(July 12th to July 26th, 2012)
Mt. Elbrus Expedition 5,642m – Russia
August 1 – August 16, 2009
Difficulty Level: Introductory: No technical climbing or altitude experience is necessary. Elbrus does require glacier skills, such as walking with crampons and ice axe use, but this is all taught enroots. It is important that you are in good physical shape, and able to hike in rugged terrain for long days. We are happy to detail Physical and technical training programs as needed to get you ready for our introductory expeditions.
Mt. Elbrus, a dormant, double-coned volcano, rises to 18,510 feet. Its double peaks tower over the stunning western Caucus Region of Russia, near the border of Georgia. Elbrus is the highest point in all of Europe (& Russia), making this climb one of the renowned ‘Seven Summits’. Boasting 22 glaciers on the peak, this is the perfect introductory climb for anyone with a strong fitness level who wishes to build glacier climbing skills, climb a moderate high altitude peak, and explore the fascinating and diverse Russian culture in the Caucus mountains and the famed cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow.
Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expeditions climbs Elbrus from the accessible South side, which benefits from the use of snowcats and chairlifts to gain altitude and mountain huts for sleeping. This means that you only have to carry a small pack on all of your climbing days, allowing you to enjoy your summit experience much more. Lots of time is spent acquiring the necessary skills to climb a glaciated snow and ice route, and the terrain creates a perfect progression from low angled cramponing early on the mountain to more exposed and steeper slopes on summit day.
Our trip begins in the cosmopolitan city of St. Petersburg, City of the Tsars. One simply could not visit Russia without seeing this city, known as the Venice of the North. We then travel to Mineral Voldy and begin our acclimatization and climb. The first few days are focused on day trips that allow us to gain acclimatization and develop glacier climbing skills. After that we move up to a mountain hut known as the Barrels. Thanks to our local Russian support team, we will continue to eat well and carry only light packs, even at this camp high on the mountain.
Summit day on Elbrus is strenuous and long. We wake around 3 am and have a quick breakfast before boarding a snowcat to take us to our previous high point on the mountain at 15,000 feet. From there we don crampons, rope, and ice axe and begin the climb. As the sun rises we will be high on the mountain, with the sun giving us energy for the final push. From the summit we will enjoy well deserved views of the surrounding peaks before making a quick descent back to the hut.
After descending to the valley, we fly to Russia’s capitol and Europe’s largest city, Moscow located on the Moskva River. We will visit the famed Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin and Red Square and celebrate our climb in this city which now boasts more billionaires than any other city in the world.
In 2008, our Mt. Elbrus expedition will be led by Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition head guide and owner, Ang Chhiring Sherpa. A C Sherpa is a fully certified Himalayan guide and splits his time between guiding high altitude expeditions and the States.
We will be supported by a great team of Russian guides and a cook. Their experience and local knowledge will not only make your trip more comfortable, they will also add to your understanding of this mountain and the local people.
If you are an advanced skier with backcountry (off-piste) experience, it is also possible to arrange to ski Mt. Elbrus. Since ski mountaineering is one of Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition guides favorite activities, we would love to arrange a ski descent for you! Please call us to discuss this option.
Itinerary, 2009
Day 1: Depart the USA for St. Petersburg, Russia, usually flying via Europe. (Saturday)
Day 2: Arrive into St. Petersburg, where you will meet your guides. Transfer to our hotel and have a team dinner. (Sunday
Day 3: Explore St. Petersburg, perhaps Russia’s most beautiful and interesting city. Russia’s cultural hub is a fascinating mix of historical sights and trendy modernism. We will spend the entire day touring the city, and will certainly visit the famed Hermitage, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the Fortress of Peter and Paul.
Day 4: Fly to Mineral Voldy and travel by bus to Terskol in the Baksan Valley. This short flight should give us excellent views of the Caucuses and possibly our first peak of Mt. Elbrus. The bus ride is 3-4 hours but will pass quickly with the stunning views. Our hotel in Terskol is new, next to the ski lifts, and has excellent local and international food.
Day 5: Today we take an acclimatization hike in the stunning Baksan Valley. Steep paths wind all through the valley and many options exist, including possibly using one of the local ski lifts to gain more altitude. We return to our hotel for the night.
Day 6: While continuing to acclimatize we hike to a local glacier and spend half the day reviewing and teaching crampon and ice axe technique. This practice is essential for safety and efficiency on Elbrus. We return to the hotel for the night.
Day 7 :Today we begin our actual climb of Mt. Elbrus. Through a combination of ski lifts and hiking we arrive at The Barrels, cozy mountain huts at 12,300 feet on Elbrus. To ensure we stay well fed and healthy, we will have a Russian cook with us at the huts preparing mountain food and making our stay more comfortable.
Day 8: Climb to Pastukhov Rocks at approximately 15,000 feet. As well as a chance to practice our glacier and crampon skills, this is also an important climb for acclimatization and a great time to see the route on the mountain in daylight. We return to the Barrels for the night.
Day 9: Rest and practice additional crevasse rescue and advanced glacier skills. Since tonight’s climb is quite long and will require all of our energy, it is important we conserve, while also eating and hydrating as much as we can today. Night in the Barrels.
Day 10: Summit Day! We wake around 3 AM for a quick breakfast and hot drink. An optional snow-cat (weather dependent) takes us to our previous highpoint at Pastukhov Rocks, just below 15,000 feet. From there it is almost 4,000 vertical feet to the summit of Elbrus, primarily on open moderately angled glaciers. We should reach the summit mid-morning and have stunning views of the Caucuses from Europe’s highest summit. The round-trip climb back to the hut takes around twelve hours.
Day 11 :An extra summit day. If we have already climbed Elbrus, we descend to the Baksan Valley today. Night in Hut or Hotel.
Day 12: Return to our hotel in the Baksan Valley. If we have already descended this day can be spent hiking, climbing, or just relaxing and celebrating our ascent.
Day 13: Drive back to Mineral Voldy and fly to Moscow. After checking into our hotel we will wander the city and eat a fantastic dinner.
Day 14: Spend the day exploring Moscow, visiting the Kremlin, Cathedrals, and Red Square.
Day 15: Leave Moscow for the USA. (Saturday)
Day 16: Arrive in the USA. (Sunday)
Cost: $5,500 climb Kilimanjaro & Elbrus both in same trip, save 10% discount on total cost!
Land Costs Include
- Hotel transportation and lodging in Russia
- Guided Tours of both Moscow and St. Petersburg
- All group camp supplies, such as tents, stoves, etc.
- All Pick Ups and Transfers ($100 each) Excess Baggage Fees
- All meals and lodging All group climbing gear All meals while trekking
- All hut fees
- Park fees,trekking permits and all tour fees
- Guides (including American guides and multiple guides on summit day)
- Snow Cat transport fees
Land Costs Do Not Include
- $25 Wire Transfer Fee (If Applicable)
- International airfare USA – St. Petersburg & Moscow – USA
- Non-scheduled Airport Shuttles & hotels
- Russian Visas
- Alcoholic Beverages and bottled drinks
- All expenses incurred in the event of early departure ( evac fees, transport, extra hotel nights, etc)
- Personal gear
- You are allowed only 20kg (44lb) for the internal flights in Russia
- Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition LLC.
- Single Room Supplement
- For those requesting double room accommodations every effort will be made to pair you with another climber. A Single Room Supplement will apply if a match cannot be made or if there is a last minute cancellation.
- Tips and gratuities
- all prices and dates subject to change.
Cancellation Refund Policy
Note: Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all expeditions. Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits, Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition must adhere to a stringent refund policy.
- Each deposit, regardless of amount, includes a $250.00 non-refundable registration fee. Full refunds, less registration fee, will be provided 120-days prior to course, trek and/or expedition date.
- No refunds will be provided.
- All refund requests must be made in writing and be received in our office within the 120-day period, as stated above.
- All balances are due 90 days prior to departure date unless otherwise specified.
- Participants whose balances are not received by the 90-day deadline as stated above, risk forfeiture of their place on the expedition.
Note: Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition reserves the right to waive any fees. As we offer personalized service, we will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations when necessary, waiving certain fees when feasible.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance. Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition offers a plan in conjunction with Travelex. If you are signing up online or over the phone, please contact us for detail policy number and information we will be sent upon receipt of your completed application.
For more information regarding seven summits, please contact us.
E-mail: info@himalayansherpa.com
Congratulation your summit with Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition 2010! For more information to join these groups, please contact at National 1-888-800-0830 Local: 206-324-9000 or E-mail info@himalayansherpa.com
