This is a custom departure tour and so please write to us for prices and more info on this trek.
The Main Caucasian Ridge stretches for 1200 km from the West to the East, from the Black Sea to the Caspian. Its width reaches 180km, and it forms not only a geographical, but also ethnic and political barriers, separating Russia from the Caucasian region and its mosaic of nationalities. Greater Caucasus is traditionally divided into three regions: West Caucasus, Central and East Caucasus. The borders of these territories go along meridians that cross the Main Ridge over Mt.Elbrus (5642 m) in the West and Kazbek (5033 m) in the East. It is between these two giants that the most beautiful and interesting peaks stand, withmore than forty of them surpassing the level of 4000m above the sea. It is here where seven caucasian fivethousanders arise their heads to the sky.
Among the variety of regions composing the Central Caucasus, it is the Elbrus Region that is a genuine gem. Many lateral valleys go aside of the main one where the river Baksan flows. They lead to the famous peaks of the Caucasus, such as Donguz- Orun (4492m), Shkhelda (4300m), Tchatyn (4368m) with its vertical 500m North Face, the legendary Ushba (4710m) and of course, Mt.Elbrus (5642m), the highest summit of Europe which surpasses Mt.Blanc, by more than 800m. The two-headed ice giant crowns the panorama of the Central Caucasus. Volcano craters, filled now with ice and snow, form summit plateaus of 300-400m in diameter on both the tops. The Eastern Peak is a little lower than its western brother: 5621m and 5642m respectively – both are covered by a gigantic ice cap.
Arrival to Mineralnye Vody airport. A 4-hour bus transfer takes us to Terskol village in the Baksan valley (about 2000 m above the sea). Overnight in a hotel in Terskol.
We walk to the observatory which affords great views of the area around. Post the hike, an excursion to the local bazaar for souvenirs and handmade woollen things. Overnight in a hotel.
We check out of the hotel and our vehicles transfer us 4-kms up to Azau (2250m). From Azau we take the cable-way up to the Refuge (3900 m). Settle in at the bunkers at Refuge. After lunch, go for a 1.5-hour acclimatization walk up to another hotel – “Priut odinnadtsati”, return down to the Refuge for the night.
Acclimatization ascent up to Pastukhov’s Rocks (4650 m) or higher (4700-4800 m). Return down to the Refuge (3-4 hours up and 1-1.5 hour down) for the night.
These are extra days.
We ascend Elbrus West (5642 m) or Elbrus East (5621m) – depending on the group and the conditions. Leave for the ascent at 2-3 A.M. It takes 10-12 hours to reach the summit. The summit is a huge windy plateau that affords magnificent views of the Caucasus mountains all around us. Return for the night to the Refuge. One also has the option of skiing down from the summit.
Return to the base of the mountain where our vehicles pick us up and drive to the hotel in Terskol.
Transfer to Mineralnye Vody Airport. Trip Ends!
-Sturdy backpack/rucksack (70 lt)- This will go on horses until Base Camp
-Backpack small ( 20 – 30 Ltrs) – to carry every day.
– 4 season sleeping bag (-10 deg C or lower)
– Insulated Sleeping Pad
-Warm hiking pants and shirts/Tshirts/sweatshirt.
– T-shirt wicking Layer.
– Good hiking shoes.
– Head light with extra batteries.
– Sunglasses.
– Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and toiletries.
– Thermal underwear / long johns (upper + lowers)
– Insulated water bottle/ flask.
– Warm fleece jacket.
– Rain Gear
– Down jacket.
– Warm gloves – thin ones
– Warm gloves – thick (waterproof)
– Warm socks
– Headgear (balaclavas/woollen cap, sun hat, bandana etc.)
– Personal recreation: camera, books, music, cards etc
– Hiking poles
– Personal climbing harness
– Helmet
– Gaiters
– Crampons
– Carabiners
– Ice axe
– Rope slings for self anchors
– Prescribed medication if any
The Main Caucasian Ridge stretches for 1200 km from the West to the East, from the Black Sea to the Caspian. Its width reaches 180km, and it forms not only a geographical, but also ethnic and political barriers, separating Russia from the Caucasian region and its mosaic of nationalities. Greater Caucasus is traditionally divided into three regions: West Caucasus, Central and East Caucasus. The borders of these territories go along meridians that cross the Main Ridge over Mt.Elbrus (5642 m) in the West and Kazbek (5033 m) in the East. It is between these two giants that the most beautiful and interesting peaks stand, withmore than forty of them surpassing the level of 4000m above the sea. It is here where seven caucasian fivethousanders arise their heads to the sky.
Among the variety of regions composing the Central Caucasus, it is the Elbrus Region that is a genuine gem. Many lateral valleys go aside of the main one where the river Baksan flows. They lead to the famous peaks of the Caucasus, such as Donguz- Orun (4492m), Shkhelda (4300m), Tchatyn (4368m) with its vertical 500m North Face, the legendary Ushba (4710m) and of course, Mt.Elbrus (5642m), the highest summit of Europe which surpasses Mt.Blanc, by more than 800m. The two-headed ice giant crowns the panorama of the Central Caucasus. Volcano craters, filled now with ice and snow, form summit plateaus of 300-400m in diameter on both the tops. The Eastern Peak is a little lower than its western brother: 5621m and 5642m respectively – both are covered by a gigantic ice cap.
Arrival to Mineralnye Vody airport. A 4-hour bus transfer takes us to Terskol village in the Baksan valley (about 2000 m above the sea). Overnight in a hotel in Terskol.
We walk to the observatory which affords great views of the area around. Post the hike, an excursion to the local bazaar for souvenirs and handmade woollen things. Overnight in a hotel.
We check out of the hotel and our vehicles transfer us 4-kms up to Azau (2250m). From Azau we take the cable-way up to the Refuge (3900 m). Settle in at the bunkers at Refuge. After lunch, go for a 1.5-hour acclimatization walk up to another hotel – “Priut odinnadtsati”, return down to the Refuge for the night.
Acclimatization ascent up to Pastukhov’s Rocks (4650 m) or higher (4700-4800 m). Return down to the Refuge (3-4 hours up and 1-1.5 hour down) for the night.
These are extra days.
We ascend Elbrus West (5642 m) or Elbrus East (5621m) – depending on the group and the conditions. Leave for the ascent at 2-3 A.M. It takes 10-12 hours to reach the summit. The summit is a huge windy plateau that affords magnificent views of the Caucasus mountains all around us. Return for the night to the Refuge. One also has the option of skiing down from the summit.
Return to the base of the mountain where our vehicles pick us up and drive to the hotel in Terskol.
Transfer to Mineralnye Vody Airport. Trip Ends!
-Sturdy backpack/rucksack (70 lt)- This will go on horses until Base Camp
-Backpack small ( 20 – 30 Ltrs) – to carry every day.
– 4 season sleeping bag (-10 deg C or lower)
– Insulated Sleeping Pad
-Warm hiking pants and shirts/Tshirts/sweatshirt.
– T-shirt wicking Layer.
– Good hiking shoes.
– Head light with extra batteries.
– Sunglasses.
– Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and toiletries.
– Thermal underwear / long johns (upper + lowers)
– Insulated water bottle/ flask.
– Warm fleece jacket.
– Rain Gear
– Down jacket.
– Warm gloves – thin ones
– Warm gloves – thick (waterproof)
– Warm socks
– Headgear (balaclavas/woollen cap, sun hat, bandana etc.)
– Personal recreation: camera, books, music, cards etc
– Hiking poles
– Personal climbing harness
– Helmet
– Gaiters
– Crampons
– Carabiners
– Ice axe
– Rope slings for self anchors
– Prescribed medication if any
With 25+ years of expertise, we offer diverse expeditions like Trekking, Mountaineering, Ski Touring, Cycling, Paragliding and Snow Leopard encounters.
Our adventures prioritise safety and follow Leave No Trace principles. Certified guides trained in Wilderness First Aid provide care throughout your journey.