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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Equipment given :
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.
Clothing :
Accessories / tableware :
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 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
Check out our other trips