Mount Elbrus important information for the message. The riddle of the name of the mountain. Alpine hotel "Shelter of Eleven"

The two-headed Elbrus is the highest peak in 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 bowels of the mountain, heating thermal springs up to +60 degrees.

The climate of the surroundings 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, 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:

• Climbing from the south side of the mountain 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

Elbrus region is not the first decade is one of the most popular places for skiing in Russia. 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 pine trees, deep canyons and rocky 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"

You can find out where Elbrus is located if you make a review of any geographic manual. Opening the world map is very easy to find mountain ranges and the highest point of the planet Elbrus, get acquainted with the territory and features Greater Caucasus.

Having the shape of a cone and a base diameter of about 18 kilometers, the tops of Elbrus are covered with eternal glaciers. From here the rivers originate:

• Kyukurtlu.
• Ullukhurzuk.
• Ulukam.

Connecting with each other, they form the largest river in the northern Caucasus, the Kuban. Elbrus, having southern and northern slopes, differs in its flora. Southern is more like Asian. The northern one has forests of the European type and even grassy vegetation. The famous glaciers located on it are called Terskol, Big and Small Azau.

Mainland under Elbrus

Stratovolcano is an ornament and a symbol of the Caucasus. Located on the edge of two parts of the world, Asia and Europe, Elbrus is located in the northern part of the Eurasian continent. highest mountain in Russia is located at the turn of the two republics of Kabardino - Balkar and Karachevo - Cherkess. The nearby territories of Elbrus amaze with their unique nature, topography and climate.

About the highest mountain in Africa in the next article

Areas located near the summit have ecologically clean territory where the inexhaustible riches of nature are stored:

• Circassian;
• Chegem;
• zolsky;
• Elbrus.

Spa gem

Elbrus is the largest operating tourist resort in the country. The main ski areas in the Elbrus region are Elbrus, Cheget, Azau. The most beautiful mountainous areas rest provide an opportunity for climbers and tourists to climb to unprecedented heights to admire fantastic beauties nature.

The giant Elbrus keeps inexhaustible wealth in its bowels. Near the source of the Malka River is the famous resort area - the Narzanov Valley. She is remarkable for her healing mineral springs. The glacial system of the mountain forms the landscape, climate and vegetation, creating picturesque places in the Elbrus region.

The majestic Elbrus attracts climbers from all over the world like a magnet. Double-headed, huge and majestic, shining, icy slopes in the blue sky is the dream of all tourists. Rising to the top of the giant, a panorama of the beauty and power of nature opens up. The ability to see the Caucasus Range vertically is incomprehensible fantastic spectacle breathtaking.

The highest mountain in Europe, the highest volcanic peak in Eurasia and just one of the "7 Wonders of Russia" - get to know Elbrus.

The first scientific studies of this peak began in the 19th century, although the exact height and location were determined only in 1913 after the calculations of Academician Vishnevsky. The first expedition, the purpose of which was to reach the top of this volcano, was organized in 1829. It included several eminent scientists at once, for example, the founder of the St. Petersburg geophysical laboratory, Adolf Kupfer, the physicist Emil Lenz, and the famous zoologist Eduard Minetrier.

The expedition was accompanied by a thousandth detachment of Cossacks led by General Georgy Emmanuel. It was he who became the author of a commemorative inscription carved on a rock at an altitude of 2400m. The general himself chose to stay at this height and watched the ascent from the camp.

Continuing the ascent, the expedition spent the night at an altitude of 3000. Only part of the group, continuing the ascent, reached a mark of 4800 m, where commemorative sign and the number 1829. This mark was subsequently discovered during Soviet expedition 1949. Only five people climbed above it, and three reached the saddle - Academician Lents, Cossack Lysenkov and Kabardian Killar. See what Mount Elbrus looks like in the photo - two peaks with an impressive saddle between them. This is where the most stubborn members of the expedition got to.

Further ascent was impossible due to the heavily softened snow. However, the Kabardian, being adapted to mountain conditions, continued to climb and was able to reach the top. It was he who became the first person to climb Elbrus. More precisely, one of the almost equal (the difference is only 21 m) peaks.

The first person to conquer both peaks was the Balkarian guide Ahiya Sottaev. He made his first ascent when he was over forty. After that, he climbed Elbrus eight more times, and the last time he did this at the age of one hundred and twenty-one! Here it is, the famous Caucasian health and longevity. Among other things, Sottaev was twice a guide for English expeditions to Elbrus.

Where is Elbrus

The Caucasus is the center of a large number of peaks, whose height has stepped far beyond 3000 meters above sea level. But when they remember Caucasian mountains, Elbrus pops up in memory in the first place. And How interesting object for study, and as the highest point in Europe, and as a place of pilgrimage for climbers from all over the world. Where Elbrus is located, that is, between Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, many peoples live, and each of them created a lot beautiful legends. There is no consensus on the answer to the question of where his current name came from. There are several theories about the origin of the name Elbrus:

1. From the Iranian word Aitbares - high mountain.
2. From the Georgian name of the mountain Yalbuz, which in turn comes from the Turkic words "storm" and "ice".
3. Another theory suggests that the name was formed from three words of the Karachay-Balkar language: El - settlement; Drill - twist; Mustache - character. That is, the name can be translated as having the temper to send a snowstorm. Apparently, we are talking here not so much about snowstorms as about volcanic eruptions. There are references to eruptions in folk legends.

Elbrus is a giant dormant volcano

With its 5642 meters, Mount Elbrus is the fifth highest volcano in the world. It, like most similar volcanoes, consists of two parts: the base and the cone, which was formed during the eruptions. The height of the base in the case of Elbrus is 3700 meters. Thus, during the eruptions, the mountain grew by almost 2000 meters. The characteristic outlines of the two-headed peak, which changes color depending on the lighting, are visible from almost any corner. Stavropol Territory. Glaciers, of which there are 23, feed such large rivers as the Kuban and Terek.

According to its structure, Elbrus is a typical stratovolcano. It has a distinct conical shape. The cone itself is composed of numerous layers of lava, ash and volcanic tuff, in which the entire history of eruptions is recorded. The base of Elbrus began to form in the Neogene, when caucasian ridge. According to scientists, the volcanic eruptions resembled the eruptions of Vesuvius, but were much stronger.

Its strength can be judged at least by the fact that today its ashes are found almost 100 kilometers from the volcano itself. It is noteworthy that periods of rapid activity and intensive growth of the cone were replaced by periods of "hibernation", during which the glaciers wore down the cone almost completely. According to volcanologists, there were at least ten such cycles in the entire history of the volcano. The oldest crater, or rather its remains, can be observed in the form of a rocky formation of Hotu-Tau-Azau on the southwestern slope.

The violent activity of Elbrus ended 2500 years ago, although the geographers of the 16th century. the volcano was considered active and on the maps it was depicted as a fire-breathing mountain. The last time the volcano showed its tough temper was in the first decades of our era. Interestingly, the active eruptions of Elbrus and Kazbek became main reason exodus of Neanderthals from the Caucasian region 40-45 thousand years ago. Currently, volcanologists are in no hurry to classify the volcano as extinct. It is rather a fading volcano and the probability of activation (albeit very small) still remains. The mountain is also the center of occurrence of minor earthquakes in the region.

Today, the main wealth of these places are numerous sources. The Narzanov Valley at the source of the Malka River is the product of a fading volcano. This place should soon become a resort, which will not yield to Kislovodsk either in terms of the number of springs or the quality of mineral waters.

The weather on the slopes is more than severe, and at times comparable to the Arctic. The average July temperature is only -1.4 C, and even the daytime temperature rarely rises above +8 C. There is a lot of precipitation here, many times more than at the foot of the ridge, but you can only see them in the form of snow. The weather station at around 4250 meters, having worked for three years, did not record a single rain.
Having great importance as the highest point in Europe, Elbrus attracted the attention of German troops during World War II.

Hitler wanted to rename the mountain after himself. The famous Edelweiss division, trained in mountain warfare, took part in local hostilities. In August 1942, soldiers of the Third Reich first captured two way stations, and on August 21 raised the flag of Nazi Germany over the western peak. The soldiers of the division did not last long - winter and the soldiers of the Red Army did their job. Already in February 1943, the red flags of the Land of the Soviets were already flying over the snow-white peak of the mountain.

Historically, the entire infrastructure was located on south side mountains. It was here that the cable car was built, which raises tourists to a height of 3750 meters. The ascent to Elbrus consists of several intermediate points:

• cable car;
• Shelter "Barrels" at an altitude of 3750 m (this is where the ascent begins);
• Hotels "Shelter of Eleven" (4200m);
• Pastukhov Rocks (4700m)
• Station EG5300, which was built recently. It is located in a saddle between two peaks at an altitude of 5300 meters.

It is the EG5300 station that is the last point of the route on the way to one of the peaks. After it remains about 500 meters of ascent.

The northern slopes are more than modestly equipped. There are only a few huts at an altitude of 3800 meters, which are more often used by rescuers than climbers. northern route usually used when climbing the eastern peak. In this case, the Lenz rocks, which stretch at altitudes from 4600 to 5200 meters, serve as a reliable guide.

Elbrus phenomenon

And finally a few interesting facts about the highest point in Russia, and at the same time the whole of Europe:

• The Balkars themselves still prefer to call the mountain “Mingi-tau”, which in their native language means “Mountain of thousands”, which emphasizes its exceptional size and height.
• The distance between the peaks in a straight line is 1500 meters. But on foot you have to overcome about 3 km.
• The next highest mountain in Europe, Mont Blanc, is almost eight hundred meters lower than the Caucasian giant. In other words, even having climbed the saddle between the peaks, you will already be “above all” in Europe.
• Despite the relatively well-equipped and well-trodden routes, climbing Elbrus is unlikely to be an easy walk. According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, from 15 to 20 people die on the slopes every year. Getting up during the winter months is considered suicide. The nominal temperature here easily drops to -30C, and the felt temperature, thanks to strong winds, lower.
• Elbrus is not only mentioned in the writings of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, but also participates in Greek myths. It was here that Zeus decided to chain Prometheus, for his gift to people - fire.

By the way, the habitat Greek gods, Mount Olympus, compared to Elbrus is just a dwarf - only 2917 meters.

Height (meters): 5642

It is located in the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, in the side ridge of the Greater Caucasus. The highest point in Europe. Altitude 5642 m, possible routes 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A.

Elbrus - the highest point in Russia and Europe, is included in the list of the highest peaks in the world. It is located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. Mount Elbrus is an extinct stratovolcano. In the Elbrus region, hot springs still exist, heated by the bowels of the mountain up to 60 ° C. Recent eruptions were around 50 AD. Elbrus consists of layers of ash, lava and tuff, alternating with each other. There are more than 80 glaciers on the slopes of Elbrus, the most significant of them are: Terskol, Big Azau, Irik. Elbrus glaciers feed major rivers Caucasus - Baksan, Kuban, Malku. The infrastructure is well developed in the Elbrus region, so every year thousands of tourists, climbers, skiers, tourists, and just vacationers and "adventurers", attracted by the wording "the highest point of Europe", come here. Elbrus has two peaks: Eastern, 5621 meters high, and Western, its height is 5642 meters. The saddle between the peaks is about 5300 meters high, now there is a small rescue hut on it.

Climbing routes

How to get there

From South

From North

from the west

from the east

Infrastructure

Seasonality and weather conditions

Climbing history

Area attractions

Skiing

Ski complex Elbrus Azau

Ski complex Cheget

Lift rates

The mountains of the Caucasus are amazing and beautiful. Snow-covered Elbrus attracts everyone. especially beautiful reserved places Elbrus region with ski resorts, cable cars and ski run at 35km. It has a rather mild climate and wonderful landscapes. But the Caucasus is not only beautiful, it is very severe. Many climbers died from snow avalanches and rockfalls, from unpredictable weather and sheer cliffs...

"stone art"
Northern Elbrus. This stone is against the handsome Elbrus. Someone tried to carve his portrait in stone.

at the foot of Elbrus

blossoming foot of Elbrus

from the slope of Elbrus Djilysu

Elbrus is a stratovolcano located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. It is deservedly considered the highest peak in Russia. And due to the fact that the border between Europe and Asia is ambiguous, it is often also called the highest mountain peak Europe.

Lenticular cloud over Elbrus

Elbrus covered with a "veil"

rhododendron slopes of Elbrus

puffball mushrooms on the shore of Kyzylkol

raincoat near Elbrus

"goofy party" at the foot of Elbrus

In the Karachay-Balkar language, the mountain is called “Mingi-tau”, which can be roughly translated into Russian as “resembling a thousand mountains” (a mountain of thousands). This name refers to the incredibly huge size of Elbrus, which has always been admired by the indigenous people of this region.

off the trail from the Devil's Bridge

Northern Elbrus. The area near the Kalinov bridge, nicknamed by the people as Devil's. If the legends are to be believed, sacred mountain Alatyr (Elbrus) housed the Iry (Paradise) garden, and the Smorodina River flowed, separating the earthly and the afterlife. Above Currant Kalinov is a bridge that connected these two worlds. On it from one world to another penetrated the souls of the dead. To drive across the Kalinov Bridge, the daring hero had to fight a snake with three heads. It is easier to defeat evil in the face of various snakes that threaten good. Stepping on the Kalinov Bridge - the last frontier before the kingdom of Morana (Mary), there is no time to think, the choice between Good and Evil is predetermined by all previous life. It is no coincidence that Kalinov Bridge in folklore is a place of battles between knights and evil spirits.

stone mushrooms
Northern Elbrus. Birdzhal tract. At an altitude of over 3000 meters above sea level, the so-called "mushroom field" on the slopes of Elbrus. This is a flat, slightly inclined area to the north, of small size. Only 250 meters by 100, but how many “mushrooms” fit here for every taste: both with flat hats and those similar to mushrooms on a strong leg. Some of them are higher - up to five or more meters, others are lower - from two to three meters.

at the foot of Elbrus from the north side

So much brightness and light! Colors of mountains and colors of summer!
These wonderful spaces! And white mountains!
Mountain air, aroma! I'm glad to inhale with all my chest!
The land is magical and wonderful, a flowering meadow under heaven!!!...

Cornelia

Some Balkars, however, dispute this pronunciation of the name and assure that it is more correct to call it “Minge-tau”, and this is no longer a “mountain of thousands”, but a “mountain saddled”. So Elbrus began to be called only after the first person climbed to its top in 1829. In local areas, it is customary to rename mountains in honor of the one who first climbed them, so this theory also has the right to life. Modern Balkars call the mountain "Elbrus-tau" and it can be translated as "a mountain around which the wind is spinning."

waterfall "Sultan"

In the Northern Elbrus region, in the Djily-su tract, there is the Sultan waterfall - amazing in beauty natural monument, 40 meters high. The Kyzylkol River (this is the name Malka has in its upper reaches, originating from the Ullu-chiran glacier hanging from Elbrus), having cut through the lava ridge, falls down from a many-meter height, connecting with the waters of the Birzhanly-su River at the exit point of warm narzans.

Northern Elbrus region. The rivers flowing from the slopes of Elbrus were machined in lava deep canyons. All the trails go up the slopes, and a waterfall stream rages and roars underfoot.
along the path over the canyon

The Garabashi-su River falls from the slopes of Elbrus with such a spectacular waterfall. locals They called it "Girl's braids" for the similarity of jets with loose hair. Behind the jets there is a convenient grotto, from where the mountains of the Caucasus Range look spectacular through the water.

Before every waterfall
I want to fall down
These tears are pouring down
The mountains are crying... But about whom?...

Inna Kashezheva

in the gorge of the Zugulla river

View from the Cullumcol Valley

And in the distance in front of you, dressed in a blue mist,
The mountain rose above the mountain, and in the host of their giant was gray-haired.
Like a cloud, Elborus is two-headed, terrible and majestic
Everything shines with beauty...

V.A. Zhukovsky.

Elbrus at dawn

Elbrus has not one, but two peaks. The western peak rises to 5642 meters, and the eastern peak to 5621 meters. The distance between the two peaks is approximately 3000 meters. For the first time, the height of Elbrus was determined by the Russian academician Vikenty Karlovich Vishnevsky in 1813. There are 22 glaciers on Mount Elbrus that give rise to sources three rivers: Baksan, Malka and Kuban.

The most favorable time for visiting Elbrus and climbing it is from July to August, when the weather is most stable. In summer, the local temperature rarely drops below -8 degrees Celsius. But as you climb the mountain, the temperature can drop to -30 degrees. Winter in these places is quite severe, and it lasts here from October to April. Climbing up the mountain winter period almost tantamount to voluntary suicide.

lonely cloud

Pos. Terskol. Elbrus. A cloud appeared over the Cheget peak (translated as the Top in the shade, it must be understood in the shadow of Elbrus, because it is against it and much lower in height) a cloud appeared. From Georgia. This is a signal that the weather will deteriorate and it will snow. But it's nothing. Even good for skiers and snowboarders. Well, for the avalanche service - work: forcibly lowering snow masses.

from a glade in the tract Dzhylysu

On average, climbers spend a little less than one week climbing the top of Elbrus. Nowadays, climbing Elbrus can be greatly facilitated. After all, it is much easier to use the cable car and immediately be at an altitude of about 3750 meters. At this height there is a shelter "Barrels", which consists of ten six-seater insulated barrel-shaped trailers and a specially equipped kitchen. This is where it starts most of climbing Elbrus today.

The very first ascent to the eastern summit of Elbrus was made in 1829 during an expedition led by Russian General Georgy Emmanuel. The expedition was of a scientific nature and among the members of the detachment were geologists, physicists, zoologists, botanists and other representatives of the scientific world. The first to climb Elbrus was the Karachai guide Kilar Khachirov. This event went down in history as the first case of conquering one of the greatest peaks planet Earth. To this day, Elbrus is one of the most popular peaks for climbing among climbers around the world.

The height of Elbrus is 5642 m above sea level. Such a giant is visible from almost anywhere in the Caucasus. Elbrus - beautiful place for an overview of the surrounding gorges and peaks. The territory of Georgia and the ridges descending in steps to the sea are perfectly visible.

From time to time, climbers on the top of Elbrus can see the Caspian and Black Seas at the same time. All this depends on temperature, pressure and other parameters, due to which the viewing radius can increase significantly. In 2008, Elbrus was recognized as one of the seven wonders of Russia, according to the results of the voting "7 Wonders of Russia".

Elbrus from Kyzylkol gorge

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 attribute it to extinct volcanoes, now he 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 +60°С. 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.

foundation stone

He is over 200 years old, and this causes involuntary awe and respect. After all, as the memorial plaques on the gates of the fortress say, Pushkin, Lermontov, General Yermolov, Count Vorontsov, and Infantry General Emmanuel, who attempted to climb Elbrus, walked, walked, rode here.

sculpture of a poet

In the Northern Elbrus region there is still a clearing where he camped with the Cossacks, and it is called Emmanuel's glade.

"castles" on the background of Elbrus
Northern Elbrus. Here are two almost identical elongated pointed pyramids. Through them, like a gate, enter those who descend to Djilysu through the Chatkara pass and the ice lake Dzhikaunkengyoz. If they talk about Dzhilysu as a heavenly place, then these pyramids are “gates to paradise”. By the way, the pyramids look wonderful against the backdrop of the snow-white snows of Elbrus.

Northern Elbrus. "An eagle spreading its wings"... The slopes of Elbrus, where molten lava meets ice, are covered with different "sculptures", which lovers of natural sculptures give different names.

During geological studies of Elbrus, layers containing volcanic ash from two ancient eruptions were discovered. The first layer is the eruption of Elbrus itself, which dates back to a period of about 45 thousand years ago. The second layer is the eruption of the Kazbek volcano, which occurred about 40 thousand years ago. Just after the second powerful eruption the inhabitants of the local caves (Neanderthals) left these places and went to look for more favorable conditions for life.

The last eruption of Elbrus occurred approximately in the 50s of our era, that is, about 2000 years ago.

over the Malki canyon Northern Elbrus region. national park. Dzhylysu tract, which adjoins directly to the slopes of Elbrus.

Interesting Facts

Mount Elbrus is mentioned in myths Ancient Greece. After all, it was to this mountain that the god Zeus chained Prometheus because he gave fire to people.

Elbrus from the slope of the Tashlysyrt ridge

During the Great Patriotic War, during the battle for the Caucasus, the German mountain rifle division "Edelweiss" captured mountain bases"Krugozor" and "Shelter of Eleven", and also installed Nazi banners on the western peak of Elbrus. German newspapers of that time were full of enthusiastic articles that fascist flags were installed on both peaks, and the climbers were awarded an iron cross and a token with the inscription "Hitler Peak", since the Nazis planned to rename Elbrus to "Hitler Peak".

next to the snow

Elbrus belongs to the list of "Seven Peaks", in which, in addition to it, there are the following highest peaks six parts of the world: Chomolungma in Asia, Aconcagua in South America, McKinley's North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, the Vinson Massif in Antarctica and Puncak Jaya in Australia and Oceania.

Very beautiful sky in the mountains of the Caucasus, it is velvety purple, studded with diamonds of bluish and yellow stars. I want to watch endlessly ... and breathe.

Glade of Emmanuel and Elbrus