NORTH–SOUTH TRAVERSE OF ELBRUS
34
km
Distance
9
days
Duration
19.08.2026 and available on request starting
NORTH–SOUTH TRAVERSE OF ELBRUS
9
days
34
km
2/3
difficulty
2/4
comfort
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About the Program
This route is more demanding yet more scenic than the southern side. We ascend Elbrus from the north and descend on the south, giving you the chance to experience both the northern and southern Elbrus region. The overall program duration is the same as the southern climb. Accommodation in mountain huts and no heavy backpack carries.
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
No technical difficulties, physically more demanding than the southern route. Backpack carries of about 10 kg.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Includes 8 nights of accommodation: 3★ hotel, mountain huts View Photo
FOOD
Full board with three meals a day, lunch box during outings
Description by Day
Minimize
Day 1
Arrival
We meet you at any time, day or night, at Mineralnye Vody Airport, or at Tbilisi or Kutaisi Airport (if flying to Georgia, you should arrive one day earlier). Transfer to our office. Meet your guide. Gear check and rental. Accommodation in a 3* hotel, twin rooms.
Day 2
Transfer to Elbrus
In the morning the group gathers in the hotel lobby. At the scheduled time we depart for the starting point of the route – the north side of Elbrus. The transfer takes about 3 hours. A short hike to Emmanuel Glade, the Base Camp for the northern route of Elbrus. Accommodation in cabins (in some cases tents are used). Walk around the Jily Su area: waterfalls, mineral springs, and more.
Day 3
First acclimatization
Today’s goal is to reach the high camp (3,800 m) for acclimatization and to cache part of your personal gear. By the end of the day we return to Emmanuel Glade.
Day 4
High camp
With the rest of the personal gear we move up to the high camp. Accommodation in huts. The route starts in alpine meadows, crosses a “lunar landscape,” and by the end of the day we reach the glacier.
Day 5
Acclimatization to 5,000 m
Acclimatization hike to Lenz Rocks (5,000 m). Early morning start. We go light, carrying only snacks, a thermos with hot tea, and water. This day you will feel the lack of oxygen – it will be tough, but it provides excellent adaptation and makes summit day easier.
Day 6
Rest
Rest day before the climb. A short walk down to the Stone Mushrooms – one of the most remarkable sights in the northern Elbrus region (see photo). Early lights out (5:00 pm) to get enough sleep before the climb.
Day 7
Summit day
We wake up at 22:00 and set out for the summit of Elbrus. Wearing all clothing and gear, your backpack will be light. The climb takes 8–12 hours. After reaching the eastern summit, we descend to the saddle. Time and strength permitting, we continue to the western summit – the guide makes this decision, so the second summit is not guaranteed. Descent is on the south side; at 5,000 m a snowcat picks us up. Then we take the cable car down to the village. Hotel check-in. Certificate presentation.
Day 8
Spare day
A reserve day in case of bad weather. If not needed, you can relax in the village for half a day or book an optional excursion. In the afternoon, transfer to the city and hotel accommodation.
Day 9
End of program
At any time, day or night, our driver will take you to the airport.
INCLUDED IN THE COST:
- Assistance from a travel manager at every stage and help with flight booking
- Tourist invitation for visa application (if required)
- Services of professional mountain guides: no more than 3 climbers per guide
- Private airport pickup at Mineralnye Vody (MRV) and return transfer at the end of the tour
- 8 nights of accommodation: 3* hotel (twin rooms) and mountain huts (8 per room)
- Full board on the route, lunch boxes on the trail, and breakfasts in hotels
- All group transfers as per program
- Snowcat and cable car descent after the climb
- Group equipment: ropes, satellite phone, GPS, medical kit, etc.
- Porters for carrying group gear and supplies to high camp
- Mountaineering oxygen equipment available in case of altitude sickness
- National Park entry fee and registration with the rescue service
- Certificate of successful Elbrus climb, entered into the registry with online verification
NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST:
- Flights to Mineralnye Vody (MRV), Tbilisi (TBS), or Kutaisi (KUT)
- Transfers from/to Tbilisi or Kutaisi (if flying to Georgia)
- Lunches and dinners in restaurants in the city and village
- Personal gear and clothing – all available for rent at our office
- Mountaineering insurance for the entire tour (mandatory)
Tour Date
Guide
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Information
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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 or duffel bag, 100 liters
Backpack rain cover
Small backpack, 35 l
Crampons
Ice axe
Trekking poles
Climbing helmet
Harness + 3 biners + leash
Headlamp + extra batteries
Sleeping bag (comfort temperature of -10°C)
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 or duffel bag, 100 liters
Backpack rain cover
Small backpack, 35 l
Crampons
Ice axe
Trekking poles
Climbing helmet
Harness + 3 biners + leash
Headlamp + extra batteries
Sleeping bag (comfort temperature of -10°C)
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 Elbrus or Essentuki (Russia) or back at your specified time (price listed is for the entire vehicle, one way, up to 3 people in the car).
Mountaineering Insurance
Mountaineering insurance with coverage of $50,000 USD, including helicopter evacuation, for the entire duration of the tour.
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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