What was Gara Elbrus called before? Elbrus is the jewel of the Caucasus and the highest mountain in Russia. Exact location of Elbrus

I had to face this question as a child; my parents were not supporters of children's camps, so they chose an alternative form of recreation for me in the summer! And it was great, I was assigned to a children's tourism club. Every summer we went on unforgettable trips to different parts of Russia. One day we had a hike to Elbrus.

Let's try to figure out where Elbrus is located

Elbrus located in the south of Russia, it occupies a special place in the Greater Caucasus Range system. This is an amazing place on earth, so amazing and beautiful that you definitely need to see it with your own eyes. He is located at the junctionRepublics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. In clear weather, Elbrus can be seen from several tens of kilometers away.

Its peaks dominate mountain range, near Elbrus two peaks: Western and Eastern. MoreWestern is considered high, although the difference in height is insignificant. On the slopes of Elbrus on different heights There are shelters, that’s what hotels are called, places where tourists gather, where you can relax and wait out the bad weather.

How to get to this amazing place in Russia

The first thing you need to do is get to Mineralnye Vody or Nalchik.

The fastest and convenient way This air travel. You will be able to admire beautiful views of the mountains from above if it is clear and cloudless.
But I'm one of those who are ready to immerse themselves in romance railway with its pros and cons and hit the road with this particular type of transport.

I can imagine how the landscapes outside the train window will change, the quiet swaying, the conductor offering to order tea from her in a beautiful glass holder - beauty and that’s all.

Once you reach the city of your choice, the matter remains small, since there will be enough people willing to help you get to your destination. Also from Mineralnye Vody and Nalchik daily flights to the foot of Elbrus are organized. From the bottom to the top you can make unforgettable journey by cable car, it will be a long and exciting journey. Don’t forget to have a snack in a cafe and listen to the stories of experienced tourists.

Helpful2 Not very helpful

Comments0

Until recently, my knowledge about Elbrus were limited to almost forgotten data from boring geography textbooks and an angry tirade from a geographer about how it’s a shame not to know where you are the highest peak in Russia and Europe. But last year, my theoretical knowledge was replenished with practical ones, in other words, I visited the Caucasus and I saw this with my own eyes nature miracle, and before that I studied all the guidebooks about it wonderful place.

The trip to the Caucasus was not spontaneous, it was long-awaited and carefully planned. Therefore, I decided to prepare in advance and scout out the situation, so to speak. I was interested in the following questions:

where is it and how to get to Elbrus;
what transport can you use to get there? to a local attraction;
where to start climbing on mountain.

Where is Elbrus

I knew before that Elbrus is located in the Caucasus, and to be more precise, then 150 kilometers from the city of Nalchik. And to be completely precise, it is located between two republics - Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria, but it is believed that the mountain is located on the territory of the latter. It is interesting that in these republics Elbrus is called differently, for example, the Circassians call Mount Oshkhomakho, and the Kabardians call it Mingi Tau. Inexplicable but the fact!

First misleading impressions

Driving close to the city, you can see a Caucasian landmark. From a distance, it didn’t seem so impressive and huge to me, but when I arrived at my destination, my opinion changed. Of course I knew that the height of the mountain is more than 5500meters. But I had no idea how high it was. I would say too high. I couldn’t look at this beauty for a long time; my neck was stiff.

How to get to Elbrus

You can get to the mountain get there by car, this is the most popular option, also excursion buses run, fortunately they go often. We traveled by car, so We reached the mountain in 2 hours, the bus will take a little longer. But it's worth it! Elbrus is very popular among climbers, it’s not surprising, who wouldn’t want to conquer this famous Caucasian peak. If you decide to climb the mountain, then your the path will run through the village of Azau. Most climbers begin their climb from this place; before climbing, locals advise spending a couple of days in the village for acclimatization. And then hit the road to conquer the inaccessible peak!

Helpful1 Not very helpful

Comments0

I rightfully consider climbing Elbrus one of the most important achievements in my life. An indescribable feeling of being on top of the world. In principle, this is so, because Elbrus is one of the highest mountains on our planet. Follow me, I will tell you where this mountain is!

Where is Mount Elbrus located?

The 5642-meter peak is the pride of Russia, located in the north Greater Caucasus, what is between the territories Kabardino-Balkaria And Karachay-Cherkessia. Included in the list of the “seven peaks” of Europe. By the way, I want to say that the height of 5642 m is only western peak. Second, eastern, has a height of 5621 m, that is, Elbrus has a double peak. You will be surprised to know that the mountain is actually a dying volcano. This is Elbrus with a secret! You might also be interested in Name mountains. There are a couple of versions of its origin:

translated from Iranian Aitbares means " high mountain»;
or from Georgian Yalbuz, which means “storm and ice”.

Climbing a Giant

We started our climb with cable car to the village called Azau(3750 m). Here we spent a couple of days (for acclimatization) at the Bochki shelter. Then one day we climbed to a height of 4700 m at Pastukhov rocks. The next route was through the saddle at an altitude of 5300 m, located between 2 peaks of the mountain. After a little rest we only had to overcome about 500 m, which we did safely.

I want to tell you that the spectacle is magnificent! Mountain landscapes and nature of stunning beauty will not leave you indifferent. And for lovers ski resort this place will actually seem like paradise, take my word for it!

I hope I was able to answer your question and ignite a spark of thirst for adventure and new emotions in your heart. Finally, I would like to add that we should be proud of such a miracle of nature, such a uniqueness of the Caucasus. Today this place is very popular. It's huge rest zone, is also located here national park , in which the nature of the Elbrus region is in its original form.

Helpful1 Not very helpful

Comments0

Gray Elbrus is young at heart. Powerful and passionate - just touch him. There is a universal cold in his brow. There is a crazy fire in his chest.

While thinking about how to start my report today, I suddenly came across a poem few people famous person named Lvovich Belilovsky. I was amazed - Belilovsky’s naive lines, in contrast to the florid pathos of Pushkin and the hysterically decadent style of Mandelstam, accurately conveyed the essence of the famous Caucasian peak - after all, covered with mighty snows Elbrus is a volcano. But first things first.

Where is Elbrus

The two-headed giant settled down in the Caucasus, on the very border of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic and the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria. How one of the peaks of the Side Range of the mountain system named Greater Caucasus , Elbrus is a volcanic mountain range with a clearly defined a pair of vertices - Eastern And Western(height 5621 and 5642 m, respectively). The peaks are separated by a one and a half kilometer saddle - Elbrus pass(altitude 5416 m), where the station is located RedFox 5300(climbing shelter). It should be noted the difficult fate of this shelter: previously a hut was built here " Saddle", abandoned in 1959 due to the fact that it was constantly clogged with snow. In its place, a new one was built in 2010. station EG 5300, but squally winds and miscalculations in the design led to its destruction.

How to get to Elbrus

Elbrus region(official term) very well developed in terms of transport, since the highest Russian and European mountain is extremely popular among fans of extreme climbing.

You can get to Elbrus from the nearest settlements - Nalchik or MineralWaters(well, or directly get to the place in your own car). Get there to the above cities can be done in several ways:

on a Kuban Airlines plane(flight from Moscow lasts 2–3 hours and will cost 4 thousand rubles);
by train(departing from Kazansky railway station the train will take you for some 38 hours, and, having bought a compartment ticket, you will spend the same 4 thousand rubles);
by bus(the road will take day, and you’ll have to pay for the ticket 2 thousand rubles).

Looking at the dazzlingly shining cone of the Caucasian giant, I would like to end (as I began) on a poetic note.

... And in their (clouds) circle, a two-headed colossus, Shining with an icy crown, Elbrus is huge, majestic, White in the blue sky.

Helpful0 Not very useful

Comments0

Do you dream of visiting the mountains? Once upon a time, a similar desire was firmly in my head. But, as you know, if you really want something, it will definitely come true! Sometimes it happens that it’s as if the Universe itself is pushing you, circumstances develop on their own, and now your dream has already come true. This is what happened to me too. That spring I met my future husband, who turned out to be an amateur climber. And in the summer we are together went to conquer Elbrus. Needless to say, that I will remember the trip for the rest of my life.

Where is Elbrus

Then I didn’t know where it was either. But now I can find it on the map instantly. You just need to find Black and Caspian Sea. Found it? Do you see a huge gap between them? mountain system? This is Caucasus. It is usually divided into Big and Small. Exactly Greater Caucasus Range that's what interests us. It serves as a natural border between Russia and Georgia. On the side of our state, its territory was divided by the republics: Adygea, Dagestan, Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria. Now find the city of Nalchik and, moving from it towards the Black Sea, on the border of two of the above republics of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria, you will definitely see Elbrus. By the way, don't be surprised, but Elbrus - volcano, which originated a very long time ago, more than two million years have passed since then. Its last eruption occurred a little less than two thousand years ago. By the way, scientists even today cannot agree whether Elbrus went out or just fell asleep, and thermal springs, originating in its depths, these disputes only fuel. Elbrus has two peaks, the western one rises to a height of 5642 meters, and the eastern one is only 21 meters lower.. Above 3.5 thousand meters, the mountains are covered with glaciers, the melt waters of which give life to several large rivers. Here are the largest of these glaciers:

Terskol;
Big Azau;
Maly Azau;
Irik.

Climate or when to take risks

In the Elbrus region the climate is mild with fairly low humidity, but the volcano itself is not a hospitable host. in winter average temperature the air at its foot is -10 degrees, at an altitude of 2.5 thousand meters - already -25°C, and at the top - all 40 degrees below zero. And in summer it’s not hot: if the air is up to 2500 meters and warms up to +10 degrees, then at an altitude of 4.2 thousand meters, even in July the thermometer does not rise above –14 °C. And all this disgrace is accompanied sudden change of weather. The sun was just shining and there was no wind when a snowstorm began. Therefore, even experienced climbers most often They plan to climb for the period from July to August.

Climber or hiker

At all You don’t have to be a climber to enjoy the grandeur of Elbrusand feel all its power. It is enough to be an ordinary tourist, come here, see this two-headed giant, and then, perhaps, dare to climb.

Helpful0 Not very useful

Comments0

As a child, I really loved reading Russian classical literature. And the theme of the Caucasus has always been something special, its nature seemed magical, as if from another world. One day, while searching for visualization, I came across a reproduction of M. Yu. Lermontov’s painting “Elbrus at Sunrise” and was struck by the beauty of this mountain. I couldn’t believe that this extinct volcano was located not somewhere in the Himalayas, but here.

Geographical position

Elbrus -highest peak in Russia, and the entire European part of the continent. I have always been amazed by the appearance of this devout pearl North Caucasus, because the size of the volcano is truly incredible. Don't notice it while traveling around Chief Caucasian Ridge , impossible - the peak is located in its northern part, away from other mountains, and the gaze returns to it every now and then. It is a kind of natural border between the republicsKabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia.

How to get there

If you are going to not only enjoy the view of this mountain, which, by the way, has two peaks (double beauty), but also to conquer Elbrus, then there are more detailed coordinates. Nearest settlement - villageVerkhniy Baksan. Its picturesque nature sank into my heart: mountains, river, in a word - beauty and freedom. And the proximity to the top is only 28 km! A little further from the peak there is a city Tyrnyauz, administrative center of the Elbrus region. Those who do not consider themselves fans of rural romance can enjoy the view of the mountain from there. Traditionally considered a gathering place for climbers Azau glade - the largest sports ground, which is located directly at the foot of Elbrus. It is recommended to get there by car, but you can also get to the parking lot and by bus, flights depart from almost all nearby cities.

Before you travel, research popular routes. For myself, I selected several popular ones and safe directions.

Climbing the southern slope is the most popular climbing option. The route contains several ropes of simple climbing in bundles.
Climbing the northern slope assumes the same level of complexity, but is aimed at more experienced lovers of mountaineering, there are fewer parking areas.
Climbing along the eastern ridge you'll like it for extreme sports fans, climbing it is noticeably more difficult.

There are other routes, but they require good physical preparation. Unfortunately, I don’t have one. But I’m sure the mountain will not leave you indifferent, and perhaps next time you’ll want to try this route.

Helpful0 Not very useful

Comments0

Oh... I remembered the old days when my health still allowed me to go hiking regularly. We had our own company of 8 people. Every year we conquered more and more mountain peaks. Unfortunately, everything tends to end. So our company broke up, everyone had a family and children. And all we have left are memories and a couple of photographs. The most memorable expedition was the climb to Elbrus.

Where is Mount Elbrus located?

Located this incredible peak in the Caucasus mountains, namely in the Side Range. You probably know that Elbrus - not just a mountain, but highest peak in Russia. To conquer her, you need to be experienced traveler, have steel health and endurance. The climb is not easy and requires a lot of physical effort, but believe me, it is worth it. When the top is reached, the beauty of the whole world opens up before you in full view. It's like you're God. Before you are mountains, forests, fields, sunset.

Interesting fact about Elbrus: It was only recently that geologists concluded that this mountain was in the past a volcano that went extinct.

For those who want to conquer Elbrus

Elbrus - five thousand meter(that is, its height is more than 5000 meters) . It means that you need to remember that:

lifting requires a lot of material costs(gear, equipment, food). And most importantly - air cylinders;
adaptation will take quite a long time(adaptation is time spent at an altitude of approximately 3000 meters so that the body gradually gets used to the altitude);
at an altitude of more than 4000 meters you need to climb while breathing with the help of a cylinder(it's physically difficult);
There is always a risk of developing altitude sickness- this disease is dangerous because you may not immediately feel the symptoms, and when you do feel it, it may already be too late, mountain sickness is deadly!

To get to the point from which the ascent will begin, you must arrive on the border of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria and the Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia.

Exact location of Elbrus

Elbrus is located in the Caucasus, in the Caucasus Mountains, 130 kilometers from the city of Nalchik, if you move to the west.

Helpful0 Not very useful

The two peaks crowning the cone-shaped volcano are separated by a saddle, the height of which is 5300 m. The peaks of Elbrus are two independent volcanoes formed on an ancient volcanic base. The height of the young cone, located in the east, is 5621 m. This volcano has retained its classic cone-shaped shape with a clearly defined crater. The height of the maximum point of Elbrus - the western peak - reaches 5642 m. This volcano has a fairly ancient history, which is reflected in the condition of its upper part - it is partially destroyed by a vertical fault.

Elbrus is a saddle-shaped cone of a volcano that was last active in 50 AD. e. It was most active around 225 thousand, then 110-70 thousand and less than 30 thousand years ago. The mountain, formed about a million years ago, consists of alternating layers of lava, ash and tuff.
The slopes of Elbrus are mostly gentle, but starting from a height of 4000 meters, the average angle of inclination reaches 35 degrees. The northern and western slopes are strewn with steep rocky areas up to 700 meters high. The eastern and southern ones are more gentle and even.

Flowers on the southern slope of Elbrus:

At an altitude of more than 3,500 meters, the volcano is covered with stone placers, rocks and glaciers. The number of the latter is about 70 pieces, and there are total area equal to 134.5 km². The most famous glaciers of Elbrus: Terskop, Big and Small Azau. The streams erupting from them, connecting, create the three main rivers of the region - Baksanu, Kuban and Malka. The glacier-free surface is covered with moraines. A huge cap of ice and snow retains the picturesque shape of the Kazakhstan volcano all year round. It is because of this snow cap that Elbrus is called Little Antarctica.

The first written mention of the double-peaked volcano can be found in the “Book of Victories,” written by the Persian historian and poet, Sharaf ad-Din Yazdi. It tells about the Central Asian conqueror Tamerlane, who during his military campaigns climbed to the top of Elbrus to pray.

The peoples of the Caucasus and the Middle East composed a large number of songs and legends about Elbrus. One of the legends says that used to be a mountain was one-humped. At its top lived the magical bird Simurgh, who bestowed happiness and prosperity on the mountain people who inhabited the valleys of the mountain gorges. This idyll lasted for many centuries, until the desire to seize the bird’s heavenly throne led to its possession by two greedy people. Their fierce struggle was stopped higher powers: blinding lightning cut the sky, terrible thunder erupted and Elbrus split in two, spewing streams of fire that incinerated everything in its path. After such a terrible fight, the magical bird Simurgh hid deep underground, upset by the ingratitude and greed of people.
According to research by scientists, Elbrus has not been visible for quite a long time, but despite this, the current level of activity does not give experts a reason to classify it as an extinct volcano; now it has the status of “dormant”. The volcano is indeed quite active in external and internal activities. In its depths there are still hot masses that heat the local “Hot Narzans” - springs saturated with mineral salts and carbon dioxide, the temperature of which reaches +52°C and +60ºC. The life of many famous springs begins in the depths of the volcano health resorts Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk and the entire Caucasian Mineral Waters region.
The climate on Elbrus is characterized by severity, making it similar to the Arctic regions. The average temperature in the warmest month of the year does not rise above -1.4°C. There is quite a lot of precipitation here, but it is mainly represented only in the form of snow.
Around the two-headed giant are located the most beautiful peaks Caucasus: Nakra-Tau, Ushba, Donguz-Orun.
The first time a person managed to reach the eastern (lower) peak of the volcano was on July 22, 1829. This was done by the conductor of the Russian scientific expedition, a Kabardian by nationality, Kilar Khashirov. The highest peak of Elbrus (western) was conquered by a team of climbers led by Florence Grove in 1874. The first to reach both peaks was the Balkar hunter and shepherd Ahiya Sottaev. During the period of his long life, he conquered Elbrus nine times: he made the first ascent at the age of over forty, and the last in 1909, when he was 121 years old.

At the top of Elbrus:

View from the top of Elbrus:

The study of Elbrus by Russian scientists began actively in the 19th century. Academician V.K. Vishnevsky in 1913 was the first to determine the height and location of the volcano. In addition to its status as a unique natural attraction, the famous Caucasian peak is also an important scientific base. Even before the war, the first experiments with cosmic rays in the Soviet Union were conducted here, and today it houses the highest geophysical laboratory.
Territory of the Elbrus region - major center tourism and skiing. The majority of guests are fans winter species sports, including extreme sports, which are very popular in these mountains. In addition to the usual snowboards, sleds and freeride for hunters thrills a new entertainment was organized, which was a climb to the top of Elbrus by helicopter and subsequent descent from the mountain on skis. For more conservative alpine skiers, there are cable cars, the average throughput of which is 2400 people per hour.

Mount Elbrus is highest peak Europe and Russia in particular. It is included in the catalog of the seven tallest objects on planet Earth. But this is not the only characteristic of this point in the Caucasus Mountains. It is a stratovolcano or, in other words, a layered volcano, which is formed by multi-layered solidification of lava, ash and tephra.

Such peaks are characterized great height and the steep shape of the slopes. This is due to the properties of lava masses, which have a viscous and thick consistency. And eruptions from stratovolcanoes are explosive in nature, while the lava quickly hardens and does not spread over long distances over the terrain.

Height of Mount Elbrus

This volcano has two peaks with different heights. The western one is 5642 m, and the eastern one is slightly lower - 5621 m. The distance between them is 3 km, and if measured along the mountainside - 5200 meters. The tallest volcano in Europe was built on this saddle between the peaks of the volcano. alpine shelter for climbers and lovers of conquering peaks. And there are more than enough people willing to climb to such a height, starting with the first ascent to the eastern peak on July 22, 1829 by Hilar Khachirov. This is a local guide, a resident of Kabardino-Balkaria, who knows these places well. The western peak was conquered a little later, in 1874, by English climbers F. Grove, F. Gardner, H. Walker, P. Knubel and local guide A. Sottaev. After this, thousands of people from all over the world try to climb to the height of Mount Elbrus, coming to the Elbrus region every year.

Controversial issues

Often on the pages of the World Wide Web you can see controversial dialogues about Elbrus, where it is located, in what country. The mountain is located on the border of several territorial units, although most of it is still located on the territory of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, which occupies the northern slope Caucasus Mountains.

But the mountain itself is located at the junction of Kabardino-Balkaria and the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, its image is on the coats of arms of both of these regions. However, North Ossetia, Georgia, and the Stavropol Territory are very close. Therefore, in the Elbrus region there is a whole complex of resorts belonging to different republics of Russia and Georgia.

Also, disputes on the issue of Elbrus (where it is located, in which country) are also being conducted by geographers who cannot agree on a common opinion. Doubts are raised by assumptions that this volcano is located in Europe. Some argue that this is already the territory of Asia. The border between the continents runs right through the middle of the Main Caucasus Range.

Mountain name

Depending on the location of Elbrus (where it is located, in what country), local residents call the volcano differently. In Iran it is called Aitibares, which means "sparkling or brilliant." This name is very consistent with the appearance of the peak, when the eternal snow reflects the bright rays of the sun.

In Georgia they call the mountain Yalbuz, which translated means: yal - “storm”, buz - “ice”. Apparently, the inhabitants of this country have repeatedly witnessed the raging elements on the slopes of the mountain.

The Armenian name is closely phonetically related to the Georgian version. Sounds like Alberis. Many believe that this name comes from the word Alps.

The name of the mountain, invented by the Alans, sounds very beautiful. These are residents of Karachaevo-Balkaria. "Mingi-Tau" is translated as "eternal mountain of consciousness and wisdom."

The name of the volcano, known throughout the world - Elbrus - also has local origin. Consists of several words. “El” is translated as a settlement or nationality, but “bur” is a word familiar to Russian-speaking people, meaning to twist, turn back. The last part of the word “us” is translated as disposition, behavior.

Based on the meaning of the word Elbrus (where it is located, in what country, we found out), the name was invented, you can understand the nature and properties of this famous volcano, which in sunny weather reflects the sun's rays with a bright shine, in bad weather threatens travelers with a strong storm with freezing rain and snow swirling in the wind. Climbers who want to conquer the peak always remember the dangers of such a hike.

Glaciers of the Caucasus Mountains

Elbrus last erupted more than two thousand years ago. Since then, the temperature at the top has always been very low, which even in the summer heat does not rise above 0 degrees. The glaciers that cover the mountain cover 134.5 km, which is 10% of all such formations in the Caucasus Mountains. There are only 23 glaciers on Elbrus.

The largest and most famous are Big and Small Azau, Irik, Kokurtly, which occupy vast areas of valleys and slopes. But there are also very picturesque ice ones hanging from cliffs. These are blocks of glaciers such as Kogutai, Terskol, Garabashi. Especially a lot eternal ice located on the northern slope of Mount Elbrus at an altitude of 3850 meters.

The water produced by the melting and falling of these ice accumulations fills the river streams mountain rivers Stavropol regions, such as Kuban, Malku and Baksan.

Climate on the mountain

The mountain range always has changeable weather. Likewise, in Kabardino-Balkaria, Elbrus is characterized by a frequent change of good warm weather to bad weather, with precipitation and winds. This is due to the mountainous terrain, which forms the circulation of air masses over the seasons.

Summer in the Elbrus region is cool, with high humidity. More than a week good weather there is no need to observe. The thermometer showed a maximum of + 35 degrees at an altitude of 2 km, even higher, at around 3 km, and even less, a maximum of + 25.

After this mark, winter weather begins in October. There is a lot of precipitation. The height of the snow cover on average reaches 50-80 cm. The higher you go to the top, the deeper the snow. More snow covers are located on the north side. The south cannot boast of the thickness of snow.

Spring comes to the territory of Elbrus only in early May. The peak is covered with snow all year round. Due to them, the mass of ice in glaciers is constantly growing.

Winter lasts a long time, and at an altitude of 3 km the temperature drops to -12 degrees, the lowest temperature recorded at this point was -27 degrees.

Ski resort

The biggest ski resort"Elbrus Azau" was built in 1969 on the Azau clearing, which is located at the foot of the majestic mountain. For the convenience of skiers, there are two cable cars: the old pendulum with 20-seat cabins and the new gondola, which takes 8 people on board. Lift tickets can be purchased either one-time or for the whole day. They also sell passes for the entire skiing period (from 2 to 8 days). The cost also varies depending on the season. One ascent costs 550 rubles, descent costs 500. The most expensive 8-day pass will cost 12,700.

Ski slopes

Elbrus has 11 slopes for skiers of all levels: from beginners to professionals. Blue trails are wider and flatter. The red and black ones are for experienced riders, but they also gradually transition into the blue, gentle slopes. A ski pass will cost from 500 to 850 rubles for one day.

Excellent recreation for children. For them there is a separate rope tow of 300 meters. An experienced instructor conducts classes for beginners, and fun competitions and competitions are often organized. Works ski school, where the child will be taught all the intricacies of proper and safe descent.

Complex infrastructure

On the territory of the complex there are 38 hotels, cafes, restaurants, baths and saunas, ski equipment rental. There are shops and even a club. You can pay either in cash or bank cards. Everything is done for the convenience of vacationers.

For peak conquerors there is interesting complex called "Barrels". There, climbers can acclimatize, warm up, rest after a hard climb, have a snack and sleep.

It is located at an altitude of 3750 meters, at the final station of the Garabashi chairlift. Each "barrel" is designed to accommodate 6 people. There is everything you need: toiletries, bedding, warm blankets.

How to get there?

The best and closest way to get to the mountain is from Nalchik. There is an airport there, so you can fly in from different places. Further from the city you can get to the Elbrus region by taxi or minibus No. 17. Then you also need to go to Terskol by minibus.

In your car, from Rostov-on-Don you need to drive along the M-4 highway, and before reaching Nalchik, turn onto A-158. The coordinates of Elbrus, the description of which is given in the article, on the navigator are 43°18"56"N, 42°27"42"E.

Come any time of the year. You can go skiing in the middle of summer.

Mount Elbrus fascinates not only climbers, but also ordinary travelers. From year to year, tourists come to the foot of the mountain to see the grandeur and power of the peak. Few people remain indifferent and disappointed. This mountain, shrouded in secrets and legends, incredible ascents of the past and present make it even more attractive and popular.

Geographical characteristics

Elbrus is marked on the map of Russia, between the two republics - Karachay-Cherkess and. The nearest city at the foot of Mount Tyrnauz is the city of Elbrus.

The summit has two highest peaks, the height of the eastern peak is 5621 meters, and the height of the western peak is 5642 meters. The distance between them is 1500 meters. The average steepness of the slopes is 35 degrees. Academician V.K. Vishnevsky was the first to determine the height of Elbrus, and it was 5421 meters.

23 glaciers flow down from the slopes of the mountain. The area of glaciers is 134 square kilometers. The maximum length of glaciers is about 7–9 km. Their total area has decreased by 19% over the past 100–150 years. The glacier that flows into the Kuban Valley has shrunk by 33%. Elbrus glaciers feed three large Caucasian and Stavropol rivers:

Kuban;
Malku;
Baksan.

Until now, the exact boundaries between Asia and Europe have not been defined, so the mountain is often considered to be the highest mountain peak in Europe and equated to the “Seven Summits” mountains. The double-peaked stratovolcano was formed on an ancient volcanic base. It is believed that these two peaks are completely independent volcanoes and do not depend on each other. Both peaks have their own distinct shape and a clearly defined crater.

Finding a mountain on a map is not difficult, since today a wide variety of maps and public routes With detailed descriptions.

general description

Elbrus - height, which is famous for its ancient history. The age of a mountain is determined by the condition of its upper part. Its top has a vertical fault. Last eruption Russia's highest peak occurred around the 50s AD. e.

The mystery of the name of the mountain

Where is Elbrus located? Perhaps almost every schoolchild in the country can answer this question. But few people know where the name of the mountain comes from. It is worth noting that the peak has more than one name and has about a dozen in total.

Today it is very difficult to understand which name appeared first. If we talk about the modern name, then according to one version, it comes from the Iranian word “aytibares”. Translated, it sounds like a high or shiny mountain. The peak in the Karachay-Balkar language is called “Mingi-tau”, which translated into Russian means “mountain of thousands”. But there is also another name for the Balkars - “Minge-tau”, which translates as “mountain saddled”. Modern representatives of this community call Elbrus - “the mountain around which the wind swirls” (“Elbrus - Tau”).

Names in other languages are also common:

“Jin padishah” - “lord of spirits” (Turkic);
“Orfi - tub” - “mountain of the blessed” (Abkhazian);
“Yal - buz” - “snow mane” (Georgian).

Local climate

The climate of the mountain region is formed under the influence of seasonal air masses. Climatic conditions characteristic of mountainous terrain. The Elbrus region is characterized by a pattern of good and bad weather.

In summer the cycle is a week. In the first days of June the weather is worse than in July. The climate during this period is humid and cool. The temperature at an altitude of 2 thousand meters sometimes reaches +35 degrees, and at higher altitudes – +25 degrees. Autumn begins from the end of August. Winter comes already in October, at an altitude of more than 3 thousand meters. At this point the average temperature is -12 degrees. The absolute minimum was recorded at minus 27 degrees. Spring comes only at the beginning of May. During this period, snow melts actively at around 3 thousand meters. Often it comes down in the form of wet avalanches.

The higher the height, the thicker the cover. Thus, 60–80 cm is the average thickness of the top cover. There is more snow on the northern slopes than on the southern ones. At higher altitudes, eternal snowfields and firn fields remain. Due to them, the mass of all Elbrus glaciers increases.

Volcanic activity

Elbrus is considered an extinct volcano . When studying the mountain, geologists examined its layers, which contain the ash of the volcano. It has been proven that this particular ash has been formed since ancient times as a result of eruptions. Having studied the first layer, scientists found that the first eruption of the peak occurred around 45 thousand years ago. e. The subsequent one is the second layer, formed after the eruption of the Mount Kazbek volcano. It was formed about 40 thousand years ago.

Today it has been precisely proven that it was the second eruption that was the most powerful, even by modern standards. People - Neanderthals, living at the foot of the mountain at that time, were forced to leave settled places in search of more favorable living conditions. It has been established that the last time the volcano erupted was 2 thousand years ago BC. e.

The history of climbing Elbrus

Back in 1829, the first conquest of Elbrus was made. The leader of the ascent expedition is Georgy Emmanuel. The members of the scientific expedition were famous physicists, zoologists, botanists, geologists and other scientists. It was they who became the pioneers and conquerors of the highest peak on Earth - eastern part of Elbrus.

In 1868, a re-climbing of the mountain was carried out by an English group of scientists. eastern part mountains. In the same year, the first conquest of Mount Kazbek was accomplished. The western peak of Elbrus was conquered in 1874 by climbers from England; the expedition guide was A. Sottaev.

During a scientific expedition to map the Caucasus in 1890–1896, an ascent was made to the eastern and western mountains Elbrus. The expedition was headed by a Russian scientist and military topographer - A.V. Pastukhov. It was he who left behind detailed maps terrain and Mount Elbrus - photo. For exploration of the Caucasus and Elbrus, part of the Elbrus rocks was named in honor of Pastukhov ( South part). The height of the Pastukhov rocks is 4800 meters.

In 1891, the highest recorded a short time ascents throughout history - only 8 hours. The climb started from the bottom southern slopes and ended with eastern peak.

Swiss climbers, for the first time in history, in 1910 accomplished the so-called Elbrus Cross. They climbed two peaks simultaneously, as part of one expedition.

The first woman to conquer Elbrus - A. Japaridze (1925).

Soviet climbers made the first winter ascent in 1934. And in 1939, the first ski descent from Elbrus was carried out by Moscow skier V. Gippenreiter.

From the first part of the twentieth century, climbing Elbrus began to become widespread. So, in 1928, 32 groups of climbers carried out the ascent; in 1935, about 2,016 people visited Elbrus, and in 1960, 1,395 climbers.

In 1963, he climbed on a motorcycle Berberashvili - Soviet athlete. In 1997, already by car, the whole team conquered the summit. And in 2015, the Russian athlete A. Rodichev climbed the mountain with a barbell that weighed 75 kg.

The 2016 climb to Elbrus is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Russian climbers A. Kuimov and S. Baranov climbed with the help of an ATV to a height of 5642 meters.

Nowadays, climbing Elbrus is not difficult. For tourists and travelers the path is made easier by shelters - parking lots and cable cars.

The beauty and grandeur of Elbrus make the mountain the most visited in modern world. The viewing radius under favorable conditions is large. So, sometimes from the tops of the mountain you can see the Caspian and Black Sea simultaneously. No wonder in 2008, the peak was recognized as one of the wonders of the world in Russia.

Address: Russia, Caucasus
Height: 5642 m (western peak), 5621 m (eastern peak)
First ascent: July 22, 1829
Coordinates: 43°20"57.4"N 42°26"51.6"E

The stunning Mount Elbrus, beckoning climbers, ski lovers and fans active type rest, is actually a volcano.

Surprisingly, not everyone knows about this: for most, Elbrus is one of seven wonders of Russia(according to the 2008 vote), picturesque slopes along which you can ski down with a breeze, and the virgin, even somewhat “unearthly” beauty of the Elbrus region.

Scientists call Elbrus a stratovolcano, which means that from time to time thick streams of lava erupt from a conical vent, which, due to their viscosity, do not spread over long distances, but solidify not far from the point of their emission. That is why Elbrus “grows” with each eruption and is currently considered the highest mountain peak in Europe. By the way, the volcano has two peaks: one of them (western) has a height of 5642 meters, and the second (eastern) - 5621 meters. The two peaks are separated by a saddle with a height of 5200 meters and a length of 3 kilometers.

First summit ascent

According to documents that have survived to this day, the first conquest of the eastern peak of Elbrus took place in 1829. The expedition was led by Georgy Arsenievich Emmanuel, who, despite his Hungarian origin, led the Caucasian fortified line. In addition to numerous scientists included in the expedition by the Russian Academy of Sciences, 1000 military personnel and guides who knew secret paths and the least dangerous slopes took part in the ascent to the peak.

Most likely, according to the assumption of modern historians, people visited the peaks and gorges of Elbrus long before 1829. However, according to documentation, it is generally accepted that the first conquest of Elbrus was the ascent of a scientific expedition led by Emmanuel.

Volcano name: history of origin

Alas, it is currently unknown where the name Elbrus came from. Most scientists are inclined to believe that the name of the mountain comes from the Iranian word “Elborz”, which literally translates into Russian as “brilliant or sparkling.” In Iran there is a mountain called Elborz, probably for this reason, many associate the origin of the name itself high point in Europe with the Iranian language. In fairness, it is worth noting that the rest of the scientists, who, although in the minority, argue that the name Elbrus may come from the Armenian or Georgian language. The answer to the question of where the name of this mesmerizing volcano came from will most likely never be found: you need to delve too deeply into the history of mankind to solve this problem.

Battle for Elbrus

During the Great Patriotic War, fierce battles were fought for the peaks of Elbrus, in which the famous German division, named after the most beautiful mountain flower, “Edelweiss,” took part.

The division was staffed exclusively by physically hardy people who lived in mountainous areas, able to hit the target with the first shot. Mature age of some of them best soldiers The Wehrmacht allowed them to fight in the mountains and survive in deserted areas, where it was almost impossible to get food, endure severe frosts and strong gusts of wind.

As is known from the history of the Second World War, the battle for the Caucasus began on July 25, 1942. Less than a month later, soldiers from the Edelweiss division occupied the Shelter of Eleven and Krugozor bases, and after some time conquered the peaks of Elbrus, on which they hoisted flags with swastikas. It would seem that a feat has been accomplished, but the ascent German soldiers infuriated Hitler. “Crazy, deranged people, stupid climbers! While Wehrmacht soldiers are waging a fierce struggle for every square kilometer of the Caucasus, they decided to “play.” These climbers, who climbed Elbrus for the sake of their own pride, must be put on trial!” Hitler shouted in rage. “Why do we need this bare peak that no one needs? They are not aware of what they are doing. Our flags should hang on the buildings of Sukhumi, and not fly where even birds cannot see them,” A. Speer recorded these words of Adolf Hitler in his diary.

Stalin, apparently, thought quite differently. After the last German units were expelled from the Caucasus at the end of winter, Soviet soldiers re-conquered the peaks of Elbrus. Flags with swastikas were destroyed, and on the western and eastern peaks the banners of the USSR proudly glowed.

The volcano is only dormant

Elbrus, as mentioned above, is a Mecca for climbers, mountaineers and skiers. Tourism brings Kabardino-Balkaria the lion's share of income to the local budget. Therefore, the authorities, according to some scientists, are silent about the danger that awaits not only tourists, but also local residents, whose houses are located near the volcano. “Elbrus could wake up at any moment, the eruption will be very powerful!” say experts, based on a number of studies they have conducted.

Particular concern is expressed by Lev Denisov, who calls on the authorities to reconsider their policies and think about what they are investing huge amounts of money into. “A restless volcano can destroy the entire infrastructure of the region in a few hours and take the lives of thousands of people,” Denisov said in his address. In addition to a possible eruption, the so-called “pulsating glaciers” pose a particular danger. It was they who led to the tragedy in the Karmadon Gorge.

Monument to the “Heroes of the Elbrus Defense”

However, neither the authorities of Kabardino-Balkaria nor high-ranking officials from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations want to listen to the scientist’s arguments. Denisov’s opponents say: “Several more centuries may pass before the eruption, but we don’t see any cause for concern yet.” Naturally, in this context, the word “may” is scary. After all, this does not exclude the possibility that Elbrus may “wake up” in the very near future. Who will be right, Lev Denisov and his group of researchers, or his opponents, only time will tell. While in the Elbrus area, you should never forget about your own safety and strictly follow the instructions of the instructor. It is worth remembering that people constantly die and go missing in the gorges and on the slopes of the mountain: everyone knows that in 2002, during the collapse of a glacier in the Karmadon Gorge called “Kolka”, the most popular actor and director Sergei Sergeevich Bodrov disappeared.

“I’m standing at the top, I’m happy and speechless...”

Thanks to government decree Russian Federation, with the active support of the authorities of Kabardino-Balkaria, tourism infrastructure is developing in the Elbrus region by leaps and bounds. The most convenient tourist centers, hotels with “luxury” rooms, ultra-modern ski lifts, rentals of modern mountain and ski equipment are just a small part of what a tourist who comes to the highest peak in Europe can count on.

Conquer one of mountain peaks, which offers a truly stunning view, is possible on one of the expeditions. They are constantly organized here by companies that have received a special license for this type of activity. Climbing Elbrus always takes place under the guidance of a professional climber who knows all the subtleties and nuances of the conquest mountain peak. It was thanks to the training of these people that climbing Elbrus became practically safe. However, before you decide to climb the highest mountain in Europe, you should soberly assess your strength. For a person in poor health, such a journey can end tragically. Although, almost all expeditions are equipped with radio communications with special stations. In the event of any dangerous situation, a helicopter with experienced rescuers on board rises from a special platform. Before the ascent, the group leaders once again try to determine the physical condition of each participant and, in case of any doubt about his endurance, recommend postponing the conquest of the peak, but rather enjoy the beauty of the Elbrus region on this trip, which is quite difficult to describe in words.

It might be useful to read: