Mount Elbrus Expedition 2025
Mount Elbrus Expedition: Scale Europe's Highest Peak with TrekNomads
Mount Elbrus, the highest and most prominent peak in Russia and Europe, awaits adventurers seeking the ultimate mountaineering challenge. Situated in the western part of the Caucasus Mountains, this dormant volcano is at an altitude of 5,642 meters (18,510 ft). Join TrekNomads on an unforgettable Mount Elbrus expedition, where you'll climb this majestic stratovolcano and create lasting memories in one of the world's most breathtaking landscapes. Mount Elbrus is also a part of the Seven Summits challenge.
With its two prominent summits—the western summit reaching 5,642 meters (18,510 ft) and the eastern summit standing at 5,621 meters (18,442 ft)—Mount Elbrus offers a remarkable adventure for mountaineers of all levels.
The best time to climb Mount Elbrus expedition is during the summer months, from June to September. These months offer relatively stable weather conditions, longer daylight hours, and easier access to the mountain. However, it's important to remain flexible, as weather patterns in mountainous regions can be unpredictable.
Location
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival at Mineralnye Vody (MRV).
- Day 2: Acclimatization
- Day 3: Arrival at Azau cable car station by bus. Ascend to the Base Camp
- Day 4: Acclimatization
- Day 5: Training Day and Rest
Day 6: Summit Day
- Day 7: Reserve Day
- Day 8: Reserve Day
- Day 9: Transfer to the Mineralny Vody airport
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Mineralnye Vody (MRV)
Arrival at Mineralnye Vody (MRV). Transfer to the hotel at the Baksan Valley (3, 5-4h).
(IMPORTANT NOTE: *Please plan your arrival to Mineralny Vody before 2 PM local time.)
DAY 2: Acclimatization
Acclimatization, climb to 3,000m. Return to the hotel. Visit the rental gear office to organize and try on rented gear.
DAY 3: Arrival at Azau cable car station by bus. Ascend to the Base Camp
Arrival at Azau cable car station (2,356m) by bus. Ascend (4,000m) to the Base Camp. We leave our belongings at the mountain hut where we will stay later that night. From there we will climb a bit higher to acclimatize. We will pass several huts and in about 1,5h we will arrive at the famous Priyut 11 (the shelter of 11) 4100m. We will climb around an altitude of 4400m and then we will descend to our hut for the night.
DAY 4: Acclimatization
Acclimatization, climb to 4,600-4,800m, a night stay in the Base Camp up in the mountain hut.
DAY 5: Training Day and Rest
We will do basic climbing training for a few hours and rest for the day and prepare our minds for the summit push. Dinner and night stay in the hut.
DAY 6: Summit Day
Elbrus summit day starts at 2 AM while ascending we can take a ride with a Snow Cat to ~4700m - 5100m (not included). Ascend duration takes approximately 8- 12h. Normally we descend the same day to the valley so we can enjoy ourselves at our hotel. In case of late arrival at the cable car station, we can stay in the hut.
Day 7-8: Reserve Days
Reserve days {in case if summit attempt (Day 6) was interrupted by the bad weather}. Return to the hotel (if we stayed in the hut). Full day resting at the hotel (if the Elbrus was climbed on Day 6). Party in the evening! Optionally we can leave for Mineralnye vody this day.
Day 9: Transfer to the Mineralny Vody airport
Transfer to the Mineralny Vody airport.
(IMPORTANT NOTE: *Our group transfer from the hotel to the airport starts early, please; plan your flight to Moscow from 12PM afternoon onwards).
EXPEDITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
- The company requires the payment of an Invitation Letter Fee/Charge to proceed with visa processing. Please note that in the event of group cancellation or a no-show after the Invitation Letter has been received, this amount will not be refunded.
- The company is fully responsible for overseeing the services listed above, along with the list of excluded services provided to our members. Members are expected to follow and respect the guide's decisions and instructions while in the mountains. We advise our members and clients to prioritize safety, security, and training; the company will not be held responsible for any accidents that occur due to the negligence of the clients.
- Members are required to obtain rescue evacuation insurance to cover any necessary evacuations. In the absence of such insurance, the member will be responsible for any associated rescue costs.
- The company is committed to fostering an environment that encourages interaction between members, guides, and other staff. We take responsibility for the proper management of the entire expedition and aim to provide high-quality services to both members and staff as outlined in our service list.
- In the event of any emergencies affecting our clients or staff, we will fully support efforts to find a suitable solution based on the specific requirements.
- Services included will be strictly adhered to; if members require additional services, extra charges may apply. If any member chooses to leave the group and travel independently, the company will not be responsible for providing services to that individual, and they will incur their own trip expenses.
- Please be aware that no refunds will be issued after the trip has begun. This policy also applies in cases of natural disasters or personal health issues that may arise after the trip's commencement.
Inclusions
- Transfers Min Vody to Terskol, Terskol to Min Vody
- Accommodations: Hotel in Terskol for 3 nights on twin sharing basis with breakfast
- Accommodation in Gara Bashi Hut for 4 nights (depending on the weather)
- English-Russian speaking guide for all expedition period
- All meals in Huts during the climbing period
- Immigration Registrations in Terskol
- Cook salary and wages
- Group equipment (ropes, Ices crews, walkie-talkie, etc)
- All Group transfers from Azau 2350 to Garabashi Hut 3850m Cable Car up and down
- Invitation Letter for Russian Visa
- Peak permit for Elbrus
- Registration in the Russian Rescue Service
- Garbage management
- One professional climbing guide for 3 members for summit push
- Summit Certificate of Russian Mountaineering Federation
- TrekNomads Fee, Trek Captain support and expertise
- 15% discount coupon on Gokyo Trek Apparel and Gear
- 10% discount coupon on Fast&Up products
- 35% discount coupon on BMore products
- Personalized Dri-Fit T-shirt
- TrekNomads goodies
Exclusions
- International airfare and domestic flight ticket Moscow- Minvody
- Russia Visa fee
- Early check-in and late check-out at all hotels
- Lunch and Dinner at Terskol/Azau
- Personal equipment
- Any personal expenses (laundry, telephone, shopping, etc)
- Personal Adventure Insurance
- Emergency evacuation & medical expenses
- Excess baggage charge(s)
- Mineral water or any soft/alcoholic drinks
- Extra meals/beverages apart from inclusions
- Tips to porters (calculated per person at 10$ per day per person)
- Summit bonus for the Guides
-
Snow track Or Snow Cat for summit day if need from the hut to Pastukhova Rock
(5100m - 300$ per person at Night time) (after summit return from 5100m at daytime 200$)
*Note: If less than 10 pax the cost for the Snow Truck will be different.
- Any other expenses incurred apart from inclusions
- All personal, medical, evacuation and emergency expenses like extra day stay out of itinerary, helicopter services and vehicle charges due to delays, landslides, evacuation
- Expenses incurred for guide or porter during extra days stay, transport, flight, helicopter service, etc (divided amongst the group which utilises the services of guides/porters on extra days
-
*IMP Note: In case of a date change or group cancellation after you receive the Invitation Letter, you will be charged an extra USD 100 per person
Trek Gradient
Difficult
Type of Trek
International Treks