Climb Elbrus in the Caucasus of Russia highest in Europe.

Flights are NOT included. You will need to make your own way to and from Mineralnye Vody (MRV) Airport, Russia. Flights will be coordinated in the build up to the trip.

• 3* hotel accommodation in Kislovdsk

• Tent accommodation in Base Camp, then a basic hut in High Camp. All accommodation is shared on the mountain (please email if you would like to reserve a Single Room Supplement at additional cost)

• There are very limited facilities at Base Camp – but include limited wifi and showers

• Toilets are long drops while on the mountain

All food on and off the mountain is included, from arrival at the hotel on the first day to departure of the hotel on the last day. We have meals cooked for us while on the mountain. Bring some of your favourite snacks and cereal bars for the summit night!

It is frequently warm in the valleys, but the upper mountain is a different beast, with temperatures as low as -15°C or colder at night and storms in the late afternoon that should be strictly avoided due to lightning risk. The summit night is known for being both bitterly cold and windy!

This of course comes with the caveat that once in a while, it can be warm and still, even on the upper mountain.

This may be your first trip to altitude – in which case it can seem daunting.

The effects of altitude on the human body, and more specifically Acute Mountain Sickness, along with the serious conditions of HAPE and HACE will be discussed at the briefing on the first night.

• Kazbek (5054m) over the border in Georgia provides the ideal acclimatization peak, before a speedy ascent of Elbrus North side as we already acclimatized. Having done this peak in 2019, it makes an exciting warm up peak, adding 4 days to the itinerary. This is done on a bespoke basis – please email for prices.

• If participants are keen, there is the option of descending down the South side of Elbrus once you have summited for a full traverse of the mountain. This has the additional cost (shared amongst the team) of a Piste Basher/snow cat/ski lift descent to finish, but is a far faster way off the mountain. Going that way you get the best of both sides of the mountain – the natural beauty of the North side with the convenience of the South.

• Traditional Russian Sauna in Kislovdsk

It is compulsory to have mountaineering insurance (including to the relevant altitude of the trip), helicopter evacuation and repatriation. Please submit a copy with final payment.

For UK passport holders, applying for a Russian tourist visa requires an invitation (this will be sent out to you 2 months ahead of travel, and then you need to go (in person) to the Russian visa office (Edinburgh, Manchester or London). You then receive your passport back around a week later in the post, ready to travel.

Doctors and rescue team in the ski area on the South side, and at Base Camp on the North side. Helicopter evacuation available (although access to the upper mountain is limited by weather conditions). Hospital in Kislovodsk and medical facilities in Cheget/Terskol. The Leader will be carrying an expedition medical kit.

Elbrus requires a higher degree of fitness than Kilimanjaro or Everest Base Camp, because of the heavier loads and the fact you have crampons on your feet. As a minimum, preparation should include cardio 3 times a week, starting 2-4 months before the start of the trip, and long days walking with a pack on (ideally in the hills).