Mt Elbrus - 5642m
Join us in climbing the highest mountain in Europe and one of the Seven SummitsMt Elbrus is the highest mountain in Europe and one of the Seven Summits. It offers magnificent views of the Caucasus mountain range. At 5642 metres, the ascent of Mt Elbrus requires basic mountaineering skills, which we can teach and you can practice on the initial days of the expedition. So no prior use of crampons and ice axe is required. Although if you are proficient in their use it will of course help.
For our expedition we will take the South route to the west summit. This is the most common ascent route as it gives access to ski lifts and snowcats, and more development mountain hut accommodation.
The altitude and associated unpredictable weather ensure this is a challenging and adventurous trip. Being mindful of the affects of living and climbing at altitude we go through a number of acclimatisation treks before summit day. Ascending slowly in this way reduces the negative effects of altitude. Your leader will assess your progress as you trek and they will make a decision to send you down to a lower altitude if they believe your health and safety are being compromised by the effects of altitude. The leader for the expedition, Michael Goude, has extensive high-altitude experience, having climbed Mt Elbrus twice, and trekked and led expeditions all over the world to high altitudes. We also employ the services of a local mountain guide whose knowledge and experience of the mountain in various weather conditions is invaluable.
Having previous experience of the use of ice axe and crampons would be advantageous but not essential as full training in their use will be given during the trek.
Difficulty level: Challenging




Date | Duration | Cost | Bookings | |
---|---|---|---|---|
TBC | 9 Days | £TBC | Taking Bookings | ![]() |
Please do not book your flights until the trip is guaranteed to run.
Why book with us?
We use local guides – therefore supporting the local economy
Groups will also be accompanied by a UK leader
Small group sizes
Tailored itinerary
Option to join pre trip UK training weekend (additional charge)
Expedition Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
1 Travel from Mineralnye Vody to Cheget/Terskol
2 Acclimatisation hike to Mt Cheget, 3000m
3 Acclimatisation hike to Peak Terskol, 3400m
4 Transfer to Mt Elbrus camp 3700, Hike to Prijut Hut, 4100 m
5 Acclimatization hike to Pastukhov Rocks , 4700m
6 Rest day – technical training: use of crampons, ice-axe, self-arrest, rope techniques
7 Summit day – it is possible to take the snowcat up to Pastukhov Rocks (extra cost)
8 Reserve day and descend to the valley
9 Departure to Mineralnye Vody
What's Included
- Municipal registration
- Minibus transfers to and from the Baksan Valley from the airport
- Hotel in Cheget/Terskol
- All hotel and restaurant meals and local taxis
- Mount Elbrus National Park fees
- All cable cars and chair lifts on the mountain
- Accommodation in the National Park hut
- All meals on the mountain and our own cook
- UK high altitude expedition leader / medic
What's Not Included
- Flights – to Mineralnye Vody, Russia (usually via Moscow)
- Russian Visa – £85 – £110 (depends on speed of delivery, nationality & postage return option). Please also note that nowadays you are required to appear in person at the visa office in order to provide fingerprints, so there is an additional cost of travel to the visa office.
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses for drinks and souvenirs
- Snowcat to Pastukhov Rocks on the summit morning (Optional but advised, cost around €400-€700 split between team members, can carry up to 12 people so often split with other groups on the mountain)
- Single room supplement in Hotel (single accommodation is not possible in the mountain hut)
- Personal Equipment
- Tips for local staff (we can advise on amounts)
- Meals in addition to those already listed as included
- Alcoholic or soft drinks not supplied during meals
- Personal spending
- Sightseeing costs
Expedition Kit List
For your expedition a duffel bag (preferably waterproof) is ideal, please ensure it has a shoulder strap.
You will need a day rucksack to carry spare layers, waterproofs, food and drink, and personal items such as cameras etc. A 35-40l rucksack should be adequate.
You will also need;
Double boots – Can be hired in country if required
Crampons – Can be hired in country if required
Walking axe – Can be hired in country if required
Climbing Harness
2 Screwgate Karabiners
4m 8mm Dynamic Rope
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Insulated down jacket
Warm hat and gloves
Down gloves for summit day
Sun hat and sunglasses (cat 4)
Snow goggles
Walking poles
Trekking or soft shell trousers
Thermal bottoms and top
Shirts/Tshirts (not cotton)
Fleece tops
Underwear
Walking socks
Slippers/clean trainers/flip flops/sandles to wear in the huts
Sleeping bag/mat
Headtorch and spare batteries
Water bottles – 2x1l is best
Flask
Snacks – trek bars etc.
Sun cream
Toilet roll
Antibacterial hand gel
Wash kit (limited shower facilities)
Towel
Personal medical kit – we recommend this includes (but is not limited to); ibuprofen, paracetamol, antihistamines, diarrhoea treatment, rehydration sachets, latex gloves, antiseptic wipes, plasters, throat lozenges.
Optional
Camera
MP3
Power pack (some huts have sockets for charging, some don’t)
Travel adapter plug
Playing cards
Ear plugs
Please get in touch if you want to discuss any of the above.
Fitness & Training
This is a physically challenging trek therefore it is important that you arrive with a good level of fitness. We can provide you with a training plan if required. Generally will be walking/climbing for between 5 and 7 hours a day in potentially arduous conditions and should prepare accordingly. Summit day will see you potentially on the mountain in excess of 12 hours. Consequently your training should include some multi day hill walking to ensure that you have the right level of fitness and stamina to complete this climb.
Having previous experience of the use of ice axe and crampons would be advantageous but not essential as full training in their use will be given during the trek.
Altitude
This climb takes you to a height above 2500m at which point there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness more commonly known as Altitude sickness.
Symptoms of being at altitude can include the following; headaches, tiredness, shortness of breath, loss of appetite and nausea. Altitude sickness affects everybody differently and whilst generally the fitter you are the better you will cope, being super-fit is still no guarantee of feeling fewer effects.
All of our leaders have experience of trekking at altitude and are medically trained. The leader will assess your progress as you trek and they will make a decision to send you down to a lower altitude if they believe your health and safety are being compromised by the effects of altitude.