Elbrus - where is it located, in which country? Mount Elbrus: coordinates, description, height. Where is Mount Elbrus located?

Elbrus is a mountain that really knows how to bewitch, both climbers seeking to conquer the next peak, and the most ordinary travelers who annually come to its foot to feel all the power and strength of the stone peak. And of course, no one is disappointed.

This article will tell you not only about which mountains Elbrus is located in, but will also introduce readers to its features, the secret of its name, myths and legends.

Section 1. General description of the geographical object

Elbrus is a mountain rightfully considered the highest point Russian Federation, located in the northern part on the border of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria.

Due to the fact that the exact border between Europe and Asia has not yet been established, the mountain is sometimes equated to the highest European mountain peak and is classified as one of the “Seven Summits”. Perhaps some time will pass and geographers will finally resolve this dispute, but for now it is known for certain that Elbrus is a mountain that is a so-called double-peaked stratovolcano. Its cone-shaped peaks were formed on an ancient volcanic base, and from a geological point of view, both peaks are completely independent volcanoes, each of which has a classic shape and a clearly defined crater.

The Caucasus Mountains... Elbrus... These places are actually famous for their ancient history. Few people know that age is determined by the condition of the upper part, which, for example, highest peak Russia is destroyed by a vertical fault. It was also possible to establish the date of the last eruption: it happened around the 50s AD. e.

Section 2. The mystery of the name of the peak

Perhaps, the question of where Mount Elbrus is located, even with a little thought, will be answered by an ordinary average schoolchild, but few know about the etymology of the name.

In general, it should be noted that this peak has several names at once. In total there are more than a dozen of them.

Today it is quite difficult to determine which of the names appeared earlier and which later. The modern name of this mountain, according to one version, comes from the Iranian “Aitibares”, which translated into Russian means “high mountain” or “brilliant” (a variant from the Zend language). In Karachay-Balkar the peak is called “Mingi-tau”, which is translated into Russian as “mountain of thousands”. However, there are Balkars who call it a little differently - “Minge-tau”, which means “mountain saddled”. Modern representatives of this nation also say “Elbrus-tau” - “the mountain around which the wind swirls.”

Among the many names of the stratovolcano, the name “Jinpadishah” is also distinguished, which in translation from Turkic sounds like “lord of spirits”, “Orfi-tub” (Abkhazian) - “mountain of the blessed”, or “Yal-buz” (Georgian) - “snowy mane".

Section 3. What is the height of Mount Elbrus?

Perhaps this question has interested many curious people at least once in their lives. But the answer is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. Why? It's all about the features of its structure.

As noted above, Elbrus is a mountain consisting of two cone-shaped peaks. The height of the western is 5642 meters, and the eastern is 5621 meters. The saddle separating them rises above the surface by 5300 meters, and the distance from each other is about 3000 meters.

The size of Elbrus was first determined by Russian academician V.K. Vishnevsky in 1813.

Let us remind you that today the highest peak in the world is considered (Chomolungma), whose height is 8848 meters, in comparison with which our mountain peak looks tiny.

Section 4. Severity of the local climate

Mount Elbrus... Climbing to its peak is often dreamed of by both experienced climbers and beginners. However, this cannot be done at any time. The most favorable period is the summer, July-August.

At this time, the weather is most stable and safer for visiting such heights. The air temperature in summer rarely drops below -9 °C, although during the rise it can easily drop to -30 °C.

From October to April there is a harsh and cold winter in these places. During the cold season, visiting the peak is almost impossible, and climbing it is tantamount to suicide.

Section 5. Volcanic activity

Elbrus is amazing and unique. Description of the mountain takes too much time, because each time more and more interesting features are discovered.

In this article we will touch only on the most little-known ones. Geological studies of this extinct volcano have shown the presence of layers containing volcanic ash, which was formed as a result of ancient eruptions. Based on the first layer, scientists have proven that the very first eruption of Elbrus occurred about 45 thousand years ago. The second layer was formed after Kazbek. It happened approximately 40 thousand years ago.

It is now known for certain that it was after this second, most powerful even by modern standards, eruption that the Neanderthals, who settled in local caves, left these lands and went in search of more favorable conditions for life.

The most last eruption Elbrus volcano occurred about 2000 years ago (50s AD).

Section 6. Legends of Elbrus

In general, the Caucasus Mountains, Elbrus in particular, are shrouded in many of the most amazing and mysterious legends and myths.

One of these tales tells that in time immemorial there lived a father and son - Kazbek and Elbrus. Both of them fell in love with one beautiful girl, whose name was Mashuk. Only the girl could not make a choice between two glorious heroes. For a long time, father and son competed, not wanting to give in to each other, and a mortal duel ensued between them. They fought until Elbrus defeated his father. But, realizing his terrible act, the son turned gray with grief. He no longer wanted love, gained at the cost of his life. loved one, and Elbrus turned away from the beautiful Mashuk, a little later stabbing himself with the same dagger with which he killed his father.

The beautiful Mashuk wept for a long time and bitterly over the knights and said that there were no such heroes in the whole earth, and that it was hard for her to live in this world without seeing them.

God heard her moaning and turned Kazbek and Elbrus into high mountains, more beautiful and higher than which there are no other mountains in the Caucasus. He turned the beautiful Mashuk into a smaller mountain. And now, from century to century, day after day, the stone girl stands and looks at the mighty peaks, never deciding which of the two heroes is closer and dearer to her stone heart...

Section 7. History of great conquests

In 1829, led by the leader of the scientific expedition, Georgy Emmanuel, the first ascent of Elbrus was made. The members of this expedition were mainly representatives of the scientific community: physicists, botanists, zoologists, geologists, etc. They conquered eastern part Elbrus and went down in history as the discoverers of one of the largest peaks of our planet Earth.

The first to climb Elbrus was Kilar Khachirov, a guide. A few years later, the higher peak of this mountain, the western one, was also conquered. An expedition organized by English climbers, led by Florence Grove, made a trip to western part Elbrus in 1874. The very first person to climb to its peak was also a guide, a Balkarian, Akhii Sottaev, a participant in the first expedition.

Later, a man appeared who managed to conquer both peaks of Elbrus. It was the Russian topographer A.V. Pastukhov. He was able to climb the western peak in 1890, and the eastern one in 1896. The same person made detailed maps Elbrus.

It should be noted that the stratovolcano is still the most popular mountain among climbers from all over the world. To climb to its peak, climbers spend an average of about one week.

But nowadays you can use the cable car, which makes the journey much easier and saves time.

At an altitude of about 3750 m there is the Barrels shelter, from where the ascent to Elbrus now usually begins. This shelter has six-person insulated barrel-shaped trailers and a specially equipped kitchen. At a level of 4100 meters, the highest mountain hotel in the world is located - “Shelter of the Eleven”.

Section 8. Stone mushrooms on Elbrus

Elbrus is a mountain that knows how to captivate travelers with its natural features, for example, unique rock formations called Rock Mushrooms.

Until now, no one knows why these stones were popularly called mushrooms, and such sculptures are no longer seen anywhere in the Caucasus. On a small flat area (250 x 100 m) a couple of dozen of these “mushrooms” are picturesquely scattered. In many of them you can see indentations.

Perhaps our ancestors used them for some religious purposes. Particularly impressive are the stones that resemble a face looking up. Many people believe that this is a place with very strong positive energy, and even the weather here is very abnormal.

Section 9. Museum of Defense of the Elbrus Region

The Defense Museum is the highest mountain museum in the world. It is located at an altitude of 3500 meters from sea level.

The uniqueness of the exhibition also lies in the fact that it is not limited only to the building, but continues in the surrounding area.

This institution has been operating since January 1, 1972. Its development and preservation of the collections are always monitored by a researcher and two employees.

The collection contains more than 270 items. It should be noted that during the Second World War, the highest mountain front was located in the Elbrus region. Fierce battles were fought in these places, which the Nazis tried to capture in order to get to Transcaucasia.

Photo-documentary materials of these events have been stored in this museum for many years. The Elbrus Defense Museum is an organization of regional subordination, in which cultural and mass work is carried out.

Section 10. Interesting facts about the mountain

In 1956, in honor of the 400th anniversary of Kabardino-Balkaria, a group of 400 climbers were able to simultaneously climb Mount Elbrus.
In 1998, the building of the Shelter of Eleven hotel burned down in a fire. Today, local authorities are building a new one on the site of the old wooden building.
In 1991, Outside Magazine named Shelter of Eleven's toilet the worst toilet in the world. This is not surprising, given the fact that thousands of mountain tourists and climbers from all over the world have used this place for certain purposes for years.
Elbrus is rightfully considered one of the most dangerous peaks peace. Accidents are very common when climbing a mountain. In 2004 alone, 48 extreme skiers and climbers died.
In 1997, for the first time, a specially equipped and modified Land Rover car was able to climb to the top of Elbrus. The person who drove this car is Russian traveler A. Abramov.
Mount Elbrus is one of the “Seven Summits”; in addition to it, the list includes: Aconcagua in South America, Chomolungma in Asia, McKinley in North America, Vinson Massif in Antarctica, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Puncak and Jaya in Oceania and Australia.
There are also 22 glaciers on Elbrus, in which three Baksan and Malka originate.
Sometimes from the top of Elbrus climbers can immediately see the Black and Caspian Sea. This depends on air pressure and temperature, due to which the viewing radius increases significantly.
In 2008, Mount Elbrus was recognized as one of the

Elbrus is a double-peaked volcanic cone. The western peak has a height of 5642 m, the eastern one - 5621 m. It is located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, north of the Greater Caucasus Range and is the highest peak in Russia. Elbrus is also considered the highest mountain peak Europe, and therefore is included in the list of the highest peaks on the planet.

First ascents of Elbrus

In 1813, Russian academician V.K. Vishnevsky first determined the height of Elbrus (5421 m).
The first successful ascent to one of the peaks of Elbrus was made in July 1829 during a military-scientific expedition led by General G. A. Emmanuel, head of the Caucasian fortified line. The expedition was of a scientific nature (the Elbrus expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences was organized in Pyatigorsk, which is recorded in Diana’s grotto), its participants were: academician Adolf Kupfer - geophysicist, geologist, founder of the Main Physical Observatory in St. Petersburg, physicist Emilius Lenz, zoologist Eduard Minetrier , founder of the Russian Entomological Society, botanist Karl Meyer, who later became an academician and director botanical garden Russian Academy of Sciences, artist-architect Joseph (Giuseppe Marco) Bernardazzi (who made the first image of Elbrus), Hungarian scientist Janos Besse. The auxiliary service of Emmanuel's expedition consisted of 650 soldiers and 350 line Cossacks, as well as local guides.

The first part of the route from the Konstantinogorsk fortress (present-day Pyatigorsk) to the “Stone Bridge” fortification (on Malka) passed without complications. On July 8, 1829, travelers arrived at the Kharbas River (a tributary of the Malka). From here they climbed to a height of about 2600 m and camped near one of the mineral springs on the banks of the Kyzylsu River.

Inscription on "Emanuel's Rock"

Inscription on the “Emanuel Rock”: “1829 from July 8 to 11 Camp under the command of General of the Cavalry Emanuel”
Kupfer, Lenz, Meyer, Minetrier, Bernardazzi, 20 Cossacks and guides took part directly in the ascent. However, lack of experience and poor quality of climbing equipment forced most of the participants to turn back. Only four continued the further ascent: Emilius Lenz, Cossack Lysenkov and two people from the group of guides - Kilar Khachirov and Akhiya Sottaev. At an altitude of about 5300 m, due to lack of strength, Lenz and his two accompanying men were forced to stop. According to some sources, the Karachai guide Kilar Khachirov was the first to climb the eastern peak at about 11 a.m. on July 10, 1829. This event was marked by a rifle salute in the camp, where General Emmanuel watched the ascent through a powerful telescope.

At the location of the camp, a memorial inscription was carved on one of the stones, the location of which was lost over time. It was discovered by Soviet climbers already in the 20th century (by chance, 103 years later - it was hidden under centuries-old layers of lichens).
The first successful ascent to the western, highest peak was made in 1874 by a group of English climbers led by F. Grove and Balkar guide A. Sottaev, who participated in the first ascent.

Pastukhov Andrey Vasilievich

The first person to climb both peaks of Elbrus is considered to be the Russian military topographer A.V. Pastukhov. In 1890, accompanied by four Cossacks of the Khopersky regiment, he climbed its western peak, and six years later, in 1896, he conquered the eastern one. Pastukhov was also the first to map the peaks of Elbrus.
In August 1974, three completely standard (without winches and traction chains) UAZ-469 vehicles reached a glacier on Mount Elbrus at an altitude of 4000 meters during a test run.

Now Elbrus is very popular for climbing, both in mountaineering and mountain tourism.
According to the Russian mountaineering and mountain classification, Elbrus is rated as 2A category of difficulty, the passage of both peaks is 2B. There are others, more difficult routes, for example, Elbrus (W) along the NW edge 3A.

Elbrus during the Second World War

Due to its symbolic significance as the highest point in Europe, Elbrus became the scene of a fierce confrontation during the Great Patriotic War, in which units of the German mountain rifle division “Edelweiss” also participated. During the Battle of the Caucasus on August 21, 1942, after occupying the Krugozor and Shelter of the Eleven mountain bases, German alpine riflemen managed to install Nazi banners on the western peak of Elbrus. At the same time, the capture of Elbrus was not part of the plans of the German high command.

By the middle of the winter of 1942-1943, the Wehrmacht was knocked out from the slopes of Elbrus, and on February 13 and 17, 1943, Soviet climbers climbed the western and western slopes, respectively. eastern peak Elbrus, where Soviet flags were hoisted.

Climbing Elbrus
You can climb Elbrus from any direction: from the south, north, west and east. More than 100 different routes, basically their difficulty is within 2A-2B class, with the exception of climbing Elbrus along the Kyukyurtlyu-Kol-Bashi wall, which has a difficulty category of 5B. But this route is slightly “far-fetched”, and there have been no repeated passages along it over the past 20 years.

The most popular and easiest route for climbing Elbrus is from the south, from the village of Terskol or from the Azau clearing. Therefore, this is exactly what we offer to those who do not have a mountaineering qualification. On the boring part of the route there is a lift, 2 steps of which will take you to the top station “Mir”, located at an altitude of 3452 meters, in 30 minutes. From the station begins a breathtaking hiking climb to Elbrus. And acclimatization before the ascent is carried out in the Elbrus region, in the Adyr-Su gorge, which adds variety to the hike.

Whatever tour on Elbrus you choose, remember that the goal of the climb is not a mountaineering rank, but pleasure. And if you have good weather, luck and experienced instructors, it is guaranteed to you.

Sights of the Elbrus region

Valley of Narzans
The Narzanov Valley is located 34 km south of Kislovodsk, in the foothills of the Rocky Range Greater Caucasus, in the valley of the Khasaut River, at an altitude of 1300 m above sea level, on the border between the Stavropol Territory and the Kabardino-Balkarian Autonomous Republic.

There are 17 springs in the Narzan Valley mineral water like Narzan. Their water belongs to the carbonic acid bicarbonate-chloride sodium-calcium type with mineralization up to 3.3 g/l and carbon dioxide content up to 2.2 g/l. The nature of the valley fascinates with its beauty: majestic mountains, luxurious subalpine meadows, dense forest and numerous mineral springs. Before going there, you should take care of your beauty, perhaps get waxed and visit a beauty salon (just kidding).

Another Narzan Valley is located in the Baksan Gorge, behind the village of Baidaevo, a little closer to the Itkol boarding house. This place is often visited as it is easily accessible to all guests. The ground in the clearing is painted rusty brown. This occurs due to the high iron content in water. One of the springs in the clearing is so powerful that the thickness of its stream is comparable to the thickness of an adult’s arm.

Baksan Gorge
The Baksan Gorge is perhaps the most famous gorge of the Central Caucasus, known far beyond the borders of Kabardino-Balkaria. It's incredibly beautiful and unusual place. It is through the Baksan Gorge that the road to the Elbrus region goes, and it ends in the Azau clearing, at the foot of Elbrus. The length of the gorge is 85 km.

The gorge gets its name from the Baksan River, which accompanies the traveler throughout the entire journey. The upper reaches of the Baksan Gorge and its spurs are occupied by glaciers. Several glaciers flow here from Elbrus, as well as from the neighboring Donguz-Orun mountain, which give rise to the high-water and stormy Baksan.
The path to the gorge goes along three Caucasian ridges - Pastbishchny, Skalisty and Main through a number of villages. The road winds all the time, sometimes gaining height, sometimes decreasing.

In the gorge itself there are many interesting natural and historical monuments, including the Narzan Glade, ancient caves on the slopes of Mount Ullukai, a complex of monuments to the first climbers of Elbrus, the “Mourning Highlander” monument, etc.
From the Baksan Gorge you can get to the picturesque gorges of Adyr-Su, Adyl-Su, Itkol, Yusengi, Terskol, Donguz-Orun.
The gorge has long been favored by climbers. There are many camps located on its territory, including “Ullu-Tau”, “Elbrus”, “Dzhailyk”, “Shkhelda”.

Springs of Djily-Su
The Djily-Su tract with its healing mineral springs is located on the northern slope of Mount Elbrus in the upper reaches of the Malki River at an altitude of 2380 m. unique place in the Elbrus region annually collects big number those who want to improve their health with the help of warm narzans. The most popular and main source comes directly from the rock. Water fills the artificial bath (about 12 cubic meters in volume) and it is renewed every 10 minutes. The water temperature in the source is +22-24 degrees. Swimming is carried out according to the schedule.

Healing properties Warm Narzan has a beneficial effect on the nervous and cardiovascular systems, the musculoskeletal system, and treats skin and allergic diseases. Djily-Su mineral springs are also consumed internally. This helps improve the human body’s immunity, helps improve metabolism, and treats diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. There are separate “specialized” sources: “renal”, “ocular”, “lumbar”, “hepatic” and others. In total, there are about 14 active springs in Djily-Su.

The Silver Spring with slightly mineralized water, which flows from mid-July to the end of September, is interesting. The water in the source is crystal clear and has a bluish tint. Each liter of water contains 4 mg of the precious metal silver. The healing properties of the source normalize heart function, equalize blood pressure, improve blood and lymph microcirculation, stimulate tissue regeneration processes, and cleanse the body of toxins.

In addition to mineral springs, there are other attractions in the Djily-Su tract. You should definitely visit the local waterfalls - the famous handsome giant Sultan (40 m), as well as Karakaya-Su (25 m) and Emir (7.5 m). Also popular excursion sites are the Kala-Kulak gully (Valley of Castles), the Valley of Stone Mushrooms, the Valley of Ancient Menhirs, and the German Airfield.

Blue Lakes
Blue Lakes is a unique natural monument located in Kabardino-Balkaria. There are lakes in the Cherek Gorge. There are five of them in total.

Lower Blue Lake (Tserik-Kel) is the most interesting and beautiful. The water in it is crystal clear, transparent and very cold. It has approximately the same temperature all year round and does not rise above + 9 degrees). Having a mirror area of just over 1.5 hectares, the lake is one of the ten deepest in the Russian Federation (after Teletskoye and).
Camp sites are scattered along the shores of the Lower Blue Lake, and there is a modern diving center. The fact that the lake does not freeze makes it possible to organize divers’ meetings and training here at any time of the year.

The Upper Blue Lakes are represented by the Eastern and Western communicating lakes. A dam is installed between them, through which water from East Lake goes to Western. These two lakes are rich in fish.
The other two lakes of the group are interesting in their own way - Secret and Sukhoe. Secret got its name because of its invisibility. The lake is located in deep depression, so it is not immediately visible. The dry lake is located at the bottom of a very deep canyon, the height of the steep walls reaches 180 m.

Chegem waterfalls

Chegem waterfalls are a unique natural monument that is definitely worth a visit if you come to the Caucasus. This is a whole group of waterfalls located in the gorge of the Chegem Gorge. Locals call these waterfalls "Sous Auzu", which means "water throat". And, indeed, the water rushes in a stormy stream with a roar from the rocks, flows out of numerous crevices, and falls from a height of 50-60 meters into the seething Chegem. The biggest and powerful waterfall The group is called Adai-Su (Maiden's Braid). Its height is about 30 m.

In winter, the Chegem waterfalls present a fantastic spectacle in their beauty. Freezing, the water forms numerous ice columns and pillars, turning the rock wall into a real work of art.
Near the waterfalls there is a small hotel, a cafe and a market. You can always buy from here local residents knitted items, wine, preserves, souvenirs. You will be invited to take pictures in folk costumes or take a ride on a donkey.

Semerka Glacier

One of these natural wonders is the glaciological object Semerka glacier, which is part of National Park Elbrus region. The glacier is, as it were, “sewn” to the northern wall of the Donguzorun peak, and thereby faces Elbrus. Unusual name The glacier comes from its shape, which resembles the number 7.
The slopes of Mount Elbrus, the white ice shell of Donguzorun and the Semerki glacier - popular place among ski tourists.

Stone "mushrooms"

Stone "mushrooms" are the product of exotic erosion, which resulted in stone pillars with flat caps that look like mushrooms. They are located at an altitude of 3200 m. Having arrived at the foot of Elbrus, you find yourself in the kingdom of the volcano, where nature has created many sculptures of the most intricate shapes from lava.

Elbrus National Park

Formed by government decree on an area of 101.2 thousand hectares in order to preserve the unique natural complex Elbrus region and its use for recreational, scientific and cultural purposes.
Elbrus region as an area of traditional tourism and others active species sport, occupies an area along the Baksan River basin in the high mountainous part of its tributaries - Adyr-su, Kyrtyk, Adyl-su and its sources - Azau, Terskol, Donguz-Orun.

Between the southern slopes of Elbrus to the Main Caucasus Range and the interfluve of Baksan and Chegem is located the most popular in Russia and beyond its borders. mountain resort. Another part of the National Park is the northern Elbrus region, located in the upper reaches and sources of the Malka River.

See also:

→
The State Hermitage is the largest art, cultural and historical museum in Russia and one of the largest in the world. The founding date of the Hermitage is considered to be 1764.

→ (Kamchatka)
Avacha Bay is one of the largest and most convenient bays in the world; in size it is second only to Port Jackson Bay in Australia.

→ (Yakutia)
In the city of Mirny (Yakutia) there is one of the world's largest diamond quarries - the Mir kimberlite pipe. Even helicopters do not fly over this mine.

→ (Chelyabinsk region)
Arkaim - mysterious ancient city, a fortified wooden settlement of the Middle Bronze Age at the turn of the 3rd-2nd millennium BC. e., considered the same age Egyptian pyramids and ancient Babylon.

→ (Irkutsk region)
Lake Baikal is one of the oldest lakes on the planet and the most deep lake in the world. It is among the top ten large lakes on the planet. Its average depth is about 730 meters.

→ (Astrakhan region)
Lake Baskunchak is a unique creation of nature, a kind of depression at the top of a huge salt mountain, whose base extends thousands of meters into the depths of the earth.

→ (Tatarstan)
The Syuyumbike Tower is a recognized architectural symbol of Kazan and is widely known far beyond the borders of Tatarstan. The Syuyumbike Tower belongs to the “leaning” towers.

→ (Tula region)
The Bogoroditsky Palace (museum) is located in the former estate of the Bobrinsky counts. The estate was created by Catherine II for her illegitimate son A.G. Bobrinsky.

→ (Siberia)
In the center of the Siberian Federal District (SFD), between the Ob and Irtysh rivers, there are the Vasyugan swamps. This is the largest swamp place in Russia and the world.

→ (Transbaikal region)
Many people in Russia call the eighth wonder of the world a unique place in the Trans-Baikal Territory, where the Great Source of Fresh Water is located. From this place water flows are divided into the channels of 3 rivers.

→ (Vladivostok)
The Vladivostok fortress is a unique complex of military defensive structures, which was built in late XIX century in Vladivostok and its environs.

→ (Ingushetia)
The historical building of Vovnushki received its name from an Ingush village in the Dzheirakhsky region of modern Ingushetia. The defensive castle was built by an ancient Ingush family.

→ (Bashkiria)
Shikhany Mountains - unique and inimitable natural monument in Bashkiria. In ancient times, there was a sea in this place, and the Shikhans were reefs. To this day, they retain imprints of mollusks on themselves.

→ (Kamchatka)
The Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka is one of the largest clusters of geysers in our world, and the only one in Eurasia. The Valley of Geysers is located on the territory of the Kronotsky Nature Reserve.

→ (Caucasus)
Dolmens have colossal mysterious force, for which there is still no explanation. It is believed that being close to them, a person discovers unusual abilities in himself.

→ (Krasnoyarsk)
Nature reserve"Pillars" is one of oldest reserves Russia. The main attraction of the reserve are the rocks, which have a common name - pillars.

→ (Buryatia)
Ivolginsky datsan - significant place pilgrimages of Buddhists not only in Russia, but throughout the world. This is a complex Buddhist monasteries traditional Sangha.

→ (St. Petersburg)
St. Isaac's Cathedral is one of the largest churches not only in St. Petersburg, but throughout Russia. Located on St. Isaac's Square. Since 1991 it has the status of a museum.

→ (Karelia)
Kizhi - museum-reserve under open air, one of the largest in Russia. This unique natural and historical complex is of particular value in cultural heritage Russia.

→ (Vologda Region)
Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery - monastery in the Vologda region, located on the shore of Lake Siverskoye within the city of Kirillov, which grew out of a settlement at the monastery.

→ (Chukotka)
Whale Alley - ancient sanctuary Eskimos on Itigran Island (Chukotka). It is an archaeological complex where huge bones of bowhead whales are dug into the ground in 2 rows.

→ (Kamchatka)
Klyuchevskaya Sopka is a volcano, which is the most high mountain in Kamchatka and the highest active volcano throughout Eurasia.

→ (Perm region)
The Kungur Ice Cave is one of the most famous and popular tourist attractions in the Urals. One of the main business cards Perm region.

→
Moscow State University is the largest educational organization, which includes more than 600 facilities with a total area of about 1 million square meters.

→ (Volgograd)
Mamayev Kurgan and the sculpture "Motherland" - the central height of Russia, Holy place for all the people of a huge country that defeated fascism.

→ (Murmansk)
The Memorial to the Defenders of the Soviet Arctic (Alyosha) is large memorial Complex, located in Murmansk. Represents an impressive figure of a Russian soldier.

→ (Tatarstan)
home cathedral mosque Tatarstan is located on the territory of the Kazan Kremlin. It recreates the appearance of the main mosque of the Kazan Khanate, destroyed during the capture of Kazan by Ivan the Terrible.

highest peak Russia belongs to the mountain system Caucasus Mountains. This is the double-headed Elbrus, located on the border of two Caucasian republics - Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria. The highest mountain in Russia has a height of 5642 meters. Some researchers have awarded it the title of the highest in Europe, but this is not entirely true. The Alpine Mont Blanc (4807) is indeed inferior in height to Elbrus. But Elbrus is located north of the Main Caucasus Ridge, along which the border of Europe and Asia passes. The side ridge, to which Mount Elbrus belongs, clearly belongs to Asia.

Mount Elbrus - photo

The first mentions of the highest peak of Russia in historical literature can be found in the “Book of Victories”. In the descriptions of Tamerlane’s military campaigns there is information that the “great lame man” climbed Elbrus in order to pray there.

At the top of Elbrus

Mount Elbrus - photo

The Caucasus also attracted conquerors at a later time. During the Great Patriotic War, the German special service Ahnenerbe, which was engaged in the study of paranormal phenomena and occult forces, showed great interest in the Elbrus region. During the battle for the Caucasus, a special group was allocated from the mountain riflemen of the Edelweiss division, who in 1942 planted German flags on both peaks of Elbrus. Soviet troops removed them in February 1943, and the Battle of Shelter of Eleven went down in history as the highest altitude battle of the Second World War. To this day, frozen bodies of the dead and various ammunition are found in Caucasian glaciers.

Elbrus is an extinct volcano with two peaks. They are connected by a saddle at an altitude of approximately 5300 meters. The lower peak, which has a height of 5621 meters, is considered by geologists to be younger in age. It has retained a clear crater and the shape of a regular cone. The older peak of Mount Elbrus, which lies to the trap, has been significantly destroyed.

Two peaks of Elbrus - photo

The greatest peak of the Caucasus last erupted around 50 AD. This does not allow us to call the volcano extinct, since volcanoes that have not erupted in human memory are called extinct. Volcanologists prefer to call it dormant and believe that the peaks of its activity occurred during periods of 30, 100 and 220 thousand years ago. The structure is also characteristic volcanic ash, cooled lava and tuff, arranged in layers.

Mount Elbrus - photo

The slopes of Elbrus, relatively flat at the bottom, above 4000 meters acquire a steepness of up to 35 degrees. It is easier to climb from the east or south, since on the northern and western slopes there are a lot of steep sections with elevation differences of up to 700 meters.

Scheme of the route for climbing Elbrus

All of the Caucasus is characterized by altitudinal zonation, expressed in the alternation natural areas when climbing from the bottom to the top. On Elbrus the snow line is located at an altitude of 3500 meters. Here the alpine meadows end and above there are only rocks, snow and glaciers. Since the snow does not melt above this line, the mountain always has a snow-white cap, which allows it to be called Little Antarctica. This cap is clearly visible in the photo of Mount Elbrus.

Mount Elbrus - photo

The total area of glaciers is 135 square kilometers. Among the largest are Big and Small Azau, as well as Terskop. They serve as the basis for the nutrition of the Caucasus, including Kuban. Numerous tongues of glaciers descend into valleys, where they melt, leaving sediments.
The first documented ascent of the eastern, lower peak took place in 1829. Kabardian Kilar Khashirov, who served as a guide for the Russian expedition, climbed it on July 22.

The height of Mount Elbrus was a great irritant for climbers, and in 1874 the highest point of the Caucasus was conquered by the team of Florence Grove. The true record holder for ascents was a simple hunter Ahiya Sottaev. He was not only the first to visit both peaks, but also made nine ascents, the last one at a more advanced age. At that time he was 121 years old!

Elbrus region is popular tourist area. Thanks to volcanic heat, hot mineral springs were formed. Their temperature reaches 60 degrees. Bathing in the springs is used in the prevention and treatment of many types of diseases.

Alpine hotel "Shelter of Eleven"

These places are popular among ski lovers. They offer numerous trails equipped with ski lifts. On most of them the season lasts from October to May, but on peaks above 3800 meters skiing is possible all year round. Lots of lovers extreme sports. They get to the very tops of the mountains using helicopters and descend on skis or snowboards. Often such extreme athletes become the culprits of avalanches.

Shelter "barrels"

The tourist attractiveness of Elbrus increased after the Olympics in Sochi. It was used to attract not only Russians to the region, but also foreign tourists and lovers winter species sports. This was partially successful, and for foreigners Mount Elbrus is now associated not only with the highest point in Russia, but also with high-quality ski slopes.

Thus, the height of Mount Elbrus, which is more than five and a half kilometers, can become not only part of geographical statistics, but also the starting point for the development of an entire region.

Views from the top of Elbrus

Only mountains can be better than mountains - Vysotsky sang and he was right. Mountains have always attracted people. Brave people, despite the cold, lack of oxygen, dangers and difficulties, stubbornly “climbed” to the top. What attracted them there? Curiosity? Want to test yourself? Thirst for fame? The desire to prove to yourself and others your superiority? Thirst for knowledge? It is difficult to find any logic in the inexplicable attraction of people to the mountains.
Let us remember the events of past years, when during the Great Patriotic War the German mountain rifle division "Edelweiss" with fierce battles broke through to the very high mountain Europe - Elbrus to install Nazi flags on its top. Why did the pragmatic Germans need to waste energy conquering this peak? Did Hitler really need even such proof of his own greatness?
Mountains are the greatest creation of mother nature. They are great, powerful and eternal. Representatives of the species Homo sapience lack these qualities. Rising to the sky they try to join great secret the universe, and having reached the top they begin to see clearly. Against the backdrop of the cold, gigantic peaks, everything they lived with before seems petty and insignificant.
Let's commit virtual trip and rise to the heights of the most high mountains all continents of the Earth and enjoy the fantastic landscapes that open before the eyes of brave climbers. Maybe we will be able to comprehend the secret of these natural monuments.

The Main Caucasian Ridge, “under the command” of the mighty Elbrus, “cuts through” the dense veil of clouds (Photo source:).

Everest (Asia) - Height: 8848 meters Chomolungma) is the highest peak of our planet, part mountain system Himalayas. For many climbers, this mountain is the most coveted trophy. But not everyone can climb this mountain. Therefore, climbers “climbing” a mountain are sometimes forced to make cynical decisions about whether to rescue those in distress or continue on their way. Often the rescue of climbers in distress on high altitude It’s simply not possible, since every step here is given with incredible difficulty. Therefore, on the slopes of the mountains you can find the bodies of dead climbers. You can familiarize yourself with very “unsightly” stories and photographs.

Photo on the left: the road to Everest, photo on the right: base camp at an altitude of 8300 meters (Photo source:).

Aconcagua (South America) - Height: 6962 meters
- highest peak mountain range Andes in South America. Aconcagua is also the tallest extinct volcano in the world.

In the photo, climbers the size of ants are moving forward towards the top. A giant whirlwind of snow is circling above them (Photo source:).

Dawn over Aconcagua. The majestic panorama of the Andes appears in all its guise before brave climbers (Photo source:).

McKinley ( North America) — Height: 6194 meters
The peak of Alaska takes an honorable third place among the highest peaks of the continents in our ranking.

Giant McKinley against the background of coniferous forests of Alaska (Photo source:).

View from McKinley Heights. A dense blanket of clouds “crawls” onto the peaks (Photo source:).

Kilimanjaro (Africa) - Height: 5895 meters
The highest point in Africa, the mountain is located in the northeastern part of Tanzania. It is a very unusual sight to see a snowy peak in the sultry African savannah. Recently, scientists have been sounding the alarm that the Kilimanjaro ice cap is rapidly decreasing in volume. Over the past decades, 80% of the ice on this mountain has already melted. Climate scientists name the main culprit in this process.

African elephants against the backdrop of the snowy peaks of Kilimanjaro are a very unusual sight (Photo source:).

On the way to Kilimanjaro. The landscape is fantastic (Photo source:).

View of the veil of clouds from the very high point African continent (Photo source:).

Elbrus (Europe) - Height: 5642 meters
Russia also has a record-breaking mountain - this is the highest peak in Europe - . Elbrus is part of the Main Caucasian Ridge and is located on the border of the two Russian republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. In the past (around 50 AD) Elbrus was an active volcano.

Handsome Elbrus (Photo source:).

Camp on the spurs of Elbrus (Photo source:).

Panorama of the mountains that opens to climbers from the top of Elbrus (Photo source:).

The silent and mysterious land of snow and clouds of Elbrus (Photo source:).

An unusual atmospheric phenomenon. The shadow of the peak of Elbrus in the morning haze (Photo source:).

The beauty of the Elbrus region. The edge of all seasons. Green alpine meadows and spurs of Elbrus, covered with snow (Photo source:).

On the top of Elbrus - a fantastic world of white snow and clouds (Photo source:).

Vinson Massif (Antarctica) - Altitude: 4892 meters
The coldest continent on the planet, Antarctica, also has its own mountains. The highest of them were discovered relatively recently, at the end of the 50s of the last century. The Vinson Massif is part of the Ellsworth Mountains and is located 1,200 kilometers from the southern point planets.

This is what the Vinson Massif looks like from space (Photo source:

Two peaks crowning a cone-shaped volcano are separated by a saddle, the height of which is 5300 m. The peaks of Elbrus represent two independent volcano, 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 enough ancient history, which was reflected in the condition of its upper part - it was 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 southern slope 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 Simurg, 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 by higher powers: blinding lightning cut the sky, terrible thunder erupted and Elbrus split in two, spewing out 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 reminded of itself for quite a long time, but despite this, the current level of activity does not give specialists a reason to attribute it to extinct volcanoes, now he has the status of "sleeping". 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. average temperature in the warmest month of the year it 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 the status of 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 bulk of the guests are fans of winter 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.

It might be useful to read: