CLIMB ELBRUS (5.642 mts)

Mount Elbrus with its 5,642 meters of altitude is the highest mountain in continental Europe. For many years it has been greatly forgotten but it is one of the 7 summits in the world, it is located between Mount Vinson (Antarctica) and Kilimanjaro (Africa).

It is located in the Caucasus mountain range in the Kabardino Balkaria region. An area where there are more than 160 peaks that exceed 4,000 meters.

It is not a mountain with great technical complications for its ascent but its height and special weather that can change very quickly should not be underestimated. During the ascent day to the summit there will be a maximum ratio with the mountain guide of 1:4.

The 9-day program is from Mineralnye Vody airport to the return (transfers included in price). With prior acclimatization by climbing Mount Cheget, visiting the Devichi Kosi waterfalls and acclimatization in stages on Elbrus.

The south face of Elbrus, the most popular for climbing it, has mechanical lifts that allow you to climb up to 3,800 meters. We offer a basic package in basic hostels and refuges or a comfort package (+650eur.) in 3* hotels and superior mountain refuges.

All the mountaineering equipment we need is available for rent there, as well as if we want to use supplemental oxygen.

“CLIMB THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN IN CONTINENTAL EUROPE WITH ALL THE GUARANTEES OF SUCCESS”

Mount Elbrus is an excellent choice for those new to alpine climbing as it has not technical big challenges to get to his summit. Prior use of crampons is highly recommended.  The climb includes a comprehensive skills clinic. However, physical fitness is crucial. Climbers must be in top physical condition, capable of enduring long, strenuous days on the mountain. Training should start at least three months in advance, focusing on high-volume, low-intensity exercises that simulate the conditions of the climb. Mentally, climbers should be prepared for rugged adventure, team cooperation, and following guide instructions, ensuring a safe and successful ascent.

Our trainer Mr. Pablo Ral,  graduate in Physical Activity Sciences, Master in High Performance, Chilean Ski Mountaineering Coach and specialist in endurance sports… can make you a specific personal training plan for this trip.

• Standard training plan (one-time payment): 99€ (Fill out online form, 30 min personal interview (to adjust the plan and resolve doubts), Receive your personalized plan)
• Premium training plan (monthly): 130€ (Fill out online form, 1h personal interview (to adjust the plan and resolve doubts), Receive your personalized plan. Weekly monitoring of your progression and monthly readjustment of the training plan)

You can request your training plan at the time of booking your trip or later. (Standard training plans are valid for a maximum of 3 months)

In case you wish a private tour and no share the guide with others contact us to provide an individual quotation according to your private or group needs.

You can add this service in “extra services” on the checkout before booking the trip.

The Premium Pack on South Route (+650€ includes):

• • 4 nights in a separate room at a hotel instead of shared accommodation for 6-8 people in a hostel
  • Double occupancy accommodation in the mountain hut (instead of shared dorms for 6-8 people)
  • 4 dinners at a local restaurant and tasting of Balkar cuisine dishes
  • Medal for summiting Mount Elbrus (in case of successful climbing)
  • 30% discount on equipment and clothing rental

*If you are interested to upgrade the other routes (North route or East route) let us know.

FUNCTIONAL CLOTHING:
● Gore-Tex or waterproof and breathable jacket
● Waterproof rain pants
● Warm jacket – down jacket or preferably primaloft (as they can handle water) rated for -15°C alpine conditions
● Lightweight fleece lining
● Breathable, easy-drying short-sleeved T-Shirts
● Stretch pants, a little thicker, days or nights colder
● Trekking pants
● Shorts
● Thermal pants and t-shirt set
● Undergarments (non-cotton recommended)
HEAD
● Lightweight running cap
● Wool beanie
● Neck Gaiter
● Sunglasses
HANDS
● Thin fleece gloves
● Tick gloves
● Walking poles (Recommended)
FEET
● Thin socks (non cotton)
● Thick, warm socks for the night (non cotton)
● Lightweight trail shoes or hiking boots (what you usually wear in mountain)
● Hiking sandals with heel strap (Optional)
BACKPACKS
● Mountain backpack/Duffel 100 liters
● Mountain backpack 35 liters
● Rain backpack cover
LODGE MATERIAL
● Sleeping bag (comfort temperature of -10°C)
● Earplugs
ACCESSORIES
● Headlamp and battery or spare batteries
● Sun cream, lip cocoa and after sun
EAT/DRINK:
● Hydration System minimum 1l (Camelbag, canteen or flexible bottle)
● Thermo Flask (optional)
● Snacks, nuts, gels, hydration and sufficient power bars, protein bars, trail mix, magnesium tablets and recovery supplements
TRAVEL EQUIPMENT
● Casual clothes
● ID or passport, Visa, cash, insurance documentation, vaccination card.
● Microfiber towel
● First aid and medication kit
● Thermal blanket
● Mobile phone and watch with the route track
● Powerbank, camera, charging cables, headphones, selfie stick…

Other things recommended on this trips, in addition to travel equipment:

• Crampons
• Ice axe
• Climbing helmet
• Harness + 3 biners + leash
• Ski goggles

Extra services available:

• Equipment and clothing rental; most of the required material can be rented and provided to you on arrival. Ask for a detail list of rental prices.
• Transfer from bilisi Airport (Georgia) to Pyatigorsk (Russia) by private car. The transfer takes around 8 driving hours. Car can be shared up to 3 people. Cost is 190eur each way.
• Transfer from Pyatigorsk to Mineralnye Vody in case your flight is before 12:00 last day (otherwise is included in the tour program). The transfer takes around 2 driving hours. Car can be shared up to 3 people. Cost is 100eur each way.
• Prepaid SIM card with an internet package on arrival. Cost is 20eur.

Food
Both tariffs include full 3 meals a day throughout the tour. The Premium tariff also includes 4 dinners at a restaurant offering Balkar cuisine.

The Itinerary explains what meals are included each day according to the program. If you have allergies or preferences, let us know on the registration form and we will take it into account.

We always recommend that you bring your own energy bars, nuts… so that you can eat while doing the activities.

Accommodation
3-star hotel/hostel depending on tariff (4 nights), Mountain hut (4 nights).

We believe solo travelers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travelers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Visas, and Entry Requirements
Certainly! It is important to have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity when traveling to any country.

Russia welcomes citizens from 64 countries without a visa, while citizens of 55 countries can access an electronic visa without visiting the consulate. For others, obtaining a visa at the Russian Consulate in your country is necessary, taking up to 3 weeks; applications can be made 3 months prior to entry. A tourist invitation from us is required.

Electronic visa is accepted to enter though Minerálnye Vody airport and Tibilisi-Russia road checkpoint “Verkhniy Lars”.

E-visa normally needs up to 4 days for approval, you will require some specific info from us in order to apply for it; after booking the trip will provide to you.

We can submit all documentation for e-visa in your behalf. You can add this service in “extra services” on the checkout before booking the trip. The administrative fee for this service is 55€ + the visa cost that will be invoice to you afterwards.

To know the specific visa requirements for your trip, it is recommended to contact your local embassy or consulate, or consult with your travel agent. Remember that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements can vary based on your nationality and your destination. While we strive to keep our information updated, visa rules can change unexpectedly. Therefore, it is crucial that you verify the information yourself and understand that you are accountable for meeting your own visa requirements.

Vaccines
For each trip, clients are solely responsible for having the mandatory and/or recommended vaccines required in each region or country. Consult with your doctor to have all vaccinations before the start of the trip.

The closes airport to Elbrus is Minerálnye Vody which has flight connections to Istambul and Tibilisi several days a week through Azimuth airlines.

In case you wish that we can look for the best flight combination tickets from your nearest airport to the destination you can add this service in “extra services” on the checkout before booking the trip and will give you the best proposal beforehand and once accepted buy it for you. This service includes monitor the flight prices over time to get the best deal when prices are low and check in of your flight. The administrative fee for this service is 35€ + the flights cost that will be invoice to you afterwards.

Before applying for any type of Russian visa, you should get insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Russia. It should be a minimum medical coverage of 50.000usd.

In case you wish that we can look for the best travel insurance that covers the trip destination/activity with your nationality. You can add this service in “extra services” on the checkout before booking the trip and will give you the best proposal beforehand and once accepted buy it for you. The administrative fee for this service is 15€ + the insurance cost that will be invoice to you afterwards.

The client is informed that B4Experience will issue the trip without including a cancellation, repatriation or accident policy, unless it is explicitly included in the trip contract and paid in the first payment. During the trip contracting, you will be offered how to contract it if you wish.

Rescue insurance: Mandatory
Rescue insurance is mandatory for this trip. It must be taken into consideration that these insurance policies are specific for each type of activity (hiking, climbing…).

The user is informed that the GUARANTEE COMPANY that covers the risks of contractual liability and guarantee against insolvency is MARKEL INSURANCE SE

The client can take out trip cancellation insurance to be able to obtain payment of the entire amount paid (according to its conditions).

The end user may withdraw from the contracted trip, having the right to a refund of the amounts paid, except for the indicated penalties, but must also satisfy the Agency in the amounts indicated below once the trip has been confirmed. If it is not carried out due to not reaching the minimum necessary places, the client can save the credit for future trips or request a full refund of the reservation.

Cancellation Policy 3:

• • FULL REFUND UP TO 24H AFTER PURCHASE
  • Up to 60 days before the trip 100% refund of the trip amount.
  • Up to 45 days before the trip Refund of 50% of the trip amount.
  • For terms shorter than those described in the cancellation policy, the amount already paid will not be paid.

*€250 management fees apply
* Cancellation fees will not be paid for reservations already issued. If there are other non-refundable expenses already issued, these will not be paid either and will be deducted from the amount to be paid.
* The cost of cancellation of issued flights is 100% of the amount.

EXEMPTION OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK
B4Experience offers active trips for different sports and Outdoor activities, as well as information related to these activities through our web platform www.b4experience.com and other channels.

The practice of any activity in nature carries a risk for those who do it, with most of these activities being considered high-risk sports. Each one must know and apply their limits and be aware that regardless of the technical training and physical level one has, their practice can lead to accidents or even death.

The in-person activities and trips offered by B4Experience are carried out on land and activities that may inherently involve risks for those who carry them out and thus clients are informed that they contract them.

DOSSIER DISCLAIMER
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print/ download a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

ITINERARY DISCLAIMER
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. On all Outdoor trips, the routes will be adjusted depending on the weather, the level of the group participants and the risks assessed by the guide/trip leader.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.