Our standard trip is 13 days. During the first we week we train in using an ice axe and crampons and have a good number of acclimatization walks. But for those who are already rather acclimatized, there is also an opportunity to join us for a short 8-day trip. It is also possible to combine Short Elbrus trip with the ascent of Mt. Kazbek. The trip begins with arrival in Mineralnye Vody and drive to the base hotel in the Baksan Valley. From the hotel we make several trips following beautiful forested valleys, walking through alpine meadows, crossing glaciated mountain passes and climbing some of the easiest summits which provide superb panoramas of the Caucasus Range. These initial trips will be porter supported and will involve camping and backpacking. They will provide us with fitness and acclimatization necessary for the ascent of Elbrus itself. For the ascent of Elbrus we use a cable car system to take us to the height of about 3800 m, where we stay in the Garabashi Huts and/or Diesel Hut (4200 m). The actual program will depend on the weather, group condition and the availability of a snow-cap which we will use to help us up the lower slopes of the mountain (if available and necessary). Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Mineralnye Vody, on the plains north of the Caucasus. Drive by private bus to the hotel in the Baksan Valley, near Elbrus. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Day 2: Our trek starts with a pleasant walk up the Adyl-su valley to the "Green Hotel", an alpine meadow campsite at 2600 m. This is an excellent day to tone up our muscles for the days ahead. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Day 3: Walk up the Jankuat Glacier, ascend Eastern Jantugan Pass 3600m. A fine day with a mixture of terrain providing good practice with ice axe and crampons. If the weather and the group conditions are good possible to climb Gumachi, 3805 m, Return to the camp and continue back to the hotel. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Day 4: A short drive to Vierhny Baksan from where we walk up through woods then open mountain slopes to Syltran Lake at 2950 m, one of the largest lakes in the Caucasus. This is a long, demanding day, excellent training for the long pull up Elbrus. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Day 5: Cross the Syltran Pass, 3400 m with a possible 30 min side trip to a nearby small summit and viewpoint. We descend by the Mukal Valley and then walk up by the Mkiara Valley to camp at 3200 m. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Day 6: Cross the glaciated Irik Pass, 3750 m to a campsite in the forest lower down in the beautiful Irik valley. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Day 7: Finishing our descent from the Irik valley we return to the hotel. The afternoon is free to relax, have a sauna or wander into Terskol. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Day 8: We take the cable car/chair lift system up Elbrus and stay in the Garabashi Huts at 3800 m or camp. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Day 9: Acclimatization walk to Pastuchova rocks at 4800 m. If conditions are good a summit attempt could be made. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Day 10: We begin in the early morning hours to ascend the highest of Elbrus twin peaks - the West Summit. You carry your day pack with the day's requirements. We return to spend the night in Garabashi or camp. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Day 11: Spare day to attempt Elbrus if the weather on the previous day was bad (otherwise return to the hotel). Includes: (B), (L), (D). Day 12: Return to the hotel. Relax and perhaps enjoy one of the fine walks from the hotel. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Day 13: Drive to Mineralnye Vody for the flight home. Includes: (B). Notes: Price Includes: 
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