Elbrus
from $3,949
Not only is Elbrus the ideal introductory glacier climb, but our time in Moscow also provides a fascinating glimpse into the unique culture, climate and history of this iconic country.
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Price$3,949
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Duration14 Days Door to Door
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Activity Level Challenging
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Elevation5642m | 18,510 ft.
Overview:
Climbing Mount Elbrus is an experience like no other. Mount Elbrus is a dormant volcano in Southern Russia and is considered to be one of the technically easiest of the seven summits.
Elbrus is a popular choice for those wanting to gain ice and snow experience, or as an early stepping-stone to the remaining seven summits. En route to the mountain, we spend time in Moscow, immersing ourselves in Russia’s intriguing culture and history.
Skill Level
Climbing Elbrus is strenuous but does not require that you have any previous technical mountaineering experience; only that you be in good physical condition and be able to hike for 4 – 9 hours over hilly terrain with a light daypack. Although crampons and an ice axe will be used, full training will be giving on site before setting off. The summit push is a long day and the ascent and decent can take as long as 16 hours.
The adventure package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included?Items that are included in the cost of package price.
- All climbing fees and permits
- Two hotel nights in Moscow on a bed and breakfast basis (twin beds sharing)
- Welcome dinner in Moscow
- All airport/hotel/airport transfers
- Domestic airfares (Moscow to Mineral Vody and back to Moscow a
- All lodge nights in Terskol (twin beds sharing)
- Three meals a day in Terskol
- All accommodation and meals whilst on the climb
- Hot drinks with meals
- Western leader/facilitator
- Local Head Guide and Assistant Guides when necessary
- General first aid kit
- Celebration meal after the climb
What is not included?Items that are not included in the cost of package price.
- International airfare and departure taxes
- Visa costs
- Items of a personal nature – personal gear, telephone calls, laundry etc.
- Staff/guide gratuities
- Alcohol, soft drinks, mineral water and boiled water
- Personal medical expenses, medical and evacuation insurance
- Use of the snow cat on the ascent or the descent
- Any costs arising from flight cancellation/delays, political disturbance or natural disaster
- Personal medical expenses, medical and evacuation insurance
- Any costs arising from flight cancellation/ delays, political disturbance or natural disasters.
- Day 1 Moscow
- Day 2 Terskol (2300m)
- Day 3 Mt Cheget hike (3600m)
- Day 4 Adyr-su hike (3800m)
- Day 5 The Barrels hike (4100m
- Day 6 Barrels Base Camp (3900m)
- Day 7 Acclimatization hike (5000m)
- Day 8 Rest day
- Day 9 The Summit (5642m)
- Day 10 Spare day
- Day 11 Spare day
- Day 12 MinVody Airport
- Day 13 International Departures.
Gear List:
CLIMBING EQUIPMENT:
- Climbing Harness
- Ice axe with leash and rubber protectors
- Crampons
- Anti-balling plates
- Crampon rubber protectors
- Walking sticks
- Screwgate Carabiners x2
- Sling x1
FOOTWEAR:
- Plastic boots or double-layered mountaineering boots
- Trekking boots
- Running shoes
- Gaiters
- Spare bootlaces for trekking boots (optional)
- Expedition socks x2
- Trekking socks x2
- Liner socks x4
- Toe warmers (optional)
- Booties (optional)
TECHNICAL CLOTHING:
- Down jacket
- Gortex longs
- Gortex shell
- Salopets (optional)
- Trekking pants x2
- Thermal underwear – tops & bottoms x2
- Normal underwear
- Long-sleeved trekking shirts x2
- Short-sleeved technical shirts x2
- Soft shell jacket
- Polartec longs x1
- Polartec long-sleeved tops x1
HANDWEAR:
- Mitts x1
- Polartec gloves x1
- Silk glove liners x1
- Hand warmers (optional)
HEADWEAR:
- Balaclava
- Neoprene facemask (optional)
- Woollen hat / beanie
- Woollen scarf / buff
- Head torch – plus spare batteries
- Sun hat
- Goggles – 100% UV & IR
- Sunglasses – with side covers
- Nose guard (optional)
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
- Expedition backpack – 80 litre
- Trekking backpack – 50 litre
- Sleeping bag – minus 15˚C
- Sleeping bag liner x1 (optional)
- Compression bags
- Pillow / cushion
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Thermos flask x1
- Leatherman multi-tool
- Pocket knife
- Water bottles with insulation x2
- Large plastic bags x2
- Medium sized plastic bags x4
- Pee bottle / funnel
- Duct tape
- Baby wipes
- Zip-lock bags x10
- Sunscreen – maximum SPF
- Protective cream for lips – maximum SPF
- Whistle
- Ear plugs
- Hand sanitizer
- Rubber Plug for hotels in Russia
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Drugs / Medication / Prescriptions
- Energy drinks
PRE & POST TREK:
- Large waterproof duffel bag x1
- Locks
- Shorts and t-shirts
- Mobile phone and charger
- Books
- Passport and travel documents
- Passport photos x4
- Certified copies of all travel documentation
- Currency / credit cards
- Pens and pencils
- Journal
- Reading glasses (optional)
- Camera equipment
- Battery chargers
- International adaptors
- Binoculars (optional)
- Playing cards (optional)
- Clean clothes for travelling home
Visas and Training.
Visas & Vaccinations:
Visas
Visas are required by everyone ahead of time. Please consult your nearest Consulate or Embassy for details.
Vaccinations
No immunizations are currently required to enter Russia. That being said, the following vaccinations are recommended:
- Tetanus/Diphtheria
- Hepatitis A&B Vaccine
Training Guide:
This training information is intended as a guideline and should be used as such. If you are unsure about anything, please chat to us!
Most importantly, before you embark on any exercise program, please consult your doctor or exercise physiologist to make sure that you are ready for the increased workload.
A focused training program should begin 3 – 4 months before the expedition, but working on your base fitness before that is important as it lays a good foundation for the harder work that will follow.
Physical Conditioning
Climbing big mountains requires cardiovascular endurance (via aerobic training), strength endurance (through strength conditioning) and climbing-specific training (i.e. hiking with a pack).
Being in strong physical shape is one of the most important aspects for a successful climb of Aconcagua. You should be planning to progressively increase your aerobic training and speed of weekly training hikes to give you climbing-specific conditioning that cannot be matched by any other sort of training.
Cardiovascular Conditioning
Suggested activities include running, cycling, mountain biking, swimming, walking on an inclined treadmill, doing stair stepping or stepmill training, trail running, walking up and down hills, or participating in step aerobic classes.
When first beginning a cardiovascular training program, begin with three workouts (i.e. Monday, Wednesday and Friday) of 30 minutes of sustained activity at a moderate intensity, and build up to 4-5 aerobic sessions of sustained effort for at least 45 – 60 minutes (taking Wednesday and Sunday as rest days, for example).
Be sure to include a 5-10 minute gentle warm-up before working at your target heart rate for the day. For most workouts, choose a level of exertion that allows you to connect a few words together in a phrase, but leaves you feeling comfortably tired at the end of the workout.
Remember to cool down with 5-10 minutes of appropriate stretching of the muscles you used most in your activity, including lower back, calves, hamstrings, hips and quadriceps.
Strength Conditioning
Training with weights, backpacks and gym machines will help you build overall strength, particularly in the lower back, abdominals, upper back, shoulders and legs. Developing strength in your upper back and shoulders will help with carrying a pack and using trekking poles.
The calves, hips, quads, hamstrings and glutes are all involved in ascending and descending steep sections and scree slopes, which will be encountered on Elbrus.
Before embarking on any weight training, please consult with a qualified gym instructor so that you are well briefed in terms of using the equipment. Most important in strength training is to be sure that you maintain proper form at all times in order to prevent injury or strain.
Climbing Conditioning
This involves hiking steep outdoor trails, going up and down stairs or training on an inclined treadmill. In the months leading up to the expedition, it is important to do some long walks in the mountains.
Remember: All of your training is geared towards giving you the strength and endurance to summit the tallest mountain in Europe.
May – September is the best time to attempt to summit Elbrus. Bear in mind that you will still be climbing in snow and that it will be incredibly cold and windy.
Overall Rating
5/5
What a wonderful 10 days out in the mountains. Polishing up on my snow and ice skills added to my confidence on that final traverse just before the summit. I have never felt so cold before, but the views on summit day took my breath away. Thank you Adventures Global for a truly remarkable experience.
Climbing Elbrus is a unique experience and one that I will never forget. I would not have achieved success if I did not have Ronnie and his team at my side. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me get to the summit and safely back down again.