Seven Summits

Mount Elbrus

Look down from the
summit of Europe.

Elbrus
Expedition

Mount Elbrus, Europe's highest mountain, is located in the Kabardino-Balkaria region of Russia. Standing majestically in the Caucasus mountain range, it reaches an elevation of 5,642 meters (18,510 feet), making it the highest peak in Europe.

The features of Mount Elbrus are awe-inspiring, attracting mountaineers and adventurers from around the globe. With its iconic twin peaks, the Western Summit and the slightly higher Eastern Summit, the mountain offers a challenging yet rewarding ascent. Glacial formations, including the colossal Greater Caucasus Glacier, adorn its slopes. The stunning alpine landscapes and the panoramic views from its summit make Mount Elbrus an unparalleled destination for those seeking both a physical and spiritual ascent. The mountain's allure lies not only in its height but also in the blend of natural beauty and historical significance that define its character.

Country

Russia

Duration

8 days

grade

Moderate 2C

Max Altitude

5642 m
18510 ft

Daily activity

Approx
4 - 7 hrs

Season

Summer

Dates Available

05 Jun - 12 Jun

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.

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 can match our experience.

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 8 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.

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 at Mineralnye Vody (MRV) and transfer to Baksan Valley (2.5-3 hrs). Accommodation provided. Important: Plan MRV arrival before 12 PM.

  • Day 02

    Morning gear check, followed by acclimatization walk to 2700m-3000m and return to hotel. Visit rental office to select and try on required gear. 

  • Day 03

    Bus transfer to Azau cable car station 2356m, ascend to hut 3800m, snow walk for about 1.5hr up to 4100m (Remnants of Refuge of 11), training with crampons & rope, back to hut for the night. 

  • Day 04

    Acclimatization climb to 4600-4800m. Night in the hut. 

  • Day 05

    Dine & spend the night at the hut, ensuring a good rest before the summit ascent. 

  • Day 06

    Summit day starts around midnight, depending on the forecast. Snow Cat lifts available to 4800m or 5100m, not included in the price. Climb takes 10-11hr, safety deadline is 14hr. Descend to hotel, unless late for cable car, then night in the hut. 

  • Day 07

    Used if Day 6 ascent is canceled due to bad weather. After ascent, descend to hotel or spend the day if ascent occurs. Evening celebration and award ceremony. 

  • Day 8

    Transfer to Mineralnye Vody Airport. Important: Group transfer from hotel to airport starts in the afternoon; plan Moscow flights after 18:00. 

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, Mingma David Sherpa’s and Mingma Tenzi’s mountaineering groundbreaking records speak for themselves, but our leaders are more than just supremely talented climbers.

While some choose to direct operations from back office, our three directors lead from the front. Their experience in every aspect of guiding and climbing — from fixing ropes to organising logistics — is unparalleled. It's no surprise that they have the industry-leading success rate when it comes to summiting 8,000m peaks.

Beyond this, our handpicked team of guides have also chalked up dozens of successful summits between them.

Safety through
self-sufficiency

If it’s controllable we control it: this is key to attaining and maintaining our industry-leading strategy for success and safety.

We maximise our options, agility and responsiveness by running self-sufficient expeditions that don’t rely on any other teams to achieve our objectives.

Our team is capable of setting up our own fixed lines (with a proven track record on all 8,000m peaks) and has backups to cover all scenarios. These include everything from secondary oxygen supplies 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 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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