MT. ELBRUS EXPEDITION (5642 m)

Day 1: Arrival at Mineralnye Vody → Transfer to Terskol (160 km, 2.5 hrs)

Arrive at Mineralnye Vody Airport and transfer to our office in Pyatigorskii. Meet your guides, complete an equipment check, and travel with the team to Terskol village. Upon arrival, take a short acclimatization walk and attend a briefing before dinner.

We highly recommend arriving in Pyatigorskii a day earlier to check equipment without any rush.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Acclimatization Hike to Mt. Cheget (3000 m)

Your first acclimatization day begins with a scenic hike to Mt. Cheget (3000 m). Learn proper use of trekking poles and practice altitude-specific breathing techniques. Enjoy panoramic views of the Caucasus.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Acclimatization Hike to Old Observatory (3200 m) + Maiden’s Braids Waterfall

Continue the acclimatization process with a gradual hike to the Old Observatory at 3200 m. En route, visit the famous Maiden’s Braids waterfall, a stunning natural cascade on the southern slopes of Elbrus.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Cable Car to Mountain Shelter (3850 m) + Training at 4100 m

Check out from the hotel and board the cable car to reach the high-altitude shelter at 3850 m. After settling in, take a short acclimatization walk up to 4100 m and undergo essential glacier training—using crampons, ice axes, and moving safely on snow-ice terrain.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Acclimatization Hike to 4800–5000 m

Start early for a crucial acclimatization push to 4800–5000 m. This hike helps your body adjust for the summit attempt. Return to the shelter for rest and hydration.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Rest Day at Mountain Shelter

A full day dedicated to rest and recovery. Final gear checks, hydration, and mental preparation for the summit climb.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Summit Day – Mt. Elbrus (5642 m)

Begin the ascent around midnight. Depending on group pace and weather, the summit push takes 8–12 hours, followed by a 2–3 hour descent.

If timing allows, descend by cable car and return to Pyatigorskii the same day. Otherwise, spend the night at the mountain shelter.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Dinner if overnight at shelter)

Day 8: Reserve Day

This buffer day is kept for bad weather or to increase summit success chances. If not used, the team returns to Pyatigorskii and concludes the expedition. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (if used)

Day 9: Departure from Mineralnye Vody Airport 🛫

After a rewarding expedition, it’s time to say goodbye. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure.

• Local Registration for foreign climbers as per Russian regulations

• Airport Transfers: Group transportation from Mineralnye Vody Airport to Terskol and back

• Accommodation – 3 Nights in a comfortable 3-star hotel (twin-sharing) at the foothills of Elbrus

• Luxury Mountain Shelter Stay – 3 Nights at Elbrus Base Camp

• Cable Car Tickets for transport to Base Camp

• All Meals on the Mountain (full board during the expedition phase)

• Indian Team Leaders throughout the expedition

• High Guide-to-Climber Ratio for maximum summit success

• One Summit Attempt included in the program

• Official Climbing Certificate after successful completion

• National Park Entry Fees

• Tips for Local Guides & Porters

• Note: Climbers requesting a dedicated private guide will have a revised pricing.

• Lunch & Dinner at Azau/Terskol during non-expedition days

• Personal Clothing & Technical Equipment (rental option may be available locally)

• International Airfare

• Russian Visa Fees & Processing

• Single Occupancy Room Supplement

• Additional Summit Attempts beyond the first (unless the initial attempt was cancelled due to weather before starting)

• Mountaineering Insurance (mandatory and highly recommended for Elbrus)

• Extra Hotel Charges in case the expedition ends earlier than planned

• Valid Government ID: A valid government-issued photo ID (election card or passport) for verification purposes.

• Medications: If you are on any prescribed medication, ensure you bring an adequate supply for the duration of the trip.

• Backpack: A comfortable, sturdy backpack (50-60 liters) to carry your essentials during the expedition.

• Daypack: A smaller daypack (20-30 liters) for short hikes or carrying personal items during daily activities.

• Hydration: One thermos and a water bottle (1 liter each) or a hydration bladder to stay hydrated throughout the journey.

• Headlamp: A reliable headlamp with extra batteries for night-time use during the expedition and camps.

• Personal Toiletries: Bring your own toiletries, including any personal hygiene products you may need.

• Curiosity and Enthusiasm: Bring along your curiosity to immerse yourself in the local culture, explore the landscapes, and connect with the people.

• Warm Clothing: Pack appropriate warm clothes to suit your personal needs, especially for the cold summit night.

• T-Shirts (Non-Cotton): 2 moisture-wicking, quick-dry t-shirts for trekking.

• Warm Sweater: 1 warm sweater for extra layering during colder conditions.

• Down Jacket: 1 insulated down feather jacket for warmth in low temperatures.

• Fleece Jacket: 1 fleece jacket for added insulation during cold evenings.

• Trekking Pants: 3 pairs of durable, comfortable trekking pants.

• Thermal Base Layers: 1 pair of thermal inner-wear (top and bottom) to stay warm at higher altitudes.

• Rain Protection: 1 raincoat or poncho for unexpected weather conditions.

• Woollen Cap: 1 woollen cap to keep your head warm in cold conditions.

• Gloves: 2 pairs(to be safe incase one gets wet) of warm, insulated gloves to protect your hands during cold weather.

• Neck Gaiter or Bandana: 1 neck gaiter or bandana to protect your neck and face from cold winds and sun.

• Trekking Shoes: 1 pair of sturdy, waterproof trekking shoes with good grip.

• Flip Flops or Sandals: 1 pair of flip-flops or sandals for comfortable wear at the campsite.

• Socks: At least 3 pairs of breathable socks for trekking.

• Woolen Socks: 2 pairs of warm woolen socks for colder nights.

• Sunglasses and Hat: To protect your eyes and face from strong sunlight at high altitudes.

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+): High SPF sunscreen to shield your skin from the intense sun.