ELBRUS CLIMB SOUTH SIDE – 8 days!
Route Elevation Profile
Max: 5,642 mDay-by-Day Expedition Itinerary
Detailed summit schedule with elevation points, stages, and overnight stations
Meet team in Nalchik HQ or Mineralnye Vody. Private transfer to Terskol base hotel. Expedition briefing, document registration, equipment inspection and rental gear fitting.
What Is Included
- All ground transfers according to itinerary (Nalchik / Mineralnye Vody airport to hotels & mountain)
- Accommodation in double rooms at Terskol valley hotel (2-3 nights)
- Accommodation in private heated cabins at Barrels Refuge (Gara-Bashi 3,800 m)
- Three meals a day during the whole mountain staging (private chef at the Barrels)
- Certified lead mountain guides (Russian Mountaineering Federation / UIAGM, 1:3 ratio on summit day)
- Safety equipment: group first aid kit, satellite communications, GPS, pulse oximeters, two-way radios
- Mandatory EMERCOM mountain rescue service registration
- Elbrus National Park permits and FSB border zone clearances
- Elbrus cableway tickets (Azau - Mir - Gara-Bashi return)
- Official summit certificate upon completion of the expedition
Not Included (Excluded)
- Domestic / international airfare to Nalchik or Mineralnye Vody
- Personal mountaineering equipment rental (double boots, crampons, ice axe, down jacket)
- Individual medical, accident and high-altitude evacuation insurance
- Optional snowcat (ratrack) assistance on summit push if requested by participant
- Single room accommodation supplement in the valley hotel
- Alcoholic beverages and personal café orders
Recommended Technical Gear
Rental available at Terskol partner outfitterHigh-Altitude Hardware
- Double high-altitude mountain boots with crampon welts
- Steel 12-point crampons & classic mountaineering ice axe
- Climbing helmet & Category 4 glacier sunglasses
- Climbing harness, 2 locking carabiners & safety lanyard
- Trekking poles with winter snow baskets (collapsible)
Technical Clothing & Insulation
- Thermal base layers (merino wool or high-loft synthetic)
- Windproof & waterproof membrane jacket & pants (Gore-Tex)
- Heavy down parka (-20°C to -25°C rating) & summit mitts
- Polartec fleece mid-layer & softshell trekking trousers
- High-altitude sleeping bag (-15°C comfort rating)
- Headlamp with cold-resistant lithium batteries (350+ lumens)
- Stainless steel thermos 1.0L for summit assault
Expedition Reviews
Direct WhatsApp InquiryMount Elbrus Altitude Climate & Stations
Route Photo Gallery
Summit Wall of Honor
“Our 4x4 expedition to Bezengi was an unforgettable journey. Our driver and guide Audadin was not merely an expert off-road driver, but a wonderful host who shared the deep history, culture, and mountain lore of Kabardino-Balkaria. He navigated rocky trails with absolute mastery, led us to the alpine camp viewpoint, and walked with us to the glacial waterfall. Absolute joy!”
“Huge gratitude to KavKazSkiTur for a beautifully organized mountain journey. Everything was handled with genuine care for each traveler. The trip through panoramic passes with our guide Azamat and experienced driver Alim was fantastic. Heartfelt thanks for their professionalism and human warmth.”
“Spectacular summit expedition! Vladimir Zubashkov and the guiding team made every stage safe and perfectly paced. The heated Barrels at 3,800m were warm and comfortable, and the final summit push from the saddle to 5,642m was executed with military precision. For anyone serious about high-altitude mountaineering, KavKazSkiTur is the gold standard.”
“Wonderful trip up to Mount Elbrus. Comfortable transport with AC, super courteous and caring driver, and our guide Asya was brilliant and knowledgeable. Acclimatization rotations to Priyut 11 and Pastukhov rocks prepared us thoroughly. Everything was executed to perfection. We are definitely climbing with KavKazSkiTur again!”
“Superb mountain driving skills! We drove out to greet the dawn at 2,600m on Bermamyt, waiting for the first light at 07:00 AM. What seemed like impassable rocky terrain was navigated smoothly by the 4x4. The comfort and off-road capability left nothing but stellar memories.”
“Fantastic expedition. The cultural tour through Grozny and the high passes was breathtaking, and lunch in the orchard was delicious. Highest marks to our driver Timur for safe and attentive driving across high mountain switchbacks!”
“Dombay is a natural wonderland! Snowy peaks of Belalakaya and Sofrudzhu rising right above the green alpine meadows. Our driver and coordinator made sure our transfer from Mineralnye Vody was seamless and every stop along the gorge was breathtaking.”
“An authentic high-mountain challenge across the Maili glacier and Karmadon gorge. Impeccable rope handling, hot thermal springs before the ascent, and deeply professional guides. KavKazSkiTur is genuine alpine craftsmanship.”