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8 Days Ascent of Mount Elbrus (5642mtrs), Europe's Highest Peak
Mt.Elbrus, a two-peaked ice giant, crowns the panorama of Central Caucasus. Its two peaks have two volcano craters, which make the Eastern peak a little lower than the other (5642 and 5621m).The Eastern peak still has an enormous crater 250m in diameter. The massif is covered by a gigantic ice-cap. Therefore from Persian language the name of the mountain is translated as “Snow Mountain”. Cabardin and Balkarian people, local folks of these lands, call it “Mountain of Happiness”.
Tour price: from Euro 773 per person
Day 1 - Arrive in Min.Vody. A member of the company staff will meet you at the airport. This representative will answer questions, brief you on the immediate arrangements, and escort you to the Baksan valley (4,5h.). Check into a hotel in the Baksan valley(2000m). The hotel is situated in the village of Terskol. The rooms are comfortable and cosy,  with a toilet and a shower. Day 2 - Today we will have acclimatization hikes in the Terskol valley. There is a magnificent view of MtEIbrus. Ascent along the Terskol river through meadows (5 hours). Return to the hotel. Afternoon is free. Day 3 - Acclimatization hike to Cheget peak (3050m) will take us about 5 hours. It is so nice to relax at the "Ai" cafe (2750m.) where you can appreciate a panoramic view of the Baksan valley and the twin summits of Mt.Elbrus. Ascent of the Mt.Cheget top and then return to the hotel. Day 4 - After breakfast we'll have 15 minutes drive to the cable-car station Azau. Take two trams and a chairlift up to the Garabashi lift station (3750m). Check into the Barrels Refuge. The same day we'll do an acclimatization hike to 4200m. (where Priutt 11 Refuge was situated). Overnight in the Barrels hut. The Barrels Hut - it is situated on Elbrus slope close to the Garabashi lift station at 3750m. These are small houses shaped like barrels to stay in. There is a sleeping room with 4-5 beds and a small room with a wardrobe, a table and chairs in every house. There is a canteen with kitchen in a separate hut. There is no shower, the toilets are in a separate hut. Day 5 - Early start for acclimatization hike to the Pastukhov Rocks (4800m). From everywhere on the slopes of Elbrus a panorama of the Central Caucasus spreads out before us. Overnight in  the Barrels hut. Day 6 - Today we will make an attempt to reach the main target of the trip - summit of Mt Elbrus(5642m). We have to start very early before dawn. Using headlamps we make our way to the Pastukhov Rocks where we stop for a short rest and some drinks. After the saddle (5300m) is reached, the summit climb itself will start The reward is to stand on top of the highest mountain in Europe. Descent to the Barrels Refuge. Overnight there. Day 7 - Descend to the hotel. Accommodation at the hotel. Rest. Day 8- Drive to Mineralnye Vody. Departure.
Elbrus is a volcanic massif to the north of the Caucasus Main Ridge. Normally the ascent is started from the Baksan Valley and is led on a south slope of Mt.Elbrus. The trip is not technically difficult but requires crampons and ice axe. Systematic programmer of acclimatization is essential prior to making the ascent. The climb itself may take between 6-12 hours; the descent another 4-6 hours. The main obstacles are high altitude, fog, wind and cold. Guiding this climb are experienced top Russian mountaineers. This no technical climb is a test of stamina, and with proper acclimatization and good weather, you can reach the summit. ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT: Down jacket, GORE-Tex (or similar) jacket & trousers, warm trousers, warm mittens, warm hat, balaclava. Mountain plastic boots, crampons, ice-axe, harness with carabiners. Sun-protection glasses and means of sun-protection for the face. Sleeping bag (for overnights in the Barrels), thermal bottle. For acclimatization hikes: trekking boots (or sport shoes) and rain proofs.
THE PRICE INCLUDES * Transfers as in the program, lift to Elbrus * DBL accommodation at a hotel * accommodation at the Barrels Hut, * full board * an English-speaking mountain guide * mountain guides for summit attempt (1 guide : 3-4 clients) * a cook (at the Barrels Hut) * National Park “Prielbrussie” permit (including massive of Mt. Elbrus), visa support THE PRICE DOESN’T INCLUDE Air ticket Mow-M. Vody (return)
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