Overview

We are the only company in the world who have an expedition leader and doctor on all Mount Elbrus (5,642m) expeditions while keeping group sizes sustainably small. Established in 2007, we offer high altitude trekking and mountaineering in some of the most breathtaking locations around the world.

Climbing Mount Elbrus

Elbrus is Europe’s highest peak and one of the ‘Seven Summits’. Unlike most companies, we ascend the mountain from the Northside which has a lot of advantages when compared to the South side. The South side of Elbrus is essentially a ski resort. Ascending the mountain from this side sees climbers use cable cars, car lifts and piste machines to reach 4,700m and then walk the last 942 metres to reach the summit.

The Northside is far more remote and so feels like a proper adventure! There is only a fraction of climbers on this side, however the highest place we can sleep on the mountain is at 3,700m which makes the summit day extremely tough with 1,900m elevation gain.

Located on the stunning Caucasus range the scenery on Elbrus is second to none. These beautiful mountains, which separate the Black Sea and Caspian Sea, are almost 1,000km across. The weather in the region is notoriously fickle and getting a clear window is the key to a successful summit attempt.

Our 14-day itinerary allows us time to adjust the summit day by a day or two to take advantage of those windows when possible. The route from Camp 1 to the summit is completely covered in snow and ice but it is not technical. We would recommend you have experience on snow and ice but it is not essential as we will provide training on the expedition.

Please note the following itinerary is very much subject to change based on weather conditions and the health and fitness of all expedition members. Our itinerary allows a fantastic opportunity to climb Elbrus without using any lifts or snowcats. You should be aware there is no guarantee in reaching the summit. The nature of high altitude peaks such as Elbrus means that sometimes we don’t get a window of good weather which allows us to attempt the summit. 

Elbrus Expedition Costs & What’s Included

The total cost of trekking Elbrus is highlighted above. You are required to pay a €399 deposit to secure your spot. A part payment of €1,000 is due six months prior to departure. You can pay the remaining balance by instalments or in full. All fees must be paid three months prior to departure.

Your fees include the following:

• International flights from Dublin to Moscow (Economy Class) (UK flights not included)
• Internal flights in Russia
• Experienced expedition leader
• Experienced expedition doctor
• Training Weekend
• Earth’s Edge team of guides, permits and park fees
• All accommodation based on twin sharing in hotels in Moscow and Pyatigorsk and camping elsewhere
• All meals and drinking water except in Moscow and Pyatigorsk where accommodation is based on B&B
• A celebratory dinner
• All transport throughout the expedition
• All group gear consisting of first aid kits, mountaineering equipment, cooking equipment etc.

Flying from the UK? 

You are more than welcome to join us from the UK. If so, you can select the ‘exclude flights’ option on the checkout. You can then book your own international flights to Moscow.

Read our Elbrus blogs

Do you fancy having more information on this expedition? We have lots of extra insight into our Elbrus trips here.

Watch our Info Talk

Check out our talk from the Great Outdoors in Dublin about both Elbrus and Aconcagua. We cover Elbrus first and then Aconcagua afterwards. There is also some general information from around 21 minutes in about fitness and our pre-departure weekends.