BRIEF ITINERARY :
DAY 01 : Base of Europe’s Tallest Mountain
DAY 02 : German Airfield
DAY 03 : Acclimatization
DAY 04 : Northern Shelter
DAY 05 : Ascent
DAY 06 : D Day Minus 1
DAY 07 : The Day Has Arrived
DAY 08 : Goodbye Elbrus
DAY 09 & 10 : Buffer Days
DAY 01 : BASE OF EUROPE’S TALLEST MOUNTAIN
We will meet everyone at Mineralnye Vody airport before 13:00 or a day earlier. Together with the guides, we will do the briefings, give out all the public equipments (tents, gas, burners, ropes, etc.) and rental (crampons, harnesses, ice axes, etc.) equipment. We will also buy all the necessary equipment, & then we will go to the Polyana Emmanuel and set up camp there. From here you can admire the snow-white peaks of the impregnable mountain. The first overnight stay in tents takes place here at an altitude of 2500 m
DAY 02 : GERMAN AIRFIELD
On the second day, the fun begins. You will climb to an altitude of 3000 m to the German airfield. The air becomes cleaner, and breathing becomes more difficult. We will set up tents and give instructions not far from the airfield. We will be trekking for approximately 6 hours.
Story time : The legend of the “German airfield” is connected with the period of World War II, when the Hitler army tried to seize the resources of Caucasus – the Baku oil fields, the Tyrnauz mines, where tungsten and molybdenum were mined. At that time, there was a battle over the passes of the main Caucasus, while on the northern slope of Elbrus it was quite calm. German military climbers, after fighting on the southern slope, occupied Shelter 11 and hoisted fascist flags on the both summits of Elbrus. There are few witnesses of these events, because the local Balkar people, immediately after the liberation of the Caucasus by Soviet forces, were subjected to repression and were almost completely deported to Central Asia. This tragedy of a whole Balkar nation, superimposed on the horrors of the occupation, left few opportunities for vague rumors and conjectures to be remembered.Nevertheless, among local residents and tourists there is a legend that during the World War II, on the northern slope of Elbrus, strange activity of German aircraft was observed, which allegedly did repeated landings here. According to this legend, priests of some mystical cults were brought to Mount Elbrus to conduct very strange rites.
DAY 03 : ACCLIMATIZATION
The acclimatization process continues on the third day. The whole team goes light to the Northern Shelter (altitude 3750 m) .On the way , we will visit the “stone mushrooms” and “moon” fields, after which we return to the camp. To make it easier to carry our backpacks, we make a transfer of some of the things to the assault camp the same day. This is the beauty of this side of the trail, there is so many natural landscape to see. The south side even though offers cottages has more of a history.
DAY 04 : NORTHERN SHELTER
On the fourth day, another amazing camp site awaits you – getting up and overnight in the “Northern Shelter”. Here there is also a training session on walking technique in “crampons” and handling an ice ax. You will sleep at an altitude of 3750 meters, and it will be the most memorable night of your life. The training provided here will be a glimpse of what we train in basic mountaineering course in india.
DAY 05 : ASCENT
The group moves to a height of 4800 meters. This type of rapid altitude gain will already be a first time for a lot of people. It is at this time that the adaptive mechanisms of the body begin to work, which will prepare us to ascend to an altitude of more than 5000 m. To be exact, we are heading to 5,642 m.
DAY 06 : D DAY MINUS 1
After training and acclimatization, you need to have a good rest, for which the sixth day is allocated. At the same time, preparations are underway for the ascent: backpacks are packed, equipment is checked, additional instructions are given. At 18.00 everyone will go to an early Bed.
DAY 07 : THE DAY HAS ARRIVED
The day of ascent awaits you on the seventh day of the expedition. It is necessary to get up at midnight in order to ascend to the top by lunchtime. One hour is allocated in the morning after waking up for preparation , during which you need to have time to eat a hearty meal (as a rule, this is porridge and sweet tea, compote or cocoa). The group goes out in full gear, if necessary in a bundle, in order to minimise any risks. The ascent lasts from 7 to 12 hours, depending on the weather conditions and the speed of the group. On the top, you will feel like the king of the world. The descent will take no more than 4 hours.
DAY 08 : GOODBYE ELBRUS
It’s time to say goodbye to Elbrus. The descent is along the same route: to the Emmanuel glade and further to the Dzhily-Suu gorge, on the way you can drink narzans and visit several attractions “stone bridge”, the Sultan waterfall, narzan “baths”, and then you will go to Pyatigorsk.
DAY 09 & 10 : BUFFER DAYS
The ascent plan includes 2 additional days, because if the weather worsens, not a single guide will risk the lives of trekkers, and therefore we will have enough time to wait for suitable conditions and successfully climb the summit. Trust me, its much better than going back again after spending so much on flight and training.
RUSSIA SPECIFIC FAQs
1) What is the payment schedule if I want to book this trip?
ANS: Bookings close by May 20th
2) What would be the group size and approximate age group of co-travellers?
ANS: We will be about 10 people
3) Would we need transit visa to fly via Moscow to Mineralnye Vody ?
ANS: No. Your immigration will happen here only .
5) How much do you think would be the approximate for rent equipment?
ANS: Click here to see the list and price for rent.
6) Will a travel reservation (hold) of flight tickets(ex% from Yatra.com) be enough for the Visa process?
ANS: Yes. This also will work.
7 ) What are the chances of my visa rejection ?
ANS: It usually doesn’t get rejected considering our relation with Russia.
8 ) What are the cancellation policy ?
ANS: Cancellation policy :
Before 45 days of trip, there will be 10% cancellation charge.
Before 30 days and within 44 days of arrival, there will be 25% cancellation charge.
Before 15 days and within 29 days of arrival, there will be 50% cancellation charge.
Within 14 days of trip there will be 100% cancellation charges.
Note :You will not get the Visa charges back once it’s applied
FLIGHTS CONSIDERATION :
July 8th : -Arrive in MRV Airport by afternoon
July 18th : -Depart by afternoon
GROUP TRIP DATES:
SLOTS AVAILABLE :
HOW TO BOOK A SLOT ?
You can block the slot by paying a token amount of 21,000 INR for this trip either by UPI or by Bank transfer. As discussed the total amount is 65,000 INR. Once it’s done, please share the reference number with me. Choose UPI or Bank transfer by clicking on the tab below.
SCAN TO PAY
UPI : oneintheorangejacket@icici
BANK DETAILS :
A/C HOLDER’S NAME: Orange jacket Adventures LLP
A/c No : 169105000957
RTGS/NEFT IFSC CODE : ICIC0001691
BANK NAME AND BRANCH: ICICI , Thoppumpady
Account type : Current account
UPI : oneintheorangejacket@icici
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Transportation : MRV airport to MRV airport
- Accommodation : In tents
- Permits
- Entrance fees
- A Trained Outdoor leader to keep you safe. I Promise 🙂
- All meals during climb (the clients cook themselves but guides are assisting)
- 2 qualified guides for group up to 10 people
- Registration at Rescue service
- Climbing certificate
- Climbing equipments
Equipment given :
- Tents
- Ropes
- Cookware
- Gas
- Crampons
- Helmet
- Harness
- 2 climbing carabiners
- Ice ax
- Mountaineering boots
- Shoe covers
- Warm sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Extra rent for other equipments ( see list here )
- Meals before we start the trek on day 1 and after we end the trek on last day.
- Cost of any Extra Day due to any unforeseen circumstances
- Porter charges ( 4000 INR Both side/ 15 kg bag )
- Visa cost , travel Insurance cost
- Any expenses due to deviation from itinerary
- Before 45 days of trip, there will be 10% cancellation charge.
- Before 30 days and within 44 days of arrival, there will be 25% cancellation charge.
- Before 15 days and within 29 days of arrival ,there will be 50% cancellation charge.
- Within 14 days of trip there will be 100% cancellation charges.
All this been said if you or me can find a replacement for the slot. I will be happy to refund the entire amount. 🙂
Here is our 9 point checklist that we follow with regards to OJ trips.
- Our trippers will be asked to get -ve RTpcr certificate before they arrive.
- You will staying at a hotel where we are the only guests. its more like a guesthouse.
- Your tempo traveller will be sanitised before it reaches you.
- Your driver is also tested -ve RTpcr before our trip starts.
- We ask our trippers to keep themselves away from any crowded space 2 weeks before the trip.
- We ask our trippers to be careful of the restaurants and hotels that they might go before and after your trek.
- Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, cold, shortness of breath or fever ) are being asked to reschedule their trips/ treks.
- On treks, we are providing hygiene sleeping bags to everyone. You will be using this throughout the trek and only return on the last day
- On treks, every tent will have only 2 people compared to 3 ( which is the usual number at pre-covid era )
Clothing :
- Lightweight changeable shoes (trekking, or sandals, or light slippers) –
- Backpack with a volume of 80 liters or more (with a belt system!) –
- Lightweight backpack (30 liters) –
- Hat (preferably with a fleece lining) –
- Buff (warm) –
- Fleece gloves –
- Down mittens for mountaineering –
- Thin trekking or regular socks 2 pairs –
- Warm ski or wool socks 2 pairs –
- Thin upper and lower thermal underwear –
- Thick top and bottom thermal underwear (POLARTEC) –
- Fleece jacket (extra layer between the jacket and thermal underwear)
- Fleece trousers (extra layer between trousers and thermal underwear)
- Membrane trousers (Protection against water and vapor permeability more than 5000mm or any other equivalent)
- Membrane jacket (Protection against water and vapor permeability over 5000mm or any other equivalent)
- Down or ski jacket (down density 600+ or ​​synthetic analogs)
- Down or ski pants (down density 600+ or ​​synthetic analogs)
Accessories / tableware :
- Head Torch
- Raincoat
- Trekking poles
- Mountain glasses (with a sun protection of at least 3)
- Toilet paper (2 rolls)
- Wet wipes (2 packs of 20)
- Toothbrush and paste
- Hygienic lipstick with UV protection
- Earplugs (optional for those who sleep lightly)
- Sunscreen with protection level 50+
- Lighter (without piezo)
- Bowl, mug, spoon (plastic or iron)
- Thermos 1-1.5 liters
Most people come alone for my trips. About 25% of the people bring a friend or partner.Honestly It really doesn’t matter. I have seen on all the batches I have lead. Most people really gel with everyone, even the ones who thought wouldn’t gel up, surprise themselves always with the way they got comfortable with everyone.
Each trek/ trip is rated according to the number of days we spend outdoors . If you aren’t sure where to start, go with an easy trip or trek.
For trips,
I dreamed of trips where we could go out hike , get exhausted , come back to hotel and have a great evening. This is exactly why some of my trips have Day hikes in it. It is a perfect chance for people who have never hiked in their entire life. Don’t worry, We are there :).
For treks,
you can start with Sandhakphu or Chandrashila . You can also benchmark yourself for the treks.
- If you can run for 30 mins and cover around 3-3.5 km , then you can go ahead with an easy trek
- If you can run for 30 mins and cover around 3.5-4 km , then you can go ahead with an moderate trek
- If you can run for 30 mins and cover around 4-5 km , then you can go ahead with an difficult trek
If you have never done a high altitude trek, then start with a easy or Easy- moderate trek. That way you will understand how your body reacts to high altitude and you can check you cardio strength too.
Usually, most batch sizes are between 12-20 people who are aged between 16-38. Most people come alone or with a friend. The trip would feel like you are travelling more with college friends than strangers. We tend to do more outdoorsy things than regular trips .
For example : If we find a very pretty waterfall/ a beautiful sunset / Rainbow on the way. We would stop the vehicle right away to catch the beauty of it.
We usually sleep very late on these trips as we play a lot of group games and most people feel they will miss the precious time with the group members and decides to stay awake.
Here are few places you can read more about the brand and trips
