Elbrus

Height: 5,642 m
Country:
Russia flagRussia

Standing at 5,642 meters, Mount Elbrus is the highest mountain in Europe and one of the Seven Summits, making it a must-climb destination for mountaineers around the world. Located in the Caucasus region of Russia, Elbrus mountain is a dormant stratovolcano renowned for its twin summits and vast glaciated slopes. Its iconic status and relatively non-technical routes make it an attractive challenge for climbers of all skill levels.

A climb up Elbrus typically follows the South Route, which offers a mix of high-altitude trekking and straightforward snow climbing. Climbers navigate glacier-covered terrain and ascend via fixed ropes on steeper sections near the summit. The ascent is physically demanding due to altitude and weather conditions, but reaching the top of Elbrus peak rewards climbers with breathtaking views of the surrounding Kaukasus Elbrus range, a rugged and pristine alpine landscape.

For adventurers seeking a unique challenge, the Elbrus volcano provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience one of the world’s great mountains. Whether you’re chasing the Seven Summits or exploring the cultural richness of the Caucasus, Elbrus mountain offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, high-altitude adventure, and a sense of accomplishment that will last a lifetime.

Prepare for an adventure climbing Elbrus. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.

Difficulty

  • PD: Not very hard (alpine grade 2)

When to go

  • June to August

These are pictures taken while climbing Elbrus. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of mountaineering Elbrus, to help the community of climbers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.

Guide links

These guides offer organised mountaineering expeditions for Elbrus. From here you can check each guides profile, or browse directly to their website to see the trip. You can separately view the guides directory to browse all guides in one place.
Below is a curated list of independent mountain guides offering expeditions for Elbrus. Each guide provides their own experience, allowing climbers to select the approach that best suits their style, budget, and experience level. You can explore each guide’s dedicated trip page to review what they offer, from logistics and support to pricing details, with no additional influence from us.
View the summit location and surrounding terrain to get a sense of the mountain's environment. This map offers a valuable perspective on the peak's position within the region, aiding climbers in visualizing their route and nearby landmarks.
What you can see from the summit of Elbrus. Click and pan around the map to explore, and zoom in/out to see the names of neighbouring mountains.

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