We have chosen the Southern climbing route to give you the best chance of summiting Mt. Elbrus. This is known as the “trade route” on the mountain and rightfully so. It offers the least technical climbing and a minimum of crevasse hazards en route to the top.

All of our expeditions incorporate a slow acclimatization schedule giving you the best chance of summiting without experiencing altitude illness, and are organized by world renowned guide and expeditions leader, Mike Hamill. More than 150 climbers have stood atop Mt. Elbrus under Mike’s direct guidance.

Every expedition originates in St. Petersburg where we explore this colorful city before flying to Mineralnye Vody in the Elbrus region.

Once in the Elbrus region we will spend several days acclimatizing based out of our mountain Chalet while enjoying the local cuisine. We then move up to our mountain hut and make a summit bid after a few days of acclimatization. If we summit on time we will use our contingency days to relax back down in the valley, exploring, horse riding, and enjoying Russian Banya before flying to Moscow.

Here in the largest city in Russia, we will tour Red Square, the Kremlin, see St Basil’s Cathedral and visit various other sights of historic importance. We then transfer to the airport to start our journey home. You are welcome to extend your trip should you wish.

Climbing Mt. Elbrus requires solid fitness, an ability to perform well at altitude, the mindset to be away from home for several weeks, and a desire for rugged adventure travel. The Caucasus region of Russia is still a remote and rugged place off the beaten path an is true adventure travel. When away from the major cities don’t expect lattes and blazing fast internet. We will be traveling on glaciated terrain with crampons, harnesses and ice axes and clipping in to fixed ropes. Not to worry if you haven’t done these skills before as we will lead you through a complete snow and climbing school as one of our acclimatization days prior to the summit bid.