Mount Elbrus 10 Day South Route
1150€ - Group 6-15
10 Days
11/7/2014Grade D Porter Supported
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Introduction
This trip is suitable for climbers who need some time for a proper acclimatisation but can not afford two weeks to join our 13 days Mount Elbrus trip or do not want camping on trek.

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

Programme

Day 1 Arrive in Mineralnye Vody, on the plains north of the Caucasus. We meet you to drive to the hotel, ca.3,5 hrs, in the Baksan Valley near Elbrus, 2100m.

Day 2Acclimatisation walk in the Terskol Valley to the Observatory, 3100m, ca. 4hrs walking, providing a 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 3Ascend Mount Cheget, 3404m - a magnificent viewpoint over Elbrus, ca 4 hrs. Return to the hotel (it is possible to use a chair lift for the descent).

Day 415 min drive to the Azau cable car station. We take the cable car up to the Old Krugozor station, 3000m. We leave our equipment at Chiper Azau Lodge just next door to the cable car station where we will overnight. We take an acclimatisation walk up to the Garabashi huts, 3800m, ca.3 hrs. Return back to the lodge for dinner and overnight (it is possible to use ski lifts for the descent to the lodge).

Day 5We 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, 4100m, ca.1,5 hrs walk. After lunch our next acclimatisation walk up to 4400m, ca,1.5hrs. Return back to the hut.

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

Day 7Summit day. We begin in the early morning hours to ascend the highest of Elbrus' twin peaks - the West Summit, 5642m. You carry your day pack with the day's requirements. We return to spend the night at the Priut hut.

Day 8Spare day to attempt Elbrus if the weather on the previous day was bad (otherwise return down to the hotel in the Baksan valley). Please note that only one attempt can be made. The guide will choose the best option.

Day 9Return 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 10Drive to the airport in Mineralnye Vody for the flight home.

In order to accommodate travellers who would like to join a group we have a scheduled departure from Mineralnye Vody during 2014 on the following date:
11/7/2014

Price
The land price in Euros from arrival Mineralnye Vody back to Mineralnye Vody (MRV) is Euros 1150per person. Group size 6 - 15.

Included in the cost
- Hotel accommodation based on double occupancy;
- Mountain hut - common rooms;
- Group transfers as per itinerary;
- English-speaking guide;
- Assistant guides on Elbrus Summit day. Our guide/client ratio on the Summit day is 1/3;
- All food in Elbrus area;
- Cook in the mountain huts;
- Group cooking equipment;
- Group climbing equipment;
- Elbrus cable ways;
- All the necessary permits;
- OVIR registration;
- Russian entry visa support.

Not Included:
- Flights;
- Individual airport transfers;
- Personal equipment;
- Visa fee.

Terrorism and your Security
The Caucasus have recently been on some countries' Office of Foreign Affairs "not recommended to travel to lists" (eg UK). Many countries have no restrictions and the area remains a popular international tourist destination. The Elbrus area has so far been hardly affected by terrorist activities and at present we expect to continue running trips here as we have done for the last fifteen years. We do monitor the situation and do appreciate insurance complications may arise if you are travelling to the area details. After making your booking, should the situation in the area deteriorate to the extent that we have to cancel, alter or curtail the trip at short notice, we will refund all monies paid other than those associated with non-refundable expenses such as flight deposits or payments.

UK citizens, and others, may wish to discuss insurance implications and solutions with us.