Climb Mt. Elbrus with Berg Adventures – Itinerary:

Day 1 – International flight to Russia

Day 2 – Arrive in St. Petersburg. Transfer to first class hotel in St. Petersburg, Hotel Nevsky Palace. Team meeting in the Evening.

View of Red Square from the Park Hyatt Hotel

Day 3 – We take all day to tour some of the sites of this fascinating center of culture and history. There will be a bright easy air in this summer city at 60 degrees north. Peter the Great's "Window to the West" still holds all the vibrant energy of a cultural and social conduit. The Baltic Sea and the shell pocked buildings from the siege of Leningrad 60 years ago are reminders of a grim and dangerous past. Young people strolling along the sidewalks near the Hermitage, and performing–art venues and museums at every turn show us enduring and sophisticated civic will. After an exhausting day, we will share an elegant meal at one of St Petersburg's finest restaurants, and then board the "Night Train To Moscow" at midnight.

Day 4 – After a short night of rhythmic rocking of the rails and cozy sleeping, we are met by our Russian Moscow friends. Coffee and an early morning trip to Red Square might be in order – or a stroll through one of the fascinating and scenic sections of the city. We stay in Moscow tonight in a five-star hotel at Red Square, trying to keep our tourist pace relaxed enough that we can begin to prepare for climbing in the Caucasus.

Day 5 – Late morning flight from Moscow to Mineralnye Vody, our gateway to the Caucasus Mountains, 4 to 5 hours private bus transport to Terskol, in the Baksan Valley, the "Russian Chamonix." Our base here will be in the finest lodge in the valley. On our previous Elbrus expeditions we have been pleased with the spacious rooms, the quiet location and excellent meals.

Day 6 – First acclimatization day: We take a short bus ride to Djantugan Climbing Base, stretch our legs on a steep winding path through the forest to a high moraine with impressive views of the Kashkatash Icefall and the high peaks of the Main Caucasus Range. We can descend to a glacier for some crampon practice. Return to our lodge.

Day 7 – In the morning we will take a short bus ride to the village of Elbrus at the mouth of Irikchat valley, which leads to the eastern flank of Elbrus.  The majestic East summit of Elbrus is seen high above as we trek along the valley past local shepherd’s shacks. Return to lodge in the late afternoon.

Day 8 – Today we venture further up the glacial valley that leads from Djantugan toward the high peaks on the border of Georgia.  Besides visiting lovely mountain meadows made green by glacial melt, we can find excellent areas to practice glacier walking skills.    This day might be quite a long one, so the sauna back at the lodge will feel especially nice when we return in the evening.

Day 9 – Another acclimatization day.  Today we will ascend to VCSPS pass (3310 meters / 10,861 feet) and possibly a scramble further along the ridge to Andyrchi Peak.  After a full day we return to our lodge.

Day 10 – Today we move up on to Elbrus. Two cable car rides take us to Mir Station 3500 meters/11,484 feet. Then a short chair lift ride and we arrive at the Garabashi huts also known as “the Barrels” (3750 meters/12,304 feet).  The Barrels have been a favorite home for BAI climbers over the years.  They are quite cozy!  Our Russian cook will travel up with us to prepare meals while we climb.

Day 11 – Acclimatization hike to Pashtukov Rocks (4750 meters). Return to Garabashi Huts or Refuge II.