Elbrus, Europe's highest peak, is a giant dormant volcano that separates Europe from Asia. The straightforward yet spectacular climb is contrasted by the cultural wonders of enigmatic Russia.
With short 12 or 14 day options, the Elbrus Expedition is an ideal objective as your first or second of the Seven Summits.
Adventure Consultants offers two options for climbing Elbrus. For those who wish to explore some of Russia's most beautiful cultural cities, Trip 1 is 14 days in duration and starts in St Petersburg and finishes in Moscow. Our shorter Trip 2 is 12 days long and starts and finishes in Moscow.
Being relatively high, Elbrus demands respect and we approach this by climbing higher each day during our acclimatisation phase whilst sleeping at lower elevations at night. A cable car takes us up to accommodation at the base of the climb where we learn basic snow and ice techniques from the guides prior to the ascent. The summit day entails climbing long snow slopes with views over the wooded valleys to the surrounding peaks.
Dates 2023
Not operating in 2023
Trip 1
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
All expedition organisational requirements
Breakfasts in St Petersburg and Moscow
Transfers from hotel to airport for Mineralnye Vody flight and return
Transport Mineralnye Vody to Elbrus region
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Trip 2
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Account Information
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch
42 Willis Street
Spark Central
Wellington
New Zealand
for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited
Account Number: 1000-594771-0002
Account Type: Euros
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
We can also accept your deposit and balance payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card transaction fee.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of €500 is payable to secure a place on the expedition.
Balance
The balance of funds is payable 90 days prior to trip start date.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 90 days prior to your trip commencement date. An expedition member may then cancel his/her participation on the following basis:
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons.
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The Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Elbrus Expeditions.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the images or download a pdf by clicking the following links:
Elbrus Trip 1 Trip Notes 2023
Team Membership
The team will have a minimum size of 6 members and 2 guides and a maximum size of 12 members and 3 guides.
Our Guides
The expedition leader will be scheduled approximately six months out from the trip start. All of our expedition leaders have extensive experience at high altitude and a proven record of safety, success and compatibility.
Mike Roberts
Lead Guide Elbrus Trip 1 & 2, 2019
Mike Roberts has been guiding for nearly 30 years and during his career has climbed many of the world’s highest mountains including 8 ascents of Everest including back to back ascents of Everest and Lhotse.
He has also managed to fit in 15 seasons mountain and ski guiding in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, 19 seasons in Antarctica as a Field Leader / Guide to the USA and NZ Antarctic Programs, SAR Leader for the Joint Antarctic Search and Rescue team, has worked as a Professional Ski Patroller / Avalanche Forecaster and is a qualified Physiotherapist. Mike is also a fully qualified IFMGA Mountain & Ski Guide.
Lead Guide Elbrus Trip 3, 2019
Having begun his association with AC in our New Zealand guiding team, JB has fast become one of our most popular guides. Quickly progressing to bigger and bolder projects, JB has already gathered impressive high altitude experience, having summitted 8,167m/26,794ft Dhaulagiri without oxygen in 2017. JB has also led three expeditions to Antarctica’s highest peak, Vinson Massif (4,892m/16,050ft), and was Elbrus Lead Guide for AC in 2018.
Head Office Support Team
Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.
Hayley Furze, Client Liaison
Hayley joins the AC team with a wealth of experience working in the tourism and hospitality industry along with a love of travel. She works as Client Liaison on a number of our European and international ascents, treks and expeditions.
Your Health
Expedition members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their family physician and receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the expedition leader and our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality. Please also enquire about our Fitness Training Programs.
Difficulty Rating
Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.
Food
Food will be of the highest standard possible, given the remoteness of the location. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us at the time of registration. For special diets such as vegan and gluten/dairy free we will call you to discuss your needs and how this will work on the expedition in Russia.
Clothing & Equipment
Adventure Consultants will supply all group gear (e.g. ropes, etc.) whilst expedition members are to provide their own personal clothing and equipment. A comprehensive equipment list will be provided to expedition members upon confirmation of your participation.
Trip 1 initiates in St Petersburg and finishes in Moscow, where we get to sample a lot of the local culture along the way.
| Day | |
| 1 | Arrive St Petersburg, Russia. Team meeting, welcome meal and gear check. |
| 2 | St Petersburg tour. View the incredible architecture, visit the Hermitage Museum with its art classics and the remarkable Peter and Paul Fortress. |
| 3 | Depart St Petersburg and fly to Mineralnye Vody. Travel by coach to Terskol in Baksan Valley. |
| 4 | Acclimatisation ascent (using ski lifts) of Cheget Mountain (3,600m/11,800ft). Stay in a local hotel. |
| 5 | 4WD to a waterfall (2,700m/ 8,850ft), acclimatisation hike to Ice Camp (3,700m/12,100ft). Return to the hotel. |
| 6 | Ride ski lifts. Acclimatisation hike. Overnight stay in the newly renovated Heart of Elbrus Hut (3,900m/12,800ft) on the slopes of Elbrus. |
| 7 | Acclimatisation hike to the Obelisk (4,100m/13,450ft). |
| 8 | Acclimatisation hike to Pastukhov Rocks (4,600m/15,100ft), return to the hut. |
| 9 | Summit day. Leave hut about 3am for the climb of Elbrus’ west summit (5,642m/18,510ft). Overnight in the hut. |
| 10 | Spare summit day. Overnight in hut. |
| 11 | Spare summit day, descend to the valley and return to hotel. |
| 12 | Drive to Mineralnye Vody. Fly to Moscow, stay at a hotel. |
| 13 | City tour in Moscow, visit famous Russian landmarks like the Kremlin, Red Square and enjoy the modern Russian culture in this entertaining city |
| 14 | Depart hotel for the airport. Fly home. |
Trip 2 starts and finishes in Moscow and is thus two days shorter, although the time on the mountain is the same as Trip 1.
| Day | |
| 1 | Arrive Moscow, Russia. Team meeting, welcome dinner and gear check. |
| 2 | 2-hour flight to Mineralnye Vody (Caucasus). 3-hour bus ride to a hotel in the Baksan Valley. Overnight stay in hotel. |
| 3 | Acclimatisation ascent (using ski lifts) of Cheget Mountain (3,600m/11,800ft). Overnight stay in the hotel. |
| 4 | 4WD outing to a local waterfall (2,700m/ 8,850ft), acclimatisation hike to Ice Camp (3,700m/12,100ft). Return to the hotel. |
| 5 | Ride ski lifts for an acclimatisation hike. Overnight stay in the newly renovated Heart of Elbrus Hut (3,900m/12,800ft) on the slopes of Elbrus. |
| 6 | Acclimatisation hike to the Obelisk (4,100m/13,450ft), return to the hut. |
| 7 | Acclimatisation hike to Pastukhov Rocks (4,600m/15,100ft), return to the hut. |
| 8 | Summit day. Leave the hut about 3am for the climb of Elbrus’ west summit (5,642m/18,510ft). Overnight in the hut. |
| 9 | Reserve day for climbing Elbrus. Overnight in hut. |
| 10 | Spare summit day, descend to the valley and return to the hotel. |
| 11 | Drive to Mineralnye Vody, fly to Moscow. Overnight in hotel. |
| 12 | Trip ends, depart for home. |
If you're looking to complete the Seven Summits or would like to climb two contrasting mountains in different parts of the world in one trip, then our Kili-Elbrus Combos are ideal. The combos begin with the easier Kilimanjaro Expedition, then move across to join one of our Elbrus expeditions.
2023 Dates
Kilimanjaro #2 (June 18-30) followed by Elbrus #1 (July 3-16)
Please visit our Kilimanjaro page or contact us for more information.
If you are planning on having extra time to explore Russia, we are happy to assist with arranging additional city tours in Moscow and St Petersburg, tickets to the Russian ballet, a river cruise and for the more adventurous, train tickets between the major cities.
We offer Privately Guided Expeditions where you have the services of a top AC western guide as well as the support of Russian guides and cooks who work together on the expedition to ensure your needs are best met. AC have been fortunate enough to work with many private Elbrus groups over the years with exceptional results.
Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your mountaineering adventure can be tricky! Rest assured when you book with the expedition specialists here at Adventure Consultants we'll help by sending through advice on what you'll need, including:
For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.
Please note you will be emailed out a set of Team Reference Notes upon registration. This extensive booklet includes detailed information to assist in the planning of your trip, from travel and medical advice to equipment lists and photography tips. The following is to serve as a helpful guideline but please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions as our team is here to help!
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
Do we really ride snowcats and skidoos on the mountain? Isn’t this cheating?
We do ride snowcats or skidoos during our climb, but it is far from cheating! Any ground on which we use “mechanical assistance” to climb, we already will have walked to that height on foot. For example on summit morning, we will ride the snowcat to Pastukhov Rocks, while 1 or 2 days prior, we will have walked there during our final acclimatisation climb.
Can I bring my skis?
It is possible to ski from the summit of Elbrus on one of our specialised private expeditions, please contact us for more information.
I hear that Moscow is the most expensive city in the world! Is this true?
It is one of the most expensive cities in the world. A simple cappuccino can sometimes cost USD$7! We work hard to try to find the most comfortable and affordable restaurants and hotels. It is the classic case of tourists always paying more, but if you are diligent and follow your guides advice, usually you can avoid the worst of it.
What sort of hotels do we stay at in the cities?
Excellent ones! Both the hotels in St Petersburg and Moscow will either be the Holiday Inn, rated 4 star or a comparable centrally located property. We always utilise modern hotels with world class facilities including various restaurants, heated pools and a convenient central location making it is easy to get out to explore the city.
What is the accommodation like in the Elbrus region?
Hotels in the Baksan Valley are also well-appointed and convenient. On the mountain, we stay in the newly renovated Heart of Elbrus hut (also known as Islam Hut after the name of its owner). The hut provides basic bunk-style accommodation and the ground floor communal area is spacious and comfortable with a diner/booth layout and bar. The hut itself is accessed by ski lift.
Will I be sharing a room with other climbers? Is there a single room option on this trip?
Yes, the bunk rooms in the hut on the mountain are shared facilities. In the hotels, typically you will share with one other team member. There is a single room option available for the hotel nights, so please contact our office for prices.
What kind of food do you have on the mountain?
The Heart of Elbrus hut is fully catered and provides three hearty meals during set hours each day. We also provide plenty of snacks, fruit and of course, fresh coffee! If you have any specific dietary requirements, please do let our office know in advance so that we can arrange suitable alternatives.
Your Elbrus expeditions originate in different locations, why is this?
We offer a variety of options for those that want to climb Elbrus. The longest trip, Trip 1, allows for a full day of sightseeing in St Petersburg (often called the Venice of Russia) at the start of the expedition and one day in Moscow at the end. Trip 2 departs and finishes directly from Moscow but without time for city tours.
Where do I meet and will I be picked up?
For Trip 1, please fly into St Petersburg's Pulkovo International Airport (LED). For Trip 2, fly into either Moscow's Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME) or Vnukovo (KVO) International Airports. We will assist in arranging airport transfers and your guide will usually meet you on your arrival at the hotel. A few weeks before the trip, you will receive a final details letter outlining the hotel and agent contact details, the team member list, airport transfer information as well as other last minute tips.
What if I arrive early or depart late?
Due to the excessive amount of bureaucracy in Russia, the planning of this expedition is very time-consuming as every detail must be confirmed well in advance to meet our obligations with visa support and travel documentation. Changes from the plan can become very expensive and flexibility is not an option like it is in the West. For this reason, we request that expedition members ensure their travel arrangements in and out of Russia are as close to our itinerary as possible. If you do plan to have extra days in Russia on either side of the itinerary, please let your client liaison know so that they can assist with this as per the visa support documents.
I hear getting to the mountain involves a long travel day, is this true?
If you have ever seen the Steve Martin movie “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” that is sort of what it feels like. Elbrus is located in the Baskan Valley, a remote part of Russia's Caucasus mountains. Our trips typically spend a full day travelling to get there, starting with a domestic flight to Mineralnye Vody, which is always exciting, followed by a bus ride to Terskol. While it sounds simple, travel inside of Russia can be somewhat slow, so expect to plug into your music, move some duffel bags around between the flight and bus, and enjoy the countryside.
Are there any entry or visa requirements?
Yes, one of the biggest issues with travel in Russia is the visa! Almost all foreign travellers to Russia require a visa. At the balance payment date for your expedition, once the trip has been confirmed and we have your flight details, we will provide the invitation letter and support documentation necessary to procure your Russian visa. The visa process normally takes up to 4 weeks, although may take longer (sometimes up to 10 weeks!). You can begin the visa process up to three months in advance so we advise you to submit your visa application as soon as you have received the relevant documentation from our office. Your travel agent or a visa processing service should be able to assist you with this process.
How heavy will my pack be?
Due to the use of the chairlifts up to the hut, you will never have to carry a pack heavier than 15-20lbs/6-10kg. You will, however, have to move your heavier duffel onto and off of cable cars and chairlifts up to the hut.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Yes, you will be sent a personal clothing and equipment list once our office has received your trip registration form and deposit. We do also have a dedicated equipment coordinator that is happy to provide advice and answers to any questions you may have.
Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared and you must bring everything on the list. Please do not hesitate to contact our equipment coordinator if you have any questions about purchasing gear or check out our Gear Store. We can also arrange the rental of certain items, so if interested please check with our office.
How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be?
You will require a sleeping bag rated to about 0˚C. As you will be sleeping inside the hut, there is no need for any waterproof coatings. We recommend buying a sleeping bag big enough to allow you to wear extra clothes if it is especially cold.
How many climbers will be on this expedition?
Typically 6 to 12 members will be on the trip with you.
Can I contact other climbers or guides for this expedition?
Sure! If you contact us before the trip, we will send out your request to other members and then it is up to them to contact you. We will never send you other members contact information due to our privacy policies. We do find that most team members are very keen to be in touch with each other prior to the expedition start date.
How much should I tip my guide staff?
We recommend approximately RB100-500 (€1.70-€8.50) per person for the city tour guides and bus driver and RB2,000 (€34) per person for the local mountain guide. If you wish to acknowledge a particular staff member who has helped you a lot, then this can be done as a separate tip.
Whilst we all want to acknowledge the valuable contribution of the Russian staff, it is also worth recognising the efforts of your Western guide who will be very thankful for your appreciation. Feel free to discuss this topic with your guide.
What are the skills/prior experience required for this climb?
Elbrus is a glacier climb, so it would be good if you came to this trip having some snow experience under your belt. This would include having worn crampons and used an ice axe before. That said, we do provide a refresher on these skills when first arriving on the mountain and we are also happy to provide some additional training, prior to the expedition. Please talk to our team about this.
What is the conditioning level needed for this climb?
As the altitude is over 5,000m/16,500ft, it is good to be in excellent cardiovascular shape, and be able to carry a moderate weight pack (6-10kg/15-20lbs). Please also see our Fitness Training Programs page.
How long is a typical day on the mountain?
Days where we are acclimatising can be between 5-7 hours long. Summit day can be up to 15 hours, with the average summit day being 7-8 hours. The benefit of a long summit day is that we start and finish at the huts, rather than having to camp higher to shorten the summit day.
How do I know this is the right trip for me?
We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.
What type of communication is available on the climb?
Believe it or not, your mobile phone from home will work all the way to the hut and there is also 3G available. Please check to make sure you understand the roaming rates as it can be quite expensive to call from Russia. Your guide will also carry a satellite phone as a backup and for emergencies.
What insurance do we need to get?
On all of our international expeditions, there is a requirement for each expedition member to have insurance to cover any personal or medical mishaps that may occur before or during the expedition. This should cover you for any costs incurred in the event of any illness, medical emergency or evacuation that occurs while on expedition as well as trip cancellation, baggage loss, damage or theft, or any other such mishap that may occur.
Do I need evacuation insurance?
Yes, it is very important. Many of our expeditions are in remote places with no roads and developing medical services. In the unlikely event you get sick, you want to get to good medical care ASAP.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
Coverage varies based on your nationality and the trip that you are taking with us. When you have booked on for a trip with us, we will send you comprehensive information on various insurance options which will serve as a good starting point for obtaining the best coverage available for yourself. Please also visit our Expedition Insurance page.
What is trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without losing the total cost of the trip. Adventure Consultants highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all of our treks and expeditions. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (minimum numbers are not reached or travel to a country becomes too dangerous), then we refund your fees paid but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.
How much should I budget for this expedition? How much cash should I plan to bring?
As Russia is an expensive country, it is difficult to plan and budget how much cash to bring. Fortunately, there are plenty of cash machines all over the big cities and ATMs in Mineralnye Vody, the Terskol Village and Cheget area.
You should budget for €40-80 per meal in St Petersburg and Moscow. In the Baskan Valley, we recommend approximately €400 EUR to cover tips for the local staff, potential snowcat rides and other incidentals, with perhaps a little more for gifts and additional tips.
I love the photographs in your brochure and on your website, are they for sale?
Yes, our images are available for licensing or purchase. Please contact us for more information.
I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.
Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.
JB Chandesris
Dispatches - Elbrus Private Exp Aug'17
Dispatches - Elbrus Private Exp July'17
Dispatches - Elbrus 2017
Dispatches - Elbrus 2016
Dispatches - Elbrus 2015
Dispatches - Elbrus 2014
Dispatches - Elbrus 2012
Dispatches - Elbrus 2010
Dispatches - Elbrus 2009
Dispatches - Elbrus 2007
Dispatches - Elbrus 2005
Dispatches - Elbrus 2004
