5642.NET > Description of climbing on Elbrus from northern slope

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Dates (season 2008)

Climb on Elbrus with us

Mount Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe. It is part of the Central Caucasus, but is located several miles north of the main crest. Its origin is volcanic, and though it has long been extinct, it still retains its gently sloping, conical shape. Of the twin cones rising on its summit, the highest is located west of another cone that is only slightly smaller. The summit is capped in ice year round, and countless glaciers sprawl from its slopes. The summit provides incredible views of the entire Caucasus.

Western summit 5642 m (18513 ft) and Eastern summit 5621 m (18442 ft) with the Saddle elevation 5416 m (17769 ft). Glaciations area (more then 50 glaciers) is about 144 square km (56 square miles). Snow-line (in August) - 3400 m (11483 ft).

5642.ru

. Route description

Day 1

Arrival at Mineralnye Vody airport or Kislovodsk railway station, hotel accommodation. The transfer from Mineralnye Vody airport to Kislovodsk takes 1 hour.

Day 2

Departure from Kislovodsk to the North Elbrus vicinity. Bivouac at Emmanuel glade at the bottom of Elbrus. The trip from Kislovodsk to the Base Camp (2500m) takes 4 to 6 hours depending on the weather and road conditions.

Day 3

Rest day. Excursion around the neighborhood. Sightseeing the waterfalls. Bathing in Jyly-su warm mineral springs. The excursion will take 3 to 4 hours.

Day 4

Ascent to the hut at the moraine (3800 m). It takes 5 to 6 hours.

Day 5

Rest day. Sightseeing of exotic landforms: stone mushrooms, volcanic bombs, natural sculptures of lava. The hike takes 5 to 6 hours.

Day 6

Departure at 8-00. Acclimatization hike to Lenz rocks, height 4800 m. The ascent to the rocks takes 4 to 5 hours, plus 1 to 1.5 hr to descend.

Day 7

Rest day. A walk around the neighborhood or resting in the hut. The programme should be agreed with the guide the previous day.

Day 8

Departure at 3-00. Ascent of Elbrus and return to the hut. Night in the hut. The ascent to the summit takes 8 to 10 hours. The safety point of return is 15-00. The descent from the summit to the hut at 3800 m takes 3.5 to 4 hours.

Day 9

Departure at 9-00. Descent to Emmanuel glade. Descent from the hut (3800 m) to the Base Camp takes 2 to 3 hours. Departure to Kislovodsk. Time in transit 4 to 5 hours. Hotel accommodation.

Day 10

Departure

The 5642.ru program is designed to last 12 days, with two spare days included to allow for bad weather or additional acclimatization.