Map of Elbrus routes in English

Elbrus region is one of largest centers mountaineering, tourism and ski holiday in Russia. It is located in Kabardino-Balkaria, in the high mountain region Caucasus Mountains, at the foot of Elbrus, which is the highest peak in Europe (5,642 m). This is one of the most beautiful natural places in Russia, and skiing on the slopes of the two-headed handsome Elbrus is a special pleasure!

How to get there

The nearest airports are in Mineralnye Vody akh (166 km) and Nalchik (113 km). Railway stations from which you can get to the Elbrus region: Nalchik, Prokhladny, Mineralnye Vody, Pyatigorsk. From the airport or train station go minibuses or buses towards Tyrnyauz, next to which all the resort villages of the Elbrus region are located. Travel time from Nalchik will be 2-2.5 hours, from Mineralnye Vody - 3.5 hours, from Prokhladny and Pyatigorskaya - 2.5 - 3 hours. The final point of the trip is the Azau clearing, where almost the entire infrastructure of the resort is located.

Hotels

There are several villages in the Elbrus region where tourists stay in hotels. The most popular are the Azau glade and the Cheget glade. These are small villages with all the necessary infrastructure - hotels, camp sites, cafes and restaurants, kebab shops and rental shops. Here, at the local market, you can buy memorable souvenirs, warm hand-knitted items made from sheep and goat wool, and aromatic herbal teas collected in the highlands. The hotels in the glades of Azau and Cheget are small but cozy, and the prices for accommodation are affordable. Tourists choose to stay here primarily because of its proximity to the ski lifts.

The town of Terskol is located between the Azau glade and the Cheget glade. There are many good hotels and apartments that can be rented. There are shops, post office and bank offices here, ski school. Accommodation here will cost less than in the Azau clearing, but tourists will have to get to the ski lifts every day - to the Azau clearing - 4 km, to the Cheget clearing - 1 km.

You can also stay in the villages of Baidaevo, Tegenekli, Elbrus and Neutrino. They are 7 km or more away from the ski lifts.

Weather

The ski season lasts from November to May, and in some areas almost all year round. The climate of the region is determined by the massive mountain range of the Caucasus Mountains and the proximity of the Black Sea. The weather here is very changeable: from a sunny clear day to rain in the summer, or snowfalls and blizzards in the winter. average temperature air during the daytime in summer is +27 °C, in winter - 4 °C. The nights are very cold, temperatures can drop to −15 °C.

Trails

The length of the ski slopes in the Elbrus region is about 31 km, with ski areas located on two peaks - Elbrus and Cheget. They are not related to each other. The resort also has extensive areas for freeride and heli-skiing, but some routes are quite dangerous - there may be cracks in the glacier or rocks along the way, so it is recommended to go through them only with experienced guides.

On the slopes of Elbrus there are 7 trails with a length of about 11 km. In fact, it is one big track of different levels of difficulty and different widths. At first these are wide, flat blue slopes, comfortable for beginners, and from Stary Krugozor downwards there are steeper and more difficult red slopes, turning at the end into a gentle green section. By the way, for those who are just taking their first steps on skis, there is a rope rope from the Azau clearing on the lower, gentle slope.

The second ski area is Mount Cheget. Translated from Balkar, Cheget means “North”; the mountain is famous for its northern slopes. Here, fluffy snow remains much longer than on Elbrus, because the sun either does not touch it at all, or illuminates these slopes for only a short time. The mountain's trails are recognized as one of the most difficult in Russia and Europe. Their total length is 20 km, and the elevation difference is 1,140 m. Two stages of the chairlift lift skiers to a height of 3,050 m. Thanks to the endless possibilities of off-piste skiing and backcountry, experienced freeriders from all over the country and abroad come here - they are attracted by the virgin soil and steep slopes from 20 to 45 degrees. At the same time, on the slopes you need to be prepared and very attentive - the area is dangerous for avalanches, there are a lot of rocks around, so it is advisable to ride only in a group and accompanied by a guide.

Extreme and advanced skiers will enjoy the local trails of increased difficulty running through the pine forest. The descent from the top of Cheget is one large ski area, not marked by boundaries, which runs approximately along the line of lifts, about 3 km long. The difficulty of passing the route is made by the fact that there are many hillocks along the way, passing which it can be difficult to maintain balance and control over the skis. In general, skiing on Cheget is not a pleasure for everyone. First of all, it is suitable for confident skiers, as well as those who want to test their skills in fairly harsh conditions.

Lifts

The cable car to Elbrus ascends in several stages. The first gondola departs from the Azau clearing - the main location of hotels and cafes, which is located at an altitude of 2350 m, and rises to the Stary Kruzor station (3,000 m).

The second stage of lifts goes from the Stary Krugozor station to the Mir station and rises another 500 m - to a height of 3,500 m.

The third, final, cable car rises from the Mir station to the upper Gara-Bashi station: another 280 meters of ascent. Length ski slope back - about 6 km. You can also go up to the Gara-Bashi station and even a little higher from the Mir station by snowcat, having previously discussed the cost. The first two stages are duplicated by two cable cars - a modern gondola and an old pendulum cable car. They do not differ much in cost, but the gondola rises much faster.

On the 1st and 2nd stages (Azau ​​station - Krugozor station - Mir station) there are pendulum and gondola cable cars. The gondolas accommodate 8 people, the pendulum cabins - 20 people. The third stage (Mir station - Gara-Bashi station) is served by a single chairlift, which is often closed for repairs. The gondola is currently under construction cable car to "Gara-Bashi".

Ski passes

Prices for the 2018 ski season have not been finalized. We provide approximate prices for ski passes. Ski pass prices are determined by three seasons: “Low” (from 03/13/17 to 12/29/17), “High” (12/30/17 - 01/08/18) and “Medium” (after January 9, 2018).

There are three lines of lifts, each paid separately. For example, a ski pass for an adult for 1 day in the high season for lifts of the 1st and 2nd stages (Azau ​​station - Krugozor station - Mir station) will cost 1900 rubles. Children under 6 years old are free; children from 6 to 14 years old receive a 50% discount. Rise from the station. "Peace" to st. “Gara-Bashi” will cost 500 rubles. A ski pass for three stages will cost 2,400 rubles at once. The deposit cost of the ski pass card is 100 rubles.

In Cheget, a day pass will cost 800 rubles.

Mountain tourism

The Elbrus region is attractive to travelers and adventurers at any time of the year. Climbing and hiking programs are mainly organized in the summer; skiing trips are also very popular in the spring. Many climbers try to climb Elbrus to prepare themselves for expeditions and ascents to the Himalayas and Pamirs.

There are alpine shelters for guests at the Mir station. These are mini-hotels with a limited range of services, where tourists stay before climbing the peaks of the great mountain.

Things to do

In winter and summer there are many options for spending time: you can ride horses or take a walk along the National Park“Elbrus region”, visit the sports center in Terskol, the nearest village from the resort, play billiards or relax in the bathhouse. For young people, in both glades (Azau ​​and Cheget) there are nightclubs and disco bars (“Chegebar”, “Balkaria”, “Captain Pete” and “Deep Purple”).

Attractions

“Valley of Narzans” (sometimes also called “Glade of Narzans”) is a small clearing where mineral springs flow from the ground. Their water is rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, which is why everything around the source is colored brownish-red. Water has healing properties, but you should consult your doctor before drinking. “Valley of Narzans” is landscaped, there are several cafes, parking, benches and gazebos around.

Tourists prefer to come to the bottomless Blue Lake in the summer. The lake formed at the site of a karst sinkhole is filled with blue-colored water. The water temperature is 9 degrees all year round. In summer, tourists have the opportunity to go diving on the lake.

Another interesting location is the Chegem waterfalls. After a walk through the picturesque Chegem Gorge, tourists see streams of water that fall from a height of 50-60 m. They look equally impressive in both summer and winter. In winter, the streams freeze, forming strange growths and icicles. Another waterfall - "Maiden's Braids" - is located 2 km from the town of Terskol.

The Aushiger springs are not within walking distance from the Elbrus region; it is more convenient to get to them from Nalchik. The hot spring releases thousands of tons of healing water to the surface all year round. There are baths here where you can swim even in winter. The spring water has healing properties, but it is better to consult a doctor before using or bathing.

Double-headed Elbrus - highest peak Russia. The 5,642-meter-high stratovolcano is included in the list of “Seven Great Heights of the World.” According to geologists, Elbrus is a cone extinct volcano. Elbrus acquired its modern appearance with two peaks (the height of the eastern one is 5621 meters, the western one is 5642 meters) more than a million years ago. By the way, the debate about volcanic activity mountains. Some scientists argue that the volcano is not extinct, but dormant. The argument is based on the fact that hot masses have been preserved in the depths of the mountain, heating thermal springs up to a temperature of +60 degrees.

The climate in the vicinity of the Elbrus region is soft, with low humidity, which makes it easy to tolerate frosty weather. But on Elbrus itself climatic conditions close to the Arctic with heavy precipitation and strong piercing winds. The air temperature at the top of the mountain can reach -40 degrees. IN summer time at an altitude of 4000 meters the temperature does not rise above -10 degrees.

Climbing Elbrus

The first documented conqueror of Elbrus (his eastern peak) became the Kabardian K. Khashirov, who accompanied the Russian expedition of 1829. The rest of the expedition members were only able to climb to 5,300 meters. The western peak of Elbrus was conquered by travelers only in 1879. Its first tourists were members of the English expedition, led by climbers F. Grove and accompanied by Kabardian A. Sottaev.

The latter became one of the most famous conquerors of Elbrus. Being a hunter and mountain lover, he climbed Elbrus 9 times, and his final climb was made at the age of 120!

IN Soviet time The Elbrus region has become one of the most popular places for mountaineering. The so-called “Alpiniads” took place here several times. The 1967 mountaineering competition was the most widespread - almost 2,500 mountaineering athletes took part in it.

Modern classic routes for climbing Elbrus are not very difficult, even beginners in mountaineering can do them. There are 3 main routes:

  • Climbing from the south side of the mountain starts at the foot, but tourists often use the cable car lift to the Barrels shelter, which is located at an altitude of 3750 meters. The shelter has recreation centers, cafes and bars for tourists.
  • Northern rise follows in the footsteps of the first conquerors of the mountain. The ascent is also not very difficult for people of average physical fitness, but, unlike the southern side, there is no tourist infrastructure here - the entire ascent is carried out without the help of a cable car and other benefits of civilization.
  • Eastern rise more extreme. It passes through a lava flow, which naturally has long since solidified. The Akcheryakol lava flow offers the most beautiful panoramas on the route.

Most ascents take place in the summer - from May to October, since this is the most favorable time with the most comfortable weather (by local standards). All routes are built taking into account the time for acclimatization - after the morning ascent you need to go down for the night.

Ski resorts in the Elbrus region

The Elbrus region has been one of the most popular skiing destinations in Russia for decades. In total, about 35 kilometers of ski trails have been laid in the Elbrus region. alpine skiing and snowboards (mileage increases annually) and 12 kilometers of cable cars are equipped.

Among the surrounding mountains, the most popular is Mount Cheget, equipped with both chairlifts and cable-pendulum lifts. The Cheget trails are suitable for both beginners and professionals. Also on the slopes of the mountain and in its surroundings there is a lot of entertainment for relaxation after active skiing (après ski) - cafes, bars and restaurants, cozy chalet hotels and spa hotels.

For professionals, there is a “high-altitude taxi” that delivers skiers and snowboarders on snowcats to the Pastukhov rocks, at an altitude of 4800 meters.

The longest route is located at the Stary Krugozor resort - its length is 2 kilometers, and the elevation difference reaches 650 meters.

The ski season in the Elbrus region lasts from November to April (if the snow cover is delayed, the season is extended until early May).

In the summer, horseback riding and mountain biking are organized along trails with panoramic views, trekking and paragliding are offered. For a significant amount of money, you can order heli-skiing - a ride with “delivery” to the top by helicopter.

Camp sites

Currently, Elbrus is not a wild and harsh area, but a mecca for mountaineering lovers. Therefore, the mountain slopes are equipped with numerous recreation centers and mountain shelter hotels. Most of tourism infrastructure concentrated on the southern slope, at an altitude of 3750 meters - in the Barrel shelter. The mountain shelter is equipped with heated residential trailers and a kitchen.

At an altitude of 3912 meters there is a mountain hotel "Liprus", with a capacity of 48 people. Its buildings are made in a futuristic style and resemble space stations.

The highest mountain hotel in Elbrus is the Shelter of Eleven hotel at an altitude of 4050 meters. The hotel was built in the middle of the 20th century and for a long time bore the title of “the most high mountain hotel THE USSR". The main building burned down 20 years ago, but the hotel has now been rebuilt on the basis of the preserved boiler house.

The regional authorities plan to build a shelter at an altitude of 5,300 meters. Construction work is already underway, but the opening date is constantly being pushed forward due to difficult weather conditions.

Attractions

The gorges and glaciers of Elbrus and the Elbrus region are the main attractions of these places. When going to the Elbrus region, it is worth visiting:

  • Baksan Gorge. It originates in the glaciers of Elbrus and represents picturesque mountains with snow caps, green valleys, caves with traces of ancient people and rusty earth - due to the abundance of iron in its composition.
  • Djily-Su tract. The place is known primarily for its hot springs. Swimming in natural pools has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and nervous systems; mineral waters treat skin diseases and allergies. In addition to the springs, there are powerful waterfalls in the surrounding area. The height of the largest of them is 25 meters.
  • Elbrus Defense Museum. The highest mountain museum in the world is located at the Mir station. The local exhibition tells about the North Caucasian battles during the Great Patriotic War.
  • Chegem Gorge. This is a picturesque area with centuries-old pine trees, deep canyons and rocky waterfalls.

How to get to Mount Elbrus

Elbrus is located on the border of the Kabardino-Balkarian and Karachay-Cherkess Republics. The nearest airport is in the city of Nalchik, 130 km from the foot of the mountain; you can also fly to Mineralnye Vody, located 200 km away. Then go through Pyatigorsk and Nalchik to Terskol with transfers by bus. Travel time will be from 3 to 5 hours, depending on the point of departure. Many expeditions and excursion groups depart from Terskol.

Elbrus on Google panoramas Maps

Video "Mount Elbrus"

Attractions

28306

Locality in Kabardino-Balkaria, in the central part Caucasian ridge, called the Elbrus region, has been attracting travelers from all over the world for more than a century. The reasons for the widespread mountain pilgrimage are the unique opportunities of the region. Elbrus region - real paradise for adherents active rest: In the summer you can practice mountaineering and rock climbing, and the Elbrus ski areas are open to the public all year round. In addition, the cleanest mountain air, favorable climate (at least 300 sunny days a year!), and the presence of a large number of mineral springs make the Elbrus region a kind of health resort that welcomes everyone who wants to recover from ailments and restore strength. Mountain region never ceases to amaze connoisseurs of the beauty of pristine nature. Not by chance Caucasian peaks became a favorite theme in the works of outstanding Russian artists - A. Kuindzhi, V. Vereshchagin, N. Roerich, P. Kochalovsky and many others. Contemplation of magnificent landscapes inspires, gives wide scope for creativity, and unity with nature calms and, at the same time, charges with incredible energy. Every guest popular resort You will find something to your liking here. However, no matter what purpose tourists come to the Elbrus region, no one simply has the right to ignore its main attractions, which, without a doubt, can be called natural wonders.

Sight

The gray-haired giant of the Caucasus Mountains - Elbrus - is famous throughout the world for its majestic beauty, scale and features geological structure, history of conquest, and today perfectly equipped ski slopes. Part of the collection highest mountains continents Elbrus is the most high point Russia and Europe. Huge mountain range of volcanic origin, it has two distinct peaks - Eastern (5621 m) and Western (5642 m), which is why Elbrus is often called double-headed. By the way, the mountain has quite a few names, more than ten.

The designation of a peak known since ancient times can be found among many peoples. The most common and official one - Elbrus - is supposedly of Iranian origin and is translated as “brilliant (sparkling) mountain”: it refers to its snow cover shining in the sun. In the Balkar language, “Elbrus-tau” means “a mountain around which the wind swirls,” which is also true. Due to the uneven degree of heating of the slopes and surrounding gorges, air masses move around the volcano and winds blow.

From above, gray-haired Elbrus looks like a huge white star: 23 large glaciers, separated from each other by rocky ribs, extend from the peak in all directions, like rays. The maximum length of glaciers is 6–9 km, and the area they occupy is about 135 sq. km. The thickness of the snow cover on Elbrus is stable even in summer. Today, to find yourself in the kingdom of winter, you can use gondola or vintage pendulum lifts. Parallel to the cable cars, there are long trails for skiers and snowboarders.

Elbrus has been known as an object of mass mountaineering since the 30s of the last century. In the new millennium, the number of people wishing to storm the peak not only did not decrease, but also increased considerably. But even those who don’t get to the very top, but end up at one of the cable car stations, will be able to fully enjoy the stunning views and get an unforgettable experience.

Read completely Collapse

Sight

The longest gorge in the Central Caucasus, Baksan, leads to the majestic Elbrus. For many tourists, the path to this unusual and surprising a nice place starts from Nalchik. The distance from the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria to the village of Terskol, which is located in the upper reaches of the gorge, near Elbrus, is about 130 km.

An asphalt road passes through the Baksan Gorge - the highest mountain route in the republic. High and steep rocky slopes hang over the road on one side, and on the other side the Baksan River rushes noisily, giving its name to the famous mountain valley. All along the way, in the bends of the gorge, which sometimes narrows and sometimes diverges widely, the peaks of Elbrus, Donguz-Orun and other peaks towering above it are visible.

By deviating from the main route, you can get into picturesque side gorges. The gorges Adyr-Su, Adyl-Su, Irik, Itkol are known for their extraordinary beauty. On the way to Adyl-Su, outside the town of Tyrnyauz, the Pine forest Baksan Gorge, covering its bottom and slopes. Having risen to a height of 2300 m and somewhat bypassed Elbrus, the gorge ends up in the Azau Glade, where, “bumping” into the powerful foot of the two-headed patriarch of the Caucasus Mountains, it breaks into numerous but short branches and gets lost in the mountains.

Read completely Collapse

Sight

Mount Cheget, located near Elbrus, is completely different, but no less attractive. The harsh and solemn beauty of the gray-haired giant is contrasted here with a surprisingly diverse relief, organically combined with the successive bright colors of nature. In summer on Cheget you can see the spectacular pale pink flowers of the evergreen shrub - Caucasian rhododendron, the leathery leaves of which cover the slopes of the mountain. Flowering meadows gradually turn into rocks with sparse vegetation.

At the foot of the mountain lies Chegetskaya Polyana - a unique tourist complex where there are hotels, cafes, restaurants, ski equipment rentals, a market and souvenir shops.

The height of Cheget is about 3700 m. Anyone can be at an altitude of 3050 m. There are chairlifts in the first and second stages, and a rope tow in the third. The ascent takes about 20 minutes. The speed of the lifts is low, which makes it possible to admire stunning views.

On the second stage of the cable car, at an altitude of 2719 m, there is a cafe “Ai” and an observation deck from where a magnificent panorama opens. Here you can see the Baksan Gorge, the winding Baksan River, the village of Terskol and the peaks of the Main Caucasus Range - Elbrus, Donguz-Orun, Nakra-tau, Big and Small Kogutai.

Cheget is one of the most famous ski resorts, and the peak is especially popular among freeriders. Fans of off-piste skiing are attracted by the steep slopes and complex and varied terrain. However, in addition to the difficulties, the potential danger, including the likelihood of avalanches, should not be underestimated. For extreme sports enthusiasts, when skiing outside the marked trails, we recommend using the services of experienced instructors. You can ride on Cheget from the end of November to May. During the warm season, trekking and cycling are popular here.

Read completely Collapse

Sight, Panoramic view

The section of the valley of the Khasaut River from its confluence with the Malka River to its tributary Ketmas, where 17 springs emerge from the bowels of the earth, is the “Narzan Valley”. Located at an altitude of about 1000 m, in the Rocky Range area, the picturesque valley is characterized by a warm climate and an abundance of sunny days. In winter it rarely drops below - 2 °C, and in summer the air temperature does not exceed + 26 °C.

Along with the mild climate, the valley has a beneficial effect on the well-being of visitors healing waters her narzan keys. Mineral springs refer to carbon dioxide-containing springs, having a hydrocarbonate, chloride, sodium-calcium composition. The water is highly carbonated, and its temperature is + 10.4 °C. Due to the high level of iron content, the water flow and the surrounding area are colored orange-rusty.

“Valley of Narzans” is surrounded by mountains covered with diverse vegetation: pine, birch, maple, oak grow on the northern slopes, southern slopes covered with lush grass. The subalpine meadows of the mountain plateau, rising above the valley, delight the eye with the bright colors of large flowers.

From the hills surrounding this area there are views beautiful views to Elbrus. Not far from the “Narzan Valley” there are beautiful waterfalls mountain rivers - Malki, Khasaut, Mushty.

Read completely Collapse

Sight

Unique monument nature, known far beyond the borders of Kabardino-Balkaria - Chegem waterfalls. Visitors to the gorge of the same name, located east of the Baksan gorge, closer to Nalchik, will be able to enjoy the beauty of cascading mountain streams.

Various waterfalls flow from the walls of the Chegem Gorge, flowing into the stormy Chegem River. The group includes three large waterfalls and numerous thin trickling streams. The largest and most powerful waterfall was named Adai-Su after the river on which it is located. Its height is 30 m. Another giant trench with water, but of a different shape and less powerful, is a waterfall on a tributary of the Chegem - Sakal-Tup. An unforgettable sight is the Main Chegem Waterfall, formed on the Kayaarty River. It consists of several small cascades falling from a height of 50–60 m and water jets oozing from rock crevices above. Water splashes sparkle in the sun with a rainbow shine.

The Chegem waterfalls are no less picturesque in winter, when their waters freeze and form numerous ice columns, turning the rock wall into a real work of art. The place amazes everyone with its pristine beauty and grandeur.

Read completely Collapse

Landmark, Lake/Pond

Another miracle of nature - Blue Lakes, located in the Cherek Gorge, in the valley of the Cherek-Balkarian River. There are five lakes in total: Lower and four Upper - Western, Eastern, Secret and Sukhoe. According to their genesis, the reservoirs are classified as karst, that is, they are failures in rock filled with water. Moreover, each of them has its own characteristic features and unique appearance.

The most picturesque is considered the Lower Blue Lake - Tserik-Kel. Its area is slightly more than 1.5 hectares, but in depth (reaches 368 m) the Kabardino-Balkarian lake is one of the ten most deep lakes Russia. The lake really has a mysterious color that changes depending on the weather - from sky blue to turquoise, as well as a constant water temperature (+ 9 °C). These amazing facts explained by the fact that the karst reservoir is fed mineral springs, whose waters are saturated with hydrogen sulfide. The surface of the water fascinates with its serenity; it seems that the lake has frozen. There is a diving center on the shore of Tserik-Kel.

The Upper Blue Lakes are interesting in their own way. East and West have a depth of 17–18 m and are connected to each other; both lakes are rich in fish. Grass carp, carp, and trout are found here. It is not easy to notice the Secret Lake, located in deep depression and surrounded by dense forest. The most inaccessible is the Dry Lake (Kel-Ketchchen), which is located at the bottom of a huge deep canyon with steep walls 177 m high. The depth of the modern reservoir is only 5–7 m, which depends on precipitation. It is known that previously the hole was completely filled with water, but one day “the lake flowed away” (this is how “Kel-Ketchchen” is translated from the Balkar language).

Read completely Collapse

Sight

The Baksan River, whose name translates as “flooding,” originates from the glaciers of Elbrus. A mountain river rushes like a stormy stream through the Baksan gorge and flows into the Malka, a large left tributary of the Terek. It is almost impossible to cross the fast-moving Baksan.

Baksan is one of the longest rivers in Kabardino-Balkaria and the most big river, flowing from Elbrus. Its length is 173 km. In the upper reaches, at every kilometer of its path, the Baksan descends 65–70 meters, then the current slows down. Along its entire length, the river is replenished by numerous tributaries. The reservoir is fed by glaciers, snow and underground springs.

Already in the 1930s, the Baksan hydroelectric power station, one of the oldest hydroelectric power stations in the country, was built on the river. In the vicinity of Baksan there are mountaineering camps, national park"Elbrus region", observatory. Along the river are the cities of Tyrnyauz, Baksan, and Prokhladny.

Every traveler passing along the road through the Baksan Gorge to the foot of Elbrus will not only see, but also hear Baksan perfectly. The river makes a lot of noise, overcomes rapids and rifts, turning over huge stones.

Read completely Collapse

Sight

 

It might be useful to read: