Mount Elbrus
South Face Climb
Climb the highest peak in Europe (5,642m) and one of the Seven Summits, via its South Face — the most achievable route to the top. An extinct volcano, guided acclimatization hikes through the Caucasus, and a summit push that makes a great introduction to high-altitude mountaineering.
Terskol to the Roof of Europe — Elbrus’ South Face
A short approach through the Baksan Valley, up to mountain huts and the Pastukhov Rocks, before a guided summit push on the South Face — the most achievable route up Elbrus. Want every detail first? See the full day-by-day itinerary & gallery →
The full itinerary
Grouped by phase — tap any stage to open it. Want every detail first? See the full day-by-day itinerary & gallery →
DAY 1
Arrival at Mineralnye Vody
Land at Mineralnye Vody and transfer to the hotel in the Baksan Valley — Terskol (about a 3-hour drive). After a late-night arrival, get some sleep ahead of the days to come.
DAYS 2–3
Acclimatization hikes
2,100 – 3,460 m
After breakfast, an acclimatization trek up to Cheget Peak, 4–5 hours round trip. A guide briefing, gear check and equipment rental if needed, followed by free time around Terskol, a popular ski town.
A hike up to Terskol Peak and its astronomical observatory to keep adjusting to altitude, starting through a pleasant forest before a waterfall stop — bring swimwear if you fancy a dip. Afternoon spent packing for the move up the mountain.
DAY 4
Ascent to High Camp
2,100 → 4,100 m
Cable car up to the lift station and our mountain huts at 3,800m, where the snow sets in and the landscape turns alpine. After lunch, crampons on for an acclimatization hike to Priyut Eleven Hut (4,100m).
DAY 5
Pastukhov Rocks & technical training
3,800 → 4,800 m
An acclimatization hike to the Pastukhov Rocks, with snow & ice technique training and a self-arrest course for anyone who needs it. An early night at the huts ahead of the summit push.
DAY 6
Summit Day
4,800 → 5,642 m
A very early breakfast at 2am, then a snowcat lift up to 4,800m to start the summit attempt. Reaching the top takes around 6 hours, with cold temperatures, fixed ropes on the steeper sections, and an unforgettable sunrise over the Caucasus. Descend to the huts, pack up, and take the lift back down to Terskol to celebrate.
DAYS 7–8
Reserve day & departure
A day held in reserve in case of bad weather, to maximize the chances of a summit.
Morning transfer to Mineralnye Vody, with the option (at extra cost) to visit the hot springs en route. Transfer to the airport and end of the trip.
What’s included
INCLUDED
- Transfers: Mineralnye Vody Airport ↔ hotel (pick up and drop off)
- Hotel accommodation in Terskol: 5 nights bed & breakfast in a double room, plus 2 nights in shared mountain huts
- Permits: national park fee, climbing permit and rescue service check-in
- Food & lodging: 3 meals a day in the huts; breakfast and one meal the rest of the days at the hotel in Terskol; celebration dinner after the summit
- Summit certificate
- Cable car up and down to the lodges, and snowcat up to 4,800m on summit day
- Guide: government-licensed, English-speaking guide — one per three climbers (or on summit day, depending on group size) — plus an international team leader
- Medical kit
- Complete guide and consultancy: gear list, recommendations and a WhatsApp group
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights to and from Mineralnye Vody
- Russia entry visa fee
- Meals in Terskol except where specified as included
- Rescue evacuation costs (medical and emergency rescue, helicopter, mediation, tests, hospitalization)
- Tips for the staff
- Personal equipment or rental: clothing, sleeping bag, climbing gear
- Personal expenses: phone, internet, hot showers, toiletries, battery recharge, laundry, alcoholic beverages
- Extra nights due to early arrival or late departure
- Hot springs visit in Mineralnye Vody
- Customized training & nutrition plan (optional extra, on request)
What our travelers say
An outstanding experience with Thin Air Trips! Isa and the team brought so much care, enthusiasm and professionalism to the whole adventure. Their thoughtful planning, clear communication and attention to detail made everything feel smooth and well organised, allowing me to relax and enjoy the experience.
What stood out most was the personal approach. Isa was approachable, helpful and always happy to answer questions. You could really feel her passion for the mountains and her commitment to making the trip special.
A fantastic team that I would happily recommend to anyone looking for a memorable trekking or mountain adventure. Thank you, Isa and Thin Air Trips—I would love to join you again!
I’ve now travelled with Thin Air Trips twice — to Torres del Paine and Kyrgyzstan — and both trips were absolutely incredible. Two very different destinations, but equally unforgettable adventures!
One of the best things about travelling with them is that they take care of everything. From planning the itinerary to organising accommodation, transport and all the logistics along the way, they make the whole experience feel easy. There’s so much that goes into organising trips like these, and having it all managed means you can relax, enjoy the adventure and focus on the places you’ve come to explore.
Torres del Paine was spectacular, and Kyrgyzstan was another amazing experience, with breathtaking mountains and landscapes that will stay with me for a long time. Both trips gave me so many special moments and memories that I’ll always treasure.
For me, the real value of Thin Air Trips is being able to experience these extraordinary destinations without the stress of coordinating everything myself. You get all the excitement of an adventure, with the reassurance that the details are taken care of.
The fact that I booked a second trip after my first probably says it all! I would happily travel with them again and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a well-organised, memorable adventure. An easy five stars!
Fuimos con ellos al Ararat y todo perfecto, organización de 10, muy buena comunicación antes y durante el viaje, y muy buenos guías. Repetiremos!
I had a fantastic experience travelling to Russia to summit Mt Elbrus. Isa has been really communicative and helpful. I had a lot of hestitations about travelling to the region, but all went smooth and the entire trip was amazing. The team on ground were also just as professional and helpful, really helping to take off the logitical pressure and allowing me to focus on the summit.
Espectacular!!la ruta , la organización , la gente…repetiré sin duda!
Viaje top y equipo mejor aún!
Mount Elbrus — reserve your spot for July 2027
8 days from Terskol in the Baksan Valley, up through the mountain huts and Pastukhov Rocks, to the 5,642m summit of Mount Elbrus — the highest peak in Europe. This departure is set for July 2027. See the full official itinerary & booking page.
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Frequently asked questions
How fit do I need to be to climb Mount Elbrus?
Elbrus is pitched as a good introduction to high-altitude mountaineering — no technical climbing experience is required. Snow & ice techniques and a self-arrest course are taught on route (Day 5), with several acclimatization hikes before the summit push on the South Face, the most achievable route to the top.
Do I need prior mountaineering experience?
No. This itinerary is built around progressive acclimatization — Cheget Peak, the Terskol Observatory, the mountain huts and the Pastukhov Rocks — before the summit attempt, with a government-licensed guide and an international team leader throughout.
What’s included in the price?
Airport transfers, hotel nights in Terskol plus nights in the mountain huts, national park and climbing permits, most meals, the cable car and summit-day snowcat, a government-licensed guide and international team leader, a medical kit, and a full gear list and WhatsApp group with Isa. International flights, the Russia visa and personal equipment aren’t included.
When does this departure run?
This South Face climb is set for July 2027. Get in touch with Isa to confirm dates for your group.
What happens if the weather is bad on summit day?
Day 7 is held in reserve specifically for this — if conditions aren’t right on the planned summit day, this buffer day gives the group another shot at the top.
Is Mount Elbrus one of the Seven Summits?
Yes. At 5,642m, Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe and one of the Seven Summits. It’s an extinct volcano, which makes for a dramatic, wide summit plateau rather than a knife-edge ridge.