye Vody, on the plains of north of the Caucasus Mountains. Drive to the hotel in the Baksan Valley (3 hours), near Mt. Elbrus (6,875 ft.) Night in the Hotel.
Day 2
Rest and relaxation day in Baksan Valley-Night in Hotel.
Day 3
Trek with a pleasant walk up the Adyl-su valley to the "Green Hotel" an alpine meadow campsite at 8,450 ft. A excellent hike to stretch our legs and get really for the climbing in the next days ahead.
Day 4
Trek up the Jankuat Glacier, ascend Gumachi 12,365 ft. for a fine training climb, an excellent terrain for practicing ice ax and crampon skills. Return to camp.
Day 5
Descend the Adyl-su-valley and have lunch in our hotel, free time to roam, with a good night's rest in the hotel.
Day 6
A short drive to Vierhny Baksan from we start our second trek through the woods then up open mountain slopes to Syltran Lake at 10,400 ft., one of the largest lakes in the Caucasus. Camp for the night. A demanding day, excellent training for that long day on Mt. Elbrus.
Day 7
Cross Syltran Pass (12,185 ft.) with a possible 30 minute side trip to a small summit and viewpoint. We descend by way of the Mukal Valley and trek up the Mkiara Valley to our camp at 7,800 ft.
Day 8
Cross the glaciated Irik Pass, 12,185 ft. to a campsite in the lower forest of the spectacular valley.
Day 9
We descend the Irik valley and return to our hotel for an afternoon of relaxing, maybe a sauna, or a short walk into Terskol. Night in the hotel.
Day 10
We take the cable car/chair lift system up Mt. Elbrus and stay in the Garabashi huts at 13,800 ft. or camp in tents.
Day 11
Acclimatization hike to the Pastuchova rock at 15,600 ft. for the ascent of Mt. Elbrus.Camp at the huts. Or Summit attempt of Mt. Elbrus.
Day 12
Up early to ascend the highest of Mt. Elbrus' twin peaks -The West Summit (18,587 ft.) Returning to the huts for the night.
Day 13
Weather Day scheduled for Elbrus Ascent/or additional day in hotel.
Day 14
Return to the hotel, relax and recover.
Day 15
Drive to Mineralnye Vody, with flights out to the United States.
Day 15: Sightseeing Option
Fly to St. Petersburg, dinner and night in the city enter. Free time to enjoy the sights of St. Petersburg.
Days 16-18: Sightseeing Option
St. Petersburg siteseeing, nite in hotel/flights home to the states.
About The Operator:
SWS Mountain Guides
Headquarters:
Mt. Shasta, CA
Established:
January 1981
Our 2010 courses and climbs are conducted year around whether a first-time backpackers or a skilled mountaineer, we have a course to get you started or improve your techniques. We have been teaching & guiding, mountaineering, backpacking, winter mountaineering, rock & ice climbing for over 29 years on the best mountains in California. As well as conducting small personalized expeditions, treks & adventure travel throughout the world for over 20 years. We have an excellent safety record and our climbs and courses are kept small for maximum safety and the best experience! So whether you want to backpack in Yosemite or Climb some of the worlds biggest mountains, come explore our website and "EXPERIENCE THE ADVENTURE" with SWS Mountain Guides.