Climb Fisht, 2868 m — 3-Day Ascent by the 1B Route

Fisht stands in the western part of the Main Caucasus Range and rises above the Lagonaki plateau. The route lies inside the Caucasus State Natural Biosphere Reserve and combines forest trail, alpine meadows, scree, snowfields and rock sections.

The programme uses a route of grade 1B. For a newcomer it is a chance to learn the basic principles of moving in the mountains and of using mountaineering equipment under a guide’s direction. At the same time, grade 1B means a real route rather than a decorative helmet for a photograph: the state of the snow, the ice and the rock affects both technique and pace.

On the first day the group walks in from Yavorovaya Polyana to the Fisht shelter and settles into a tented camp. The second day is given entirely to the ascent and the descent; the early start leaves more time to complete the route in the best available conditions of the day. On the third day the group returns to Yavorovaya Polyana.

The programme suits physically active beginners and participants who need a first experience before higher summits. To prepare, walk on rough ground with a pack beforehand, choose footwear according to our guidance on selecting trekking boots and use the entry level of our mountain training plan.

Day 1. Arrival at Yavorovaya Polyana, the start of the route. Meeting the guides and the other members of the group. After the equipment check and the briefing the group sets off on the walk in to the Fisht shelter. The trail runs through fine forest and alpine meadows with excellent mountain views. On arrival at the clearing by the Fisht shelter the group pitches camp, has dinner in the open air and takes the briefing for the ascent. Night in tents under the stars.

Day 2. An early rise, a hot breakfast and a start on the route at about four in the morning. The ascent of Fisht follows the 1B route. The trail crosses snowfields, scree and rock sections that call for skill with mountaineering equipment. The scenery on the route is striking: glaciers, steep slopes and wide Caucasus panoramas. On the summit, 2868 m, there is time for photographs, for the view and for the satisfaction of reaching the objective. The ascent and descent together take about 10 hours. Back at the Fisht shelter a hot dinner and rest in the tents are waiting.

Day 3. After breakfast the group strikes camp and starts the descent from the Fisht shelter to Yavorovaya Polyana. The way passes through now familiar country that still impresses. The route ends at the clearing, with contacts exchanged among new friends and future climbing partners. Transfer home.

• The work of a mountain guide throughout the three-day programme
• Trekking meals from the start of the route to the return to Yavorovaya Polyana: lunch or a trail snack and dinner on the first day, breakfast, food on the ascent and dinner on the second day, breakfast and a trail snack on the third day
• Tent accommodation on the clearing by the Fisht shelter — two nights, as set out in the programme
• Group camp equipment: tents, stoves, gas and shared cooking utensils
• Group technical equipment for the route: ropes, ice screws and the necessary belay equipment
• Group first-aid kit, communication equipment and satellite navigation
• The Caucasus Nature Reserve permit and the compulsory charge for staying at the designated campsite within the programme
• Registration of the group with the emergency service before setting out on the route

• Air or rail tickets to the region and back
• The transfer to Yavorovaya Polyana and back, where it is not separately included in the confirmation for the specific group
• Medical insurance covering mountaineering, search and rescue and evacuation
• Personal trekking, camping and mountaineering equipment
• Rental of personal equipment
• Horses or porters to carry personal baggage
• The banya, showers and other additional services at the Fisht shelter
• Personal expenses, meals in transit and services not listed in the included section
• Additional costs arising from a change to the programme at the participant’s initiative