Day 1

Arrive in Moscow. A member of LenAlpTours staff will meet you at the airport. This representative will answer questions, brief you on the immediate arrangements, and escort you to the Belgrad hotel.

Day 2

After breakfast transfer to Vnukovo airport. Fly Moscow - Mineralnye Vody. A LenAlpTours guide will be waiting for you at the airport. Bus trip to the Baksan valley (4,5h.). Check into the Volfram hotel. Dinner

Day 3

Today we'll have acclimatization hikes in the Terskol valley. From here there is a magnificient view of Mt. EIbrus. Ascend along the Terskol river through meadows (5 hours). Return to the hotel for a lunch. Afternoon is free.

Day 4

Acclimatization hike to Cheget peak (3050m) will take us about 5 hours. It is so nice to relax at the "Ai" cafe (2750m.) where you can appreciate a panoramic view of the Baksan valley and the twin summits of Mt. EIbrus. Ascent of the Mt.Cheget top and then return to the hotel for a lunch.

Day 5

After breakfast we'll have 15 minutes drive to the cable-car station Azau. Take two trams and a chairlift up to the Karabashi lift station (3750m). Check into the Barrels Refuge. The same day we'll do an acclimatization hike to 4200m. (where Priutt 11 Refuge was situated). Overnight in Barrels.

Barrels is a collection of huts in the shape of....you guessed, Large Barrels.

Day 6

Early start for acclimatization hike to the Pastukhov Rocks (4800m). From everywhere on the slopes of Elbrus a panorama of the Central Caucasus spreads out before us. Overnight in Barrels.

Day 7

Today we will make an attempt to reach the main target of the trip - summit of Mt. EIbrus. We have to start very early before dawn. Using headlamps we make our way to Pastukhov Rocks where we stop for a short rest and re-hydrate with drinks. After the saddle (5300m) is reached, the summit climb itself will start. The reward is to stand on top of the highest mountain in Europe. Descend to the Barrels Refuge. Overnight there.

Day 8

This is a backup day in case of bad weather.

Day 9

Descend to the Volfram hotel. Accommodation at the hotel. Rest!

Day 10

A free day to hike in the Baksan valley (this day can also be used as an extra day for a summit attempt in case of inclement weather).

Day 11

Drive to Mineralnye Vody. Fly to Moscow. Arrive in Moscow. A representative of LenAlpTours meets you at the Vnukovo airport and escorts you to the Sheremetyevo 2 (international) airport. Leave for your hometown. T

ASCENT CONDITIONS

Elbrus is a volcanic massif to the north of the Caucasus Main Ridge. Normally the ascent is started from the Baksan Valley and is led on one ofthe south slopes of the mountain.

The trip is not technically difficult but requires crampons and an ice axe. Systematic programme of acclimatization is essential prior to making the ascent. The climb itself may take between 6-10 hours; the descent another 3-5 hours. The main obstacles are high altitude, fog, wind and cold.

Guiding this climb are experienced top Russian mountaineers. This nontechnical climb is a test of stamina, and with proper acclimatization and good weather, you can reach the summit.

THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE GROUP WILL REACH THE SUMMIT. IF THE GUIDE FEELS THAT IT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF ALL MEMBERS OR EVEN ONE MEMBER OF THE GROUP TO RETURN DOWN THE MOUNTAIN NO CLIENT WILL GO AGAINST THE GUIDE'S BETTER JUDGEMENT. YOUR WELFARE IS OUR HIGHEST PRIORITY. THERE MAY BE ANOTHER DAY!

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

Down jacket, windstopper suit, warm trousers, warm gloves, caps.
A face mask to protect from the wind is desirable.
Mountain boots, crampons, ice-axe, harness with carabiners.
Sun-protection glasses and means of sun-protection for the face.
Sleeping bag (for overnights in Barrels).
For acclimatization hikes: trekking boots (or sport shoes) and waterproofs.

PRICE MIN. VODY-MIN.VODY

2-3 pax $973 per person
4-6 pax $795 per person
7-9 pax $729 per person
10-12 pax $689 per person

THE PRICE INCLUDES

all in/out transfers, hotel accommodation, accommodation at Barrels refuge, full board, English-speaking guide.

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY AIRFARES

DATES for 2002:

10-22 May
19-30 June
11-22 July
4-15 August
1-12 September