11 days | 3.6.  – 14.6. 2013

As the security situation in the Caucasus has much improved, we decided to insert back into our catalogue trip to Elbrus (5642 m) the highest peak of the Caucasus and Europe. Elbrus dominates the whole Caucasus, whether you fly by plane to Asia and you can see it from the window of a plane, or you are directly underneath and you look at the icy double peak from the green valley. This extinct volcano is separated from the main ridge of the Caucasus and exceeds surrounding hills by more than a thousand meters of altitude.

The hill itself has two summits – western summit is 5642 m high and eastern summit 5621 m. The priority of the ascent is always the western one, but we will try to manage both peaks during one climb, which is considered to be very valuable athletic performance. The priority of our travelling will be movement in a small group, so that we could respond flexibly to any situation and freely enjoy this beautiful climb and travelling itself. Great Bear (Ursa Maior) will wait and light for us on the D day, in the mountain pass between the two summits.

After arriving in Mineral waters (Mineralnye Vody) we will move through the valley Baksan to village Elbrus, which will serve as our base for the entire stay. Simple hotel-type accommodation with excellent cuisine will provide us enough comfort and space for recovery. We will go through necessary acclimatization in surrounding valleys – in the wild nature of Caucasus, but also on the slopes of Elbrus.

The touch of the exotic and getting to know customs of locals will be obvious.. After ascent and as goodbye we will let ourselves celebrate in style … but about it later.

Tour is difficult on physical condition and we have to take into consideration stay on the glacier at higher altitudes, but with good acclimatization and good weather, we would not have a problem to reache the top.

Programme:

1st day: Flight from Vienna to Mineral waters (Mineralnye Vody) from there transfer by minibus through Baksan valley to village Elbrus.

2nd – 4th day: Acclimatization hikes in the valleys Iryk, Irykchat, Adil-Su, overnight on a glacier at an altitude of up to 4000 m.

5th -8th day: Acclimatization on the slopes of Elbrus, Pastuch rocks, rest day, ascent to Elbrus (in the case of good condition we will try both summits), spare time for possible second attempt to reach the top.

9th day: Rest after the ascent, combined with unusual local celebration in great style (thermal pool, great shashlik, house wine, cognac, …), so as it is right and is due to.

10th day: Packing and moving to Mineral waters (Mineralnye Vody)

11th day: Air transfer to Vienna

The timetable is only preliminary and may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. In other words, we will be a small group so that we can establish ourselves to reach and see everything we want.

The price includes transportation from Mineral waters (Mineralnye Vody) to Elbrus and back, accommodation in local small hotel, services of Slovak guide, VHT instructor, registration at police, return ticket for cable car under Elbrus (station Mir), transfers to ascents, organizational fees .

The price does not include airticket to Mineral waters (Mineralnye Vody), food (option to order half board – we recommend!), visa to enter Russia (about 70 EUR), fee for entry into the valleys and ascent to Elbrus (about 33 USD, it may or may not be paid ), accommodation in cabins in Prijut 11 (about 15-20 EUR / night) insurance.

 Dates: 3^rd June 2013 – 14^th June 2013

• Price A: 700 EUR + air ticket about 400 EUR
• Price B: 660 EUR + air ticket about 400 EUR
• Price C: 620 EUR + air ticket about 400 EUR