Everest 2006
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Elbrus Expedition Highlights
Explore Moscow and the Caucasus Mountains with a summit climb of Elbrus.
Moscow: Meet in Moscow, transfer to a hotel downtown near the Red Square, relax. The following day we’re off on a tour of the Kremlin and the Red Square. A fascinating and culturally interesting start with a bit of time to catch up on time zones.
Mineralnye Vody: From Moscow we fly to the Vnukovo airport in Mineralnye Vody (2 hour flight included). Continuing the same day to….
The Baksan Valley: Four hours from Min. Vody we reach our base camp in the Baskan Valley, a beautiful government “Dacha” or mountain hotel with great facilities, including a sauna. This is near the base of Elbrus, with the amazing Baksan Valley stretching out below the hotel. This will be our base for acclimatization hikes into the Terskol Valley, and for climbs of Cheget Peak (3050 meters).
The Adil-sy Valley: After two nights in the Baksan Valley we leave for a great overnight acclimatization hike into the Adil-sy Valley where we plan to camp one night. This is a good place to acclimatize and offers a look into a valley most groups do not get a chance to visit on shorter Elbrus trips!
Climb Mt. Gumachi: We either climb to the Gumachi Pass or Mt. Gumachi for another acclimatization trip to 3750 meters, then return to our lodge for the night.
Up to the huts on Elbrus: We use the trams and ski lifts up to the “Barrill” huts at 4150 meters and a short hike to the location of the old Priutt 11 refuge that burnt down recently. The following day we take another acclimatization trek to the Pastukhov Rocks at 4800 meters. We’ll spend at least 2 nights here on the way up before going onto the summit.
Elbrus Climb: Elbrus is a large volcano, demanding only easier cramponing and ice axe skills (mostly ski poles). We leave early in the morning for the 7 to 9 hour climb up to the west summit via the south face to the saddle between the east and west summits. In good weather the view is spectacular, revealing the entire Caucasus range. After a rest and photos on top of the highest point in Europe we start down for our 3 to 4 hour descent, going slowly, back to the Barrill huts for the night.
Extra Days for the Summit: We have built in several extra days for the summit. This allows us plenty of opportunity to summit in the event of bad weather or flight delays. If things go smooth, we’ll use the extra time doing several shorter hikes, which are optional as we will be tired after the fairly long summit day.
Back to the Baksan Valley: If we have any extra time, we spend it in the excellent hotel Usinga, enjoying fine Georgian cuisine and soaking in the sauna! The perfect place to relax after the summit. How long we spend depends on how quickly we summit.
Back to Moscow: Return to Moscow for a farewell dinner before our flights home the next day. Plenty of options with stopover possibilities in Europe! Call for ideas.
Included: Flights to/from Min. Vody, all airport transfers, hotels and huts, Dachas, local transportation, park fees and permits, food on the climbs, US group climbing/camping equipment, American guide, Russian asst. guides.
Not Included: Airfare to/from Moscow, food in Moscow restaurants, bottled water, soda, alcohol, gifts, snow cat support, personal gear.
Length:14 days Moscow to Moscow.
Difficulty: Trekking at higher altitude with moderate snow climbing (easy cramponing).
Altitude: During the trek in we will maintain a safe rate of ascent, the most important factor at altitude. Elbrus, is 18,510 ft. high.
Trip Price: Please see schedule for current prices and departure dates.
Mengi Tau (Elbrus), Known as the mountain of a thousand mountains!