Elbrus Ascent - 10 days

This trip is suitable for climbers who need some time for a proper acclimatisation but can not afford two weeks to join our Mount Elbrus - Two Weeks trip or do not want camping on trek.

For background information on this program and facilities in the Baksan Valley please see Elbrus Two Weeks trip.

OUTLINE ITINERARY
The following itinerary is a working guide only and might be a subject to change due to local conditions, weather and governmental restrictions

Day 1. Arrive in Mineralnye Vody, on the plains north of the Caucasus. Drive to the Esen hotel (about 3,5 hours) in Baksan Valley near Elbrus at the altitude of 2100m.

Day 2. 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 3. Walk to the Mount Cheget, 3404m - 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 4. 15 min drive to the cable car station. We take the cable car up to the Old Krugozor station (3000m). We leave our equipment at the Chiper Azau lodge just next door to the cable car station and go for the acclimatisation walk up to Garabashi huts, 3800m, ca. 3 hrs. Return back to the lodge for dinner and overnight (it is possible to use ski lifts for getting down to the lodge).

Day 5. We take the cable car up to the Mir station, 3500m, then the chair lift up to Garabashi station, 3800m, and walk to the Priut hut at 4100m, ca. 1,5 hrs walk. After lunch about 1,5 hrs acclimatisation walk up to 4400m. Return back to the hut.

Day 6. Acclimatisation walk to Pastukhova Rocks up to 4700m, ca. 3 hours walking up. Return to the hut.

Day 7. 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 Priut hut.

Day 8. Spare day to attempt Elbrus if the weather on the previous day was bad (otherwise return down to the hotel).

Day 9. Return to the hotel and relax. If we return to the hotel on the previous day it is possible to organise one of the fine valley walks from the hotel.

Day 10. Drive to the airport in Mineralnye Vody for the flight home.