This Caucasus trek, with significant elevation changes and numerous river crossings, is intended for experienced hikers. We circle Elbrus - the highest point of the Caucasus - from the north, cross many passes over 3000 m high, ford several rivers flowing down from the glaciers of the Main Caucasus Ridge, bathe in the hot springs of Dzhily-Su and drink the most delicious mineral water.
RouteRoute map
The GPS track is not digitised yet, the line is approximate (by key points).
Along the trailWhat you will see
Day by dayItinerary
1 Day 1. Nevinnomyssk, Khurzuk village, Ullu-Khurzuk river.
Meeting of the group from 10 to 12 am at the Nevinnomyssk railway station. After distributing the backpacks and food, we get into a chartered minibus and go to issue passes. Then we move to the village of Khurzuk, where our trek through the Caucasus will finally begin.
2 Day 2. Yenikol River, Yenikol Pass (2200 m).
3 Day 3. Syutdzhal trail, Chemart pass (3132 m), Perevalnaya river.
4 Day 4. Chemartkol River, Buruntash Pass (3072 m), Kyzylkol River.
5 Day 5. Irahitsyrt plateau, Sultan waterfall, Dzhyly-Su hot springs.
6 Day 6. Northern Karakai Pass (2889 m) - Islamchat River
Today we have only one obstacle planned - the North Karakay Pass (2889 m). It seems like nothing special, but for some reason conquering it is usually not easy. Perhaps the fact is that it is not easy to get away from the road, or maybe tourists are sorry to part with Elbrus. In order to somehow cheer up the group, the instructor will definitely tell you what he last saw several tours (mountain goats) behind the pass.
7 Day 7. Kyrtykaush pass - Kyrtyk river.
We storm the Kyrtykaush pass (3232m). This is the highest point of our hike in the Caucasus and Elbrus region. On the pass, “winter” snow lies until the beginning of July, and at the end of August new snow often falls. So if we don’t want to immediately run away from the hard-won pass, but rather admire the views a little, then we would need to agree in advance with the heavenly office about good weather. About the views - from the pass you can see the white-black Main Caucasian Ridge and our old friend - Elbrus.
8 Day 8. Valley of the Kyrtyk River.
9 Day 9. Upper Baksan.
Trip conditions
All overnight stays are in tents. We carry food for the entire trip on ourselves (without dropping or repurchasing), so be prepared for heavy backpacks and a rather luxurious menu. Since only 2 of the 8 overnight stays will have firewood, in addition to food, you will also need to carry gas (about 1 cylinder per person). You won't be able to warm yourself by the fire, and the nights here are very cool, so don't forget your hats, jackets and gloves.
This route along the Elbrus region does not require skills in using special equipment (crampons, ice axes, rappel systems), but there will be a lot of crossings. Mentally and technically (bring some sandals), prepare yourself for walking on a rocky bottom in knee-deep icy water. The maximum altitude on the route is 3200 meters, and we reach it only at the end of the hike, i.e. altitude sickness, if there is any, will not be too severe.
Realistically assess your strengths and level of preparation. The minimum experience required to participate is at least two 6-day hikes. Moreover, to get acquainted with mountain weather, I highly recommend testing your strength and equipment in the Carpathians.
The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the route depending on weather, group condition and other factors.
Prices
from 189 USD / person
Included
- 🍽Three meals a day on the route
- 🧭Instructor services
- 🎫Issuance of a pass at the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation
- •Registration in the border zone
- 🎒Gas equipment for cooking
Not included
- ✕Transfers along the route
- ✕Equipment rental
- ✕Contributions to foresters
- ✕Medical insurance. The total amount of additional costs is approximately 2,000 rubles. But of course you need to take at least another 1000 just in case