Why spend your summer in bathers on the beach when you could don your thermals, pick up your axe and trudge uphill for days on end? How about joining us on a Mount Elbrus trek
The tallest peak in Europe and one of the Seven Summits, we reckon Mount Elbrus doesn’t quite get the press it deserves.
Maybe it’s Russia’s unflattering political stereotypes or the mountain’s below-freezing temperatures that put travellers off.
But politics and bikinis aside, the people and peaks in this interesting and beautiful country really ought to be experienced first-hand. And if you’re on a mission to become a true mountaineer? Elbrus needs a spot on your Bucket List.
Only question is, are you ready to rope up and open your eyes to the breath-taking beauty that lies within Russia’s borders?
Simply Enter your details to download our free guide to conquering Europes Highest Mountain and one of the 7 Summits.
Read more about Mount Elbrus Trek
So you never saw yourself going to Russia.
Let Elbrus be the mountain to change your mind. There’s no room for stereotypes at the top of Elbrus and, if you want to one day call yourself a Seven-Summiteer, this peak will set you firmly on your way.
Ideal as the next step after Kilimanjaro (Africa’s contribution to the Seven Summits) and the perfect warm-up for Aconcagua (South America’s version), climbing Elbrus will teach you everything you need to know about crampons, ice axes and digging down inside yourself for the courage you probably don’t realise exists just yet.
You know you’re getting into serious mountaineering when you rope up, and that’s exactly what’s ahead of you on your thrilling climb to the top of Mount Elbrus.
The tallest peak in Europe will both exhilarate you and inspire you to continue on your quest to conquer the Seven Summits, as you build up your winter mountain experience and deepen your love for climbing.
You’ll be at the top of Everest before you know it.
But what makes Elbrus so good, aside from the fact that it’s clearly a whopper, at 5642m tall? Despite its formidable stature, this amazing mountain can be climbed by most – so long as you’re committed to the challenge.
Along your way to the summit, Elbrus will treat you to deep colds, a certain lack of oxygen and, potentially, borderline exhaustion. It’s just great. And the staggering views along the way and the sheer joy you’ll experience when you conquer the summit? They’ll more than recompense your travail.
Stunning vistas across glaciers and crevasses await you in the Lower Caucasus Range. And since the slopes aren’t too steep, you’ll be able to make the most of the majestic scenery all around you, letting it spur you on as you home in on the summit.
When you get there? You’ll stand proud and tall above a serene sea of cloud knowing that you’ve just achieved something sensational. It’s pretty high up there, you know.
The Mount Elbrus Trek Itinerary
Day 1
DEPART UK AND FLY TO MOSCOW
Depart from the UK and make way to Min Vody Airport via Moscow.
Day 2
TRANSFER TO BAKSAN VALLEY
Drive to the hotel about 3.5 hours in Baksan Valley near Elbrus at the altitude of 2100m.
After checking in and getting settled, theres a free afternoon to explore your new surroundings.
Day 3
Acclimatisation Walk
Acclimatisation walk in the Terskol Valley up to the Observatory, 3100m, ca. 4hrs walking up, providing very close and magnificent view of Mt. Elbrus. On the way we pass the wonderful waterfall, called “The Virgin’s Hair”. Return back to the hotel.
Day 4
WALK TO MOUNT CHEGET
Walk to the Mount Cheget spur up to 3100m – a magnificent viewpoint over Elbrus. About 4 hours walking up. Return to the hotel (it is possible to use a chair lift for getting down).
Day 5
CLIMBING THE ICE BASE
Transfer to Terskol, climb the Ice Base, 3550m, descent to Terskol. Transfer to hotel.
Day 6
TREK TO THE PRIUT HUT
We take the cable car up to the Mir station, 3500m, then the chair lift up to Garabashi station, 3800m. Accommodation in the Barrels hut. Acclimatisation walk to the Priut hut at 4100m, ca. Overnight in the Barrels hut.
Day 7
ACCLIMATISATION WALK TO PASTUKHOVA ROCKS
Acclimatisation walk to Pastukhova Rocks up to 4700m, ca. 3 hours walking up. Return to the hut.
Day 8
Summit Day!!
Summit day. We begin in the early morning hours to ascend the highest of Elbrus’ twin peaks – the West Summit. You carry your day pack with the day’s requirements. We return to spend the night at the hut.
Day 9
Buffer day
Spare day to attempt Elbrus if the weather on the previous day was bad. Overnight in the hut.
Day 10
Valley walks or more relaxing
Transfer to hotel and relax
Day 11
Departure Day
Free day to explore before transferring for an overnight flight back from Min Vody.
Day 12
ARRIVE BACK IN UK
Depart Min Vody and land back in the UK.
Food and Accomodation for Mount Elbrus Trek
Day 1
Twin room
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Day 2
Twin room
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Day 3
Twin room
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Day 4
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 5
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 6
Barrels hut
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Day 7
Barrels hut
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 8
Barrels hut
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 9
Barrels hut
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 10
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 11
Flight
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 12
Flight
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Reviews about the Mount Elbrus Trek trip
Here’s what some of our awesome customers had to say:
“Just returned from a fantastic trip to rooftop of Europe with these guys. Great trip with a great group. I highly recommend the Bucket List Company.”
Ross Tomkins Mount Elbrus climb
What’s so special about Mount Elbrus?
Sure, it’s the biggest mountain in Europe, but is that all there is to Elbrus?
This double-headed dormant volcano is curiously incongruent with its surrounding sisters. While its twin summits do indeed tower some 1000m over nearby mountains, Elbrus’ snowy slopes are far gentler than the jagged rocky summits, narrow ridges and steep hanging glaciers you’ll find elsewhere.
Apart from on Mount Cheget, that is. Which is lucky for you, since Elbrus isn’t the only mountain you’ll tick off on this Bucket List adventure.
You’ll also spend a day at the beginning of the trip climbing to the Mount Cheget spur, getting yourself acclimatised to the higher altitudes (and shoehorning in some amazing views of Elbrus to tickle your pickle).
Speaking of acclimatisation, we’ll be taking it very seriously throughout the trip, going up a little, then down a little each day. This zig-zag approach might sound funny but it’s the best way to make sure the whole group reaches the summit on day 8.
Plus the downhill bits will be a welcome relief on your calves, trust us.
Now that you know a little more about Elbrus and this transformative adventure with the Bucket List Co, the question remains, are you coming?
Because if you’re more interested in achieving something special than hitting the beach next summer…
If you’ve got your heart set on conquering the Seven Summits but you’re not quite ready to tackle Everest herself…
If you want to add a whole host of new winter climbing skills to your repertoire alongside a fantastic bunch of people who’ll keep your spirits up all the way to the top…
We’ll see you in Russia.
Check out the itinerary, chuck any questions you have in our direction, book your spot and get ready to tick an incredible experience off your Bucket List.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
