CLIMBING ELBRUS FROM THE NORTH #BR#VIA THE PIONEERS' ROUTE

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

Descending to Emmanuel’s Glade takes half a day. Lunch followed by a group transfer to Essentuki for hotel check-in. Time to relax and enjoy dinner. Certificates and medals for climbing Elbrus will be awarded.

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.

Our driver will take you to the airport at any time during this day.