CLIMB TWO PEAKS: #BR#KAZBEK FROM THE NORTH + ELBRUS

At the scheduled time, we’ll meet at our office in Essentuki. We’ll check your gear and clothing, provide rental equipment, pack your backpack, and sign the paperwork. Overnight stay at the hotel.

At the scheduled time, all participants meet at the office with packed backpacks, ready to depart. Before leaving, your guide will give a group briefing, explain the upcoming route, and answer any questions. After the briefing, we’ll head to the starting point in the Genaldon Gorge.

We hike to the upper thermal springs at 2,300 meters. After setting up camp, we'll enjoy a soak in the mineral baths.

We hike to the camp at 3,000 meters on the Maili Glacier. We'll set up camp on the glacier moraine. Training on crampon walking techniques and self-arrest on an ice slope using an ice axe will follow.

Today, we ascend the northwestern buttress of Mount Ozhd to the camp at 3,500 meters. Part of the route will involve moving along fixed ropes. We’ll do an acclimatization hike to 3,900 meters, then return to camp for the night at 3,500 meters.

We move to the summit camp at 4,200 meters on the Kazbek Plateau, where you’ll have a clear view of Mount Kazbek. Training on rope travel in a team and self-arrest with an ice axe. Preparations for the night summit attempt, followed by an early rest.

We ascend to the summit of Mount Kazbek, then return to camp.

We descend to the thermal springs at 2,300 meters. Enjoy a soak in the hot baths and relax.

We hike to the village of Karmadon, followed by a transfer to the Elbrus region. Overnight stay at the hotel.

We take the cable car up the snowy slope of Elbrus and settle into the mountain hut. Rest before the climb. We go to bed around 5 PM to get enough sleep before the midnight ascent.

We wake up at midnight and take one hour to prepare. The ascent to the summit of Elbrus begins. From the summit camp, we climb roped together, wearing crampons, using ice axes, helmets, and headlamps. We carry snacks, a thermos of hot tea, and water. The pace is slow to maintain steady breathing and conserve energy. The ascent typically takes 8-10 hours, with the descent taking another 3-4 hours. (If you wish to use supplemental oxygen during the climb, it is available for rent.)

We take the funicular down to the valley and transfer to the hotel for lunch. The afternoon program will be arranged based on the group's preferences. Options include a walk through the forest to a mineral spring or a traditional Russian sauna with brooms and an ice plunge (not included in the tour price). In the evening, there will be a celebratory dinner with medals and certificates. If necessary, this day will serve as a reserve day for the Elbrus summit attempt.

After breakfast, group transfer to Essentuki with a stop at Narzan Glade to drink mineral water straight from the ground. At the scheduled time, there will be an individual transfer to Mineralnye Vody Airport. You should book your return flight for this day, but no earlier than 2:00 PM.