CLIMBING MOUNT ELBRUS FROM THE SOUTH
34
km
Distance
9
days
Duration
42 tours trips and available on request starting
22.05.2025, more 41 tour trips and available on request starting
CLIMBING MOUNT ELBRUS FROM THE SOUTH
9
days
34
km
1/3
difficulty
3/4
comfort
42 tours and on request —
22.05.2025, more 41 tour trips and available on request
42 tours and on request —
22.05.2025, more 41 tour trips and available on request
42 tours and on request —
22.05.2025, more 41 tour trips and available on request
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About the Program
The most popular and relatively easy Mount Elbrus climbing tour - directly from a local tour operator. We've run this program for 15 years. Choose from 30 regular departures between April and October 2025. (From November to March, we offer the Winter Climb of Elbrus). Our groups include participants from around the world, including the UK, USA, and Western Europe, with instructions in EN and ES. Groups are limited to 8 people with 2 guides. Early booking discounts and visa support available.
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
Suitable for the average person. No heavy backpacks. Cable car transportation is used. Oxygen rental is available.
ACCOMMODATIONS
3-star hotel/hostel depending on tariff (4 nights), Mountain hut (4 nights). View Photo
FOOD
Both tariffs include full 3 meals a day throughout the tour.
Description by Day
Minimize
Day 1
Arrival
We'll meet you at Mineralnye Vody Airport (no later than 12:00) or at Tbilisi Airport (in this case, you should arrive the day before). Transfer to our office for equipment distribution and meeting the guide. Group briefing about the route and Q&A session. Transfer to the Elbrus Region. Accommodation in a hostel or 3-star hotel depending on the chosen tariff.
Day 2
Mount Cheget
We hike up Mount Cheget with light daypacks. Before the hike, everyone will receive a packed lunch, and we'll have lunch on the mountain with a view of Mount Elbrus. Our instructor will guide you on proper walking and breathing techniques in the mountains to minimize fatigue. From the top, enjoy stunning panoramas of Mount Elbrus and the Baksan Gorge. For the descent, we'll use the cable car to save our legs and conserve energy.
Day 3
Devichi Kosi Waterfall
Another acclimatization day. We'll carry small daypacks with a thermos and lunchbox. We'll hike up to Devichi Kosi Waterfall, where we'll have lunch and take a refreshing dip. Afterward, we'll ascend further to the Observatory. We'll return to the hotel by evening.
Day 4
Mountain Hut
Transfer to the funicular and ascent up the snowy slope of Elbrus. Accommodation in the mountain hut: 4-6 people per room in the Basic package, and 2 people per room in the Premium package. A short hike up the snowy slope follows. The instructor will conduct training on two essential mountaineering skills: rope traverse techniques and walking in crampons on snow and ice slopes.
Day 5
Altitude 5000 m
This is the main acclimatization day, with a 1,200 m ascent to reach 5,000 m. You’ll experience the effects of reduced oxygen, which will be challenging, but this is essential for proper acclimatization and will make the summit attempt easier. Reaching at least 4,700 m today is mandatory for attempting the summit. If this requirement is not met, the ascent will only be possible with supplemental oxygen.
Day 6
Rest Day
A rest day before the climb. We will practice self-arrest techniques on the icy slope using an ice axe. We will also review other previously learned skills. We will take a short walk to keep our muscles and respiratory system active. We will prepare our backpacks for the ascent. An early bedtime (17:00) will allow us to get enough rest before the climb. In the event of a poor weather forecast for the upcoming days, we may forgo the rest day and proceed with the ascent.
Day 7
Summit Day
We start the ascent at midnight and make our way towards the summit of Mount Elbrus. From the high camp, we climb 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 regulate our breathing and conserve energy. The ascent typically takes 8-10 hours, with an additional 3-4 hours for the descent. (If you wish to use supplemental oxygen during the ascent, it can be rented from us.) We spend next night at the mountain hut.
Day 8
Descent to the Valley
We descend by cable car to the valley. Transfer to the hotel. Lunch at the hotel. The rest of the day's program will be coordinated and decided on-site with the group. Among the possible options are a walk through the forest to the mineral spring or an authentic Russian banya experience with veniks and an ice plunge (not included in the tour price). In the evening, a festive dinner and the awarding of medals and certificates. If needed, this day will serve as a reserve day for the summit ascent.
Day 9
End of the Tour
After breakfast, we'll have a group transfer to Pyatigorsk. On the way, we'll stop at Narzan Meadows to enjoy the natural mineral water. At the designated time, you'll have an individual transfer to the airport. Please ensure your return flight on this day departs no earlier than 14:00 from Mineralnye Vody. If departing from Tbilisi, please aim for a time after 22:00.
By the way, if you're short on time and can't allocate 9 days for the ascent, consider our One-Day Mount Elbrus Climb with supplemental oxygen.
INCLUDED IN THE COST:
- Tour manager assistance in English or Spanish at all stages.
- Tourist invitation for Russian visa application (if required) and assistance with flight ticket
- Mountain guide services - 2 guides for a group of up to 8 people
- National park entrance fee payment
- Private airport transfer from/to Mineralnye Vody MRV - available 24/7
- All program transfers
- Accommodation: 4-5 nights in a hostel and 3-4 nights in a mountain hut (a total of 8 nights)
- Full 3-meal service every day of the tour and chef services in the mountain hut
- All ascents and descents on the cable cars at Elbrus and Cheget
- Group equipment (ropes, gas, kitchen, etc.)
- All safety measures: satellite phone, GPS navigator, first aid kit, EMERCOM registration
- Oxygen equipment for altitude sickness assistance (sufficient for 10 hours of breathing)
- Certificate of successful ascent of Elbrus with online authenticity verification.
PREMIUM PACK (+ ):
- 4-5 nights in a private room at a 3-star hotel instead of shared hostel accommodation (6-8 people)
- Double occupancy in the mountain hut for 3-4 nights
- Local SIM card with 20 GB for calls and Internet access
- Unique "For Climbing Elbrus" badge from the Russian Mountaineering Federation
NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST:
- Flight to Mineralnye Vody (MRV) or Tbilisi (TBS) or Kutaisi (KUT)
- Personal gear and clothing - all available for rent at our office
- Accommodations and meals before and after the tour
- Transfer from Tbilisi or Kutaisi (if arriving there)
- Mountaineering insurance for all tour days (mandatory)
Tour Date
Guide
Spots Left
Cost
01.05.2025 -09.05.2025
Ingemar Budyanskiy
Mountaineering Instructor
The group is now on the route
22.05.2025 -30.05.2025
Valeria Merkuryeva
Master of Sports, instructor, summited Manaslu without oxygen. Speaks English and Spanish.
3 spots
30.05.2025 -07.06.2025
Valeria Merkuryeva
Master of Sports, instructor, summited Manaslu without oxygen. Speaks English and Spanish.
5 spots
05.06.2025 -13.06.2025
Igor Binas
Mountaineering instructor, ski instructor. Speaks English and Spanish fluently.
1 spot
09.06.2025 -17.06.2025
Valeria Merkuryeva
Master of Sports, instructor, summited Manaslu without oxygen. Speaks English and Spanish.
6 spots
11.06.2025 -19.06.2025
Sergey Korotkov
Mountain guide with 10 years of experience on Elbrus. Fluent in English.
3 spots
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 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 Pyatigorsk (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.
Snowcat
Ascent and descent by snowcat on the day of the climb
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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