• 2021 Trek Dates

  July 29 – August 12, 2021

Here’s a terrific opportunity to take in some captivating historical sites and also climb to the highest point in Europe, Russia’s Mt. Elbrus (18,510 feet) – one of the famed Seven Summits of the World.  Europe’s highest mountain,  Mount Elbrus is located in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains in Russia.   It is part of the remote and provocative Caucasus Range of eastern Europe and much of our ascent consists of non-technical snow climbing. Gently angled snow climbing requires the use of ice axe and crampons to make the climb efficient and safe. Craig also has built a fantastic cultural itinerary before and after the climb allowing you to experience the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Highlights of the city visits include Moscow’s Kremlin and Red Square, and St. Petersburg’s St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Hermitage Museum.  Little known outside of Eastern Europe, the peaks, glaciers and valleys of the Caucasus are as beautiful as the Swiss Alps. Though gently angled, the ascent is a long trek up a snow field requiring fitness, perseverance and the use of crampons and an ice ax or ski poles. The Go Trek guided climb will be combined with interesting treks in the highlands and a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to enjoy some Russian culture. Join Go Trek mountain climbing guides for your next adventure!

Mount Elbrus Itinerary

• Day 1:  Flights from United States to Moscow. Transfer to hotel.
• Day 2:  Sightseeing in Moscow.
• Day 3:  Fly to Mineralnye Vody (about a two-hour flight) 
• Day 4:  Acclimatization hike up Mt. Cheget (12,500 feet). Night in hotel.
• Day 5:  Begin climb of Mt. Elbrus. Take the tram from the village of Terskol to the 10,000-foot- level.
• Day 6:  Take the second tram and ski lift to 12,600 feet.
• Day 7:  Acclimatizing hike to high rocks (15,500 feet) above hut. Overnight back at a hut.
• Day 8:  Summit day for Mt. Elbrus. We get a pre-dawn start. We gain over 4,000 feet to reach the summit. Return to hut for the night.
• Day 9:  Return to Baksan Valley and the village of Terskol. Overnight at Itkol hotel.
• Day 10: Sightseeing day in Baksan Valley. This day is also available as a weather contingency day for Elbrus.
• Day 11: Morning shopping in Terskol. Mid-day departure for airport in Mineralnye Vody and fly to St. Petersburg.
• Day 12: Day of sightseeing in St. Petersburg. We will visit the Fortress of Peter and Paul.
• Day 13: Additional day of sightseeing in St. Petersburg.
• Day 14: Depart Russia for the United States.

Culture & Sightseeing

The gleaming spires of Red Square and the Kremlin are just a few of the sights you’ll see in Moscow on your way to Mt. Elbrus. We may even get an opportunity to attend a performance of the Bolshoi Ballet. In St. Petersburg, we tour the city including the Fortress of Peter and Paul, St. Isaacs Cathedral and the breathtaking Hermitage. You can even wind through the city on an evening riverboat cruise.

Experience Requirements

Basic mountaineering experience is required. The climb is non-technical although you need to have basic training in the use of crampons, ice axe, and roped travel. We take a cable car to a mountain lodge, and then climb Mount Elbrus at 18,510 feet.

Equipment List