Mount Elbrus Climb
| Mount Elbrus ClimbUseful Information | |
Caucasus, Elbrus Region
Access
From the bus station at Mineralnye Vody airport, private mini-buses depart on
an on demand basis for Terskol. If there are too few clients they sometimes
does not run at all. Taxis are always available, ensure it is an licenced taxi
and be sure to fix the price (USD50-100 - negotiable). Private buses are also available in front of hotel near the airport
and in front of railway station in Mineralnye Vody. The local N11 service links
the airport
to railway station.
There are two bus stations in Nalchik: intercity and local. From
the intercity station there are buses to Terskol at 9.40; 11.50; 13.35;
15.45. The schedule is not strictly adhered to. It is possible to rent
a car or mini bus to Terskol at the intercity station. These buses also
provide the only public service within the Baksan Valley.
Food
Choice of food in Terskol is very poor but some basics are available: chocolate,
fruit and vegetables (more expensive than in the towns). It is better to
buy food in markets at Mineralnye Vody, Nalchik or Tyrnyauz. The market
in Mineralnye Vody is situated by the railway station; in Nalchik, 10 min.
walk from the "Alpinist" hotel; in Tyrnyauz in the town centre.Accommodation
http://www.esen.ru/numer.html
Many hotels are poorly managed, run-down and offer poor services. Alpine
camps offer similar services but accommodation is in huts or tents with
communal washing and toilet facilities. For private individuals it is not
easy to contact the area from the outside and accommodation is best found
on arrival in the valley. Prices are negotiable, Alpine Camps (Alpbaza) offer
rooms
for several dollars a night, hotels are more expensive. Several of the Alpine
Camps have now good quality accommodation available. Further enquiries could be
addressed to KabBalkAlpinistkabbalkalpin@yandex.ru who might answer and might be able to help with your logistical enquiries.The following hotels are recommended: Wolfram Hotel (in Terskol); Alpine
Base Jantugan in Adylsu. In Adyrsu: Alpine Camp Ullutau.
Mountain Rescue and Medical Facilities
There are two rescue posts in the Elbrus Region: at Terskol (tel. 86638-71489)
and at Shkhelda Alpine Camp. It is possible to hire a radio here for contact
with the rescue service. The cost is about $5 per radio, per day. It is
necessary to have personal insurance when climbing in the area. The head office of the rescue service is in Nalchik: Tel: 86622
93-244 / 93-284.
Individual climbers are recommended to report to the nearest rescue
centre. The staff are generally helpful and give good advice, some speak
English.
There are first aid points in Terskol and at the Cheget hotel. The nearest
hospital is in Tyrnyauz.
Visas
A visa is required for entry into Russia. You need to obtain a visa application
form from the Russian Embassy. This must be completed and submitted together
with:- Your itinerary.
- An invitation.
- Three photographs - signed and dated on the back.
- A copy of your air ticket.
- Your passport.
- Details of your insurance cover.
- The appropriate fee (the more quickly you want it processed the more it
costs).
It is as simple as that! Please note regulations in some countries vary. Permits
Three are required:1. The Elbrus Region is a border zone between Russia and Georgia and
foreigners require a permit to be in any area south of the Baksan. This
is obtained at the military head office of the border rangers in Nalchik.
You should also be registered at their local posts: in the Baksan valley
at the Alpine Base Baksan; in the Adyrsu valley near the Alpine Camp Ullutau.
Pogranotryad in Nalchik issues permits at Kabardinskaya street 192.
Passes are issued between 9.00 and 13.00. if you want to have
a go make sure you have the following documents:
- - a stamped letter of application from an MFA approved organisation;
- - passports of all participants;
- - a route sheet.
This sounds easy but Russian bureaucracy will probably force you to stay
in Nalchik for a few days if you try it as a foreigner. It is best
to do it through an agency.2. Prielbrusie National Park permit. No strict system exists for
obtaining this permit. Prices are negotiable. Park offices are located
in Elbrus village.
3. Foreigners have to be registered in OVIR (Visa and Registration
department) in Tyrnyauz. Generally hotels arrange registration. Last year
the "official" fee was $2 per person. If OVIR officials catch an unregistered
climber the fine can be very high - but negotiable.
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Comments and updates are most gratefully received. Please email
us using email link above.© Andrew Wielochowski 13/07/03. From the "Map & guide to Elbrus and the Upper Baksan"