$13,950 USD
1:1 Client to Guide Ratio | Customizable dates
Do you need to set your own custom dates to fit around work/family/life commitments?
Are you looking for the personalised attention of a 1:1 guide? Or both?
We are happy to organise a private Elbrus expedition for you which allows you to dictate the schedule, amend it depending on how you’re feeling and fully customise a program.
A private guide can be also be an invaluable advantage, coaching you through skills, giving valuable feedback and being exclusively and 100% available to you.
It’s the perfect fit for climbers who really want true independence and a high level of personal support.
Your Elbrus expedition marries the best of both worlds, fantastic climbing and the opportunity to see the best of Russia with private tours of both St. Petersburg and Moscow to bookend the trip.
You will meet your private climbing guide in St. Petersburg and they will stay with you throughout your entire expedition. Having toured the best of St. Petersburg, you will then fly into the Elbrus region and transfer to the quaint valley of Terskol where we will stage your climb.
First you will acclimatise in the valley below the peak with beautiful hikes before moving up to our mountain hut. Here you will spend a few days acclimatising with forays up the mountain and learning/refreshing and mastering mountaineering skills, (Cramponing, harness use, self arrest technique, fixed line climbing etc) before your summit bid.
Depending on snow conditions on summit morning, you may elect to take a snow-cat to a previously attained high point (tagged in prior days during acclimatisation) which saves several hours and around 2,000 vertical feet giving you the advantage of reaching the summit earlier in the day and feeling more energised to enjoy your climb.
Following your climb, celebrate in the valley with a traditional Russian Spa (Banya) and if time allows a day to relax and explore the valley, before flying back to Moscow.
In Moscow, take in the wonders of Red Square, St. Basils’ and the Kremlin amongst others, before waving farewell to your guide and heading home.
Contact us so we can help you plan your dream Elbrus Expedition around your dates.
This is a sample itinerary only. Your actual daily schedule may be refined and strategically planned to account for the best weather and summit windows etc.
- Day 1: Arrive in St Petersburg
- Day 2: A full day exploring St. Petersburg and taking in the sights
- Day 3: Fly as a team to Min Vody, transfer to Elbrus Region
- Day 4: Scenic Acclimatisation hike & free time to explore and unwind
- Day 5: Foray up the mountain for a new acclimatisation high point and full day of training, return to the valley to pack and for the evening at the hotel
- Day 6: Move up to the mountain hut and settle in
- Day 7: Acclimatisation climb up the mountain to Pastokov Rocks
- Day 8: 1st potential summit day
- Day 9: Pack up & descend to the valley, Russian Banya spa/contingency summit day
- Day 10: Free day in the valley (horseriding, hiking, rest etc)/contingency summit day
- Day 11: Fly to Moscow and afternoon city tour
- Day 12: Morning city tour & fly home in afternoon/evening
Our expeditions are designed to be fully inclusive, except for some services/items of a personal nature like flights, gear, insurance. Here’s a detailed list so you know what to expect
Included in the Elbrus Private Climb:
- CTSS Private Elbrus Guide who will meet you in St. Petersburg and be with you until you depart Moscow
- Full logistical and expedition support for a summit attempt on Elbrus
- Mountain food
- City tours in St. Pete's & Moscow with private English speaking guide
- Single hotel accommodation in St. Petes, Moscow & the Elbrus region
- Mountain Hut Accommodation on the climb
- In country ground transportation (Note: this does not include your domestic flights)
- Local registration, climbing permits, and chairlift/gondola fees
Excluded in the Elbrus Private Climb:
- International flights to/from Russia and domestic flights to/from Mineralnye Vody. (You will be advised as to flight numbers of which domestic flights to book)
- The optional, but recommended, snowcat ride on summit morning to reduce the length of the summit climb. (Most climbers elect this option which is payable directly to the operator and is between $200-$300 USD)
- Russian visa fees
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Associated travel expenses including: Visa, Passport, Reciprocity Fees, Vaccination Charges, Excess Baggage, transit hotels
- Optional excursions not included in the itinerary or additional days before or after the scheduled program
- Personal climbing equipment, clothing, toiletries etc
- Personal sundries including but not limited to; personal snacks, alcoholic beverages, laundry services, medical expenses, gratuities, internet, email or phone charges, bottled water, specialty coffees
- Lunch & Dinner meals in town
- Alcoholic beverages
- Guide tips (Customary but optional)
- Satellite telephone charges and any 3rd party wifi
- Costs incurred as a result of events beyond the control of CTSS above and beyond the normal expedition costs
- Required trip insurance policy (for trip cancellation, interruption, rescue & evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.)
