The height of Mount Elbrus above the level. The seven highest mountain peaks of the six continents of the earth

Mount Elbrus is the highest mountain peak in the Russian Federation. Its height is 5642m. It is located on the territories of two republics: Karachay-Cherkess and Kabardino-Balkaria.

Elbrus is a layered volcano, dormant, has a conical shape and is composed of a large number of layers, hardened lava and ash. The last eruption on Elbrus was more than 1500 years ago. Modern scientists debate whether the mountain is an active volcano or an extinct one.

At the top and near the mountain there are glaciers, 23 of them. The most famous: Irik, Bolshoi Azau. There are also glaciers on the mountain that form avalanches of ice, Terskol, for example. When melting, the purest glacial water flows from Elbrus and feeds rivers such as the Kuban, Baksan, etc. Due to climate change, glaciers are gradually disappearing.

The weather near the mountain is very changeable and unstable. During the day it can change several times, from sunny to rainy, a stormy wind suddenly appears, and suddenly subsides to complete calm. Winter is harsh and frosty, with heavy snow and blizzards. At the foot of the mountain, the average winter temperature is -10 0 C÷-25 0 C. At the top it is below -35 0 C. In summer, the air heats up slightly above +15 0 C. Climbers and tourists should not forget about this variability when climbing.

Elbrus has attracted amateurs and athletes since ancient times. The first ascent of the mountain was at the beginning of the 19th century. Climbers compete in skill and professionalism, conquering Elbrus, receiving a master of sports and a world-class specialist. Numerous timed climbing competitions are held, so numerous devices, cable cars, etc. have been built on its slopes.

The area around Elbrus is very diverse. Here you can see: gorges, accumulations of large stones, glaciers, streams with melt water, waterfalls formed by these streams. At an altitude of more than 3000 m, glacial deposits and lakes of ice open up to the eye.

The flora of Elbrus is very diverse and has more than 3,000 varieties. Mint, sea buckthorn, coltsfoot, etc. grow here. Among the animals you can find mountain goat, raccoon dog, wild boar, jackal, roe deer, lynx, fox, wolf, squirrel and bear. The sky has been mastered by birds such as the eagle, vulture, kite, golden eagle, balaban, etc.

Option 2

Mount Elbrus is located in the Caucasus, in the past it was an active volcano, now it is listed as one of the largest extinct volcanoes. The last volcanic eruption was recorded about 2000 years ago.

Elbrus is also called “double-headed”, because it has two peaks that are completely covered with centuries-old glaciers. The area of the glacial part is 139 square kilometers. The eastern part of the mountain has a height of 5,621 meters, the western part is 5,642 meters. When glaciers melt, very powerful streams are formed, which flow down with rapid force, filling with their waters the most important rivers that are located in that region: Kuban, Baksan and Malku. Thanks to the melting of glaciers, the mountain supplies water to almost the entire part of the North Caucasus.

The study of Elbrus began in the 19th century by Russian researchers. The first expedition set out to study it in 1829. The slopes of the mountain are considered the highest in all of Russia; they are the favorite places for athletes. Many athletes dream of conquering the top of Elbrus. The middle of the mountain can be reached by cable car.

At an altitude of about 3,600 meters there is a very unusual hotel called Bochki.” The houses of this hotel are completely reminiscent of barrels, only larger in size. The hotel was specially built at this altitude so that tourists could bide their time, because the human body necessarily needs a little adaptation to the high-mountain climate, because at high altitudes in the mountains the percentage of oxygen in the air is very small than below.

At high altitudes, a person needs to breathe more often, taking in deeper air. Further, when climbing up after 510 meters, there is the next hotel, called “Shelter of the Eleven”. It is called so because many years ago eleven conquerors of the mountain made a halt there, they really liked this place that they soon built a small hut there, and over time they built a wonderful hotel on this place, for the same conquerors of this wonderful mountains. In the Shelter of the Eleven, climbers gain strength to further conquer heights. After all, you can’t be unprepared; in order to get to the very top, you need to train long and very hard before the very first climb, and always remember the technique of bladeless behavior on the mountain. All the difficulties that a traveler experiences when climbing Elbrus are completely justified.

2, 4, 8 grade

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View from an airplane.

Elbrus is a double-peaked saddle-shaped volcano cone. The western peak has a height of 5642 m, the eastern one - 5621 m. They are separated by a lintel with a height of 5300 m and are approximately 3 km apart from each other. The total area of Elbrus glaciers is about 150 km 2. The last eruption dates back to 50 AD. e. ± 50 years. The adaptive capabilities of the body end precisely at these heights. The highest mountain settlement in the world (large) is located at an altitude of ~5100m. is the city of LaRinconada in Peru. Above the 5200-5300 m mark, the earth's atmosphere is so rarefied that the amount of oxygen in the air is half the norm - a person cannot stay there for a long time. Digestive, respiratory, etc. systems. are not able to perform their functions at 100, therefore long-term stay in such conditions is associated with certain risks to life and health, which is possible only thanks to the internal reserves of the body and only with appropriate preparation.

View of the southern slope of the mountain. PHOTO TAKEN FROM THE OPEN RESOURCE “YANDEX.PICTURES”

The above information is for general informational purposes only; more detailed information can be read on any Internet resource.

Preface

Viam supervadet vadens
(May the one who walks master the road)

I don’t encourage people who read this story to immediately grab a backpack, crampons and an ice ax and rush headlong onto the nearest train or plane to the cities of the Caucasus. Yes, we went without a guide. But you can’t imagine how much organizational work was done to make everything work out the way it did. This story is not a guide to “How to go to Elbrus without a guide.” This is just a subjective description of our journey. Probably, a professional climber would have written the text in a completely different vein. Jokes with such heights can end badly! We were very lucky, but we shouldn’t rely only on fortune. At the time of the trip, both members of the expedition had the status of far from “dummies”. I already had good experience in organizing tourist events, almost eight years of hiking and about four years of mountain tourism under my belt, as well as two years of working as a guide in the southwestern Caucasus. Kostya had been involved in athletics for many years, as a result he had incredible endurance, he already had a sports rank in tourism and good skills in handling climbing equipment. If you do not regularly engage in these sports (mountain tourism, mountaineering) and do not have a high level of general physical fitness (general physical fitness), then you should not go to Elbrus alone. Find a team with relevant experience, master all the necessary skills and spend money on a guide. This could save your life. Get ready to climb! The biggest difficulty of Elbrus is its simplicity. “Thousands have risen there, and I will rise,” a beginner will think. As long-term statistics show, about 90 climbers achieve success. Such figures create a deceptive illusion of accessibility, but this is not an outdoor camping site - this is the highest point in Russia, the main peak of the Caucasus, the “roof” of Europe, a five-thousander. And yet, before you go there, ask yourself the question: do I need it, and if so, why? After all, every year on Elbrus, on average, about ten people die, which is approximately 0.1 of the total number of climbers. Someone will never return from the Mountain, don’t forget about it...

PHOTO TAKEN FROM THE OPEN RESOURCE “YANDEX. IMAGES"

The idea of going to SUCH a mountain arose a long time ago, but somehow it didn’t come together. At first there was a lack of finances, then time and equipment. And year after year, traveling through the southwestern Caucasus, climbing three thousand meters, I never stopped dreaming of such an ascent. Elbrus loomed on the horizon, beckoning with its sparkling white dome.

in the photo: view of Elbrus from the top of South Pseashkho (3251m.)

It was a DREAM - Elbrus! This one word turned my whole mind upside down. And since there was a dream, then soon a GOAL appeared. About a year before the trip, I firmly decided to make the climb in 2014. "Elbrus-2014!" - this became the life slogan of all subsequent months before the trip. But it is impossible to go to such a mountain without an experienced team, without people who have been there before! Six months before the ascent, I had the opportunity to go to Elbrus as part of an experienced team of excellent comrades from my hometown of Sochi, who already had quite a lot of experience in climbing above 5000 m.

Months passed, preparations were underway. Physical, technical, inventory, information. And all these six months I pushed away the bad feeling that something might go wrong and I would be left without a place on the team. Theoretically, I accepted the possibility that the trip as part of this team would not be possible. And therefore, I tried to collect more information about the mountain in advance: I read a lot of articles on the topic of acclimatization, reports on the ascent, and tried to ask as much as possible all my friends who had been there at least once. And, of course, I didn’t forget to prepare myself: regular trips to the mountains for one or two days, jogging 10-12 km, horizontal bar and parallel bars. Summer has come. The peak season of mountain tourism has begun. Now, when Elbrus was again revealed to the eye through a veil of clouds, I knew that it would be soon... And then something happened that I was afraid of, but for which I was ready: a call from the leader of the team in which I was supposed to ride. They go to another mountain - Kazbek 5033 m, which is located on the border with Georgia.

PHOTO TAKEN FROM THE OPEN RESOURCE “YANDEX. IMAGES"

I had neither the time nor the desire to quickly make a passport. My goal remained unchanged - “Elbrus-2014!” Having thanked the manager for agreeing to take me on the team at all, I began organizing my own trip to Elbrus. At first I tried to “get on the tail” of another team, but they didn’t want to take me. The reasoning was harsh and exhaustive - lack of sufficient confidence in my preparedness for such a campaign. Oh, how I understand them now!... There was just over a month left, and there was so much to do! It’s good that I had a large “package of information” about the area. All that remained was to find a travel companion. The criteria, of course, are very strict: a great desire to go, good physical and psychological preparation, availability of all the necessary equipment, and much more. The search circle closed on only one person - Konstantin Pavlenko.

At that time, I had known Kostya for only six months, but in such a short time he managed to establish himself only on the positive side. Calm, balanced, honest, responsive, superbly prepared both physically and psychologically, possesses all the necessary skills for such an ascent and, most importantly, he was fully aware of what he was agreeing to. In general, wherever you look, there are only positive qualities, with the exception, perhaps, of some absent-mindedness characteristic of many romantics, although here I can compete with him. A month before departure... We bought train tickets in advance to determine the exact departure date - July 31, flight Adler - Vladikavkaz. Now all that’s left to do is get ready and hit the road! Two weeks before the trip, we underwent preliminary acclimatization on the Pseashkho massif and, after spending the night at an altitude of 2600 m, climbed Mount Pseashkho South, 3251 m high.

The last week before the trip is probably the most stressful. What is revealed is simply a sea of previously unresolved organizational issues. And there is very little time left. So, July 31st. The backpacks are packed. Boarding the train. Now no one and nothing can stop us! After all, we didn’t tell ANYONE that we were going just the two of us. According to legend, we are members of a team of “experienced and qualified instructors from Krasnodar.” Well, what can I say! The biggest adventure of our lives has begun!

Part one

“Only mountains can be better than mountains,
Which I haven’t been to before"
Vladimir Vysotsky

The first day. Check-in On the morning of August 1, our small detachment arrived at the station in the city of Mineralnye Vody.

Alone, in an unfamiliar city... But this does not scare us, we know what all this is for. An attempt to find direct transport to the village of Terskol (the closest village to Mount Elbrus) was unsuccessful. Taxi drivers charged us astronomical amounts for the transfer, so we decided to go by public transport, which, of course, is not so convenient, but several times cheaper. And now, we are in the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, passing the Baksan Circle traffic intersection.

Our path lies through the administrative center of the region - the village of Tyrnyauz. After some time we enter the territory of the local National Park. We decided to base ourselves on the territory of the Bivuak tent camp.

The place is simply beautiful - a fir grove. Not a speck, not a bump - what else does a tourist need? The weather is magnificent. During the day it will not be hotter than +20, and with sunset the thermometer will drop only 6 - 8 degrees. Although in the mountains the weather will always find something to surprise a tourist: the hot sun is scorching, and in an hour the temperature will “collapse” and it will rain and snow, which in an hour or two may be replaced by the appearance of a bright luminary. So you need to be on your guard. As soon as we leave the forest zone, the Azau peak and Mount Cheget 3770 m open to our eyes, to which we will go tomorrow.

Having received an incredible boost of energy at the waterfall, we decide to go further to the observatory located nearby, at an altitude of 3100 m.

Unfortunately, we were not allowed into the observatory itself, but the local guards advised us not to stop there and go to the “Ice Base”, where in Soviet times training took place before climbing Elbrus. Well? No sooner said than done! Let's go to the Ice Base, at 3700! The road is no longer so good, you can’t get through here by car. Hundred by hundred we gain altitude. Now you can admire the legendary Semyorka glacier, which lies on Mount Donguz-Orun. And after the next “take-off”, it was revealed to us... yes, it was HE – Elbrus! I, of course, understood that Elbrus is a mountain of considerable size, but not so “considerable”! It's just huge! This is a great spectacle! Relative to our location, the mountain rises another 2 km up. We are enjoying the views and the panorama that opens up to us, when suddenly we notice some “dots” on the Terskol glacier. This is a group of mountain climbers returning from an acclimatization trip, maneuvering between huge cracks in the glacier. The surface of the glacier is like bottle glass: the blue ice is crystal clear, transparent several meters deep, but it is hard as stone.

Crossing a glacier is not an easy task. You must have a number of special skills: be able to move in a team, cut on the ice, and much more. While we are waiting for the climbers, we are looking at what is happening on the southern slope of Elbrus - someone is moving up along the Pastukhov rocks, someone is moving down from the “oblique shelf”. The process is fascinating, and we involuntarily begin to speculate about what exactly is happening there. Also from this point you can study the location of various objects relative to each other: lift stations, “Bochki”, “Shelter 11”, rock ridges of “Shelter”, Pastukhov rocks, “oblique shelf”. On the way back we come across a small island of “green life” in the endless stone sea. What a contrast!

Let's go down.

Day three. Going to an altitude of 3700 m on the first day was not the best idea, but what was done cannot be changed. We received a lot of information from a group of climbers we met at the Ice Base. After yesterday's forced race, we decided to rest a little, not get up “at first light” and sleep two to three hours more than usual. But by 9 am the rising sun turns our tent into a “crematorium”, so we had to wake up. Today our program is simpler - a radial exit to Mount Cheget to an altitude of 3400 m. Having “dropped” about a hundred meters through the village, we get to the “Glade Cheget”, from where the chairlift begins. But we don’t need it, since acclimatization requires physical labor, and a ride on the cable car doesn’t quite reach this concept, so we go on foot.

The ascent to the slope of Mount Cheget begins. At the exit from the forest zone there is a turn to Lake Donguz-Orun-Kel, but it is located in a specially protected five-kilometer zone adjacent to the state border with Georgia. The border runs along the top ridge of the Donguz-Orun and Nakra-Tau mountains. A pass is needed only if you want to get to Lake Donguz-Orun-Kol, the Shhelda glacier or the Azau gorge. All this is not necessary for climbing and is a pleasant “bonus” for acclimatization trips. Without special permission, going there is fraught with very unpleasant consequences. With a sigh of disappointment, we continue to climb. In the second hour from noon we reach the desired altitude. At this point everything is covered in clouds. No wonder. The weather in the mountains often worsens in the afternoon. But we were able to see Cheget itself, to which there were still 300 vertical meters of pure mountaineering left. The clouds are thickening too quickly, it could rain at any moment, so we go down “bourgeois style” - on one of the oldest cable cars in Russia. This will be the last night in the village of Terskol. Primary acclimatization has been successfully completed, so tomorrow we will move directly to the slopes of Elbrus. Day four. We leave the wonderful fir grove that sheltered us and go to the kingdom of eternal snow and ice. But before that there was mandatory registration with the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Of course, we do not plan to use the services of rescuers, but anything is possible - safety comes first. We are leaving Terskol.

The cable car, which leads to the slope of Elbrus itself, begins from the Azau Glade, which had to be reached by taxi due to the complete lack of local transport. The cashier insisted that we buy round-trip tickets, assuring us that even after a few days the descent tickets would be valid. At the cash register we were given beautiful plastic cards.

Well, now the most interesting thing awaits us - we begin to reap the benefits of not having a guide. Of course, the main details of the route were very carefully thought out in advance, but it was impossible to pay attention to every detail. Due to our insufficient awareness of the specific location and exact altitudes of the camps, a rash decision was made to spend the night at an altitude of 3450 m, near the Mir cable car station. It rains all day, with snow at night. There are noisy, dissatisfied vacationers constantly walking around the tent, some incredibly smelly equipment is driving around, and in general... I don’t want to waste time on further description of this day, since nothing interesting happened anymore. Day five. We wake up to the noise made by yet another incomprehensible large-sized equipment passing by, and begin to prepare for the upcoming road. Breaking up camp in the rain is not a pleasant pleasure, but there’s nothing you can do – you have to. We return to the station: in front of us is the “Mir - Gara-Bashi” cable car. We pay separately for the third stage, already at the top.

The cable car seats are single seats, so you have to put your backpack with your things on the next seat. On each support, the chair shakes and bounces terribly - just look, the backpack will fall out and fly into hell. It’s scary to look at - after all, EVERYTHING is in the backpack! By this point, it became clear that before the trip it was necessary to put on a hat and a down jacket, since moving to warm up, especially with a second backpack on my lap, was uncomfortable and dangerous. In addition, the cable car stops periodically so that workers can accept the load that travels in the same chairs. This is how we get to a height of 3700 m. And in the direction of the “Shelter” there are already support piles for the new line of the cable car, which will reach a height of more than four thousand meters! What's next? Will they reach the Pastukhovs, and will they sell pies on the saddle?

It has already become noticeably cooler here - you can feel the proximity of the border of the snow zone. The guard at the upper station of the cable car, seeing two boys getting wet in the rain, immediately invites us to his guardhouse. How friendly people are here! But no matter how sad this may be, after drinking hot tea near a warm stove, we have to leave the hospitable host and go in search of a place to set up camp. Our path lies past the Barrels shelter.

Having established the camp, we collect radial backpacks “for transport”, completing them with the heaviest, that is, food and gas. We got to this place by cable car, thanks to which, at an altitude of 3500 - 3700, we eat fresh vegetables and fruits, cheese and meat, and other products that we absolutely don’t want to carry further on our hump. We have to walk the rest of the way. It is not possible to carry about 70 kg of cargo at a time for two people, so we do a “drop”: we carry 10 - 12 kg of cargo each to the site of the second camp in order to carry away everything else the second time. Or you can descend to the level of “mattresses on a snowcat,” which is completely unsporting.

Previously, the legendary Shelter 11 was located at an altitude of 4050 m. Some reports talk about the 4200 m mark - don’t believe it, it’s not true! Where every meter counts, such a difference is critical. Built back in the Soviet years, on August 16, 1998, the practically ownerless “Shelter” burned down due to violations of fire safety rules. Now the “Shelter” is the name given to the former boiler house building, which can comfortably accommodate several dozen climbers. The owner of this establishment turned out to be as good-natured as the guard at the Gara-Bashi station. Probably all the people here are like that. He gave us hot tea, and while drinking tea, he told us a lot of interesting things about Elbrus. In the hospitable company, time flew quickly; it was already getting dark outside. It's time to go down to camp at 3700. Upon arrival, we hide all electronic devices inside the sleeping bag - they can get damaged in the cold. Day six. Having left ourselves only enough food and gas for a day, we have no other option but to go with all our luggage to the upper camp. We walked from “Barrels” to “Shelter” with large backpacks. It’s good that the weather is cloudy; walking under the scorching rays of the sun would be much more difficult. We mentally thank the weather. With faces expressing the wisdom “He who knows life is in no hurry,” we slowly crawl up to our next stop.

Meanwhile, the fog is thickening, so a decision is made - first set up camp, and only then pick up your “drop-off”. The place was simply magnificent! Not far from the Shelter, at an altitude of 4150, there are large and flat areas where you can place at least a company of soldiers. We were very lucky - a few hours earlier the group had left this place, freeing up a perfectly prepared place for a tent. What a wonderful wall! Thanks to it, we don’t feel the wind at all.

So far everything is going very well, although in the details there is again a lack of a guide. At the transition “Bochki” - “Shelter” we did not put on either crampons or climbing shoe covers (special insulated covers for shoes), since this section does not present any technical difficulty. But the snow plowed by snowcats melts during the day, since even at this altitude in clear weather above-zero temperatures prevail. Because of this, the entire path turns into a squelching and slurping mess, which not a single membrane on the shoes can cope with. As a result, we get thoroughly wet feet at an altitude of more than 4000 m. There is nowhere and nothing to dry our shoes with...

Regardless of the weather, it is impossible to violate the canons of acclimatization. The rule “climb high and sleep low” must be followed. Therefore, we warm ourselves and go upstairs in conditions of almost zero visibility. Snow groomers (snow rolling equipment) regularly travel up to a height of 5080 m, leaving behind trenches about 20 meters wide. Along the sides of these trenches there are red flags every 10-12 meters indicating the direction of movement. It is simply impossible to stray from such a path. Having reached the lower limit of the Pastukhov rocks (4550 m), we understand that this is worth stopping at. At least today. Visibility is no more than 10 m, there is a strong wind, and the time is already approaching sunset. It's time to go back down. Day seven. The first night at an altitude of over 4000 m above sea level went well. We slept very soundly; altitude sickness had not yet made itself felt. Climbers from the neighboring tents told us how to dry our shoes - we need to sleep with them in our arms. Yes, it’s unpleasant, but it’s very effective. Tested by personal experience. It was quite warm at night, the thermometer dropped only to -6 degrees Celsius. The next morning Elbrus reveals itself to us in all its grandeur! It seems that you can run to the top in a few hours. What a deceptive illusion, because it’s one and a half kilometers away, in altitude, of course... Up to the 4600 mark, the altitude is practically not felt, at 4700 severe shortness of breath appears, and it becomes very difficult to walk. At an altitude of 4900 we turn into robots. We walk “automatically”. In such conditions, if you suddenly slow down, a feeling of suffocation is guaranteed for half a minute. Attempts to restore breathing by taking a deep breath are futile. There is still not enough air. Remembering the words of A.V. Suvorov, “It’s hard to learn, easy to fight,” we continue to move.

We decide today, at all costs, to cross the 5000 m mark. No sooner said than done. The last “take-off” completely exhausts our strength - the speed does not exceed 1 km/h. Every step is given with incredible difficulty! I have to “pull myself out” with my hands, leaning on poles, and for the first time in my life Kostya regrets that he didn’t take trekking poles. How useful they would be to him now! Almost five hours later from the moment we left the camp, we reach the end of the “snow groomer boulevard” - at an altitude of 5080 m! This is the beginning of the “oblique shelf” - the traverse of the slope of the Eastern peak towards the saddle. The snowcat does not go further than this place.

We are at an altitude of more than five kilometers! What a view! Below us is a cloudy ocean, from which the highest peaks of the Main Caucasian Range “stick out” with snowy peaks. It was worth the effort spent getting up. By studying the rocks located directly above us, we compare recommendations for descending from the saddle with the actual location of objects when it is impossible to find the “oblique shelf” due to poor visibility. To the left and right of us there are massive glaciers and multi-meter cracks gape. And again we see the Semyorka glacier. Now we are one and a half kilometers higher than him! As we go down, the weather noticeably improves and rewards us with beautiful sunset panoramas. Having descended to the camp, I understand that the first signs of altitude sickness or “miner sickness” are catching up with me. Kostya feels great, but my condition is completely different - my head is cracking like a transformer box, in addition there is a strong nosebleed (after all, the body cannot withstand such pressure changes), which can only be stopped with vasoconstrictors. The consequences of exposure to altitude affect each person exclusively individually. Some have a headache, some have a stomach ache, some have no appetite, and some don’t care at all, although, of course, there is a certain, most common “package of consequences.” And I’m very tired today (after all, we climbed to an altitude of more than five thousand!), and it’s simply impossible to fall asleep - the transformer in my head still doesn’t want to shut up, and on top of that I’ve added increased nervousness. I don’t know whether this was a consequence of the headache or a separate symptom, but I snapped at Kostya, cursing him for no reason whatsoever. When I realized that the “miner” was speaking in me, I had to make a lot of apologies to my comrade. Attempts to turn off this infernal chatter with aspirin and citramone were unsuccessful. Another hour of agony. It was possible to plunge into the world of dreams only after taking a double dose of sleeping pills.

Elbrus is a double-peaked volcanic cone. The western peak has a height of 5642 m, the eastern one - 5621 m. It is located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, north of the Greater Caucasus Range and is the highest peak in Russia. Elbrus is also considered the highest mountain peak in Europe, and therefore is included in the list of the highest peaks on the planet.

First ascents of Elbrus

In 1813, Russian academician V.K. Vishnevsky first determined the height of Elbrus (5421 m).
The first successful ascent to one of the peaks of Elbrus was made in July 1829 during a military-scientific expedition led by General G. A. Emmanuel, head of the Caucasian fortified line. The expedition was of a scientific nature (the Elbrus expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences was organized in Pyatigorsk, which is recorded in Diana’s grotto), its participants were: academician Adolf Kupfer - geophysicist, geologist, founder of the Main Physical Observatory in St. Petersburg, physicist Emilius Lenz, zoologist Eduard Minetrier , founder of the Russian Entomological Society, botanist Karl Meyer, who later became an academician and director of the botanical garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences, artist-architect Joseph (Giuseppe Marco) Bernardazzi (who made the first image of Elbrus), Hungarian scientist Janos Besse. The auxiliary service of Emmanuel's expedition consisted of 650 soldiers and 350 line Cossacks, as well as local guides.

The first part of the route from the Konstantinogorsk fortress (present-day Pyatigorsk) to the “Stone Bridge” fortification (on Malka) passed without complications. On July 8, 1829, travelers arrived at the Kharbas River (a tributary of the Malka). From here they climbed to a height of about 2600 m and camped near one of the mineral springs on the banks of the Kyzylsu River.

Inscription on "Emanuel's Rock"

Inscription on the “Emanuel Rock”: “1829 from July 8 to 11 Camp under the command of General of the Cavalry Emanuel”
Kupfer, Lenz, Meyer, Minetrier, Bernardazzi, 20 Cossacks and guides took part directly in the ascent. However, lack of experience and poor quality of climbing equipment forced most of the participants to turn back. Only four continued the further ascent: Emilius Lenz, Cossack Lysenkov and two people from the group of guides - Kilar Khachirov and Akhiya Sottaev. At an altitude of about 5300 m, due to lack of strength, Lenz and his two accompanying men were forced to stop. According to some sources, the Karachai guide Kilar Khachirov was the first to climb the eastern peak at about 11 a.m. on July 10, 1829. This event was marked by a rifle salute in the camp, where General Emmanuel watched the ascent through a powerful telescope.

At the location of the camp, a memorial inscription was carved on one of the stones, the location of which was lost over time. It was discovered by Soviet climbers already in the 20th century (by chance, 103 years later - it was hidden under centuries-old layers of lichens).
The first successful ascent to the western, highest peak was made in 1874 by a group of English climbers led by F. Grove and Balkar guide A. Sottaev, who participated in the first ascent.

Pastukhov Andrey Vasilievich

The first person to climb both peaks of Elbrus is considered to be the Russian military topographer A.V. Pastukhov. In 1890, accompanied by four Cossacks of the Khopersky regiment, he climbed its western peak, and six years later, in 1896, he conquered the eastern one. Pastukhov was also the first to map the peaks of Elbrus.
In August 1974, three completely standard (without winches and traction chains) UAZ-469 vehicles reached a glacier on Mount Elbrus at an altitude of 4000 meters during a test run.

Now Elbrus is very popular for climbing, both in mountaineering and mountain tourism.
According to the Russian mountaineering and mountain classification, Elbrus is rated as 2A category of difficulty, the passage of both peaks is 2B. There are other, more difficult routes, for example, Elbrus (W) along the NW edge 3A.

Elbrus during the Second World War

Due to its symbolic significance as the highest point in Europe, Elbrus became the scene of a fierce confrontation during the Great Patriotic War, in which units of the German mountain rifle division “Edelweiss” also participated. During the Battle of the Caucasus on August 21, 1942, after occupying the Krugozor and Shelter of the Eleven mountain bases, German alpine riflemen managed to install Nazi banners on the western peak of Elbrus. At the same time, the capture of Elbrus was not part of the plans of the German high command.

By the middle of the winter of 1942-1943, the Wehrmacht was knocked out from the slopes of Elbrus, and on February 13 and 17, 1943, Soviet climbers climbed the western and eastern peaks of Elbrus, respectively, where Soviet flags were hoisted.

Climbing Elbrus
You can climb Elbrus from any direction: from the south, north, west and east. More than 100 different routes have been laid to its peaks, mostly their complexity is within 2A-2B class, with the exception of climbing Elbrus along the Kyukyurtlyu-Kol-Bashi wall, which has a difficulty category of 5B. But this route is slightly “far-fetched”, and there have been no repeated passages along it over the past 20 years.

The most popular and easiest route for climbing Elbrus is from the south, from the village of Terskol or from the Azau clearing. Therefore, this is exactly what we offer to those who do not have a mountaineering qualification. On the boring part of the route there is a lift, 2 steps of which will take you to the top station “Mir”, located at an altitude of 3452 meters, in 30 minutes. From the station begins a breathtaking hiking climb to Elbrus. And acclimatization before the ascent is carried out in the Elbrus region, in the Adyr-Su gorge, which adds variety to the hike.

Whatever tour on Elbrus you choose, remember that the goal of the climb is not a mountaineering rank, but pleasure. And if you have good weather, luck and experienced instructors, it is guaranteed to you.

Sights of the Elbrus region

Valley of Narzans
The Narzanov Valley is located 34 km south of Kislovodsk, in the foothills of the Rocky Range of the Greater Caucasus, in the valley of the Khasaut River, at an altitude of 1300 m above sea level, on the border between the Stavropol Territory and the Kabardino-Balkarian Autonomous Republic.

There are 17 Narzan-type mineral water springs in the Narzan Valley. Their water belongs to the carbonic acid bicarbonate-chloride sodium-calcium type with mineralization up to 3.3 g/l and carbon dioxide content up to 2.2 g/l. The nature of the valley fascinates with its beauty: majestic mountains, luxurious subalpine meadows, dense forest and numerous mineral springs. Before going there, you should take care of your beauty, perhaps get waxed and visit a beauty salon (just kidding).

Another Narzan Valley is located in the Baksan Gorge, behind the village of Baidaevo, a little closer to the Itkol boarding house. This place is often visited as it is easily accessible to all guests. The ground in the clearing is painted rusty brown. This occurs due to the high iron content in water. One of the springs in the clearing is so powerful that the thickness of its stream is comparable to the thickness of an adult’s arm.

Baksan Gorge
The Baksan Gorge is perhaps the most famous gorge of the Central Caucasus, known far beyond the borders of Kabardino-Balkaria. This is an incredibly beautiful and unusual place. It is through the Baksan Gorge that the road to the Elbrus region goes, and it ends in the Azau clearing, at the foot of Elbrus. The length of the gorge is 85 km.

The gorge gets its name from the Baksan River, which accompanies the traveler throughout the entire journey. The upper reaches of the Baksan Gorge and its spurs are occupied by glaciers. Several glaciers flow here from Elbrus, as well as from the neighboring Donguz-Orun mountain, which give rise to the high-water and stormy Baksan.
The path to the gorge goes along three Caucasian ridges - Pastbishchny, Skalisty and Main through a number of villages. The road winds all the time, sometimes gaining height, sometimes decreasing.

In the gorge itself there are many interesting natural and historical monuments, including the Narzan Glade, ancient caves on the slopes of Mount Ullukai, a complex of monuments to the first climbers of Elbrus, the “Mourning Highlander” monument, etc.
From the Baksan Gorge you can get to the picturesque gorges of Adyr-Su, Adyl-Su, Itkol, Yusengi, Terskol, Donguz-Orun.
The gorge has long been favored by climbers. There are many camps located on its territory, including “Ullu-Tau”, “Elbrus”, “Dzhailyk”, “Shkhelda”.

Springs of Djily-Su
The Djily-Su tract with its healing mineral springs is located on the northern slope of Mount Elbrus in the upper reaches of the Malki River at an altitude of 2380 m. This unique place in the Elbrus region annually attracts a large number of people who want to improve their health with the help of warm narzans. The most popular and main source comes directly from the rock. Water fills the artificial bath (about 12 cubic meters in volume) and it is renewed every 10 minutes. The water temperature in the source is +22-24 degrees. Swimming is carried out according to the schedule.

The healing properties of warm narzan have a beneficial effect on the nervous and cardiovascular systems, the musculoskeletal system, and treat skin and allergic diseases. Also, the mineral springs of Djily-Su are consumed internally. This helps improve the human body’s immunity, helps improve metabolism, and treats diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. There are separate “specialized” sources: “renal”, “ocular”, “lumbar”, “hepatic” and others. In total, there are about 14 active springs in Djily-Su.

The Silver Spring with slightly mineralized water, which flows from mid-July to the end of September, is interesting. The water in the source is crystal clear and has a bluish tint. Each liter of water contains 4 mg of the precious metal silver. The healing properties of the source normalize heart function, equalize blood pressure, improve blood and lymph microcirculation, stimulate tissue regeneration processes, and cleanse the body of toxins.

In addition to mineral springs, there are other attractions in the Djily-Su tract. You should definitely visit the local waterfalls - the famous handsome giant Sultan (40 m), as well as Karakaya-Su (25 m) and Emir (7.5 m). Also popular excursion sites are the Kala-Kulak gully (Valley of Castles), the Valley of Stone Mushrooms, the Valley of Ancient Menhirs, and the German Airfield.

Blue Lakes
Blue Lakes is a unique natural monument located in Kabardino-Balkaria. There are lakes in the Cherek Gorge. There are five of them in total.

Lower Blue Lake (Tserik-Kel) is the most interesting and beautiful. The water in it is crystal clear, transparent and very cold. It has approximately the same temperature all year round and does not rise above + 9 degrees). Having a mirror area of just over 1.5 hectares, the lake is one of the ten deepest in the Russian Federation (after Teletskoye and).
Camp sites are scattered along the shores of the Lower Blue Lake, and there is a modern diving center. The fact that the lake does not freeze makes it possible to organize divers’ meetings and training here at any time of the year.

The Upper Blue Lakes are represented by the Eastern and Western communicating lakes. A dam is installed between them, through which water from the Eastern Lake passes into the Western Lake. These two lakes are rich in fish.
The other two lakes of the group are interesting in their own way - Secret and Sukhoe. Secret got its name because of its invisibility. The lake is located in a deep depression, so it is not immediately visible. The dry lake is located at the bottom of a very deep canyon, the height of the steep walls reaches 180 m.

Chegem waterfalls

Chegem waterfalls are a unique natural monument that is definitely worth a visit if you come to the Caucasus. This is a whole group of waterfalls located in the gorge of the Chegem Gorge. Locals call these waterfalls "Sous Auzu", which means "water throat". And, indeed, the water rushes in a stormy stream with a roar from the rocks, flows out of numerous crevices, and falls from a height of 50-60 meters into the seething Chegem. The largest and most powerful waterfall of the group is called Adai-Su (Maiden's Braid). Its height is about 30 m.

In winter, the Chegem waterfalls present a fantastic spectacle in their beauty. Freezing, the water forms numerous ice columns and pillars, turning the rock wall into a real work of art.
Near the waterfalls there is a small hotel, a cafe and a market. Here you can always buy knitted items, wine, preserves, and souvenirs from local residents. You will be invited to take pictures in folk costumes or take a ride on a donkey.

Glacier "Seven"

One of these natural wonders is the glaciological object Semerka glacier, which is part of the Elbrus National Park. The glacier is, as it were, “sewn” to the northern wall of the Donguzorun peak, and thereby faces Elbrus. The glacier's unusual name comes from its shape, which resembles the number 7.
The slopes of Mount Elbrus, the white ice shell of Donguzorun and the Semerki glacier are a popular place among ski tourists.

Stone "mushrooms"

Stone "mushrooms" are the product of exotic erosion, which resulted in stone pillars with flat caps that look like mushrooms. They are located at an altitude of 3200 m. Having arrived at the foot of Elbrus, you find yourself in the kingdom of the volcano, where nature has created many sculptures of the most intricate shapes from lava.

National Park "Elbrus"

Established by government decree on an area of 101.2 thousand hectares in order to preserve the unique natural complex of the Elbrus region and use it for recreational, scientific and cultural purposes.
The Elbrus region, as an area of traditional tourism and other active sports, occupies an area along the Baksan River basin in the high-mountainous part of its tributaries - Adyr-su, Kyrtyk, Adyl-su and its sources - Azau, Terskol, Donguz-Orun.

Between the southern slopes of Elbrus to the Main Caucasus Range and the interfluve of Baksan and Chegem is located the most popular mountain resort in Russia and beyond. Another part of the National Park is the northern Elbrus region, located in the upper reaches and sources of the Malka River.

Anatomy of Elbrus

From the outside, Elbrus resembles a Bactrian 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, there is almost a kilometer and a half between them. The peaks are separated by the so-called Elbrus saddle. The average steepness of the rocks is 350.

There is an honorary world ranking called the “Seven Summits”. It includes the highest mountains from six parts of the world. Elbrus is the leader in Europe. Mont Blanc takes second place. 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. The last burst of volcanic activity occurred about 80 thousand years ago. By human standards this is a huge period, but by geological standards it is an instant. Some scientists believe that the volcano is still awaiting a surge in activity.

There is no bad weather

The Elbrus region is characterized by sudden changes in weather. On average, cycles last about a week. Good weather gives way to bad weather, then idyll reigns again. In the first half of summer, rain is a frequent visitor. At an altitude of up to 2000 m, the maximum temperature can reach +35. The average temperature is much lower. It decreases further with height. However, this is enough to slightly melt the glaciers. They give rise to such large rivers as the Kuban, Malka and Baksan.

Autumn in the mountains begins 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 there is severe frost at the top. The temperature can drop to -40, and the wind speed, on the contrary, can increase to 40 m/sec! Such harsh conditions prevail at altitudes above 4000 m.

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

Photo: Most snow falls on the southern slopes

Climatic conditions determine the specifics of the fauna and flora of the Elbrus region. The mountains are home to Caucasian aurochs, chamois, and roe deer. There are wild boars at the foot. If you're lucky, you might see yaks on the slopes. They tried to breed them artificially, but the experiment was unsuccessful. In the forests there are moose, jackals, wolves, and foxes. The belt of alpine meadows is favored by the Caucasian grouse, mountain turkey, stone partridge, as well as feathered predators - black vulture, eaglet, golden eagle and others. You should be wary of vipers, although the mountaineers claim that meeting one is lucky!

Why Elbrus?

Names are given by people, so Elbrus remained nameless for a long time after its 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 writing and did not communicate with each other. The Kabardino-Balkarians called it “Mingi tau” - “Eternal Mountain”. In Kumyk, her name sounded like “Askhar-tau” - “Snowy Mountain of Ases”. The Adyghe people called it “Kuskhemakha” - “Mountain that brings happiness.”

According to the official version, the word “Elbrus” comes from the Persian “al-borji”, which means “heaving”. At least on the territory of modern Iran there is a mountain called Elborz. In the Ossetian language there is the word “albors” - high mountain. Georgians call “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 cult place, 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

Just as a prospector dreams of finding the largest nugget, climbers have always dreamed of conquering Elbrus. And they not only dreamed, but also conquered. Scientists became the pioneers. This happened in July 1829. Then the mountain peak was stormed by such famous personalities as the creator of the St. Petersburg geophysical observatory, Adolf Kupfer, and physicist Emilius Lenz. Even the botanist Karl Meyer and the artist Joseph Bernardazzi became climbers for a while!

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 supported 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 Western Peak 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. The German Merzbacher and the Austrian Purtscheller climbed to the top in just eight hours! In 1925, the first woman reached the summit. Since the middle of the 20th century, climbers have become widespread. And now the folk trail does not overgrow here. Elbrus beckons and attracts like a huge magnet.

There have been legendary cases in the history of conquests. So in 1974, three UAZ-469 SUVs rose to a height of 4200 meters! This was done without the help of winches. Since the air at such a height 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, people and cars survived. A unique “ascent” has taken place!

Elbrus for skiers

If there are slopes and snow, then there are ski resorts. The Elbrus region is no exception in this regard. The Azau and Cheget ski resorts 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 spring, people not only ski on the slopes, but also sunbathe. Skating on the glaciers is possible all year round.

Photo: The ski season lasts from October to May

On the slopes of “Azau” there are 3 routes: “Polyana Azau - Krugozor” (length - 5100 m, difficult), “Krugozor - Mir” (5110 m, medium), “Mir - Gara-Bashi” (2000 m, easy). The stations are located at altitudes from 2350 to 3847 m. It is possible to go higher, but for this you will have to use a snowcat. The elevation difference on the slopes 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 slopes is from 60 to 80 m. The artificial snowmaking system allows you to ski 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 Krugozor station you can clearly see the Baksan Valley. Above you will find a panorama of the Greater Caucasus Range. And from the maximum point - glaciers. The Gara-Bashi station “floats” above the clouds and is considered the highest in Europe. Lift operating hours are from 9:00 to 17:00. Get up until 16:00.

There are eight types of ski passes on sale - from a one-time lift to a six-day pass. Children under 6 years old have free entry to the ski lifts. 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 apply, providing only one-time descent and ascent. At this time, not skiers, but climbers climb the mountains.

“Cheget” has more difficult conditions for skiing. Local trails are more difficult than many European ones. In 1963, skiers went up for the first time on a chairlift. Now there are 15 tracks on Cheget. 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 at the top of the slope.

There are three lines of the cable car at Cheget. Single- and double-chair lifts operate from “Chegetskaya Polyana” to the “Cheget-2” station (2100-2750 m). You can get to the Cheget-3 station (2750-3000 m) by single-chair or drag lift. Up to the highest point (3070 m), only the rope tow operates. The resort offers two ski pass options - one-time and one-day. There are several hotels located on the Chegenskaya Polyana, in close proximity to the ski lifts.

The resorts have shops that sell everything you need for skiing and snowboarding. Equipment rental is available. Beginners can hire an instructor. Excursions are organized for tourists. The main attractions are the Narzan Valley, Chegem waterfalls, the Bezengi glacier, Blue Lake, the Maiden's Braids waterfall, and Elbrus National Park.

Currently, there are more than 70 accommodation places in the Elbrus region, including mountain camps, guest houses, boarding houses and hotels. Accommodation costs may vary greatly 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 Polyana Azau. The lift takes tourists to the Gara-Bashi station, located at an altitude of 3847 m, in one hour. Anyone can climb to the Oblique Shelf at an altitude of 5100 m by 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 Shelter 11 (4130 m) and Pastukhov Rocks (4700 m), which are named after the famous Russian climber Andrei Pastukhov. Next you will have to overcome the Col 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, you need to overcome a fairly steep climb. But the view from the Western peak is stunning!

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 most often used to conquer the Eastern Peak. The glacier begins at an altitude of 3800 m, so you will need crampons here. At the Lenz Rocks at an altitude of 4800 m you will have to stop for a rest to acclimatize. Having gained strength and gotten used to the thin air, you can storm the summit.

On the eastern side of Elbrus there is a route 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 in the Elbrus region. From here you have an excellent view of the lava flow and the Jikauchenquez ice plateau. The object of conquest is the Western Peak.

The name “Wild West” best suits the western slope of Elbrus. This is an option for extreme sports enthusiasts. Civilization has bypassed these places - there are no snowcats or ski lifts here. It is chosen by tourists in good physical shape, since all equipment from start to finish will have to be carried in backpacks. The victory is celebrated on the Western Peak.

For those who climb, there are shelters in the mountains. This is the name for places where you can hide from bad weather, relax, and 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, the “Shelter of the Eleven” appeared at an altitude of 4200 meters. It could already accommodate 40 people. Then the Saddle and Shelter of Nine shelters opened. They are still in effect today.

Of the new shelters, “Bochki” should be noted. A dozen six-bed cylindrical houses are located near the Gara-Bashi station at an altitude of 3847 m. This is the most popular starting point for climbers before the assault on Elbrus. Nearby are the Hassan shelter for 12 people and the Kotelnaya shelter, which accommodates up to 50 people. On the southern side there are shelters Shuvalova, “Maria” and “Esen”.

“LeapRus” is considered the highest mountain comfortable shelter. It is located on the southern slope at an altitude of 3900 m and can accommodate 48 people. It has all the delights of civilization - heating, hot water and lighting. Electricity for tourists is provided by solar panels.

Photo: High-level mountain hotel

Our tourist club offers the following programs for climbing Elbrus:

Climbing with tents from the north side to the eastern 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 transfers 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. There is a daily train between Moscow and Nalchik. By train Moscow - Kislovodsk you will get to Mineralnye Vody or Pyatigorsk, and by train Moscow - Vladikavkaz - to Prokhladnaya station.

Intercity buses run to major settlements in the Elbrus region. In their cars, tourists travel to Elbrus through Krasnodar or Rostov-on-Don.

Mount Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe and Russia in particular. It is included in the catalog of the seven tallest objects on planet Earth. But this is not the only characteristic of this point in the Caucasus Mountains. It is a stratovolcano or, in other words, a layered volcano, which is formed by multi-layered solidification of lava, ash and tephra.

Such peaks are characterized by high altitude and steep slopes. This is due to the properties of lava masses, which have a viscous and thick consistency. And eruptions from stratovolcanoes are explosive in nature, while the lava quickly hardens and does not spread over long distances over the terrain.

Height of Mount Elbrus

This volcano has two peaks with different heights. The western one is 5642 m, and the eastern one is slightly lower - 5621 m. The distance between them is 3 km, and if measured along the mountainside - 5200 meters. On this saddle between the peaks of the volcano, the highest alpine shelter in Europe was built for climbers and lovers of conquering peaks. And there are more than enough people willing to climb to such a height, starting with the first ascent to the eastern peak on July 22, 1829 by Hilar Khachirov. This is a local guide, a resident of Kabardino-Balkaria, who knows these places well. The western peak was conquered a little later, in 1874, by English climbers F. Grove, F. Gardner, H. Walker, P. Knubel and local guide A. Sottaev. After this, thousands of people from all over the world try to climb to the height of Mount Elbrus, coming to the Elbrus region every year.

Controversial issues

Often on the pages of the World Wide Web you can see controversial dialogues about Elbrus, where it is located, in what country. The mountain is located on the border of several territorial units, although most of it is still located on the territory of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, which occupies the northern slope of the Caucasus Mountains.

But the mountain itself is located at the junction of Kabardino-Balkaria and the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, its image is on the coats of arms of both of these regions. However, North Ossetia, Georgia, and the Stavropol Territory are very close. Therefore, in the Elbrus region there is a whole complex of resorts belonging to different republics of Russia and Georgia.

Also, disputes on the issue of Elbrus (where it is located, in which country) are also being conducted by geographers who cannot agree on a common opinion. Doubts are raised by assumptions that this volcano is located in Europe. Some argue that this is already the territory of Asia. The border between the continents runs right through the middle of the Main Caucasus Range.

Mountain name

Depending on the location of Elbrus (where it is located, in what country), local residents call the volcano differently. In Iran it is called Aitibares, which means "sparkling or brilliant." This name is very consistent with the appearance of the peak, when the eternal snow reflects the bright rays of the sun.

In Georgia they call the mountain Yalbuz, which translated means: yal - “storm”, buz - “ice”. Apparently, the inhabitants of this country have repeatedly witnessed the raging elements on the slopes of the mountain.

The Armenian name is closely phonetically related to the Georgian version. Sounds like Alberis. Many believe that this name comes from the word Alps.

The name of the mountain, invented by the Alans, sounds very beautiful. These are residents of Karachaevo-Balkaria. "Mingi-Tau" is translated as "eternal mountain of consciousness and wisdom."

The name of the volcano, known throughout the world - Elbrus - also has local origin. Consists of several words. “El” is translated as a settlement or nationality, but “bur” is a word familiar to Russian-speaking people, meaning to twist, turn back. The last part of the word “us” is translated as disposition, behavior.

Based on the meaning of the word Elbrus (where it is located, in what country, we found out), the name was invented, you can understand the character and properties of this famous volcano, which in sunny weather reflects the sun's rays with a bright brilliance, and in bad weather threatens travelers with a strong snowstorm spinning in the wind freezing rain and snow. Climbers who want to conquer the peak always remember the dangers of such a hike.

Glaciers of the Caucasus Mountains

Elbrus last erupted more than two thousand years ago. Since then, the temperature at the top has always been very low, which even in the summer heat does not rise above 0 degrees. The glaciers that cover the mountain cover 134.5 km, which is 10% of all such formations in the Caucasus Mountains. There are only 23 glaciers on Elbrus.

The largest and most famous are Big and Small Azau, Irik, Kokurtly, which occupy vast areas of valleys and slopes. But there are also very picturesque ice ones hanging from cliffs. These are blocks of glaciers such as Kogutai, Terskol, Garabashi. There is especially a lot of eternal ice located on the northern slope of Mount Elbrus at an altitude of 3850 meters.

The water formed after the melting and fall of these ice accumulations fills the river flows of the mountain rivers of the Stavropol region, such as the Kuban, Malku and Baksan.

Climate on the mountain

The mountain range always has changeable weather. Likewise, in Kabardino-Balkaria, Elbrus is characterized by a frequent change of good warm weather to bad weather, with precipitation and winds. This is due to the mountainous terrain, which forms the circulation of air masses according to the seasons.

Summer in the Elbrus region is cool, with high humidity. There is no good weather to be seen for more than a week. The thermometer showed a maximum of + 35 degrees at an altitude of 2 km, even higher, at around 3 km, and even less, a maximum of + 25.

After this mark, winter weather begins in October. There is a lot of precipitation. The height of the snow cover on average reaches 50-80 cm. The higher you go to the top, the deeper the snow. More snow covers are located on the north side. The south cannot boast of the thickness of snow.

Spring comes to the territory of Elbrus only in early May. The peak is covered with snow all year round. Due to them, the mass of ice in glaciers is constantly growing.

Winter lasts a long time, and at an altitude of 3 km the temperature drops to -12 degrees, the lowest temperature recorded at this point was -27 degrees.

Ski resort

The largest ski complex "Elbrus Azau" was built in 1969 on the Azau clearing, which is located at the foot of the majestic mountain. For the convenience of skiers, there are two cable cars: the old pendulum with 20-seat cabins and the new gondola, which takes 8 people on board. Lift tickets can be purchased either one-time or for the whole day. They also sell passes for the entire skiing period (from 2 to 8 days). The cost also varies depending on the season. One ascent costs 550 rubles, descent costs 500. The most expensive 8-day pass will cost 12,700.

Ski slopes

Elbrus has 11 slopes for skiers of all levels: from beginners to professionals. Blue trails are wider and flatter. The red and black ones are for experienced riders, but they also gradually transition into the blue, gentle slopes. A ski pass will cost from 500 to 850 rubles for one day.

Excellent recreation for children. For them there is a separate rope tow of 300 meters. An experienced instructor conducts classes for beginners, and fun competitions and contests are often organized. There is a ski school where children will be taught all the intricacies of proper and safe descent.

Complex infrastructure

On the territory of the complex there are 38 hotels, cafes, restaurants, baths and saunas, ski equipment rental. There are shops and even a club. You can pay both in cash and by bank cards. Everything is done for the convenience of vacationers.

For mountain climbers there is an interesting complex called “Bochki”. There, climbers can acclimatize, warm up, rest after a hard climb, have a snack and sleep.

It is located at an altitude of 3750 meters, at the final station of the Garabashi chairlift. Each "barrel" is designed to accommodate 6 people. There is everything you need: toiletries, bedding, warm blankets.

How to get there?

The best and closest way to get to the mountain is from Nalchik. There is an airport there, so you can fly in from different places. Further from the city you can get to the Elbrus region by taxi or minibus No. 17. Then you also need to go to Terskol by minibus.

In your car, you need to drive from Rostov-on-Don along the M-4 highway, and before reaching Nalchik, turn onto A-158. The coordinates of Elbrus, the description of which is given in the article, on the navigator are 43°18"56"N, 42°27"42"E.

Come any time of the year. You can go skiing in the middle of summer.