Backpacking trip to Bezengi

We'll prepare breakfast early in the morning, distribute food and equipment for the next two days into our backpacks, and move towards our first parking lot outside of civilization.

Our path runs along the left moraine of the Mizhirgi gorge.

The trampled path gradually gives way to a wild relief of rocks and sand, and the deep cracks of the glacier are watching us from below.

We set up camp near the Northern Wall at the "Second Parking lot near Brno". 

We go out radially to admire the panorama of the wall and get water for dinner and breakfast.

Active part: 5 km, 2140-2900 m drop, duration 5-6 hours.

Early in the morning, after a light breakfast, we leave the camp and go light up. 

Our goal: a lake in the tract "Cadet overnight stays".

On the left, the five—thousandth highest mountain in Russia rises after Elbrus, Mount Dychtau 5,205 m. 

Sometimes snow and ice masses and rocks break off from its steep slopes, we avoid dangerous places at a respectful distance and without unnecessary stops.

Turning back, we enjoy the view from above of the Mizhirgi glacier icefall, near which we will pass this afternoon. 

A little more and we come to a small glacial lake at an altitude of 3400 m. 

Often, here, between the rocks, you can see the tents of climbers going out to storm the peaks of Kursant and Brno.

Here we will relax and capture the surrounding landscape in memory and in photographs.

After gathering the camp, we will choose a safe path to cross the glacier. 

We will carefully bypass all the cracks and go out onto the right moraine of the gorge. 

On this side, we are greeted by a comfortable, well—trodden path, along which we will descend to the place of our campsite for the night "Under the Roof".

Radial exit to the Cadet overnight stays: 6 km, drop of 2900-3400-2900 m. Transfer to overnight stays under the Ukyu: 5 km, a drop of 2900-2650 m.

Once again, our morning will start with a radial ascent. 

We climb 600 vertical meters along the loose paths to the Ukyu Kosh hut, built for overnight stays and storage of equipment during the development of Soviet mountaineering. 

A little more effort, and we're in the "Warm Corner" tract.

From here, routes for storming many categorical peaks begin. 

Alpsborow students and their mentors spend many nights here.

We soak up the atmosphere, take memorable pictures, regain our strength and begin the difficult descent to the tents.

We pack our backpacks and head to the alpine camp, where delicious food, a hot bath and a relaxed evening before new adventures await us.

Radial exit to a warm corner: 5 km, drop 2650-3500-2650 m. Descent from overnight stays under the Ukyu to the alpine camp: 3 km, drop 2650-2140 m.

Today begins the most serious part of our journey — we go out to the largest glacier in Russia and Europe, Ullu-Chiran (Bezengi).

To get to the open ice, you will have to carefully make your way under the crumbling wall of the right moraine. 

Once on the ice, we will take time to look at the glacial relief, cracks and craters.

To reach the place of our overnight stay, we move towards the Bezengi wall, leaving behind all the manifestations of wildlife. 

There are snowy Caucasian giants all around, ice and rocks underfoot.

Having crossed the central moraine, the eyes are delighted to meet the green strip under the harsh wall of the Kargashil ridge — we are going there.

We set up camp on the shore of the lake, enjoy the atmosphere of the oasis and take a well-deserved rest.

Active part: 8 km, 2140-2750 m, duration 5-6 hours.

And you won't be able to sleep longer again. 

The culmination of our adventures is already waiting for us behind the thin wall of the tent. 

We go out to storm the peaks of Kelbashi 3596m — this is one of the best viewing points on the peaks of the Bezengian wall, glacier.

It's not easy to get here: there's a steep takeoff and a loose slope traverse on the way, but we've trained so much for a reason.

After the descent, we have lunch by the lake, pack up and make the final crossing on our journey.

As soon as we return to our home, we return to the Bezengi alpine camp to spend the evening in warm company, share our impressions and plans for future travels.

Climbing Kelbashi: 8 km, drop 2750-3596-2750 m. Descent from Baran Kosh to the alpine camp: 8 km, drop of 2750-2140 m.

After breakfast, we consolidate the skill of quickly collecting parking, say goodbye to the alpine camp and leave.

14:00-15:00 Return to Mineralnye Vody (railway station, airport).