All about Mount Elbrus. Elbrus is the highest mountain in Russia (20 photos). Elbrus is a giant dormant volcano

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 over the past 100–150 years by 19%. 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 highest peak Russia happened 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 was 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 his 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 ascent began at the foot of the southern slopes and ended at the eastern summit.

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 slope 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 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.

Blessed is the mountain, the sparkling mountain, the mountain of joy, the pearl of the Caucasus, whatever names one of the highest mountains of Russia and Europe is called. But in reference books and guidebooks we know it under the name Elbrus, which from the Balkar language means “a mountain around which the wind swirls.” The fact is that the Balkar tribes who lived at the foot of the mountain often noticed the so-called “Elbrus whirlwinds” - these are masses of air visible to the human eye, which seem to be twisted into a horn.

Mount Elbrus: description, photo, video

Elbrus is a volcano with two peaks that died out two thousand years ago. The western peak has a height of 5641, the height of the north is 5621 (a difference of twenty meters). To help you imagine the height more clearly, we inform you that Elbrus is 4400 meters higher and 2300 meters higher. The first ascent to the summit took place on July 22, 1829, led by Georg Emmanuel. Despite the fact that since the discovery of this by scientists, it is considered extinct, gas eruptions have recently been noticed, which may indicate that the volcano is only dormant.

But tectologists are confident that an eruption could theoretically occur only in a couple of thousand years, and the obvious processes of gas eruption are only the beginning of a long process of awakening the volcano. And the current prospects for an eruption do not prevent tourists from all over the world from visiting one of the largest and beautiful mountains Europe.

The air on Elbrus is of high purity and crystal clear, thanks to which it offers views of two seas that are nearby: and. Experienced climbers always warn: Elbrus is a two-faced mountain with a changeable character. At an altitude of 3756 meters (where the cable car leads), the weather can be warm and windy, but after a couple of hours of ascent it changes sharply and the ascent can become very difficult. Therefore, you must always be prepared for the manifestations of this miracle mountain, because the climb is worth it.

It is also worth separately noting the territory of the Elbrus region. During the Great Patriotic War, fierce battles took place here, in which the Edelweiss special forces division took part. This division brought together the most resilient Wehrmacht soldiers who had previously served and trained in mountainous regions. Interestingly, Hitler himself considered the operation to capture Elbrus and raise the flag on its top a waste of effort and resources.

Panorama of Mount Elbrus

First attempts Soviet army in August 1942 the liberation of Elbrus was in vain. The fighters had neither special equipment nor alpine skills and were doomed. There were several attempts to storm Elbrus and liberate the Shelter of Eleven, the Ice Base and the 105th picket, but only at the end of the 42nd with the joint efforts of the NKVD, aviation and special forces. A group of soldiers with mountaineering skills and the proper equipment managed to dislodge the Edelweiss from Elbrus and raise the Soviet flag at its peak. Monuments to our fallen heroes testify to these battles in the Elbrus region.

Today, the Elbrus region is one of the most developed tourist regions in the Caucasus; due to the number of tourists, this territory is one of the ten most popular and visited in the world.

Where is Mount Elbrus located?

Elbrus is located on the border of two republics: Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, within the northern part of the Main Caucasian Ridge.

Mount Elbrus on the map

Coordinates of Mount Elbrus on the map:

Latitude — 34°69′35′′
Longitude — 45°28′69′′

The volcano mountain is located 130 kilometers west of the city of Nalchik.

How to get to Mount Elbrus

As a rule, most travelers prefer to join or form tourist groups. These groups are transported by excursion bus to the towns of Neutrino, Terskol, Tegenekli, Elbrus and Baidaevo. These villages, as well as the Elbrus-Azau and Cheget ski resorts, are located along the main route. Also, you will not have any difficulty getting to them by car. There are no other options today.

When is the best time to visit Mount Elbrus?

As mentioned above, Elbrus has unstable weather conditions, which change quite sharply and quickly. It’s as if he’s trying to prevent the climber from reaching the top, testing him: with a nosy, cold wind, the smell of hydrogen sulfide, and fatigue. Therefore, people with poor health are highly discouraged from starting such a climb, and everyone else must use the services of a professional guide, due to the need to undergo training.

As for the optimal season for climbing, experienced climbers say that summer is best for beginners. Then the ascent conditions are a little milder, the daylight hours are longer, and the temperature is within normal limits. The only significant obstacle is the fairly frequent thunderstorms in this area, from which it is difficult to find shelter. Therefore, carefully study the weather forecast, and try not to start climbing on a day when there is supposed to be a thunderstorm.

Peculiarities

The volcano mountain itself and the Elbrus region are quite tourist developed. This resort is in no way inferior to its Himalayan and Alpine counterparts. Of course, he has his own Slavic characteristics. On its territory there are a number of hotels of various price categories, and several ski resorts. So, even without planning a climb, you'll have a great time skiing some of the longest ski runs in Europe, or reflecting in the local spas. In general, there is something to do.

At your discretion, at an altitude of 4110 meters, there is the most high mountain hotel in a world called "Shelter of Eleven". From the cable car (height 3750 meters) there is a path to this hotel. If you wish, you can use the lift, and then walk to it.

What to see in the area

What else is interesting in the vicinity of Elbrus and is a must-see? Mount Cheget, which is located on the opposite side of Elbrus and offers views of the entire volcano. By the way, most of the presented photographs of Elbrus were taken either from or from Mount Cheget.

The Baksan River is one of three rivers that flow from the glaciers of Elbrus with a beautiful azure hue of water. Visit blue Lakes Nalchik is one of the favorite attractions of local residents.

It doesn’t matter for what purpose you are going to this mountain: to visit places of military glory, test yourself in climbing, walk around the outskirts of Elbrus, or just relax at local resorts and go skiing Elbrus will entice you. It will interest, entice and leave behind the memory of a proud and self-sufficient mountain, the highest mountain in Europe and one of the seven wonders of Russia.

And if he allows you to climb, if you can climb to the highest point of Elbrus, the view that will open before you will be worth not only the effort and money spent, but also a new ascent, because according to the statistics, 6 out of 10 people who climbed Elbrus for the first time , do it again.

The highest mountain in Europe, the highest volcanic peak in Eurasia and simply one of the “7 Wonders of Russia” - meet Elbrus.

The first scientific studies of this peak began in the 19th century, although the exact height and location were determined only in 1913 after calculations by Academician Vishnevsky. The first expedition, the goal of which was to reach the top of this volcano, was organized in 1829. It included several eminent scientists, for example, the founder of the St. Petersburg geophysical laboratory Adolf Kupfer, physicist Emilius Lenz, and the famous zoologist Eduard Minetrier.

The expedition was accompanied by a thousand-strong detachment of Cossacks led by General George Emmanuel. It was he who became the author of the memorial inscription carved on a rock at an altitude of 2400m. The general himself chose to remain at this height and watched the ascent from the camp.

Continuing the ascent, the expedition spent the night at an altitude of 3000. Only part of the group, continuing the ascent, reached the mark of 4800 m, where a memorial sign and the number 1829 were carved. This mark was subsequently discovered during the Soviet expedition of 1949. Only five people rose above it, and three reached the saddle - academician Lenz, Cossack Lysenkov and Kabardian Killar. Look what Mount Elbrus looks like in the photo - two peaks with an impressive saddle between them. This is where the most persistent members of the expedition arrived.

Further ascent was impossible due to the heavily softened snow. However, the Kabardian, being adapted to mountain conditions, continued to climb and was able to reach the top. It was he who became the first person to climb Elbrus. More precisely, to one of the almost equal (the difference is only 21 m) peaks.

The first person to conquer both peaks was the Balkarian guide Ahiya Sottaev. He made his first ascent when he was over forty. After that, he climbed Elbrus eight more times, and the last time he did it at the age of one hundred and twenty-one! Here it is, the famous Caucasian health and longevity. Among other things, Sottaev twice served as a guide for English expeditions to Elbrus.

Where is Elbrus

The Caucasus is the center of a large number of peaks, whose heights reach far beyond 3000 meters above sea level. But when they remember Caucasus Mountains, Elbrus comes to mind first. And How interesting object for exploration, both as the highest point in Europe and as a place of pilgrimage for climbers from all over the world. Where Elbrus is located, that is, between Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, many peoples live, and each of them has created many beautiful legends about it. There is also no consensus on the answer to the question of where his current name came from. There are several theories about the origin of the name Elbrus:

From the Iranian word Aitbares - high Mountain.
From the Georgian name of Mount Yalbuz, which in turn comes from the Turkic words “storm” and “ice”.
Another theory suggests that the name was formed from three words of the Karachay-Balkar language: El - settlement; Drill - to tighten; Us is character. That is, the name can be translated as having the disposition to send a snowstorm. Apparently, we are talking here not so much about snowstorms, but about volcanic eruptions. There are references to eruptions in folk legends.

Elbrus is a giant dormant volcano

At 5642 meters, Mount Elbrus is the fifth highest volcano in the world. It, like most similar volcanoes, consists of two parts: the base and the cone, which was formed during eruptions. The height of the base in the case of Elbrus is 3700 meters. Thus, during the eruptions, the mountain grew by almost 2000 meters. The characteristic outlines of the double-headed peak, which changes its color depending on the lighting, are visible from almost any corner of the Stavropol Territory. Glaciers, of which there are 23, feed such large rivers like Kuban and Terek.

In its structure, Elbrus is a typical stratovolcano. It has a clearly defined conical shape. The cone itself is composed of numerous layers of lava, ash and volcanic tuff, in which the entire history of eruptions is recorded. The base of Elbrus began to form in the Neogene, when the Caucasian ridge was actively forming. According to scientists, the volcanic eruptions resembled the eruptions of Vesuvius, but were much stronger.

Its strength can be judged by the fact that its ashes are today found almost 100 kilometers from the volcano itself. It is noteworthy that periods of violent activity and intensive growth of the cone were followed by periods of “hibernation”, during which the glaciers wore down the cone almost completely. According to volcanologists, there have been at least ten such cycles throughout the history of the volcano. The oldest crater, or rather its remains, can be observed in the form of the rocky formation of Khotyu-Tau-Azau on the southwestern slope.

The vigorous activity of Elbrus ended 2500 years ago, although geographers of the 16th century. the volcano was considered active and was depicted on maps as a fire-breathing mountain. The last time the volcano showed its tough temper was in the first decades of our era. Interestingly, the active eruptions of Elbrus and Kazbek became the main reason for the exodus of Neanderthals from Caucasus region 40-45 thousand years ago. Currently, volcanologists are in no hurry to classify the volcano as extinct. It is rather a dying volcano and the probability of activation (albeit very small) still remains. The mountain is also the center of minor earthquakes in the region.

Today, the main wealth of these places is their numerous springs. The Narzan Valley near the source of the Malki River is the product of a dying volcano. This place should soon become a resort, which will not be inferior to Kislovodsk either in the number of springs or in the quality of mineral waters.

The weather on the slopes is more than harsh, and at times comparable to the Arctic. average temperature July is only -1.4 C, and even daytime temperatures rarely rise above +8 C. There is a lot of precipitation here, many times more than at the foot of the ridge, but it can only be seen in the form of snow. The weather station at 4250 meters, having worked for three years, has not recorded a single rain.
Having great importance as the highest point in Europe, Elbrus attracted the attention of German troops during World War II.

Hitler wanted to rename the mountain after himself. The famous Edelweiss division, trained in mountain warfare, took part in local hostilities. In August 1942, soldiers of the Third Reich first captured two way stations, and on August 21 they raised the Nazi German flag over the western peak. The division's soldiers didn't last long - winter and the Red Army soldiers did their job. Already in February 1943, the red flags of the Land of the Soviets were already flying over the snow-white peak of the mountain.

Historically, all infrastructure was located on the south side of the mountain. It was here that the cable car was built, which takes tourists to a height of 3750 meters. The ascent to Elbrus consists of several intermediate points:

Cable car;
Shelter “Bochki” at an altitude of 3750 m (this is where the ascent begins);
Hotel "Shelter of Eleven" (4200m);
Pastukhov Rocks (4700m)
Station EG5300, which was built recently. It is located in the saddle between two peaks at an altitude of 5300 meters.

It is station EG5300 that is the last point of the route on the way to one of the peaks. After this there is about 500 meters of ascent left.

The northern slopes are more than modestly equipped. There are only a few huts here at an altitude of 3800 meters, which are more often used by rescuers than climbers. The northern route is usually used when climbing the eastern peak. In this case, the Lenz rocks, which stretch at altitudes from 4600 to 5200 meters, serve as a reliable reference point.

Elbrus phenomenon

And finally, some interesting facts about the highest point in Russia, and at the same time throughout Europe:

The Balkars themselves even today prefer to call the mountain “Mingi-tau”, which in their native language means "Mountain of Thousands", which emphasizes its exceptional size and height.
The distance between the peaks in a straight line is 1500 meters. But you will have to cover about 3 km on foot.
The next highest mountain in Europe, Mont Blanc, is almost eight hundred meters lower than the Caucasian giant. In other words, even having climbed to the saddle between the peaks, you will already be “above everyone else” in Europe.
Despite the relatively well-developed and well-trodden routes, climbing Elbrus is unlikely to be an easy walk. According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, every year from 15 to 20 people die on the slopes. Getting up in the winter months is considered suicide. The nominal temperature here easily drops to -30C, and the perceived temperature, thanks to strong winds, is even lower.
Elbrus is not only mentioned in the works of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, but also participates in Greek myths. It was here that Zeus decided to chain Prometheus, for his gift to people - fire.

By the way, the habitat of the Greek gods, Mount Olympus, is simply a dwarf in comparison with Elbrus - only 2917 meters.

Who among us has not heard about the greatness and beauty of Elbrus? Does everyone know where Mount Elbrus is? What is the height of Mount Elbrus? Rising in the ridge of the Caucasus Mountains, it is the highest and most famous point in Russia.

In the last century, Elbrus inspired travelers and climbers to climb. Overcoming dangerous areas, people strengthened their will and strength. Enjoying the beauty of the snowy mountains and contemplating the amazing local landscape from above, poets and bards composed their songs and poems.

It is on Elbrus that you get a feeling of complete freedom from the surrounding bustle, and you have the opportunity to enjoy the deafening silence. The region where Mount Elbrus is located has long been considered a place that can be described as “paradise on Earth.”

The snowy peaks of this giant are a favorite place for tourists

Pioneers famous mountain there were Russian scientists. In 1913, academician and astronomer V.K. Vishnevsky calculated the height and exact location of Elbrus. In 1829, the first Russian expedition was equipped to Elbrus. The researchers included distinguished scientists: academician Lenz, botanist Meyer, architect of Pyatigorsk and others.

The expedition was accompanied by Cossacks, a detachment of a thousand people, under the leadership of General Emmanuel. A detachment of Cossacks stopped at the northern foot of Elbrus at an altitude of 2400 meters. The general and his detachment did not go further, but watched the pioneers through a telescope, ready, in case of unforeseen circumstances, to come to the rescue.

A commemorative inscription was carved on a large stone, which has survived to this day: “1829, from July 8 to 11, the camp led by General Cavalier Emmanuel.”

And the expedition continued its ascent. After spending the night at an altitude of 3000 meters, the travelers moved on. Part of the expedition stopped at an altitude of 4800 meters and did not go further. A memorial sign was carved at this point - the St. George Cross and the date: 1829. In 1949, a group of climbers from the Science society discovered this monument. Only Lenz, two Cossacks and two Kabardian guides continued to go higher.

Lenz and the Cossack Lysenkov reached the saddle of Elbrus. They could no longer go further, since the loose, softened snow prevented the ascent. Only one Kabardian, Killar, went higher. He was able to reach the very top of Mount Elbrus because his body was accustomed to mountain climate and mountain paths.

General Emmanuel saw through a telescope on the eastern peak of Elbrus the brave mountaineer Killar. When Killar returned to the travelers' camp in the evening, the scientists greeted him with the honors that Killar deserved as a brave pioneer.

In honor of the discovery of the summit of Elbrus and the first ascent of it, two cast iron boards were cast, with an inscription describing this event. Later, these memorial signs were installed in Pyatigorsk. They are currently kept in the museum.

First steps to the top

Where to start your first ascent of Mount Elbrus? The first step is to find the mountain on the map of Russia in order to have an idea of the scale and size of the object. After you have found out where Mount Elbrus is located, you will need to tone all your muscles by performing active physical exercises.

Push-ups, squats, exercises on the horizontal bar. All these exercises must be done two months before the expected date of travel. Be sure to jog for several kilometers: to increase the body's endurance. Pistol squats on one leg improve the tone of the leg muscles.

Before the trip, you need to take a break from physical activity so that the body recovers and there is no overexertion. They say that Elbrus carries a special energy charge. Elbrus makes strong-willed people stronger, but it drains weak-spirited people. So it is useful to do yoga, breathing exercises, to put in order not only the body, but also the spirit. It is necessary to feel the harmony of strength and spirit.

Beginners are usually accompanied by instructors. There is no need to be ashamed of this and thoughtlessly risk your life by starting the ascent without an experienced accompanying person. Moreover, it is unknown how a beginner’s body will react to altitude. The height of Elbrus in meters is 5642. Five kilometers, six hundred and forty-two meters! On a horizontal surface, the journey would take only a little over an hour on foot.

But you will have to go up the frozen slope, overcoming obstacles and enduring hardships along the way. Ascent to altitude is accompanied by pressure changes, so there are several guides for a group of several people. As a rule, this is one guide for three people. If someone becomes ill, the group will have to return to camp and accompany the sick traveler.

On the second day after arrival, experienced guides first lead travelers to Mount Maly Cheget. The height of this mountain is 3360 m. The walking route lasts 2-3 hours. According to the results of this path, beginners who are already accustomed to the environment are led to the southern slope of Elbrus the next day. Southern slope is a classic climbing route.

In modern perception, with the use of the latest climbing equipment and with the help of experienced mentors, the path will not seem very difficult and dangerous. But this is in the case of unquestioning obedience to the guides.

The main difficulties in overcoming snowy peaks can arise when passing through cracks in glaciers hidden by snow, in strong winds, at very low temperatures. Therefore, it is recommended to visit Elbrus for the first time in the second half of summer, in July-August.

Coordinates and history of the famous mountain

Of course, having arrived in Nalchik, the capital of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, any local resident will be able to show where Mount Elbrus is located. Yes, it’s hard not to notice - it towers over the city like a snowy hat and is even marked on the flag of the republic. The height of Mount Elbrus fascinates and delights with its cold beauty.

Elbrus is a volcano that lost its strength many millennia ago. More than 218 thousand years ago, erupting more than 15 times, Elbrus emerged from the bowels of the earth as a huge giant. And in modern times, people feel tremors, but they are no longer as dangerous as active volcanoes.

Elbrus is known for its harsh climate. Snowy hills do not melt even in the hottest days summer days. On Elbrus, the average temperature in the warmest month is 1.4 degrees. There is more precipitation on Elbrus than on the plains of the Stavropol Territory, but it falls mainly in snow flakes. At the Elbrus meteorological station, rain has never been observed for three years.

Some people even joke that Elbrus is a piece of ice abandoned from the Arctic. Warm air currents coming from the Atlantic, meeting this cold barrier on their way, pour out rain on the foothills of Elbrus. And Elbrus changes the weather in nearby regions. Locals They even noticed: if Elbrus is covered with clouds on a clear day, expect the weather to worsen.

Legends and songs have long been written about Elbrus. Herodotus wrote about him even before our era. The peoples of the Middle East and the Caucasus have written folk epics about him.

Mount Elbrus has more than two dozen names in different languages and dialects. Moreover, the Kabardian language does not translate the word “Elbrus” in any way. There is an opinion that the word “Elbrus” is of Iranian origin. But, in Kabardian and other local languages, there are 40 different names great mountain. It is difficult to write about such a great grief. And it is impossible to describe in words all the beauty of Elbrus. This beauty must be seen with your own eyes.

Elbrus is the most big mountain Russia and Europe! One of the "Magnificent Seven" highest peaks our planet, from which you can even see the Black Sea and the Turkish coast...

Elbrus is located just north of the Main Caucasus Ridge on the border of the republics Karachay-Cherkessia And Kabardino-Balkaria.

Elbrus(Mount Elbrus) - a two-headed volcano in the North mountain system Caucasus.
The height of the Western peak is 5642 m.
The height of the Eastern peak is 5621 m.
The height of the saddle is 5300 m.

The white two-headed volcanic cone of Elbrus is noticeably different from the entire mountain landscape of the Caucasus and can be seen in good weather a hundred kilometers away. Nearest town - village Terskol (Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria) in the Baksan Gorge at the foot of the mountain itself.

Elbrus coordinates on maps:
43°21’11″ N 42°26’13″ E

Peaks of Elbrus.

Thanks to the status highest point Europe, climbing to the top of Elbrus is popular among climbers all over the world and is assessed as one of the “steps” to conquering the “seven peaks”.

Despite the ease of the routes, Mount Elbrus annually takes dozens of human lives. To a greater extent, the lethality of the mountain is determined by the difficult climate with changeable weather, as well as the poor training of climbers without experience. Visually, the peaks of Elbrus seem easily accessible, which instantly excites the hearts and minds of many people to “conquer the mountain” and even those who have never climbed before... In fact, this simplicity is deceptive and in reality, a person without preparation finds himself in difficult conditions in which he cannot always manages to survive...

Climbing Elbrus.

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 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 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.

Flowers on mountain peaks Caucasus mountains.

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 .

Panorama.

Made his first ascent Kilar Khashirov - conductor of the Russian scientific expedition, Kabardian by nationality July 22, 1829 on Eastern peak Elbrus.

The western peak of Elbrus was conquered by a team of climbers led by Florence Grove in 1874.

The first to reach both peaks was a Balkar hunter and shepherd Ahiya Sottaev . During the period of his long life, he conquered Elbrus nine times: he made his first ascent at the age of over forty, and the last in 1909, when he was 121 years old.

The study of Elbrus by Russian scientists began actively in the 19th century. Academician V.K. Vishnevsky in 1913 he 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 carried out 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 skiers, there are cable cars with an average capacity of 2,400 people per hour.

On the slopes of Elbrus.

How to get to Elbrus?

By plane fly to the nearest airport in Mineral water. There are many regular flights to Mineralnye Vody from Moscow from airlines: Aeroflot, Sky Express, Kavminvodyavia, S7 Airlines, UTair, Don Avia.

By train you can get to Pyatigorsk or Nalchik - these are the closest settlements from which it will be faster to get there by minibus or taxi. Already from these places they are opening up beautiful views to the Caucasus Mountains, which you can admire all the way.

It will be most convenient to get from the airport or train station by taxi, it will be cheaper to use the services private cab drivers. The best and cheap option- this is to find on the Internet the phone numbers of private “bombs” from the village of Terskol and arrange in advance a meeting upon arrival and the price. The journey to Elbrus will take about four hours. You need to get to the city of Baksan, then turn into the Baksan Gorge and to the end along the Baksan River, where the road will lead to the very foot of Elbrus.

You can also get there regular buses And minibuses. Only this method is less convenient and will take longer, since there are no direct flights to Terskol. First you will need to get to the city of Baksan and change to minibus to the village of Terskol. The road in the Baksan Gorge passes through the settlements: Tyrnauz, Upper Baksan, the village of Elbrus and Tegenekli.

Based on materials from the sites: pro-planet.ru, udivitelno.com

March 24, 2015

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