Alpine Ascents Elbrus Expedition Itinerary
Itinerary Overview
The location of Elbrus provides a look into the cultures of the Turkish, Georgian, Azerbaydzhani and Russian people. Our expedition begins in the city of St. Petersburg, a traditional vanguard of European culture. It is one of the few cities in the world which has retained its charm while continuing to be a place of great change. Downtown sprawls with exquisite architecture that canopies streets of shops, small restaurants and an active nightlife scene. Following our climb we return to Moscow, the focal point of commerce and politics in Russia. Moscow is ever-changing with markets and state shops dominating street life. Depending on schedules, we take time to visit the Kremlin, stroll Red Square along the Moscow River and tour the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts.
For Travel Arrangements call Charles Mulvehill at Scan East West Travel: 1-800-727-2157 or 206-623 2157. charles@scaneastwest.com
Day-to-day Itinerary
Day 1: Depart USA.
Day 2: Arrive St. Petersburg. Climbers should arrive between 1 - 3pm. or make special pick up arrangements with Alpine Ascents, additional fees may apply.
Day 3: St. Petersburg. We begin our journey with a tour of St. Petersburg. Here we will meet our Russian friends and tour this spectacular city. We visit the world renowned Hermitage, considered one of Europe’s finest museums with vast collections of Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, Rodin and Picasso displayed amidst architectural splendor. We also visit the Aurora, the military ship which fired the first shot of the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. We overnight in a St. Petersburg hotel.
Day 4 Flight to Mineral Vody. After Breakfast in St. Petersburg we fly south to Mineral Vody (mineral water), and travel by bus to our hotel in the Baksan Valley. The Baksan is known for its Russian climbing camps. Mountaineers from all over the world, come here to train and climb in the Caucasus. It is also a great location for them to develop the technical skills necessary to climb great peaks around the world. Full gear check. Hotel in valley.
Day 5 Baksan Valley. The acclimatization process begins by hiking in the beautiful Baksan Valley as we climb the Cheget Ridge.
Day 6 Acclimatization hike to Cheget observatory. This is a long day of walking with good altitude increases. By the end of this day most climbers are feeling strong and accustomed to the altitude.
Day 7 Move to “barrels” where we lodge at about 11,000 feet. We use the tram and ski lift to help move our gear. Sleep in Barrels. (Lodging conditions such as the “barrels” may change from year to year).
Day 8 Hike to Pastukov rocks (15,416 feet) and return to barrel.
Day 9 Brief skills review and rest day before summit.
Day 10 Summit day: Depart camp via Snow-cat at 3:00am and ride to Pastukov Rocks area. From the rocks we begin our summit ascent. It is a long summit day and look for a 12-hour round trip climb. From the summit we have excellent views of the Caucuses, including Ushba, the Matterhorn of the region.
Day 11 Extra day at Barrels for inclement weather. Local glacier tour or return to valley if we already have summitted.
Day 12 Hiking; barbecue and celebration (can use as summit day if needed)
Day 13 Fly Mineral Vody to Moscow
Day 14 Tour of Moscow and night is free for climbers (meals not included)
Day 15 Depart Moscow for USA.