Secrets of the grey Elbrus. Trekking

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A six-day hiking adventure around the highest mountain in Russia and Europe. Alpine meadows, powerful glaciers, ancient pine forests and one of the best views of the two-headed giant await you. Anyone who has visited the Caucasus once knows how exciting it is to feel the presence of this giant.

The route allows you to comfortably acclimatize and enjoy the views without being an experienced traveler. And after the active days, you will have overnight stays in cozy mountain hotels.

Location

G. Mineralnye Vody

Hiking & Trekking Tours

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Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

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Tour highlights

Lake in alpine meadows

Take a walk to Donguz Orun-Kel Lake, formed as a result of melting glaciers

Delight on the rocks

Do some simple rock climbing and get a great view of the valley as a reward.

Rope adventures

If desired, take a cable car up the slopes of Mount Elbrus to a height of 3,800 m.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival
Arrival in Mineralnye Vody is the gateway to the breathtaking beauty of the Caucasus.
If you arrive the day before or stay after the program, we recommend staying in Pyatigorsk (you can specify more detailed information when booking).
After arriving at Mineralnye Vody Airport before 14:00, we will assemble a group for a comfortable group transfer to the Elbrus region. At the airport, tourists are greeted by a driver with a sign "Elbrus" at the exit of the arrivals hall.
Our transport picks up tourists from the railway station, depending on the arrival time of the trains, but no later than 13:30.
This scenic journey will take about 3.5 hours, and along the way we will make a technical stop to warm up and enjoy the local views.
The estimated time of arrival is 18:00 at Cheget glade, the heart of the mountainous region.
Majestic views and the purest mountain air await you here, and in the evening, dinner at the hotel of your choice, depending on the reservation.
The time in the program is approximate, the exact time will be in the memo before the start of the tour.

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Day 2 - Cheget Mountain and hiking to Donguz Orun-Kel Lake
The duration is 5-6 hours. Walking distance is up to 5 km. The height difference is 200 m.
Your morning will start with a cozy breakfast at the hotel.
At 09:30 we will meet with the guide in the lobby of the hotel, where you will receive a brief briefing and preparation for the route. Be prepared for the fact that the meeting time and location may be adjusted depending on the weather conditions.
Climbing Cheget Mountain is one of the most picturesque places in the region. A chairlift will take you to an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level.
Lifting is paid separately — 1100 rubles / person.
You will have a breathtaking view of the Caucasus Mountain Range, the majestic Elbrus and the famous glacier Semerka.
A walk to Donguz Orun-Kel Lake, a natural wonder born of the melting of ancient glaciers. The water flowing down from the mountains is saturated with minerals, which gives the lake unique emerald and turquoise shades.
Let's take a look at a local cafe, where we recommend you try the famous Caucasian pies. This is a delicacy made according to ancient recipes.
After descending to the Cheget glade, you will find a market for local souvenirs and handmade products — here you can buy knitwear, wool socks, hats and much more created by local craftsmen.
In your free time, we recommend going for an independent walk to the Narzan Glade, the path to which runs along the Baksan River, and enjoying the natural healing springs of Narzan.
In the evening, you will have a rest and dinner in a cozy hotel, depending on the reservation.

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Day 3 - Kogutai Glacier Trekking
Duration 5-6 hours. Walking distance is 8 km. The height difference is 600 meters.
Breakfast at the hotel will set the tone for a new day of adventure. At 09:00 you will meet with the guide.
The peaks of Bolshoy (3819 m) and Maly (3750 m) Kogutai are the most recognizable in the Elbrus region, not counting, of course, Elbrus or Donguzorun. Two rocky triangles and a long tongue of glacier below them are a picture that can be seen from everywhere.
The route starts from the foot of Cheget Mountain. The first part of the route is a beautiful old pine forest.
First, we need to overcome the route along the ridge, along a fairly steep path, quickly gaining altitude, but our efforts will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the bolshoy Kogutai waterfall, where we will have our first stop.
Gradually, the pine forest is replaced by birch, in winter avalanches often descend here, and in summer we can observe their devastating consequences.
As we climb, we leave the forest area and enter the subalpine zone of flowering meadows. We have a magnificent view of Elbrus, Cheget and the Caucasian ridge all the way.
We cross a small river and arrive at our next point, Waterfall Hill. Here we will have a simple rock climbing and a reward — a panoramic view of the valley, Elbrus and a powerful beautiful cascade of waterfalls.
We leave the alpine meadows and enter the zone of rocks, ice and water. We call this place "welcome to Mars." Rocks of futuristic shapes and colors, polished by ice and water.
Lunch lunch with a breathtaking view, descent down to the Cheget glade. Rest at the hotel.

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Day 4 - Adyl-Su Gorge, Bashkara Lake
Take the documents! Services for obtaining a border pass. the zone for foreign citizens is 1,500 rubles/person.
The duration is 5-6 hours. The walking distance is 12 km. The height difference is 3000 m.
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the start of the route. Passage of the border checkpoint, registration of documents.
Then we walk 1.5 km along the river and cross to the other bank. The road and the river mouths are hidden by forest — pines, birches, willows, everywhere dense undergrowth and succulent tall grass, thickets of gooseberries, wild rose, raspberries, lingonberries and barberry, and higher up the slopes — thickets of rhododendron.
The route passes through alpine meadows, the ascent is very smooth, almost imperceptible.
At the end of the route, we will have a short climb to the crater, inside which Lake Bashkara is located. The depth of the lake is about 30 meters. The peaks of Jantugan and Bashkara and the Jan-Kuat glacier are clearly visible beyond the lake.
Lunch — lunch with a beautiful view of the lakes.
After lunch, we return along the path along the mountain river, among massive boulders, quaint trees and many small streams.
Upon returning to the hotel, you will have the opportunity to relax in the wellness center or sauna, which will be a great end to the day (not included in the price).
Dinner at the hotel (depending on the reservation).

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Day 5 - Elbrus Mountain Tour
The duration is 5-6 hours.
Breakfast at the hotel and then a meeting with the guide, after which the transfer to the Azau glade begins, from where your ascent to Elbrus will begin.
Not just a mountain, it is a majestic volcano that rises to a height of 5,642 meters, making it the highest point in Europe and one of the most iconic peaks on the planet.
We will take the cable car up to a level of 3,800 meters, where incredible views of the vast expanses of the Caucasus Mountains and glaciers await you.
Lifting is paid separately — 2,700 rubles /person.
At the top, you can play snowballs, even in summer, or ride a snowmobile (for an additional fee). Gigantic peaks, glaciers sparkling in the sun, mineral springs and a continuous dance of clouds on the horizon.
After descending to the Azau glade, you will have an independent lunch at one of the local cafes.
And if the weather is favorable, we strongly recommend a walk along the five-kilometer ecotrope "Azau-Cheget" through the pine forest. From the end of August, you will be able to harvest mountain blueberries, raspberries or lingonberries, which grow here in abundance.
In the evening, you will participate in the final dinner, where you can share your impressions with other tour participants. This will be the final chord of an eventful day.

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Day 6 - Free time. Departure
Breakfast at the hotel and preparation for departure. Your rooms must be vacated before 12:00.
You can spend the time before departure usefully: you can paraglide and see the Caucasus Mountains from a bird's—eye view (check with the guide - from 10,000 rubles), or choose a quiet horseback riding, enjoying the views of the mountain valleys (from 2000 rubles).
We also suggest that you take a walk in the Terskol gorge to the Terskol waterfall on your own.
Along the way, you will make a stop at a tea house where you can drink fresh mountain water from a magical spring that locals consider a source of health and longevity.
One of the most impressive natural sights awaits you ahead — the Terskol waterfall. From a height of 10 meters, the water falls down in a powerful stream, breaking into small splashes, creating an atmosphere of wild force of nature. The width of the waterfall reaches 12 meters.
A group transfer to the airport or Mineralnye Vody railway station will be waiting for you around 13:30-14:00. Choose flights departing after 19:00.
For tourists arriving/leaving at other times, individual transfers can be arranged for an additional fee starting from 8000 rubles.

Difficulty

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in a good physical shape

Tour organizer's comments

The tour is suitable for active tourists under the age of 65 who have no contraindications to active activities in the mountains.

Accommodation

Hotel

5 nights

Comfort

Upscale

The tour includes hotel accommodation.

The cost of the tour for 1 person, depending on the accommodation, RUB.:

Placement	2-bed accommodation	1-local accommodation	Extra bed accommodation (from age 12)
Accommodation with breakfast - June, July, October
Tap dancing : ”Kuanche " 3*	53000	75000	53000
Cheget: “The Snow Leopard" 3*	60000	85000	53500
Cheget: Kristall 139 4* Standard room	83000	99000	no
Cheget: Kristall 139 4* Standard room+	87000	Under the request	67000
Accommodation with breakfast - August, September
Tap dancing : ”Kuanche "3*	56000	77500	55000
Cheget: “The Snow Leopard" 3*	63500	87000	55000
Cheget: Kristall 139 4* Standard room	85000	103000	no
Cheget: Kristall 139 4* Standard room+	87000	Under the request	67000
Accommodation with breakfast and dinner - all season
Cheget: “The Snow Leopard" 3*	65000	89500	55000

Discount on the main seats for children aged 12-14 years — 5%. Booking superior rooms on request.

The Kuanch Hotel

The Kuanch Hotel is a new accommodation facility in the ski village of Terskol. The main advantage is the proximity to the Cheget ski lift. The rooms are equipped with a terrace. In addition, a flat-screen TV, comfortable beds, a refrigerator and a clothes dryer are provided for each category. Guests will be able to appreciate the convenient location to all major infrastructure facilities. In the surrounding area, you can engage in not only active sports, but also just walking in the fresh air.

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Another option

Hotel

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Another option

Hotel

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Tour conditions

Group

From 4 to 16 tourists

Minimum age

12 years old

Duration

6 days 5 nights

Group meets at

G. Mineralnye Vody

Included in price

group transfers airport / railway station Mineralnye Vody — Elbrus region — airport / railway station Mineralnye Vody;
transportation and sightseeing services along the route;
the fee for visiting the national park;
mountain guide services;
hotel accommodation 3*/4* to choose from (5 nights) in Cheget glade;
nutrition:
- buffet breakfasts in hotels according to your reservation;
- 2 lunches: standard lunch box, lunch boxes on this route are full—fledged hot lunches;
- dinners:
  - dinners at the Kristall 139 Hotel (3-course menu) according to your reservation;
  - dinners at the Snow Leopard Hotel (3-course set) according to reservation;
  - a festive dinner in the Elbrus region without alcoholic beverages.
eco-fees of the Elbrus National Park.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Mineralnye Vody and back;
cable car tickets:
- Elbrus from 2,700 rubles/person.;
- The price starts from 1100 rubles/person.;
services for obtaining a border pass. the zone for foreign citizens is 1,500 rubles/person.;
meals not included in the tour program;
the additional fee for a vegan lunch is 1 piece — 700 rubles per person.;
individual transfers from 8000 rubles.;
rent of trekking poles from 350 rubles. per day, on-site payment;
additional services in hotels (sauna, sauna, billiards, etc.);
additional excursions;
alcoholic beverages;
snowmobile riding from 10,000 rubles.;
to fly a paraglider from 10,000 rubles.;
horseback riding from 2000 rubles.

It's important to know

For tracking:

windproof jacket;
trekking trousers;
trekking boots or sneakers with tread;
thermal underwear;
fleece jacket;
headdress (cap, panama hat);
gloves and a hat for climbing Elbrus;
backpack (volume up to 30 liters) to fit into it (fleece, raincoat, dry ration, water);
rain cover (raincoat) for body and backpack;
sunglasses and cream (SPF 50);
individual first-aid kit: products used for problems of the gastrointestinal tract, colds, headache, nausea. If you are taking any medications individually;
polyurethane foam "seat";
thermos;
tracking sticks.

Documents:

passport, birth certificate for children;
the agreement confirming the purchase of the tour;
compulsory medical insurance policy.

You can rent: a windproof jacket, windproof trousers, trekking poles, trekking boots (book when buying a tour).

Mountains are a place of increased danger to the health and life of urban residents trapped in the natural environment.

Weather changes very often in the mountains. There are thunderstorms, strong winds, low and high temperatures, rock and ice collapses, mudflows.

A person is affected by changes in altitude, temperature, increased ultraviolet activity of the sun, and other factors.

It is necessary to protect yourself from sun exposure. Remember that the mountains have high levels of solar radiation. You can get a burn even on a cloudy day. Eyes must be protected with sunglasses with a protection level of at least 3. It is mandatory to apply sunscreen with maximum protection factor to all exposed areas of the body (hands, face, ears) daily before going on the route.
Do not allow overheating or hypothermia. You should be dressed according to the current weather and temperature conditions.
When going out on a route, even on a sunny day, be sure to bring a raincoat with you. The weather in the mountains can change dramatically.
Take care of your feet! Take measures against corns in advance: take only comfortable, worn-out shoes for tracking; stick a patch on all problem areas in advance before going on the route as a preventive measure. Use special trekking boots with sturdy soles and ankle support to minimize the risk of injury when walking over rough terrain.
Be careful among the thickets of hogweed (when its leaves get wet from dew, this plant becomes extremely poisonous. You can get a chemical burn, which takes a long time and painfully goes away). You need to have closed clothes, long sleeves, pants, so as not to get burned, it will also save you from sunburn.
Inform the instructor-guide in a timely manner about the deviations of your state of health from normal. Have a personal first-aid kit with you, tailored to your individual needs.
Alcohol consumption is not recommended during the trip, and the use of narcotic and psychotropic substances is prohibited. This can lead to a sharp deterioration in your well-being in the highlands, disruption of the acclimatization process and other adverse consequences. In case of violation of this rule, the responsibility for the consequences lies with the tourist.
Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly. Do not eat meat dishes that have not been heat-treated. If you eat in a restaurant, keep in mind that national cuisine can be spicy, greasy and unsuitable for your stomach. Do not eat mushrooms, berries, or other plants.
With extreme caution, buy alcoholic beverages that are not factory-made (homemade wine) for private individuals, as they may be of poor quality and harmful to health. We ask you to observe moderation in alcohol consumption.
Do not go unaccompanied for walks, picnics, or visits with strangers.

Dates and Prices

$731

11 – 16 Jun 6 days 5 nights

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$731

15 – 20 Jun 6 days 5 nights

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$731

6 – 11 Jul 6 days 5 nights

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$731

20 – 25 Jul 6 days 5 nights

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No need to pay now
$772

3 – 8 Aug 6 days 5 nights

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$772

10 – 15 Aug 6 days 5 nights

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$772

24 – 29 Aug 6 days 5 nights

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No need to pay now
$772

14 – 19 Sep 6 days 5 nights

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No need to pay now
$731

5 – 10 Oct 6 days 5 nights

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Reviews Leave a review

E
Evgeni

about provider

10 Mar, 2026

Overall, everything was fine. The only downside was that there was a bit too much repeated information in the chat, so it was sometimes hard to remember which file contained the information I needed. Otherwise, everything was great
M
Maksim

about provider

28 May, 2025

Great team of guides and well-organized accommodation