CLIMBING ELBRUS FROM THE NORTH #BR#VIA THE PIONEERS' ROUTE
14
km
Distance
12
days
Duration
4 tours trips and available on request starting
28.05.2025, more 3 tours trips and available on request starting
CLIMBING ELBRUS FROM THE NORTH #BR#VIA THE PIONEERS' ROUTE
12
days
14
km
2/3
difficulty
1/4
comfort
4 tours and on request —
28.05.2025, more 3 tours trips and available on request
4 tours and on request —
28.05.2025, more 3 tours trips and available on request
4 tours and on request —
28.05.2025, more 3 tours trips and available on request
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About the Program
This is the route of the pioneers who made the first ascent of Elbrus in 1829. Under the guidance of highly skilled guides, you will traverse through wild, untouched nature and visit astonishing natural landmarks of Northern Elbrus region. As part of acclimatization, you'll trek to the high-mountain lake Birdzhaly. This program is more challenging than the Comfortable Elbrus Tour from the South and The One-Day Elbrus Climb with oxygen, yet easier than The Route to Elbrus from the East.
Start:
Airport of Mineralnye Vody (MRV), Tbilisi (TBS) or Kutaisi (KUT)
End:
Airport of Mineralnye Vody (MRV), Tbilisi (TBS) or Kutaisi (KUT)
Язык: русский, ангийский
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Backpack crossings with 30 kg load. Porter service available. No technical skills required. Oxygen rental possible.
ACCOMMODATIONS
3-star hotel (2 nights), expedition tents on the route. View Photo
FOOD
2 dinners and 2 breakfasts at the hotel are included in the price. On the trail, participants cook their meals from freeze-dried products (included).
Highlights
What Will You Do?
You'll visit the natural attractions of Northern Elbrus region: waterfalls, Stone Mushrooms, a natural stone bridge
You'll ascend to Lake Birdzhaly amidst a volcanic "moon landscape."
You'll bathe in a natural mineral spring pool.
You'll learn basic mountaineering skills.
You'll climb Mt Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe.
Description by Day
Minimize
Day 1
Meeting
We meet you at any time at Mineralnye Vody Airport or at Tbilisi or Kutaisi Airport (if arriving in Georgia, you should arrive one day earlier). Transfer to our office. Equipment distribution. Accommodation in a 3* hotel, 2 people per room. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 2
Transfer to Elbrus
After breakfast at the hotel, we gather in the office. Meet the guide. You can find the guide's name and qualifications in the departure list on this page. Group briefing - the instructor will talk about the upcoming route and answer questions. Afterward, we head to the starting point of the route - the base of Elbrus from its northern side. The transfer will take approximately 3 hours. A short hike to Emmanuel Glade - the Base Camp for those ascending Elbrus from the north. Setting up tents.
Day 3
Dzhily Su Area
Today, we'll take it easy to allow you to acclimatize to the altitude. Throughout the day, we'll explore the most interesting landmarks of the Dzhily Su area without heavy backpacks. We'll visit the Sultan waterfall, the Valley of Stone Castles, bathe in the narzan springs, cross a natural stone bridge in the canyon, and see the stone of Emmanuel, where the inscription made by the pioneers of Elbrus, led by General Emmanuel in 1829, is still preserved.
Day 4
Lake Birdzhaly
We'll have a day without backpacks. Practice mountain walking and breathing techniques. We'll trek amidst the "lunar" volcanic landscape to Lake Birdzhaly, offering a splendid view of the eastern slope of Elbrus and the Achkeryakolsky lava flow. However, in case of adverse weather or other circumstances, we may divert to Mikelchiran Glacier on this day. This route takes us away from the main path, avoiding repetition. The elevation gain is 900 meters.
Day 5
Stone Mushrooms
From this day on, you'll have 2 days of trekking to the Upper Camp with full backpacks. Before departure, the instructor will brief you on walking and breathing techniques for better endurance. From Emmanuel Glade, we'll follow the river towards the so-called "German aerodrome" and then ascend steeply. Our final destination is the fascinating Stone Mushrooms, where we'll set up camp.
Day 6
Upper Camp
We will hike to the first glaciers on the northern slope of Elbrus, reaching the camp at 3800 meters. Tents will be set up on rocks. In the second half of the day, the instructor will conduct a practical session to practice three essential mountaineering skills needed for the ascent: walking roped up, walking in crampons on snow and ice, and self-arrest technique using an ice axe on icy slopes.
Day 7
Acclimatization
Acclimatization ascent to Lenz Rocks (altitude 5000 m). We start early in the morning. We'll hike with light packs, carrying only snacks, a thermos with hot tea, and water. On this day, you'll feel the lack of oxygen, and it might be challenging, but it will provide you with valuable adaptation to the altitude, making the actual ascent easier for you.
Day 8
Rest Day
A day of rest before the ascent. We'll conduct practical training and review previously learned skills. We'll take a short stroll to keep our muscles and respiratory system in good condition. We'll prepare our backpacks for the ascent. An early bedtime (17:00) will ensure enough rest before the climb. If the weather forecast for the following days is unfavorable, we will not rest on this day and proceed with the ascent instead.
Day 9
Summit Day
We start our ascent at midnight, allowing one hour for preparations. Heading towards the summit of Elbrus, we move roped up, wearing crampons, carrying ice axes, helmets, and headlamps. We bring snacks, a thermos with hot tea, and water. We move very slowly to maintain our breathing and conserve energy. The ascent takes 8-12 hours, and the descent back to the camp takes around 3-4 hours. (If you wish to use oxygen during the ascent, it can be rented from us.)
Day 10
Descent
Descending to Emmanuel’s Glade takes half a day. Lunch followed by a group transfer to Pyatigorsk for hotel check-in. Time to relax and enjoy dinner. Certificates and medals for climbing Elbrus will be awarded.
Day 11
Reserve Day
This day serves as a backup, to be used for summiting if bad weather affected earlier scheduled attempts. If unused, the tour ends on this day, one day before your scheduled flight home. This may result in extra costs for accommodation and meals until your departure.
Day 12
Program Conclusion
Our driver will take you to the airport at any time during this day.
INCLUDED IN THE COST:
- English-speaking support from a tour manager at all stages
- Tourist invitation for obtaining a Russian visa (if needed) and assistance with flight selection
- Professional mountaineering instructors services - maximum of 4 participants per guide
- National Park entrance fee payment
- Personal meet and greet at Mineralnye Vody Airport (MRV) and return to the airport
- All program transfers
- Accommodation: 2 nights in a 3-star hotel (double occupancy), tents on the route (3-4 person tents).
- Meals: 2 dinners & 2 breakfasts at the hotel, plus freeze-dried food for the route.
- Group equipment (ropes, gas, kitchen, etc.)
- All safety equipment: satellite phone, satellite navigator, first aid kit, registration with EMERCOM
- Mountaineering oxygen equipment in case of altitude sickness
- Certificate of successful climb of Mount Elbrus
PREMIUM PACK (+ ):
- Porter services, carrying up to 25 kg of your gear to the upper camp and back
- Mountaineering insurance with a coverage of $50,000, including helicopter evacuation
- 2 nights in a 4* hotel, single occupancy (instead of 3* double occupancy)
- Single tent accommodation on the route
- Medal for climbing Elbrus
- 30% discount on equipment rental
NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST:
- Flight to Mineralnye Vody (MRV), Tbilisi (TBS), or Kutaisi (KUT)
- Transfer to/from Tbilisi or Kutaisi (if arriving in Georgia)
- Accommodation and meals in Pyatigorsk a day before departure if returning early from the route
- Personal gear and clothing - all available for rent at our office
- Mountaineering insurance for all tour days (mandatory)
Tour Date
Guide
Spots Left
Cost
29.08.2024 -09.09.2024
Sergey Pugachev
Master of Sports in Mountaineering, Mountaineering instructor, "Snow Leopard" Title
The group is now on the route
—
28.05.2025 -08.06.2025
Sergey Pugachev
Master of Sports in Mountaineering, Mountaineering instructor, "Snow Leopard" Title
12 spots
Book
22.06.2025 -03.07.2025
Nikolai Sviridov
Candidate Master of Sports, Mountaineering Instructor, Belarusian Champion.
10 spots
Book
22.07.2025 -02.08.2025
Nikolai Sviridov
Candidate Master of Sports, Mountaineering Instructor, Belarusian Champion.
11 spots
Book
20.08.2025 -31.08.2025
Sergey Pugachev
Master of Sports in Mountaineering, Mountaineering instructor, "Snow Leopard" Title
10 spots
Book
Information
Show all days
FLIGHT TICKETS
You need to arrive at airport of Mineralnye Vody (MRV) or Tbilisi (TBS) or Kutaisi (KUT). Transfer from Tbilisi (Georgia) or Kutaisi (KUT) takes over 8 hours and is an additional charge. Mineralnye Vody is the nearest airport to Elbrus. Direct flights to Mineralnye Vody are available from Tbilisi, Istanbul, Aktau, Almaty, Antalya, Baku, Dubai, Yerevan, Tel Aviv, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Moscow, and many Russian cities. Our manager will help you find the best flight option.
RULES OF ENTERING THE COUNTRY
Russia welcomes citizens from 64 countries without a visa, while citizens of 55 countries can access an electronic visa without visiting the consulate. For others, obtaining a visa at the Russian Consulate in your country is necessary, taking up to 3 weeks; applications can be made 3 months prior to entry. A tourist invitation from us is required.
INSURANCE
You need to secure mountaineering insurance valid in Russia, which can be arranged through us. The coverage amount is 50,000 USD. This insurance covers potential costs for emergency medical assistance, including hospital stays, search and rescue operations in the mountains (including helicopter services), medical transportation, and repatriation to your permanent residence.
REQUIRED CLOTHING
Available for rent:
Mountaineering boots
Gaiters
Overboots
Down jacket rated for -15°C alpine conditions
Down mittens
Hardshell jacket
Softshell pants
Not available for rent (but available for purchase):
Polartec 200 jacket
Polartec thin gloves
Thin underwear (top and bottom)
Thick underwear (top and bottom)
Fleece hat
Hiking socks
Wool socks
Balaclava
Lightweight boots
Light pants
Cap
Mountaineering boots
Gaiters
Overboots
Down jacket rated for -15°C alpine conditions
Down mittens
Hardshell jacket
Softshell pants
Not available for rent (but available for purchase):
Polartec 200 jacket
Polartec thin gloves
Thin underwear (top and bottom)
Thick underwear (top and bottom)
Fleece hat
Hiking socks
Wool socks
Balaclava
Lightweight boots
Light pants
Cap
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Available for rent:
Backpack, 100 liters
Backpack rain cover
Crampons
Ice axe
Trekking poles
Climbing helmet
Harness + 3 biners + leash
Headlamp + extra batteries
Sleeping bag (comfort temperature of -10°C)
Sleeping pad
Glacier glasses
Ski goggles
Thermos (at least 1 liter)
Compression sack
Not available for rent (but available for purchase):
Personal hygiene items
Spoon, mug, bowl
Sunscreen 50 degrees
Backpack, 100 liters
Backpack rain cover
Crampons
Ice axe
Trekking poles
Climbing helmet
Harness + 3 biners + leash
Headlamp + extra batteries
Sleeping bag (comfort temperature of -10°C)
Sleeping pad
Glacier glasses
Ski goggles
Thermos (at least 1 liter)
Compression sack
Not available for rent (but available for purchase):
Personal hygiene items
Spoon, mug, bowl
Sunscreen 50 degrees
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Equipment and Clothing Rental
Full equipment and clothing rental - everything is included except for very personal items that aren't available for rent (see lists).
Oxygen Equipment
Rental of an oxygen equipment set for use during the summit ascent (optional)
Transfer from Tbilisi
Private transfer from Tbilisi Airport (Georgia) to Pyatigorsk (Russia) and return at your specified time (price stated is for the entire car, accommodating up to 3 people)
Mountaineering Insurance
Insurance for all tour days, coverage amount of $50,000, includes helicopter evacuation coverage.
How Do I Take Part?
You can reserve this tour on your own right now. It takes just 5 minutes. If you have questions, contact us in any way convenient for you.
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