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Home / Ascents / Elbrus from the South
5,642 m

Elbrus from the South

The classic route up Europe's highest summit. Achievable for any healthy person in good shape.

11days
5,642 msummit elevation
from 125,000 ₽per person

What's included

We take care of the whole expedition.

Experienced guide

Professional mountaineers certified by the Russian Mountaineering Federation to lead ascents.

Full board

A diet matched to climbing loads, served in canteens.

Transfers

From Mineralnye Vody to Terskol and back, plus all local transport.

Accommodation

A hotel in Terskol village and a mountain shelter on Elbrus.

Group gear

Carefully selected equipment for the group's comfort and safety.

Rescue registration

Every group is registered with the rescue service before the climb.

First-aid kit

Altitude-sickness meds, an oximeter, a blood-pressure monitor and standard supplies.

Certificate

A personalized Elbrus summit certificate at the end of the program.

Not included

  • Accommodation in towns before and after the climb
  • Tents — rental only (paid separately)
  • Flights and tickets
  • Mountaineering insurance
  • Personal gear (some available for rent)
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Meals in towns

Day-by-day itinerary of the Elbrus South climb

The expedition is built around gradual acclimatization.

Day 1

Pick-up at Mineralnye Vody airport and transfer to Terskol village at the foot of Elbrus.

Day 2

Acclimatization hike to the Terskol Peak observatory (3,100 m); the Maiden's Braids waterfall on the way.

Day 3

Acclimatization hike up Mount Cheget (3,500 m). With luck — your first full view of Elbrus.

Day 4

Cable car to the MIR station and hike to Shelter 11 (4,100 m), then descent to rest in Terskol.

Day 5

Night at the Garabashi station (3,780 m), mountaineering training and a short hike higher.

Day 6

Acclimatization to the Pastukhov Rocks (4,700 m) — serious altitude. Descent to rest in Terskol.

Day 7

Rest day in Terskol (2,000 m). Spare day in case weather shifts the schedule.

Day 8

Up to the shelter (3,800 m). Summit preparation: gear, snacks, thermoses. Night start.

Day 9

Summit day (5,642 m) — the highest point of Europe. Night, a headlamp and willpower.

Day 10

Reserve day for bad weather. If all went smoothly — waterfalls and gorge excursions.

Day 11

Early transfer to Mineralnye Vody. Book return tickets no earlier than 16:00.

Outline itinerary. Exact schedule, altitudes and overnight spots may be adjusted for acclimatization and weather — details in the PDF and on request.

Altitude profile

Day-by-day altitude profile — classic “climb high, sleep low” acclimatization at a glance.

Horizontal axis — program day (D1, D2…); vertical — overnight altitude in metres. The green dot marks the summit.
2000 m4000 m6000 m5642 mD1D4D7D10D11

What to pack for climbing Elbrus

The essential personal gear list — we send a detailed checklist after booking; part of it can be rented.

Clothing

  • Base layers — 2 sets
  • Fleece jacket and insulated climbing pants
  • Hardshell jacket and pants
  • Down jacket rated to −20 °C or below
  • Down mittens + spare warm gloves
  • Warm hat, balaclava, buff

Footwear

  • Double mountaineering boots (rentable in Terskol)
  • Trekking boots or trail shoes for acclimatization hikes
  • 3–4 pairs of high socks, gaiters

Gear

  • Crampons and ice axe (rental available)
  • Harness with lanyard, helmet
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp + spare batteries
  • Category 4 sunglasses and ski goggles
  • 1 L thermos, 40–60 L backpack

Documents & extras

  • Passport, mountaineering insurance
  • SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm
  • Personal first-aid kit
  • Cash for cable car, rentals and cafés

Prices and dates

Price per person. Early-bird and group discounts available.

Ascent · 11 days
from 125,000 ₽
1 personon request
2 people200,000 ₽
3 people155,000 ₽
4 people145,000 ₽
5 people135,000 ₽
6+ people125,000 ₽

A state permit of 30,000 ₽ may be introduced — not included in the price.

Detailed program (PDF)
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Jun 1–11Elbrus from the South, Comfort routeclosed
May 1–11, 2027Elbrus from the South, Comfort routeopen
Jun 1–11, 2027Elbrus from the South, Comfort routeopen
Jul 1–11, 2027Elbrus from the Southopen
Aug 1–11, 2027Elbrus from the South, Comfort routeopen

The full season schedule is on the Calendar.

Elbrus South route — questions and answers

Quick answers to what people ask most before booking.

Do I need mountaineering experience to climb Elbrus from the south?

No. The classic southern route is the most accessible way to the summit: there are no technical sections, and guides teach all the skills — walking in crampons, ice-axe self-arrest — during the program. Being healthy and reasonably fit is enough.

How fit do I need to be?

Start regular cardio 2–3 months before the trip: running 5–8 km, cycling, swimming or stair climbing with a pack 2–3 times a week. Summit day means 8–12 hours of continuous effort at altitude — endurance matters more than strength.

How does the program protect against altitude sickness?

The 11-day schedule follows the 'climb high — sleep low' principle: Terskol Peak, Cheget, Priut 11 and the Pastukhov Rocks prepare your body step by step. Guides monitor everyone daily and carry a pulse oximeter, blood-pressure monitor and altitude medication.

Can I rent gear locally?

Yes. Double boots, crampons, ice axe, down jacket and other personal gear can be rented in Terskol — we help you choose and fit everything on day one. Only base layers, socks and glasses should be your own.

What is not included in the price?

Travel to Mineralnye Vody, mountaineering insurance, personal gear rental, cable-car tickets and café meals en route. A state permit of 30,000 RUB may be introduced — it is not included.

When is the best time to climb Elbrus?

The classic season runs June to September. The most stable weather is usually in July and August; June is quieter, and September brings crystal air and autumn colours in the Baksan valley.

Similar programs

Where to go before or after — routes of the same level and region.

What our climbers say

The club is rated 4.9 out of 5 on Yandex Maps from 10 reviews.

All reviews →
A_V_T_75Elbrus · July 2026Yandex Maps
★★★★★

Great company, comfort and reliable guides. I climbed Elbrus with them, everything was done at a high level.

Photo from the review: ElbrusPhoto from the review: Elbrus
Review on Yandex Maps →
Дмитрий М.Elbrus, Kazbek, Ararat, Kilimanjaro, Lenin Peak, Nepal · August 2026Yandex Maps
★★★★★

I met the guys back in 2020 and we have been going to the mountains together ever since. Elbrus, Kazbek, Ararat, Kilimanjaro, Lenin Peak, the trek in Nepal, Ama Dablam... If you want to fill your life with adventure, you have come to the right place. Tried and tested.

Review on Yandex Maps →
Светлана С.Elbrus, June 2024 · July 2026Yandex Maps
★★★★★

I climbed Elbrus with the guys in June 2024. It all went wonderfully, great organisation! Everyone summited. Thank you for making a dream come true!

Photo from the review: Elbrus, June 2024
Review on Yandex Maps →

Reviews are taken from the club profiles on Yandex Maps and Google and translated from Russian; the authors’ wording is kept.

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