Mt. Elbrus (5642m)

If asked about the highest and most dramatic mountains of Europe nine out of ten Europeans will answer “the Alps”. Yet, the grandest and by far the highest mountain chain of Europe (seven summits over 5000m plus Mt.Elbrus with its 5642m) is the Caucasus stretching between the Black and Caspian seas in the continent’s south-eastern corner. And undoubtedly, Mt. Elbrus, this white double-headed dormant volcano, is the highest, most beautiful and most alluring mountain in Russia. Interesting and important detail: it will take you just 7-8 hours to get from Moscow to this Seven Summits peak. Last but not least: 7 Summits Club's record is 18 years of successful Elbrus climbs We have 18 years experience of sucsess climb to Elbrus!

7 Summits Club is the first adventure company starting to run a totally new Elbrus climb, which includes crossing the Elbrus Col (5300m) from the southern side to northern one. It means you go up from the bustling, noisy and more or less civilized Baksan Valley and descend into the calm and quiet wilderness of the northern foothills. From there you will go for several hours in a 4WD vehicle across the high and bare northern pastures offering the superb views of the ranges of West and Central Caucasus.

The northern and southern sides of Elbrus differ strikingly. Standing 11km north of the Main Range, the mountain juts out into flat green pastures bounded by dry bare peaks rising to an average height of 3500m. Above the vast grassy Irakhitsyrt plateau (2800-3000m) the silver-grey tongues of the glaciers descend into the fantastic green jungle of pristine moraines adorned with red and black volcanic outcrops of incredible shapes. Cosy alluvial cirques nestle among them and the largest one, called the “air-strip” (2900m), is long and flat enough to take small planes. To climb Elbrus from the northern side is to follow the tracks of the pioneers, to climb by the route of the first Russian ascent of East Summit of 1829. There are no power transmission lines, good roads, hotels and cafes here. It is true wilderness.