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- Mount Elbrus
18,510 ft · Caucasus, Russia
Mount Elbrus
Mount Elbrus is an 18,510 ft peak in the Caucasus, Russia. The standard route is the South Route: 10 mi, 6,600 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Elbrus at a glance
- Elevation18,510 ft5,641 m
- RouteSouth RouteClass 2
- Distance10 mi6,600 ft gain
- Time7 – 10 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Aug
- RangeCaucasusRussia
Climbing the South Route
Fly to Mineralnye Vody, Russia, then drive to the Azau valley at the base of Elbrus. Cable cars and chairlifts access the Garabashi barrel huts at about 12,500 feet. The south route is standard, climbing via the Pastukhov Rocks. While non-technical, the main hazards are navigation in whiteouts and severe high winds. Snow cats are available for hire to gain additional elevation. Summit day typically starts at midnight for a 6-8 hour push. Acclimatization in the barrel camps takes 3-5 days minimum. The highest peak in Europe by most definitions.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 L)
Mountaineering Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Expedition Mittens
Trekking Poles
Gaiters
GPS Device
Power Bank
Sleeping Bag (-10°F to 0°F)
Sleeping Pad- Crampos
Ice Axe
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Emergency Bivy
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Glacier Glasses
Goggles
What to watch for
- Extreme cold
- High winds
- Crevasses
- High altitude
- Glacier travel
- Avalanches
- Altitude sickness
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Steep exposure
Quests with Mount Elbrus
Seven Summits
Volcanoes of the WorldFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Elbrus?
Mount Elbrus is 18,510 feet (5,641 m) tall. It is in the Caucasus, Russia.
How does Mount Elbrus rank among the Seven Summits?
At 18,510 feet, Mount Elbrus is the 5th highest of the Seven Summits. The highest is Mount Everest.
How hard is it to climb Mount Elbrus?
The South Route is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 10 miles with 6,600 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Elbrus?
Most climbers plan 7 – 10 days for the South Route, with days set aside to acclimatize.
Is Mount Elbrus dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, crevasses on the glacier and exposed sections where a fall would be serious. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need an ice axe for Mount Elbrus?
Plan on it. An ice axe is on the gear list for the South Route, along with mountaineering boots that take crampons. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Elbrus?
Yes. At 18,510 feet, Mount Elbrus is high enough for serious altitude illness. Climbers acclimatize over days or weeks, climbing high and sleeping low, and descend at the first signs of trouble.
When is the best time to climb Mount Elbrus?
The usual climbing window is June to August. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Where can I check avalanche conditions for Mount Elbrus?
Check the avalanche forecast at avalanchecenter.ru before any trip with snow on the route.
Can you hire a guide to climb Mount Elbrus?
Yes. Guide services that lead climbs of Mount Elbrus include Alpine Ascents and International Mountaiin Guides.
Climb Mount Elbrus with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list