Mount Elbrus Ascent with Acclimatization

Transfer to Cheget. Meet your guide
Arrive in Mineralnye Vody by 14:00. A group transfer will take us to Cheget Glade (2000 m), at the foot of Elbrus. The 185 km drive takes about 3 hours. Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner with an itinerary briefing in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel, rental of necessary trekking equipment, departure to the start of the route. A scenic trek through alpine meadows through the Terskol gorge to the waterfall of the same name.

The acclimatization process has begun, the goal is to develop an optimal pace of movement, get used to the rarefied air, and learn how to use special equipment (trekking poles).

In the evening - dinner at a restaurant serving national cuisine or at the hotel, as desired. Checking climbing equipment (individually with each participant) General briefing.

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure to the starting point of the route on the territory of the Cheget ski resort. Ascent by an open chairlift to an elevation of 2,700 meters above sea level, to the “Ai” café. Trekking toward Cheget’s “Balda” at an altitude of 3,470 meters above sea level. 

Acclimatization continues as the terrain becomes more challenging and the landscape more barren. Today we will experience the satisfaction of reaching the summit of Cheget, and in good weather we will see Elbrus and our future ascent route. At an altitude of 3,050 meters, a tasty surprise awaits us.

The descent is done by cable car to save our knees for the upcoming stages of acclimatization. In the evening — dinner at a national cuisine restaurant or at the hotel, by choice.

Rental of climbing equipment for the ascent.

Late wake-up and breakfast at the hotel. Packing for the move to the high-altitude shelter (some belongings can be left in storage at the hotel).

Transfer to Azau Glade. Ascent with luggage by the Elbrus resort cable car (closed gondolas) to an altitude of 3,870 meters above sea level, Garabashi station. Check-in at the mountain shelter with four-person accommodation, introduction to high-altitude living, lunch, and meeting our cook.

Snow and ice training session, with the exact location chosen by the guide. We learn basic mountaineering skills: self-arrest with an ice axe, walking in crampons, using self-belay, and moving on fixed ropes.

Dinner prepared by our cook. Briefing Overnight at the shelter.

After preparing climbing equipment, we begin an acclimatization hike to the Pastukhova Rocks (4600–4800 m).

Training includes crampon use, self-arrest techniques, and rope work.

Return to the Cheeper-Azau Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Snow and ice training (3820 m)
Rest is vital before the summit. After a late breakfast, we transfer to the high-altitude camp (Heart of Elbrus or Leaprus).

The day focuses on snow and ice techniques, including knot-tying. Leisure activities such as board games, discussions, and equipment checks will help prepare for an early departure. Overnight in high camp.

The climb begins early with a light breakfast. Participants can use a snowcat to ascend to the Pastukhova Rocks (4800 m) or Kosaya Shelf (5100 m) for an additional fee. If a snowcat is booked, departure is around 4:00 am.

The trekking group, consisting of at least 3 people with one or more "assistant guides," will begin their ascent 3–4 hours earlier than the main group. If fewer than 3 participants wish to ascend without a snowcat, a personal guide must be hired at an additional cost. Please note, if any participant is unable to continue due to illness or other reasons, the remaining 1–2 participants and the guide will descend as a smaller group.

In the event of a forced descent from lower altitudes (up to 4500 m), a second attempt at the ascent on the same day is possible, provided the descent is made to the mountain hotel before the main group departs. The participant can then rejoin the main guide and the rest of the group for the ascent.

After crossing the Kosaya Shelf and reaching the Elbrus saddle at 5300 m, you can take a rest, have a snack, and warm up with hot tea. The final push to the West Summit of Elbrus (5642 m) usually takes place between 10:00 and 13:00, depending on the group’s pace.

By 14:00, all participants must begin their descent, which typically takes 5–6 hours. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the high camp.

Descent to the Cheget (3820 m – 3000 m)
This day serves as a weather reserve or a celebration day after a successful summit.

After breakfast, we transfer to the Mineralnye Vody Airport by 10:00 am. To avoid stress, we recommend booking return flights for the afternoon.