Seven Summits

Mount Elbrus

Look down from the
summit of Europe.

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Elbrus
Expedition

Europe’s highest mountain, which sits in the Kabardino-Balkaria region of Russia, was largely off-limits to Western climbers under 80 years of Soviet rule. In fact, many climbers completed an ‘alternative’ Seven Summits, which included Mont Blanc. More recently, however, this majestic mountain has been restored to its rightful place in the climbing pantheon. It is a must for anyone wanting to tackle the true tallest peaks on every continent.

Country

Russia

Duration

8 days

grade

Moderate 2C

Max Altitude

5642 m
18510 ft

Daily activity

Approx
4 - 7 hrs

Season

Summer

Dates Available

13 Aug - 19 Aug14 Aug - 21 Aug

Starting from

USD $4,770

Aimed at climbers who’ve made ascents of similar mountains. You must have mastered basic mountaineering skills and have a very high level of fitness.

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Climb the highest peak in Europe

There are very few guiding companies that can rival Elite Exped when it comes to operating in the world’s most extreme environments, and none that can match our experience. Our leaders, Nimsdai and Mingma David, have climbed all of the world’s 8,000m peaks in record time, many of them multiple times over. Perhaps more importantly, when working together, the pair have a 100 percent safety record. Not a single member of any of their teams has lost so much as a fingertip to frostbite.

If your ambition is to climb the Seven Summits, you want the safest team possible to take you to the top of Everest, but why stop there? Our record makes us uniquely qualified to tackle the highest mountains on all seven continents in the most efficient way possible - including taking you to the top of Europe.

Although altitude and unpredictable weather can make Elbrus a challenging and adventurous trip, it is also a perfect place for people to gain ice and snow experience. At 5,642, it’s significantly higher than any peak in the Alps, and offers a unique cultural experience. Elbrus is relatively accessible (a Russian team even drove a Land Rover to its southern summit in 1997!) allowing us to complete this expedition in a hyper-efficient 12 days from your arrival in Mineralne-Vodye, the region’s capital.

Regardless of where we operate, the Elite Exped team adopts a similar approach to expedition planning and logistics. We oversee every aspect of the expedition ourselves, making sure that nothing is left to chance. Elbrus might not be as dangerous as some of the mountains in our founders’ backyard, but we never underestimate the technical challenges of any peak we tackle.

Our guaranteed strong guide to client ratio, with four guides constantly on standby if needed, ensures that we can respond rapidly in rescue situations. Our team includes highly-qualified experts in high altitude rescue and recovery techniques. We have evacuation plans and helicopters in place for emergencies, and contingency plans for every eventuality.

If you want to climb Mount Elbrus with the best in the business, we’ll stand with you, every step of the way.

From our clients

Jeff Evans

Mera 2017

You can trust them with the safety and satisfaction of clients. Elite was nothing less than a 10/10 in every aspect of how they executed the expedition

Steve Davis

Manaslu 2019

Manaslu was my first 8,000er and first time with Elite. They exceeded my expectations at every level and stage. I would have no hesitation in booking with them again! Highly recommended!!!

Amy McCulloch

Aconcagua 2018

I often felt they went above and beyond to ensure we had a successful expedition. Excellent judgments throughout the expedition led us to reach the summit safely in extreme conditions. Highly recommend!

This tried and tested itinerary is informed by decades of mountaineering experience. As with all adventurous activities of this type however, circumstances may arise where Elite Exped is forced to make alterations, possibly at short notice. While making every effort to adhere to this published schedule, we kindly ask for your patience if the weather, or other naturally occurring circumstances, intervene.

Your daily schedule

Day 01
Arrive in Mineralne Vody Airport. Airport pickup and transfer to hotel.
Day 02
Transfer to Terskol. Accomodation at hotel in Terskol.
Day 03
Acclimatization trek to Terskol Peak or Cheget
Day 04
Ascent by cable car to the station Gara-bashi. Accomodation at the basecamp of National park (3800 m). Acclimatization hike to the Rocky ridge (4400 m)
Day 05
Acclimatization day, hike to the Pastukhov rocks (4800 m)
Day 06
Basic climbing activity, rest before the summit push
Day 07
West summit (5642 m) attempt, decent back to basecamp (3800 m)
Day 8
Descent by cable car to Azau (2400 m) and transfer to Terskol hotel
Day 9
Transfer from azau to mineralne vody and depart for the home country.
Day 10 - 11
Contingency Days

Build your skills

Developing your skills to achieve a new possible

Our tailored approach to training will help you improve as a climber, developing the mental and physical skills you need to achieve your dreams. Learn more

Fast - Track

Plenty of passion, not much time?

We understand the challenges of balancing a busy professional career with a love of mountaineering. Building on Nims record-breaking techniques, our unique Fast-Track expeditions allow you to climb more in less time. View fast-track expeditions

Above + Beyond + Adventure

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

The following frequently asked questions may help answer any queries you have about Elite Exped, what this expedition involves, and what is required. If your question isn’t answered here please check our dedicated FAQ support page, otherwise don’t hesitate to get in touch.

What skillset and fitness level are required?

All Elite Exped expeditions are within extreme high altitude environments, with differing requirements for ability. Due to the nature of these operational landscapes it is essential you provide concise, honest descriptions of relevant experience and current fitness levels. Upon receipt we will review your experience and respond accordingly. At this point if we consider there to be any shortfalls, we can collectively discuss the opportunities and/or provide a training support plan to achieve your goals

What equipment is provided?

Will the expedition cost include travel?

Will I need to arrange my own insurance?

Why choose
Elite Exped?

Unparalleled
leadership

Nimsdai Purja and Mingma David Sherpa’s mountaineering world records speak for themselves, but our founders are more than just supremely-talented climbers. While some choose to direct operations from a back office, Nimsdai and Mingma David lead from the front. Their experience of every aspect of guiding and climbing - from fixing ropes, to organising logistics - is unparalleled. It’s no surprise that when they’ve worked together they have a perfect, 100 percent success rate when it comes to summiting 8,000m peaks.

Safety through
self-sufficiency

If it’s controllable we control it, this is key to attain and maintain our industry leading strategy for success and safety. We maximise our options, agility and responsiveness by running totally self-sufficient expeditions, not relying on any other teams on the mountain to achieve our objectives. We are capable of setting up our own fixed lines (with a proven track record on all 8,000m peaks) and have backups to cover all scenarios, from secondary oxygen supplies through to the ability and experience to operate our own rescue missions if the situation arises.

A unique
perspective

With his Nepalese roots, and UK residency, our co-founder Nimsdai Purja brings a unique perspective of the world of mountaineering, and an unparalleled ability to bridge the gap between Western and Himalayan climbing cultures. We can assemble trusted teams and networks anywhere in the world, but our founders’ roots are a particular advantage when it comes to summiting the world’s very highest peaks. An intimate knowledge of how things work on the ground ensures that everything runs smoothly when you’re 8,000m above sea-level.

Your adventure

Ready to take on
the challenge?

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Mount Elbrus