Elbrus Summit – Ascent to the highest mountain in Europe
The Elbrus with its 5642 meters is the highest mountain in Europe and is located in Russia on the border with Georgia. With its extensive glaciers it is snow-covered all year round from an altitude of 4000 meters.
In any case nature is a source of inspiration, but also Russia itself. The landscape is very rough and green apart from the many buildings. Especially in the area you can find many mountains some similar high. What irritated me personally? The mix of everything. Nowadays society has softened and is worrying too much about prosperity problems. Outside the mountain, many basic needs become more real: eating, sleeping, showers and a decent toilet. One comes back to itself and has an enormous amount of time to think without disturbing external influences. If one thinks that people have traveled the same way decades ago without Goretex and other technical aids, such an expedition becomes even more impressive.
Going north on the glacier and having the starry sky above you and knowing what lies ahead forcing you to think about the beauty of nature. The crunching of the snow under the shoes and the sparkle in the glow of the headlamp has a grounding effect. When the sun rises and you can feel the warming rays leave the Gopro in the bag because this beauty can not capture a camera. At the top of the summit is the breathtaking view and the pride of your own performance. The descent is then only a matter of fact,even if the 60% of the force requires.
YOUR EXPERT
STATEMENT
If you like mountains and want to make a 5-thousander abroad I can highly recommend the Elbrus with stopover in Moscow (VNU). Definitely a great, inspiring experience.
JOURNEY
Technically the Elbrus is a rather simple mountain and also the climate can be described as relatively mild. From this point of view the ascent to the mountain can be described as a challenging hiking tour with a rope – just trekking without climbing. The route to the summit is nevertheless very challenging because from the base camp at 3800 meters above the saddle to the summit it is almost 2 kilometers which one has to go back vertically. Therefore, good acclimatization is much more important than good fitness. Due to the missing Highcamp, the ascent takes about 10 hours, the descent again takes 3 to 4 hours. Both times are however to be taken with caution since the weather has an enormous influence on it. Alongside poles, crampons, ice ax and climbing harness are a must. The clothes should be able to withstand -15 degrees if one wants to use in the high season between May and October. Slept in barrel hat so that a certain basic comfort is given.
ACCOMMODATION
I would always prefer a longer tour to acclimatize. The Elbrus is offered by different guides within 8 or 10 days. 90% of the people can also ride on the 5100 meter mark with the Pistenraupe at a great price and thus save 6 hours. The last 4 are steep but quite feasible. From the base camp you should only start with good acclimatization and fitness because the 10 hour trip is quite demanding. It is important to carry sufficient water (at least 3 liters) and of course sun protection. Especially for the men I can still recommend a bottle for the nightly toilet, because at night in the cold from the warm sleeping bag to pee to pee is relatively annoying!
ALTERNATIVES
Next to Elbrus there are 6 other representatives representing the highest mountains of the continents. Although the Kilimanjaro is the simplest of the 7 Summits the Elbrus is the most favorable. Seen in this way the risk is also best calculated there. Except for the weather and corrupt taxi drivers the dangers are manageable.
More Fitness Stories
[plista]