Top.Mail.Ru

Elbrus Traverse South to North, two summits

tour
Height (m)
5642
Duration
9 days
Difficulty
Moderate
Continent
Europe
Children
From 14 years old
Accomodation
Without tents

Why should you choose us to guide your Elbrus climb? First off, because you are going to entrust our guides to care for your very own life and health. Unfortunately, accidents do happen in the mountains, and having reliable people to safeguard and take care of you is crucial.

Our hotel and our refuge on Elbrus slope – along with our own equipment and outfit rental (the newest and biggest on Elbrus foothill) – are all designed to provide for your high profile and safe rest.

All expeditions mentioned in Schedule and Services section are available upon request if 2 people are in the group. We offer also programs for family vacation – rest and recreation for your family members while you are busy climbing Mount Elbrus.

About the tour

The “Cross of Elbrus” is a complicated version of the Elbrus Climb from the South and the Elbrus Climb from the North. It consists of climbing to both summits on one side of the mountain and descending on the opposite side. This is one of the most famous routes, which allows you to test your abilities before attempting higher peaks.

The “cross” of Elbrus can be climbed from north to south (more difficult) or from south to north. It is also possible to climb to the east summit of Elbrus and descend from there by three different routes – the Motorcycle Col (a Land Rover that was taken up there in 1997 is still there), along the rock of Elbrus Saddle (the western slope of the east summit of Elbrus) or on the south side (the easiest route).

We can recommend climbing the Elbrus “cross” as a training program for climbing Lenin Peak, Korjenevskoj Peak, Khan-Tengry, Island Peak, Mera Peak, Aconcagua and Ojos del Salado. It is possible to plan an overnight stay in tents on the Elbrus saddle.

9-day schedule of a guided climb of the South Elbrus Cross

To give you peace of mind, the packages we offer usually include all the expenses you may incur.

Day 1. Arrival at MRV Airport. Departure from the airport at 12:00-12:15 for all arrivals on flights before 23:30. Departure from the airport at 15:15-15: 30 for all arrivals before 14:45. Transfer 200 km (3 hours) to the hotel. The hotel of the system is located at the beginning of the hundred-kilometre valley of the Baksan river, almost on the very slope of Elbrus. Gathering for dinner and instructing the group.
Day 2. Acclimatisation hike to Maid’s Braids waterfall (2700m) and on to the observatory (3100m).
Day 3. Acclimatisation hike to Cheget. Descent on foot to the hotel.
Day 4. Take a lift up to the hut and setting up the camp. After a snack, acclimatisation hike to 4550m, to the lower part of Pastukhov’s Rocks.
Day 5. An acclimatisation hike to Pastukhov’s Rocks (4700m).
Day 6. Rest day. Final preparations for the Elbrus summit.
Day 7. Climb to the west summit of Elbrus (5642m) and to the east summit of Elbrus (5621m). The order of the summits can be changed by agreement between the guide and the group. The condition of the route on the summit day is also important. An early start at 2-4 a.m. allows the use of the snowcat. The ratio of client to guide is always 1:3. Descent to a hut in the north.
Day 8. Reserve day. Descent to the Emmanuel clearing. Transfer to Mineralnye Vody.
Day 9. Departure to the airport, we recommend evening flights, so that in case of a late descent on day 8, you have the opportunity to arrive in Min.Vody in the morning of day 9.

Included in the cost of the Climb "Cross of Elbrus":

  • Guides: one lead guide for the South to North Elbrus program and several assistants for the day of the summit, with a strict ratio of one guide to three climbers. This means that if there are four clients in a group, there will be two guides for them. There is no limit to the number of attempts the group can make. However, if part of the group reaches the summit and some members fail, the ascent will be considered successful and any further attempts will be made for an additional fee.
  • Services of a cook.
  • Hotel accommodation in double and triple rooms. Length of stay depends on the timetable.
  • Accommodation in huts. Duration of stay depends on the schedule of the Elbrus ascent.
  • All transfers mentioned in the itinerary (including lifts) – from and to the airport/station.
  • Meals three times a day throughout the trip. Dinner on the first day, breakfast on the last day.
  • All necessary permits and registrations.
  • Equipment for the group (ropes, ice screws, radios, first aid kit, satellite navigator/GPS).

This is not included in the cost of the Climb to the "Cross of Elbrus".

  • Snowcat on summit day
  • Private accommodation
  • Personal equipment
  • Any changes to the original itinerary
  • Any costs caused by the changing of the programs

List of equipment  for "Cross of Elbrus"

Скачать PDF

Documents:

  • Valid passport.
  • Airline tickets.
  • Voucher (a form sent to you to obtain a visa).
  • Insurance cover.

Personal equipment:

  • Backpack.
  • Sleeping Bag.
  • Ski/Touring poles.
  • Crampons.
  • Ice axe.
  • Climbing lanyard.
  • Climbing helmet.
  • Harness.
  • 5 carabiners.
  • 7 metres of 5 or 6 mm rope.

Clothing and shoes:

  • Wind and waterproof layer – trousers and jacket. For example, Gore-Tex.
  • Fleece trousers and jacket.
  • Thermal underwear layer – top and bottom.
  • Dawn jacket.
  • Gloves or mittens.
  • Thick gloves.
  • Thin gloves.
  • Neckerchief.
  • Warm hat.
  • Underwear, socks, etc.
  • A pair of warm socks for a summit day.
  • Balaclava.
  • Windproof face mask.
  • Gators.
  • Trekking shoes/boots.
  • Double or triple boots.

Travel Accessories:

  • Headlamps.
  • Shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrush.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Ski Goggles.
  • Vitamin tablets.
  • Thermos (1 litre, preferably without a lid).
  • Sun block and lip balm.
  • Personal medical kit.
  • Extra pair of contact lenses or glasses.
  • Knee support.

You may also like