Message about the geographical object Mount Elbrus. Location and height of Elbrus

Mount Elbrus fascinates not only climbers, but also ordinary travelers. From year to year, tourists come to the foot of the mountain to see the greatness and power of the peak. Few remain indifferent and disappointed. This mountain, shrouded in secrets and legends, incredible ascents of the past and present make it even more attractive and popular.

Geographic characteristics

Elbrus is marked on the map of Russia, between the two republics - Karachay-Cherkess and. The nearest city at the foot of the Tyrnauz mountain is the city of Elbrus.

The peak has two highest peaks, the height of the eastern peak is 5621 meters, and the height of the western peak is 5642 meters. The distance between them is 1500 meters. On average, the steepness of the slopes is 35 degrees. Academician V.K. Vishnevsky first determined the height of Elbrus, and it was 5421 meters.

23 glaciers flow from the slopes of the mountain. The area of ​​glaciers is 134 square kilometers. The maximum length of glaciers is about 7–9 km. Their total area decreased over the past 100-150 years by 19%. The glacier that flows into the Kuban valley has decreased by 33%. Elbrus glaciers feed three large Caucasian and Stavropol rivers:

• Kuban;
• Malku;
• Baksan.

Until now, the exact boundaries between Asia and Europe have not been defined, so the mountain is often referred to as the highest mountain peak in Europe and equated with the mountains of the "Seven Peaks". The two-peak stratovolcano was formed on an ancient volcanic base. It is believed that these two peaks are completely independent volcanoes and do not depend on each other. Both peaks have their own distinct shape and a clearly defined crater.

Finding a mountain on the map is not difficult, since today a wide variety of maps and public routes With detailed descriptions.

general description

Elbrus - height which is famous for its ancient history. The age of the mountain is determined by the state of the upper part. Its top has a vertical fracture. Last eruption highest peak Russia happened around the 50s AD. e.

Mystery of the name of the mountain

Where is Elbrus located? Perhaps, almost every student in the country will answer this question. But where the name of the mountain comes from, few people know. It is worth noting that the peak has more than one name and has a total of about a dozen.

Today it is very difficult to understand which name appeared earlier. If speak about modern name, then according to one version, it comes from the Iranian word "aytibares". In translation, it sounds like a high or brilliant mountain. The peak in the Karachay-Balkar language is called “Mingi-tau”, which is translated into Russian as “a mountain of thousands”. But there is also another name for the Balkars - “Minge-tau”, which translates as “mountain saddled”. Modern representatives of this community call Elbrus - "a mountain around which the wind is spinning" ("Elbrus - tau").

Common names in other languages:

• "Jin padishah" - "master of spirits" (Turkic);
• "Orfi - tube" - "mountain of the blessed" (Abkhazian);
• "Yal - buz" - "snow mane" (Georgian).

local climate

Under the influence of seasonal air masses, the climate of the mountainous region is formed. Climatic conditions are typical for mountainous terrain. The Elbrus region is characterized by the roundness of good and bad weather.

In summer, the cycle is a week. In the first days of June the weather is worse than in July. The climate during this period is humid and cool. The temperature at an altitude of 2 thousand meters sometimes reaches +35 degrees, and at a higher altitude - +25 degrees. Autumn comes from the end of August. Winter comes already in October, at an altitude of more than 3 thousand meters. At this point, the average temperature is -12 degrees. The absolute minimum is fixed at minus 27 degrees. Spring comes only at the beginning of May. During this period, snow is actively melting at levels of 3 thousand meters. Often it descends in the form of wet avalanches.

The higher the height, the greater the thickness of the cover. Thus, 60–80 cm is the average thickness of the summit cover. There is more snow on the northern slopes than on the southern ones. For more high altitudes eternal snowfields and firn fields remain. Due to them, the mass of all Elbrus glaciers is increasing.

Volcanic activity

Elbrus is considered an extinct volcano. When studying the mountain, geologists examined its layers, which contain the ashes of the volcano. It is proved that this particular ash was formed as a result of eruptions since ancient times. After examining the first layer, scientists found that the first eruption of the peak occurred about 45 thousand years ago. e. The next - the second layer, was formed after the volcanic eruption of Mount Kazbek. It was formed about 40 thousand years ago.

Today it is precisely proved that it was the second eruption that was the most powerful, even by modern standards. People - Neanderthals, living at the foot of the mountain at that time, were forced to leave settled places in search of more favorable living conditions. Determined that last time the volcano erupted 2 thousand years ago BC. e.

The history of climbing Elbrus

Back in 1829, the first conquest of Elbrus was made. The leader of the climbing expedition is George Emmanuel. Famous physicists, zoologists, botanists, geologists and other scientists were members of the scientific expedition. It was they who became the pioneers-conquerors of the highest peak of the Earth - eastern part of Elbrus.

In 1868, a second ascent was carried out by an English group of scientists on eastern part mountains. In the same year, the first conquest of Mount Kazbek was made. The western peak of Elbrus was conquered in 1874 by climbers from England, the expedition was led by A. Sottaev.

During a scientific expedition to map the Caucasus in 1890-1896, an ascent was made to the eastern and western mountains Elbrus. The expedition was headed by a Russian scientist, military topographer - A.V. Shepherds. It was he who left behind detailed maps terrain and Mount Elbrus - photo. For the study of the Caucasus and Elbrus, in honor of Pastukhov, part of the rocks of Elbrus was named ( South part). The height of the Pastukhov rocks is 4800 meters.

In 1891, the shortest ascent time in history was recorded - only 8 hours. The ascent began at the foot of the southern slopes and ended at the eastern summit.

Swiss climbers, for the first time in history, in 1910 carried out the so-called Elbrus Cross. They climbed two peaks at the same time, as part of the same expedition.

The first woman conqueror of Elbrus - A. Japaridze (1925).

Soviet climbers made the first winter ascent in 1934. And in 1939, the first ski slope from Elbrus was carried out by the Moscow skier V. Gippenreiter.

From the first part of the 20th century, climbing Elbrus began to be of the most massive nature. So, in 1928, 32 groups of climbers carried out the rise, in 1935 about 2016 people visited Elbrus, and in 1960 - 1395 climbers.

In 1963 he climbed on a motorcycle Berberashvili - Soviet athlete. In 1997, already on the car, the whole team conquered the summit. And in 2015, the Russian athlete A. Rodichev climbed the mountain with a barbell that weighed 75 kg.

The ascent of 2016 to Elbrus is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Russian climbers A. Kuimov and S. Baranov climbed with the help of an ATV to a height of 5642 meters.

Nowadays, climbing Elbrus is not difficult. For tourists and travelers, shelters make the way easier - parking lots and cableways.

The beauty and grandeur of Elbrus make the mountain the most visited in modern world. The viewing radius under favorable conditions is large. So, sometimes from the tops of the mountain you can see the Caspian and Black Sea simultaneously. Not without reason, in 2008, the peak was recognized as one of the wonders of the world in Russia.

Blessed is the mountain, the sparkling mountain, the mountain of joy, the pearl of the Caucasus, by whatever names one of the highest mountains of Russia and Europe is called. But in reference books and guides, she is known to us under the name Elbrus, which from the Balkar language means "a mountain around which the wind whirls." The fact is that the tribes of the Balkars, who lived at the foot of the mountain, often noticed the so-called "Elbrus whirlwinds" - these are air masses visible to the human eye, which are, as it were, twisted into a horn.

Mount Elbrus: description, photo, video

Elbrus is a volcano with two peaks that has died out two thousand years ago. The western peak has a height of 5641, the height of the northern peak is 5621 (the difference is twenty meters). In order for you to represent the height more clearly, we inform you that Elbrus is 4400 meters higher and 2300 meters higher. The first ascent to the summit took place on July 22, 1829, led by Georg Emmanuel. Despite the fact that since the discovery by scientists of this, it is considered extinct, in Lately eruptions of gases were noticed, which may indicate that the volcano is only dormant.

But tectologists are sure that the eruption can theoretically occur only after a couple of thousand years, and for obvious processes of gas eruptions, this is only the beginning of a long process of awakening the volcano. And the current prospects for the eruption do not prevent tourists from all over the world from visiting one of the largest and most beautiful mountains Europe.

The air on Elbrus is of high purity and crystal clear, thanks to which there is a view of the two seas that are nearby: and. Experienced climbers always warn: Elbrus is a two-faced mountain with a changeable character. At an altitude of 3756 meters (where the cable car leads), the weather can be warm and windy, but after a couple of hours of climbing, it changes dramatically and the ascent can be very difficult. Therefore, you must always be ready for the manifestations of this miracle of the mountain, because the climb is worth it.

It is also worth noting separately the territory of the Elbrus region. During the Great Patriotic War, tough battles took place here, in which the Edelweiss special forces division took part. In this division, the most enduring Wehrmacht soldiers were assembled, who had previously served and trained in mountainous areas. Interestingly, Hitler himself considered the operation to capture Elbrus and raise the flag on its top a waste of effort and resources.

Panorama of Mount Elbrus

The first attempts of the Soviet army in August 1942 to liberate Elbrus were in vain. The fighters had neither special equipment nor alpine skills and were doomed. There were several attempts to storm Elbrus and liberate the Shelter of Eleven, the Ice Base and the 105th picket, but only at the end of the 42nd, by the joint efforts of the NKVD, aviation and special. a group of soldiers with climbing skills and the proper equipment managed to knock the Edelweiss off Elbrus and raise the Soviet flag atop it. Monuments to our dead heroes testify about these battles on the Elbrus region.

To date, the Elbrus region is one of the most developed tourist regions in the Caucasus, due to the number of tourists, this territory is among the ten most popular and visited in the world.

Where is Mount Elbrus

Behind territorial affiliation Elbrus is located on the border of two republics: Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, within the northern part of the Main Caucasian Range.

Mount Elbrus on the map

Mount Elbrus coordinates on the map:

• Latitude - 34°69′35′′
• Longitude - 45°28′69′′

The mountain-volcano is located 130 kilometers west of the city of Nalchik.

How to get to Mount Elbrus

As a rule, most travelers prefer to join, or form tourist groups. These groups are transported by excursion bus to the towns of Neutrino, Terskol, Tegenekli, Elbrus and Baidaevo. These villages, as well as the ski resorts "Elbrus-Azau" and "Cheget" are located along main route. Also, you can easily get to them by car. There are currently no other options.

When is the best time to visit Mount Elbrus?

As mentioned above, Elbrus has an unstable weather situation, which changes quite abruptly and quickly. He seems to be trying to prevent the climber from reaching the top, testing him: with a nosy, cold wind, smells of hydrogen sulfide, and fatigue. Therefore, people with poor health are highly discouraged from starting such an ascent, and everyone else is required to use the services of a professional guide, for the need to undergo training.

As for the optimal season for climbing, experienced climbers say summer is the best time for beginners. Then the lifting conditions are a little softer, the daylight hours are longer, and the temperature is within normal limits. The only significant obstacle is the fairly frequent thunderstorms in this area, from which it is difficult to find shelter. Therefore, carefully study the weather forecast, and try not to start climbing on the day when there should be a thunderstorm.

Peculiarities

The mountain-volcano itself and the Elbrus region are quite developed for tourism. This resort is in no way inferior to the Himalayan and Alpine counterparts. Of course, it has its own Slavic features. On its territory there are a number of hotels of various price categories, and several ski resorts. Therefore, without even planning a climb, you will have a great time skiing on one of the longest ski tracks in Europe, or reflecting in local spas. In general, there is something to do.

Even at your discretion, at an altitude of 4110 meters, there is the most mountain hotel in a world called "Shelter of the Eleven". From the cable car (height 3750 meters) there is a path to this hotel. For desires, you can use the lift, and then walk to it on foot.

What to see in the surroundings

What else is interesting in the vicinity of Elbrus and must be visited? Mount Cheget which is located in opposite side from Elbrus and which offers a view of the entire volcano. By the way, most of the photographs of Elbrus presented were taken either from or from Mount Cheget.

The Baksan River, it is one of three rivers that flow from the Elbrus glaciers with a beautiful azure hue of water. visit blue Lakes Nalchik is one of the favorite sights of local residents.

It does not matter for what purpose you are going to this mountain: to visit places of military glory, test yourself in climbing, take a walk around the vicinity of Elbrus, or just relax on local resorts and go skiing Elbrus will lure you. He will interest, lure and leave the memory of a proud and self-sufficient mountain, highest mountain Europe and one of the seven wonders of Russia.

And if he allows you to climb, if you can climb the highest point of Elbrus, the view that will open before you will be worth not only the effort and money spent, but also a new ascent, because behind the statistics, 6 out of 10 people who climbed Elbrus for the first time do it again.

Elbrus is the most big mountain Russia and Europe! One of the "magnificent seven" of the highest peaks of our planet, from which you can even see the Black Sea and the Turkish coast..

Elbrus is located just north of the Main Caucasian Range on the border of the republics Karachay-Cherkessia And Kabardino-Balkaria.

Elbrus(Mount Elbrus) - a two-headed volcano in the North mountain system Caucasus.
The height of the Western peak is 5642 m.
The height of the Eastern Peak is 5621 m.
The height of the saddle is 5300 m.

The white double-headed volcanic cone of Elbrus differs markedly from the entire mountain landscape of the Caucasus and can be seen in good weather for a hundred kilometers. Nearest town - settlement Terskol (Rep. Kabardino-Balkaria) in the Baksan Gorge at the foot of the mountain itself.

Elbrus coordinates on the maps:
43°21’11″ N 42°26’13″ E

Tops of Elbrus.

Thanks to the status highest point Europe, climbing to the top of Elbrus is popular among climbers all over the world and is regarded as one of the "steps" to conquer the "seven peaks".

Despite the ease of routes, Mount Elbrus annually takes dozens of human lives. To a greater extent, the lethality of the mountain is due to the difficult climate with changeable weather, as well as the poor training of climbers without experience. Visually, the peaks of Elbrus seem to be easily accessible, which instantly excites the hearts and minds of many people to "conquer the mountain" and even those who have never been involved in mountaineering ... In fact, this simplicity is deceptive and in reality a person without preparation finds himself in the most difficult conditions in which always manage to survive...

Climbing Elbrus.

The peoples of the Caucasus and the Middle East folded about Elbrus a large number of songs and legends.

One of the legends tells that formerly mountain was single. On its top lived the magical bird Simurgh, who gave gifts to the highlanders who inhabited the valleys. mountain gorges, happiness and prosperity. This idyll lasted for many centuries, until the desire to take possession of the bird's throne under heaven did not lead two greedy people to its possessions. Their fierce struggle was stopped by higher powers: a blinding lightning cut the sky, a terrible thunder broke out and Elbrus split in two, spewing fiery streams that incinerate everything in its path. After such a terrible duel, the magical bird Simurgh hid deep underground, upset by the ingratitude and greed of people.

According to scientists, Elbrus has not reminded of itself for quite a long time, but despite this, the current degree of activity does not give specialists a reason to classify it as an extinct volcano, now it has the status of "sleeping". The volcano is indeed quite active in external and internal activities. In its depths there are still hot masses that heat the local "Hot Narzans" - springs saturated with mineral salts and carbon dioxide, the temperature of which reaches +52°С and +60ºС. In the bowels of the volcano, the life of many famous springs begins medical resorts Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk and the entire region of the Caucasian Mineralnye Vody.

flowers on mountain peaks Caucasus mountains.

The climate on Elbrus is characterized by severity, which makes it related to the Arctic regions. average temperature in the warmest month of the year it does not rise above -1.4°C. There is a lot of precipitation here, but they are mainly represented only in the form of snow.

Around the two-headed giant are located beautiful peaks Caucasus: Nakra-Tau, Ushba, Donguz-Orun .

Panorama.

• Made the first ascent Kilar Khashirov - the conductor of the Russian scientific expedition, a Kabardian by nationality on July 22, 1829 to the Eastern peak of Elbrus.
• The western peak of Elbrus was conquered by a team of climbers led by Florence Grove in 1874.
• The first to reach both peaks was a Balkar hunter and shepherd Ahiya Sottaev . During the period of his long life, he conquered Elbrus nine times: he made his first ascent at the age of more than forty, and the last - in 1909, when he was 121 years old.

The study of Elbrus by Russian scientists began actively in the 19th century. Academician V.K. Vishnevsky in 1913 he was the first to determine the height and location of the volcano. In addition to the status of a unique natural landmark, the famous Caucasian peak is also an important scientific base. Even before the war, the first experiments with cosmic rays in the Soviet Union were carried out here, and today the most highly located geophysical laboratory is located there.

The territory of the Elbrus region - major center tourism and skiing . Fans make up the bulk of the guests. winter views sports, including extreme sports, which are very popular in these mountains. In addition to the usual snowboards, sleds and freeride hunters thrill a new entertainment was organized, which is a climb to the top of Elbrus by helicopter and the subsequent descent from the mountain on skis. For more conservative skiers, cable cars are provided, the average capacity of which is 2,400 people per hour.

On the slopes of Elbrus.

How to get to Elbrus?

• by plane fly to the nearest airport in Mineralnye Vody. There are many regular flights to Mineralnye Vody from Moscow from airlines: Aeroflot, Sky Express, Kavminvodyavia, S7 Airlines, UTair, Don Avia.

• By train you can get to Pyatigorsk or Nalchik - these are the nearest settlements from which it will be faster to get on the "minibus" or taxi. Already from these places are opening beautiful views to the Caucasus Mountains, which you can admire all the way.

It will be most convenient to get from the airport or train station by taxi, it will be cheaper to use the services private cabbies. The best and cheap option is to find on the Internet the phone numbers of private "bombs" from the village of Terskol and arrange a meeting in advance upon arrival and a price. The way to Elbrus will take about four hours. You need to get to the city of Baksan, then turn into the Baksan Gorge and to the end along the Baksan River, where the road will lead to the very foot of Elbrus.

You can also get to regular buses And fixed-route taxis. Only this method is less convenient and will take more time, since there are no direct flights to Terskol. First you will need to get to the city of Baksan and there transfer to fixed-route taxi to the village of Terskol. The road in the Baksan gorge passes through the settlements: Tyrnauz, Upper Baksan, the village of Elbrus and Tegenekli.

• Based on materials from sites: pro-planet.ru, udivitelno.com

• 24 March, 2015

Double-headed Elbrus highest peak Russia. Stratovolcano with a height of 5642 meters is included in the list of "Seven main heights of the world." According to geologists, Elbrus is the cone of an extinct volcano. Modern appearance with two peaks (the height of the eastern one is 5621 meters, the western one is 5642 meters), Elbrus acquired more than a million years ago. By the way, disputes about the volcanic activity of the mountain still do not subside. Some scientists argue that the volcano is not extinct, but asleep. As an argument, the fact is used that hot masses have been preserved in the depths of the mountain, heating thermal springs up to +60 degrees.

The climate of the vicinity of the Elbrus region is mild, with low humidity, which makes it easy to endure frosty weather. But on Elbrus itself climatic conditions close to arctic with heavy rainfall and strong piercing winds. The air temperature at the top of the mountain can reach -40 degrees. IN summer time at an altitude of 4000 meters the temperature does not rise above -10 degrees.

Climbing Elbrus

The first documented conqueror of Elbrus (its eastern peak) was the Kabardian K. Khashirov, who accompanied the Russian expedition of 1829. The rest of the expedition members were able to climb only 5300 meters. The western peak of Elbrus was conquered by travelers only in 1879. Its first tourists were members of the English expedition, led by climbers F. Grove and accompanied by Kabardian A. Sottaev.

The latter has become one of the most famous conquerors Elbrus. Being a hunter and a lover of mountains, he climbed Elbrus 9 times, and his last ascent was made at the age of 120!

In Soviet times, the Elbrus region became one of the most popular places for mountaineering. The so-called "alpiniades" were repeatedly held here. The 1967 alpiniade became the most massive - almost 2,500 mountaineers took part in it.

Modern classical routes of climbing Elbrus are not very difficult, even for beginners in mountaineering they can do it. There are 3 main routes:

• Rise from south side mountains starts at the foot, but, often, tourists use the cable car lift to the Bochki shelter, which is located at an altitude of 3750 meters. The shelter for tourists is equipped with recreation centers, cafes and bars.
• north rise passes in the footsteps of the first conquerors of the mountain. The ascent is also not very difficult for people of average physical fitness, but, unlike the south side, there is no tourist infrastructure here - the entire ascent is carried out without the help of a cable car and other benefits of civilization.
• Eastern rise more extreme. It passes along a lava flow, naturally, long frozen. From the Akcheryakol lava flow, the most beautiful panoramas on the route.

Most ascents take place in the summer period - from May to October, as this is the most favorable time with the most comfortable weather (by local standards). All routes are built taking into account the time for acclimatization - after the morning ascent, you need to go down for an overnight stay.

Ski resorts in the Elbrus region

The Elbrus region has been one of the most popular places for skiing in Russia for several decades. In total, about 35 kilometers of ski slopes have been laid in the Elbrus region. skiing and snowboards (mileage increases every year) and equipped with 12 kilometers of cable cars.

Among the surrounding mountains, Mount Cheget is the most popular, equipped with both cable-chair and cable-pendulum lifts. The tracks of Cheget are suitable for both beginners and professionals. Also on the slopes of the mountain and in its surroundings, there are plenty of entertainment for relaxing after active skiing (apres-ski) - cafes, bars and restaurants, cozy chalet hotels and spa hotels.

For professionals, there is a “high-mountain taxi” that delivers skiers and snowboarders on snowcats to the Pastukhov rocks, at a height of 4800 meters.

The longest track is located in the Stary Krugozor resort - its length is 2 kilometers, and the height difference reaches 650 meters.

The ski season in the Elbrus region lasts from November to April (with a delay in snow cover, the season is extended until early May).

In summer, horse riding and mountain biking are organized along the paths with panoramic views, trekking and paragliding are offered. For an impressive amount, you can order heli-skiing - skiing with "delivery" to the top by helicopter.

Camp sites

Currently, Elbrus is not a wild and harsh area, but a mecca for mountaineering enthusiasts. Therefore, the slopes of the mountains are equipped with numerous recreation centers and mountain shelters. Most of tourism infrastructure concentrated on the southern slope, at an altitude of 3750 meters - in the shelter "Barrels". The mountain shelter is equipped with heated cabins and a kitchen.

At an altitude of 3912 meters is mountain hotel"Liprus", with a capacity of 48 people. Its hulls are made in a futuristic style and resemble space stations.

by the most high mountain hotel Elbrus is the hotel "Shelter of Eleven" at an altitude of 4050 meters. The hotel was built in the middle of the 20th century and for a long time bore the title of "the highest mountain hotel in the USSR". The main building burned down 20 years ago, but at present the hotel has been rebuilt on the basis of the preserved boiler house.

The plans of the authorities of the region include the construction of a shelter at an altitude of 5300 meters. Construction work is already underway, but opening dates are constantly pushed forward due to difficult weather conditions.

Attractions

The gorges and glaciers of Elbrus and the Elbrus region are the main attractions of these places. Going to the Elbrus region, it is worth visiting:

• Baksan gorge. It originates in the glaciers of Elbrus and is picturesque mountains with snow caps, green valleys, caves with traces of ancient people and rusty earth - due to the abundance of iron in its composition.
• Djily-Su tract. The place is known primarily for its hot springs. Bathing in natural pools has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, mineral waters treat skin diseases and allergies. In addition to the springs, there are mighty waterfalls in the vicinity. The height of the largest of them is 25 meters.
• Elbrus Defense Museum. The highest mountain museum in the world is located at the Mir station. The local exposition tells about the North Caucasian battles during the Great Patriotic War.
• Chegem Gorge. This is a picturesque area with centuries-old pines, deep canyons and rock waterfalls.

How to get to Mount Elbrus

Elbrus is located on the border of the Kabardino-Balkarian and Karachay-Cherkess republics. The nearest airport is located in the city of Nalchik, 130 km from the foot of the mountain, you can also fly to Mineralnye Vody, located 200 km away. Then go through Pyatigorsk and Nalchik to Terskol with transfers by bus. Travel time will be from 3 to 5 hours, depending on the point of departure. Many expeditions and excursion groups depart from Terskol.

Elbrus on google panoramas Maps

Video "Mount Elbrus"

In the ridge of the Caucasus Mountains is Elbrus. It is also considered the whole of Europe. Its location is such that several peoples live around it, who call it differently. Therefore, if you hear such names as Alberis, Oshkhomakho, Mingitau or Yalbuz, know that they mean the same thing.

In this article, we will introduce you closer to the most high mountain in the Caucasus - Elbrus, which was once active volcano, and occupying the fifth place on the planet, among the mountains formed in the same way.

The height of the Elbrus peaks in the Caucasus

As already mentioned, the highest mountain in Russia is dormant volcano. This is precisely the reason why its top does not have a pointed shape, but looks like a two-peak cone, between which there is a saddle at an altitude of 5 km 200 m. Two peaks located at a distance of 3 km from each other are different: the eastern one is 5621 m, and the western one is 5642 m. The reference always indicates a great value.

Like all former volcanoes, Elbrus consists of two parts: a pedestal made of rocks, in this case it is 700 m, and an artificial cone formed after eruptions (1942 m).

Starting from a height of 3500 m, the surface of the mountain is covered with snow. First, mixed with scatterings of stones, and then turning into a uniform white cover. by the most famous glaciers Elbrus are Terskop, Big and Small Azau.

The temperature at the top of Elbrus practically does not change and is -1.4°C. There is a lot of rainfall here, but because of this temperature regime, it is almost always snow, so the glaciers do not melt. Since the snow cap of Elbrus is visible all year round for many kilometers, the mountain is also called "Small Antakrtida".

The glaciers located at the top of the mountain feed the most big rivers these places - Kuban and Terek.

To see beautiful view, opening from the top of Elbrus, you need to climb it. It is quite simple to do this, since you can get to a height of 3750 m along the southern slope on a pendulum or chairlift. cable car. Here is a shelter for travelers "Barrels". It consists of 12 insulated trailers for 6 people and a stationary kitchen. They are equipped so that they can wait out any bad weather, even for a long time.

The next stop is usually made at an altitude of 4100 m in the Shelter of Eleven Hotel. The parking lot here was established in the 20th century, but was destroyed by fire. Then a new building was built in its place.

For the first time, the peaks of Elbrus were conquered in 1829 on the east and in 1874 on the west.

Now the Donguzorun and Ushba massifs, as well as the Adylsu, Adyrsu and Shkheldy gorges are popular with climbers. Increasingly, mass ascents to the peaks are organized. Located on the south side ski resort Elbrus Azau. It consists of 7 tracks, with a total length of 11 km. They are suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers. A distinctive black of this resort is freedom of movement. On all routes there is a minimum number of fences and dividers. It is recommended to visit it from October to May during this period there is the strongest snow.

Elbrus is at the same time very beautiful and dangerous mountain. Indeed, according to scientists, there is a possibility that in the next 100 years the volcano will wake up, and then all nearby regions (Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia) will suffer.