How To

How to Climb Russia's Elbrus

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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Dividing the masses of Europe and Asia, Russia's 18,481-foot Mt. Elbrus is a challenging climb for those with basic mountaineering skills. Peering over the Caucaus Range, Elbrus offers its climbers a blending of Turkish, Georgian, Azerbydzhani and Russian culture as an integral part of the experience.

Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Winter Outerwear
  • Travel Services
  • Camp-stove Fuels
  • Camping Stoves
  • Climbing Harnesses
  • Climbing Ropes
  • Winter Backpacking Tents
  1. Step 1

    Open your wallet $3,000 to $4,000 wide, then tack on airfare.

  2. Step 2

    Fly from the United States to St. Petersburg, Russia, connecting through major European cities. Then fly to Mineral Vody and take a bus to the Baskan Valley, home to climbing camps where aspiring mountain guides train.

  3. Step 3

    Warm up and acclimatize in the Baskan Valley with day hikes.

  4. Step 4

    Acclimatize further by taking the Telepherique tram to 12,000 feet.

  5. Step 5

    Climb in snow up to 15,416 feet to the Pastukov Rocks where you'll rest for two days and take exploratory day hikes.

  6. Step 6

    Don your crampons for a 1 a.m. summit attempt up moderate snowy and icy slopes.

  7. Step 7

    View Ushba (weather permitting) at the summit, considered the Matterhorn of the Caucausus.

  8. Step 8

    Return through St. Petersburg, or visit Moscow and drive a tank through Red Square.

Tips & Warnings
  • Go in summer (July and August) for the best weather, but be prepared for unpredictable storms.
  • Stay longer and travel through the historic Russian cities while the U.S. dollar is strong.
  • Mountaineering can cause injury, illness or possibly death. Climb with certified guides and proper equipment.

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