What is at the top of Elbrus. Where is Elbrus located? What is the famous mountain

Starting from a height of 4000 meters, the steepness of Elbrus in some places reaches 35-40 degrees. There are steep sections up to 750 meters high.

Below the glaciers, alpine meadows are spread along the mountain, coniferous forests grow under them. The northern slope is more rocky.

Elbrus was formed over a million years ago, before it was active volcano, and disputes still do not subside, whether it is extinguished or just sleeping. The version of a dormant volcano is supported by the fact that hot masses remain in its depths and heat the thermal springs up to +60 °C. In the bowels of Elbrus, the famous mineral waters of the resorts of the North Caucasus - Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk, Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk - are born and saturated. The mountain consists of alternating layers of ash, lava and tuff. Last time the giant erupted in 50 AD. e.

The climate of the Elbrus region is mild, the humidity is low, thanks to which frosts are easily tolerated. But the climate of the volcano itself is harsh, similar to the Arctic. The average winter temperature is from 10 degrees of frost at the foot of the mountain, down to -25 °C at the level of 2000-3000 meters, and up to -40 °C at the top. Precipitation on Elbrus is frequent and plentiful, mostly snow.

In summer, the air warms up to +10 °C - up to a height of 2500 meters, and at an altitude of 4200 meters, even in July it is never warmer than -14 °C.

The weather is very unstable: a clear windless day can instantly turn into a snowy storm with strong winds.

The history of the conquest of Elbrus

The idea of ​​climbing the legendary Mount Elbrus haunted many daredevils, they were not afraid of either eternal snow or cold winds. Climbing Elbrus gave rise to mountaineering in Russia. The first attempt to conquer the mountain was made in 1829 by the expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences, but only a guide reached the eastern peak from the whole group. After 45 years, the British, accompanied by local guide succeeded in climbing the western summit.

The first map of the volcano was made by the Russian topographer Pastukhov, who conquered Elbrus without guides.

It is known about the Balkarian hunter Ahiy Sattaev, who climbed the tops of Elbrus 9 times, and he made the last ascent at the age of 121 years.

In Soviet times, the conquest of Elbrus became very prestigious, mountaineering on its slopes became widespread.

Today, Mount Elbrus is the Mecca of climbers, skiers and freeriders.

Skiing

Elbrus is considered the most skiable mountain in the world. You can enjoy winter sports in the Elbrus region from November to May, and some tracks are available all year round. There are 35 kilometers of ski slopes and 12 kilometers of cable cars along the mountains. Both experienced skiers and beginners can ride the slopes, for whom there are specially allocated simple routes and training in skiing skills is organized. The favorite places of most skiers are the slopes of Mount Cheget, which are not inferior to the slopes of the ski resorts in Austria, Switzerland and France.

There are three lines of pendulum lifts, chair lifts and towing roads in the public ski area.

Those who wish can use the services of a high-altitude taxi - snowcats, which will take you to the "Shelter of Eleven" or to the Pastukhov Rocks (4800 meters), from where unparalleled views of the peaks of the Caucasus Range open.

The Stary Krugozor resort invites lovers of long descents to the longest Elbrus track, 2 kilometers long and with a height difference of 650 meters.

On the southern slopes of the mountain there is the Elbrus Azau resort, the routes of which are distinguished by great freedom of movement - there are a minimum of nets, there are no separators. The resort offers: rental of climbing equipment, sleds and snowmobiles, a ski school, snow groomers and helicopter flights.

Experienced snowboarders and skiers can drive off the eastern slope of Elbrus to the northern side of the mountain.

Freeride masters are delivered by helicopter to the untouched slopes, from where they rush at great speed across the virgin snow.

At the foot of Elbrus, cafes, billiard rooms, and saunas await guests. You can have a bite to eat at each station on the slopes of the mountain. In the village of Terskol there is a zone for playing paintball.

ski season on the slopes of the five-thousander lasts from mid-November to April. It happens that a strong snow cover is kept on some tracks until mid-May.

Video: Descent from the top of Europe / Expedition to Mount Elbrus

Mountaineering

Every year, thousands of climbers and tourists storm the slopes of Elbrus. Thanks to the improvement of climbing equipment, anyone with acceptable physical fitness can visit the top of the mountain.

For those wishing to climb, routes are organized in different directions. Climbing Elbrus along the classical path from the south side does not require special mountaineering training from tourists. People of average physical shape will be able to participate in such a campaign. Tourists can use the cable car that delivers the conquerors of Elbrus to the "Bochki" shelter, located at an altitude of 3750. The guests of the Caucasus are at the disposal of the restaurants, bars and hotels of the shelter, where you can relax and refresh yourself before throwing to the top.

northern route, passing along the path of the first ascent, the same in complexity. But, unlike the southern route, along the way you will not meet any shelters or a cable car, which will add extreme sports to the hike. It will take more time for the northern ascent, but as a reward you will receive unique views of the Caucasian nature, untouched by civilization.

The eastern ascent passes along the Akcheryakol lava flow and is conquered only by physically strong people. This route is considered the most beautiful.

The routes are designed in such a way that the climbers have enough time to acclimatize.

The most favorable period for climbing is from May to October.

The cost of a ten-day tour is from 38,000 to 85,000 rubles. The price depends on the complexity of the route and on the set of services provided, of which the mandatory ones are: transfer from the airport of arrival and back, accommodation in a shelter or base, meals, instructor services. In addition, the services of porters and cooks, equipment rental, medical insurance can be paid.

All participants of a successful ascent are issued a certificate "The Conqueror of Elbrus".

In addition to climbing and skiing, guests of the Elbrus region are offered paragliding, rock climbing and ice climbing, mountain biking, heli-skiing, trekking, kiteboarding. In summer, mountain biking is possible on the gentle slopes.

Attractions

An indelible impression will be left on tourists by a hike through the Chegem Gorge with its magnificent pine forests, harsh canyons and amazing waterfalls tumbling down from the rocks.

The picturesque Baksan Gorge originates in the glaciers of Elbrus. If you have time, be sure to take a walk through its green valleys, framed by mighty snow-capped peaks. The gorge has its own attractions - the monument "Grieving Highlander" and a geophysical observatory that studies the Sun. In the Narzanov Glade you will see rusty earth - it has become so due to the abundance of iron in the water of local sources. On the slopes of the mountains you can find caves with traces of the presence of ancient people in them.

The Djily-Su tract, located on the northern slope of Elbrus, is known for its healing mineral springs. Warm water flows directly from the rock and collects in an artificial bath, updated every 10 minutes. Swimming is scheduled. Local narzan have a beneficial effect on the heart, nervous system, cure some skin diseases and allergies. In total, there are 14 springs in the tract, each of which has its own specialization: “kidney”, “eye”, “liver” and others. In Jily-Su there are stunning waterfalls - the famous forty-meter giant Sultan and Karakaya-Su with a height of 25 meters. Popular with tourists are the Valley of Castles, the Valley of Stone Mushrooms and the German airfield located in the tract.

On Mount Cheget, at an altitude of 2719 meters, there is an observation platform where, sitting in rented sun loungers, you can admire the majestic nature of the North Caucasus for an infinitely long time. Those who wish to refresh themselves are met by the “Ai” cafe.

At the Mir station, in the highest mountain museum in the world - the Elbrus Defense Museum, the expositions will tell about the dramatic events of the Great Patriotic War. There is also a monument to the soldiers-defenders of the North Caucasus.

50 kilometers from Nalchik, in the valley of the Cherek-Bolkarsky River, there are karst Blue Lakes fed from underground sources. It is worth coming here to admire their beauty. But even professional swimmers do not risk swimming in the lake Tserik-Kel - the circular flow of the reservoir creates a whirlpool from which it is impossible to get out.

Accommodation

Hotels in the Elbrus region can be conditionally divided into three categories: those built back in Soviet times; small semi-lux hotels for 20-25 people; premium class hotels - a modern boarding house "Elbrus", hotels "Ozon" and "Seven peaks".

The recreation center "Elbrus" is waiting for guests in a pine forest on the banks of a mountain river near the village of Tegenekli. Hotel "Balkaria" is located on the slopes of Elbrus at an altitude of 2300 meters. A little higher, in the village of Terskol, there are the Vershina, Seven Summits, and Antau hotels.

For climbers, shelters have been built to meet climbers on the glaciers. At an altitude of 3750 meters, you can spend the night and gain strength in the insulated trailers of the Bochki shelter. A more comfortable shelter "Liprus" welcomes guests at an altitude of 3911 meters. Most high mountain hotel Russia "Shelter of Eleven" is located at an altitude of 4130 meters.

Prices for accommodation in hotels in the Elbrus region range from 1000 to 8000 rubles per double room per day, depending on the season and the class of the hotel. As a rule, the price includes two meals a day and a transfer to the ski slopes.

Inexpensive housing is offered by the private sector of the villages of the Elbrus region - Tegenekli, Elbrus and Terskol.

At the service of tourists who want to climb to the tops of Elbrus, both large companies that have their own shelters on the slopes, and single guides. Carefully consider the choice of the organizer of the ascent. Your safety will depend on the professionalism of the escort.

Be sure to find out in advance what clothes you will need and what things you need to bring with you.

Climbing participants of any complexity need to be prepared for the fact that on the way to the top of Elbrus, adverse natural factors await you: cold, wind, rarefied air, increased solar radiation, sulfur dioxide emissions and lack of visibility in inclement weather. You will have to carry a heavy backpack and make long walks. You will spend the night in tents and cook your own food on gas burners. Soberly assess the state of your health in order to avoid accidents.

It is necessary to unquestioningly follow all the instructions of the guide. All controversial points are discussed either before the ascent or after the descent.

The organizers of the ascent have the right to stop or shorten the tour for individual climbers or the entire group in the event of:

• Violations of safety rules and behavior in the mountains;
• Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages;
• Failure to comply with the norms of public order;
• Disrespectful attitude towards nature and local residents.

Tourists from 16 to 18 years of age must provide written permission to climb from their parents. Children from 14 years of age are allowed on simple routes together with their parents.

If you went to the mountains on your own, you must register at the local department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, have communication sources with you - a walkie-talkie or a cell phone. It is preferable to use the services of Beeline and Megafon operators, MTS does not always provide a stable connection.

All climbers must have identification documents and a medical policy with them.

How to get there

By train or plane to the cities of Kislovodsk, Mineralnye Vody, Nalchik or Cherkessk, from where to right place in the Elbrus region you will be delivered by a taxi or a bus. If you arrived with organized group, you will be provided with a transfer.

Mount Elbrus (Caucasus, Russia) - detailed description, location, reviews, photo and video.

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Ever since school age, each of us remembers the majestic two-headed Elbrus, if not from geography textbooks, then from literature textbooks. After all, the great Lermontov, having got to the Caucasus involuntarily, was truly fascinated by him, fell in love with him with all his heart and sang him not only in verse, but also in colors. His paintings depicting Elbrus, Beshtau, gorges and mountain ranges Caucasus perfectly convey the beauty and special, harsh, ancient and breathtaking poetics of these places.

In the system of the Greater Caucasus, Elbrus occupies special place. This is the highest mountain range of the Side Range. Caucasus mountains. Geologists have determined that Elbrus is a cone extinct volcano. Its western peak reaches a height of 5642 m, and the eastern one - 5621 m, they are separated by a deep saddle, which is also a five-thousander, its height is 5325 m.

Since Elbrus is very high, it is always covered with a cap of firn and ice, from which 54 glaciers descend in different directions, the largest of which are Bolshoy Azau, Irik and Terskol.

Climbing Elbrus

Naturally, even in those days, when the mountains were the point of application of the sports interests of only climbers, and by no means skiers and snowboarders, attempts were made to conquer Elbrus. In 1829, the Kabardian K. Khashirov, the guide of the Russian scientific expedition, was the first to reach the eastern peak, and the western peak was reached in 1874 by English athletes led by F. Grove and the Kabardian guide A. Sottaev, a participant, by the way, of the first ascent of the Russian expedition.

During the years of Soviet power, ascents in the Elbrus region became very popular, they turned into mass "alpiniades", in the largest of which in 1967 no less than 2400 climbers participated.

At an altitude of 4600-4700 m there are the rocks of Pastukhov, a Russian military topographer, who was the first to conquer both - East and West - the peaks of Elbrus. Above these rocks in winter there is an ice field. From a height of 5000 m, the “oblique ledge” begins, as climbers call it, a rather gently sloping plane rising upward. Traditionally, the route of climbing any of the peaks of Elbrus passes through its saddle. From there, it is about 300 m to both peaks.

WITH north side The infrastructure of the mountain range is still poorly developed, there are only a few huts for climbers, which are used by both tourists and employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. As a rule, ascents are made from the northern side to the Eastern peak, the route passes through the Lenz rocks (from 4600 to 5200 m).

During the years of Soviet power, ascents in the Elbrus region became very popular, they turned into mass "alpiniades", the largest of which in 1967 involved 2400 climbers.

Skiing

In our country, the Elbrus region has always been and remains one of the most popular centers for skiing and tourism. The most visited slope of the Elbrus region is Mount Cheget, which is well equipped with both cable-chair and cable-pendulum lifts. Trails here varying degrees difficulty, anyone, from aces to beginners, will find a track on Cheget according to their capabilities. Cheget also has a rather attractive choice of entertainment for tourists. There are cafes and restaurants on the slope, there are equipment rental shops. From the top of the mountain, a wonderful view of the two-headed Elbrus opens up.

Elbrus clones

Camp sites

As for Elbrus itself, for all its severity and external impregnability, which does not seem to imply the presence of a person, there is also a certain tourism infrastructure. It is concentrated mainly on the southern slopes of the mountain range, where there is a pendulum-chairlift, the height of which is 3750 m. Here you will be met by the Bochki shelter, which has more than ten six-seater insulated residential trailers and a kitchen. This place serves launch pad for modern athletes climbing Elbrus. There is a new, more modern shelter "Liprus", opened in 2013. It accommodates 48 people and is located at an altitude of 3912 m. mountain hotel Elbrus region - "Shelter of Eleven", its main building burned down in the 90s of the 20th century, but at present a new building has been rebuilt on the basis of the boiler room of the former hotel. In addition, the shelter has several 12-seat trailers and a kitchen. In the evenings, the work of a diesel generator is organized with the supply of electricity to the trailers.

The saddle of Elbrus, as a starting point for all climbers, no matter which peak they strive to reach, has long needed its own shelter, because the higher the climbers climb, the more difficult it is for them every centimeter of the way. Therefore, a shelter at an altitude of 5300 m is really necessary. Since 2007, work has been underway on its construction. The shelter will be a hemisphere with a diameter of 6.7 m, installed on the foundation. By 2009, the structures of the dome were made, and construction work began. However, it was not possible to open the shelter on the planned date - 2010, and work is currently ongoing.

How to get there: by plane to Kislovodsk, Nalchik or Cherkessk, then by bus, taxi or rented car.

Elbrus is the highest peak in Russia. It is located in the North Caucasus, where the border between Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia passes. Immediate big cities- Mineral waters, Nalchik, Pyatigorsk. Elbrus is considered the standard of natural beauty and a symbol of a healthy lifestyle. Recently, the legendary peak became a laureate of the 7 Wonders of Russia competition.

Anatomy of Elbrus

From the side, Elbrus resembles a two-humped camel, since it has two peaks at once. One is only two dozen meters higher than the other. The western one reaches a height of 5642 m. The eastern one is slightly lower - 5621 m. From a distance it seems that they are located very close to each other. In fact, they are almost a mile and a half apart. The peaks are separated by the so-called saddle of Elbrus. The steepness of the rocks is on average 350.

There is an honorary world ranking, which is called the "Seven Peaks". It includes the highest mountains from six parts of the world. Elbrus is the leader in Europe. The second place is occupied by Mont Blanc. He lags behind his Caucasian competitor by as much as 832 m! The nuance is that there are several methods for determining the border between Europe and Asia. Elbrus is considered "European" if it is carried out along the Greater Caucasus Range. Due to uncertainty, both peaks, Elbrus and Mont Blanc, were included in the rating.

Photo: Once upon a time, fiery lava flowed along the slopes of Elbrus

From a geological point of view, Elbrus is a typical stratovolcano, which is characterized by a conical shape. Its thickness consists of layers of solidified lava and volcanic ash. Three million years ago, real hell reigned in these places. In total, Elbrus erupted for almost 250 thousand years! Looking at the peaceful peak today, it's hard to believe. Last surge volcanic activity occurred about 80 thousand years ago. By human standards - a huge period, and by geological - an instant. Some scientists believe that the volcano is still waiting for a burst of activity.

There is no bad weather

The Elbrus region is characterized by a sharp change in weather. On average, cycles last about a week. Good weather is replaced by bad weather, then the idyll reigns again. In the first half of summer, rains are frequent guests. At an altitude of up to 2000 m, the maximum temperature can reach +35. The average temperature is much lower. It also goes down with height. However, this is enough to slightly melt the glaciers. They are the ones that give rise to major rivers like Kuban, Malka and Baksan.

Autumn in the mountains comes in the second half of August, and winter at an altitude of more than 2000 m can come as early as October. The average January temperature is -12, but drops sharply with altitude. Because of this, Elbrus is called "Little Antarctica". For every 200 m of ascent, the temperature decreases by one degree. In winter, frost is fierce at the top. The temperature can drop to -40, and the wind speed, on the contrary, increase to 40 m/s! Such harsh conditions prevail at an altitude of more than 4000 m.

Most of the snow falls on the southern slopes. To a lesser extent, the northern side is covered with snow. The average thickness of the snow cover is 0.8 meters. The beginning of spring in the mountains falls on the first half of May. During this period, at an altitude of up to 3000 m, the snow actively melts and descends in the form of wet avalanches. All year round the danger is the bright sun. To save yourself from an overdose of ultraviolet radiation, you must have a protective cream and dark glasses.

Photo: Most of the snow falls on the southern slopes

Climatic conditions determine the specifics of the fauna and flora of the Elbrus region. They live in the mountains caucasian tours, chamois, roe deer. There are wild boars at the foot. If you're lucky, you can meet yaks on the slopes. They tried to breed artificially, but the experiment was not successful. Moose, jackals, wolves, foxes are found in the forests. The belt of alpine meadows was chosen by the Caucasian black grouse, mountain turkey, stone partridge, as well as raptors - black vulture, lamb, golden eagle and others. It is worth being afraid of vipers, although the highlanders say that meeting with her is fortunate!

Why Elbrus?

Names are given by people, so Elbrus remained nameless for a long time after the birthday. With the advent of people, the mountain received several names at once. This is due to the fact that they were invented by representatives of different tribes who did not have a written language and did not communicate with each other. The Kabardino-Balkarians called it "Mingi Tau" - "Eternal Mountain". In Kumyk, her name sounded like "Askhar-tau" - "Snow Mountain of Ases." The Adyghes called "Kuskhemakha" - "Mountain that brings happiness."

According to the official version, the word "Elbrus" comes from the Persian "al-borji", which means "surging". At least on the territory of modern Iran there is a mountain called Elburz. The Ossetian language has the word "albors" - a high mountain. Georgians call the "snow mane" "yalbuz". Apparently, over time, the names merged and transformed. This is how the “arithmetic mean” Elbrus appeared.

Photo: Elbrus region - the territory of traditions and legends

As with any place of worship, many legends are associated with Elbrus. Some of them explain the presence of two peaks. It is believed, for example, that they owe their appearance to Noah, who, during the Flood, touched the top with his ark and split it in two. To repair the damaged ship, he tried to land on the mountain, but was unable to do so. Then Noah cursed her, wishing her eternal winter. Since then, the two peaks of Elbrus have always been covered with ice and snow.

Brief history of ascents

As a prospector dreams of finding the largest nugget, so climbers have always dreamed of conquering Elbrus. And not only dreamed, but conquered. The pioneers were the scientists. This happened in July 1829. Then the mountain peak was stormed by such famous personalities as the founder of the St. Petersburg geophysical observatory Adolf Kupfer and physicist Emil Lenz. For a while, even the botanist Karl Meyer and the artist Joseph Bernardazzi became climbers!

The expedition was led by General George Emmanuel. Then he commanded the Caucasian fortified area. The event was purely scientific in nature. The ascent was provided by 650 soldiers and 350 Cossacks. Scientists, guides and 20 Cossacks took part directly in the assault on Elbrus. Only four reached the Eastern peak. And the West Summit was first climbed only in 1874.

Photo: General George Emmanuel

Forty years later, Elbrus submitted to the English climbers. Then came the era of records. German Merzbacher and Austrian Purcheller climbed up in just eight hours! In 1925, the first woman conquered the summit. Since the middle of the 20th century, climbers have become mass ascents. And now the folk trail does not overgrow here. Elbrus beckons and attracts like a huge magnet.

In the history of conquests there were legendary cases. So in 1974, three UAZ-469 SUVs climbed to a height of 4200 meters! This was done without the help of winches. Since the air at such an altitude is very thin, the engines did not work at full capacity. Cars often got stuck in the snow. They had to be dug out with shovels. However, the people and cars endured. A unique "ascent" took place!

Elbrus for skiers

If there are slopes and snow, then there are ski resorts. The Elbrus region is no exception in this regard. Ski resorts "Azau" and "Cheget" are located in the Elbrus region of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, 186 km from Mineralnye Vody. The Azau ski area is suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. "Cheget" is more suitable for advanced "users".

The skiing season in the Elbrus region lasts from October to May. The high season is from February to April. In the spring, not only ride on the slopes, but also sunbathe. On the glaciers skiing is possible all year round.

Photo: The skiing season lasts from October to May

On the slopes of "Azau" there are 3 tracks: "Polyana Azau - Krugozor" (length - 5100 m, difficult), "Krugozor - World" (5110 m, medium), "Mir - Gara-Bashi" (2000 m, easy). The stations are located at altitudes from 2350 to 3847 m. It is possible to climb even higher, but for this you will have to use a snowcat. The elevation difference on the tracks is from 347 to 650 m. The total length of the slopes is 12.2 km, and the total elevation difference is 1497 m. The width of the tracks is from 60 to 80 m. The artificial snow system allows skiing up to 180 days a year.

The capacity of the lifts to the Mir station is 2400 people/hour, to Gara-Bashi - 1400 people/hour. From the station "Krugozor" the Baksan valley is clearly visible. Above you will see a panorama of the Greater Caucasus Range. And from the maximum point - glaciers. The station "Gara-Bashi" "soars" above the clouds and is considered the highest mountain in Europe. The opening hours of the lifts are from 9:00 to 17:00. On the rise - until 16:00.

There are eight types of ski passes on sale - from a one-time lift to a six-day subscription. Children under 6 years old - entrance to the ski lifts is free. On weekends, the cost of a ski pass increases by an average of 20%. In the period from 22.05 to 01.12, summer tariffs are in effect, providing for only one-time descent and ascent. At this time, not skiers, but climbers climb the mountains.

In "Cheget" there are more difficult conditions for skiing. Local routes are more difficult than many European ones. In 1963, skiers first went upstairs on a cable-chair lift. Now Cheget has 15 tracks. They are laid at altitudes from 2100 to 3050 m. Their total length reaches 20 km. There are luxurious conditions for snowboarders and freeriders. The easiest route is on the top of the slope.

There are three lines of the cable car on Cheget. One- and two-seat lifts operate from the Chegetskaya Polyana to the Cheget-2 station (2100-2750 m). To the station "Cheget-3" (2750-3000 m) they rise on a single-seat or drag lift. Up to the highest point (3070 m) only a drag lift operates. The resort offers two options for a ski pass - one-time and one-day. On the "Chegenskaya Polyana", in the immediate vicinity of the ski lifts, there are several hotels.

The resorts have shops that sell everything you need for skiing and snowboarding. Equipment rental available. Beginners can hire an instructor. Excursions are organized for tourists. The main attractions are the Narzans Valley, the Chegem waterfalls, the Bezengi glacier, Blue Lake, waterfall "Maiden's braids", national park "Prielbrusye".

Currently, there are more than 70 accommodation places in the Elbrus region, including alpine camps, guest houses, boarding houses and hotels. Living conditions can vary greatly in cost depending on the services provided. In addition to hotels, you can stay in the private sector in the villages of Terskol, Baidaevo, Tegenekli, Elbrus, Neutrino. The price of housing falls in proportion to the distance from the ski lifts.

Photo: There are more than 70 accommodation places in the Elbrus region

Climbing routes

For beginners, climbing Elbrus along the southern slope is optimal. The route starts at the Azau Polyana. To the station "Gara-Bashi", located at an altitude of 3847 m, the lift delivers tourists in one hour. Those who wish can climb up to the Oblique shelf at an altitude of 5100 m on a snowcat. For those who want to test themselves, it is better to overcome this stage on their own, without the use of technical means.

The southern route passes by Priyut 11 (4130 m) and Pastukhov rocks (4700 m), which are named after the famous Russian climber Andrey Pastukhov. Then you will have to overcome the Saddle at an altitude of 5300 m. This part of the route is quite simple. But at the final stage, you will have to work hard. To conquer Elbrus, it is necessary to overcome a rather steep climb. But the view from the Western peak is amazing!

The northern slope of the mountain is considered more difficult. The route is designed for trained climbers. Climbing to the top along the classic path of pioneers is not an easy task. This route is more often used to conquer the Eastern Summit. From a height of 3800 m, the glacier begins, so here you will need "cats". At the Lenz Rocks at an altitude of 4800 m, you will have to stop for a rest to acclimatize. Gaining strength and getting used to the rarefied air, you can storm the summit.

From the east side to Elbrus, a route was laid along the Achkeryakol lava flow. This is a rather long and difficult climbing option. The route goes through Irik-Chat (3667 m) - one of the most beautiful passes Elbrus. From here you have a great view of the lava flow and the Jikauchenkez ice plateau. The object of conquest is the Western peak.

The name "Wild West" is best suited to the western slope of Elbrus. This is an option for extreme sportsmen. Civilization has bypassed these places - there are no snowcats or ski lifts. It is chosen by tourists in good physical shape, since all equipment from beginning to end will have to be carried in backpacks. Victory is celebrated on the Western Summit.

For those who make the ascent, there are shelters in the mountains. This is the name of the place where you can hide from the weather, relax, spend the night. The first shelter on Elbrus appeared in 1909 at an altitude of 3200 m. It could accommodate only five people. In 1932, at an altitude of 4200 meters, the Shelter of Eleven appeared. It already accommodated 40 people. Then the shelters "Sedlovina" and "Shelter of the Nine" were opened. They operate to this day.

Of the new shelters, "Barrels" should be noted. About a dozen six-seater cylindrical houses are located near the Gara-Bashi station at an altitude of 3847 m. For climbers, this is the most popular starting point before the Elbrus assault. Nearby are the Khasan shelter for 12 people and the Kotelnaya shelter, which accommodates up to 50 people. On the south side there are shelters Shuvalov, "Maria" and "Esen".

LeapRus is considered to be the highest mountain comfortable shelter. It is located on the southern slope at an altitude of 3900 m and is designed for 48 people. It has all the charms of civilization - heating, hot water and lighting. Solar panels provide electricity to tourists.

Photo: High-level mountain hotel

Our tourist club offers the following Elbrus climbing programs:

• Climbing with tents from the north side to the east peak

How to get there

By plane you can get to Mineralnye Vody or Nalchik. From there, take a bus or taxi to Terskol, a village in Kabardino-Balkaria. It is considered a resort center. Organized tourists order a transfer through travel agencies. The trip from Nalchik will take about 3 hours, from Mineralnye Vody - 4 hours.

There are railway stations in Nalchik, Pyatigorsk, Mineralnye Vody and Prokhladny. A daily train runs between Moscow and Nalchik. By trains Moscow - Kislovodsk you will get to Mineralnye Vody or Pyatigorsk, and by train Moscow - Vladikavkaz - to Prokhladnaya station.

To large settlements of the Elbrus region go intercity buses. In their cars, tourists go to Elbrus through Krasnodar or Rostov-on-Don.

Mount Elbrus is located between the republics of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria. The top of the mountain is double, the western one has a height of 5642m, and the eastern one - 5621m.

Elbrus -. The mountain has two peaks, one of which is slightly higher. Scientists believe that there were two significant eruptions in the history of the mountain, and the rocks of Elbrus, according to studies, are about 2 or 3 million years old. Analysis of volcanic ash showed that the first eruption happened about 45 thousand years ago, and the second - about 40 thousand years ago.

Despite the fact that the mountain is very high, climbing it is relatively easy, it does not require exceptional qualifications, as, for example, for, and quite a lot of people are trying to do this. Up to 4 thousand meters, the slopes of the mountain are moderately gentle, but then a serious ascent begins. The steepness of the slopes can reach 35 degrees! Ascents are made to both the Eastern and Western peaks.

How is the ascent

Usually, the ascent starts from the village of Azau, which is located in the upper part of the Beksan valley. Here, tourists spend about a couple of nights to acclimatize to the height and not suffer from mountain sickness - mountain sickness associated with rarefied air and unusual atmospheric pressure.

On the first day, people usually go to the Pastukhov rocks, and on the second day, the ascent itself is scheduled. They leave the camp at about 2 am. First they go to the Pastukhov rocks, and then they reach the saddle of the mountain, where the routes are divided in the direction of the Eastern and Western peaks. a little rest in the saddle - and tourists go further to climb one of the peaks of Elbrus.

History of Elbrus

stunning beauty mountain scenery, as well as the mountain itself - since ancient times, all this served as the reason that people from all over the world came to the Elbrus region. The history of Elbrus climbers is proud of the names of the most worthy climbers, starting from the 19th century. Among them there are both domestic mountain lovers and foreign ones.

The peak of Elbrus's popularity came in the 60s, when mountaineering was especially popular in the USSR. In the Beksan Gorge, the road was even paved, and several climbing and tourist bases were built in the vicinity of the mountain.

Today this place is also popular as ski resort. People make descents from the slopes of Elbrus and Cheget - this is a mountain located nearby, it also belongs to the Greater Caucasus system.

On the territory of the Elbrus region there is a national natural Park, created to preserve the nature of Kabardino-Balkaria. All conditions are created on the territory of the park so that people can have an organized and comfortable rest.