Plan your trip · Guide
Russia
What to know before you climb Elbrus: getting there, visa, money, weather and health.
01 · The basics
Before you go
The trip starts in Mineralnye Vody, from where you drive to Terskol, at the foot of Elbrus.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Flight to Mineralnye Vody, then about 3 hours by car to Terskol. |
| Visa | You need a visa. Many nationalities can apply for the e-visa on the official website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; check whether it’s available for yours. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the visa and have two blank pages. |
| Registration | If you stay more than 7 working days you need to register. The hotel usually does it for you. |
| Currency | Russian rouble. Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards issued outside Russia don’t work, either for payments or for withdrawing cash, so bring cash to exchange. |
| Weather | In summer, pleasant in the valley. At altitude, cold and windy, well below freezing on summit night. |
| Plugs | Types C and F, 230 V. If yours are a different type, bring an adapter. |
02 · The trip
Elbrus
Elbrus via the south side
Best time: June to September.
One of the Seven Summits, by its most accessible route. You acclimatise by sleeping in mountain huts and practise with crampons and ice-axe self-arrest before summit day, which starts before dawn.
All dates are in the departure calendar.
03 · Health and insurance
Health, altitude and insurance
- Altitude: our trips are designed to give you proper acclimatisation. Safety comes first, and with altitude we don’t take chances. If you have any questions, just ask us. More in altitude sickness and acclimatisation
- Insurance: it’s mandatory. It must cover the activity you’ll be doing, based on the maximum altitude and whether technical gear is involved, as well as helicopter rescue and evacuation and repatriation. Before departure you’ll also sign a waiver
- Vaccines: requirements depend on the country you’re travelling from. Check the latest on your country’s official health website or with a travel health clinic, or ask us
- Physical preparation: you don’t need to be an athlete, but arriving prepared means you’ll enjoy the trip much more. If you need it, we can help with a training and nutrition plan tailored to you. See how it works
Questions?
Got a question?
If you’re thinking about Elbrus and have questions about the climb or how to prepare, write to us and we’ll reply by email.
See upcoming departures →