Climb Mt. Elbrus – The “High Watchtower” of the North Caucasus
Challenge yourself on Mt. Elbrus – the highest mountain in Europe at 18,510 ft. (5,642 m).
* To register, a $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required. Full payment is required 90 days prior to departure date.
2022 DATES (13 Days): 8/25 – 9/6 (Sold Out)
2023 DATES (11 Days): 8/24 – 9/4
Trip Documents
Mt. Elbrus Climb Itinerary
Note: The weather on Mt. Elbrus is notorious for high winds and extreme cold temperatures. You must have previous experience with use of crampons and an ice axe.
Trip Details
Your spectacular 13-day adventure begins and ends in the world-class city of Moscow, Russia. In between, you will travel to the heart of the Mt. Elbrus region of the North Caucasus Mountain range, where you will acclimatize and prepare for your trip to Mt. Elbrus base camp. For the next several days, you will participate in acclimatization hikes to get your body used to the elevation and conditions, as well as experience the local culture and cuisine.
Your journey to base camp starts with taking the famous cable car system up three levels to the climber’s base camp at 12,500 ft (3,800 m). As this will be your home for the next four days, you will participate in another round of acclimatization climbs as well as receive some self-arrest training before reaching the summit at 18,510 ft (5,642 m).
Travel will be by private bus and plane, all the while experiencing the breathtaking views of the pristine North Caucasus Mountain range.
Trip Highlights
3 days in Moscow
Privately guided tour of Moscow
5 days of hiking in the pristine wilderness of the North Caucasus Mountains
4 days at Mt. Elbrus Climber’s Base Camp
2 days built in the itinerary for the summit attempt
Trip Enhancements
Moscow Tour Package
What’s Included:
All accommodations, double occupancy. Includes 7 nights in hotels and 4 nights in mountain huts
All meals as listed in the itinerary
All airport transfers
Domestic airfare (not to exceed $225 USD per person) for each round trip flight
Professional and experienced English-speaking local mountain guides
Additional guides for summit attempt (1 guide for every 3 climbers)
Skilled, professional and experienced US guides with Wilderness First Responders certificates
One summit attempt (any departure from base camp on summit day or reserve day is considered a summit attempt)
All excursion and entrance fees
Group expedition equipment (ropes, communications, first-aid supplies, etc.)
Use of Snowcat tractors/snowmobiles on acclimatization climbs or day of climb
Registration with Russian emergency search and rescue services
National park entrance fees
Gondola fees
Extensive pre-trip planning, customization and customer service
Unlimited drinking water
One full day Moscow tour with English-speaking guide
What’s Not Included:
International airfare
Russian tourist visa (approximately $325 USD)
Rental of personal climbing gear (see required gear list)
Additional summit attempt
Additional beverages at meals, either non-alcoholic or alcoholic
Meals not included in the itinerary (lunches in Moscow)
Personal expenses (spa services/banya, laundry, telephone calls, etc.)
Early check in or late check out
Subsequent lodging, transportation and food beyond the itinerary
Approximately $300 USD per person in tips for hotel staff, drivers, porters, guides and cooks
Travelers, Medical and Evacuation Insurance
Single accommodations are available for an additional fee
Itinerary add-ons or customizations
If you are a single registering for one of our trips we will try to accommodate you as a double with the same gender. However, if we are unable to make these arrangements you will be responsible for the additional fee as a single.
Any deviation from this itinerary is at your own expense.