Who among us has not thought about spending a vacation in the mountains, or envied the beautiful photos from social networks or magazines with images of the conquered peaks? We can talk endlessly about the benefits of such a rest: this and fresh air, and new impressions, and physical activity. Going to the mountains, it is not at all necessary to prepare to climb the gentle slopes. After all, vacation in the mountains can be so diverse that it can satisfy almost any tourist: as they say, for every taste and budget.
By the way, to enjoy beautiful nature, recreation and sports in the mountains, there is no need to prepare tough sums and a passport: in Russia there are many wonderful places that allow you to fully admire the alpine landscapes. Mount Elbrus is one of the most popular places for mountain lovers.
Why is it worth going to Elbrus by car?
Traveling with your own vehicle is best suited for such a trip. Why? It's pretty simple. Of course, planes and trains do not fly to the foot of Elbrus. When you reach a city that has an airport or a railway station, you will in any case have to look for a car in order to drive first to the foot of the mountain, and then to the tourist base on its slope.
Of course, Elbrus is very popular with tourists, and transport goes there every day. But you must agree: it is easier to get to Elbrus by car than to plan a route taking into account transfers. In addition, when choosing a car, you don’t have to wait for the time for the transport to leave and be afraid to miss your bus, you don’t have to drag your suitcase from one place to another.
On the way to Elbrus, there are several small towns and villages with interesting traditions and cultural monuments, the population of which gladly welcomes tourists. In addition, the road runs through very picturesque places. Most likely, you will often want to stop and take a picture or consider an interesting place you meet along the way. Therefore, it is most convenient to go to Elbrus by car - so you will definitely not miss anything interesting!
Cons of traveling by car
It would be wrong to say that the road to Elbrus by car is a pleasant and easy pastime. Going by car, be prepared to face the disadvantages associated with this type of travel.
You should always have an experienced driver who can navigate difficult road situations and is ready to spend most of the day behind the wheel. Traveling by car always requires more concentration and independence from tourists. Soberly assess your capabilities and leave yourself time for rest and sleep. Think about it: are you ready for such a trip? It might be better to limit yourself tourist trip to Elbrus and spend your vacation at sea?
What you need to know in advance
Get directions in advance and find out where hotels, cafes and gas stations are located. Check out reviews of hotels and cafes. Even if you do not plan to sleep on the road or plan to spend the night in the car, choose your accommodation options in case of force majeure.
You will have to get to the tourist bases on Elbrus by car along the serpentine. Be mentally prepared to drive along a winding mountain road. By the way, according to the stories of tourists, local youth will not mind arranging small races with you along the mountain road. Remember that such bravado is dangerous even in normal urban environments!
Stock up on non-perishable food and water in advance in case you feel hungry and thirsty on the way and the nearest store is closed.
Decide where you will sleep. Experienced tourists are advised to stay overnight (in case you do not want to sleep in a hotel) in well-lit and guarded places - for example, in parking lots near gas stations.
Choose the places you need to visit on the way to Elbrus. Moving by car, you decide where and how long you can stay!
Experienced tourists warn that there are many traffic police posts on the border territory of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria, cars are stopped for checking quite often. Be prepared for the fact that during the trip you will go through the document verification procedure several times.
According to local residents, it is better to refuel at stations of well-known networks. Small local gas stations can sell low-quality fuel.
Many tourists complain that they planned their time incorrectly and regret that they could not stay longer in Elbrus. Based on the reviews, the optimal travel time to Elbrus by car is 10-14 days.
How to get there
Do you know where Elbrus is? Going to Elbrus by car, knowing that he is “somewhere in the Caucasus” will obviously not be enough. The mountain is located on the border of two republics: Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia and is an extinct volcano. The closest way to get to Elbrus is from Pyatigorsk - from there the path to the foot of the mountain takes from 100 to 150 km.
In advance, stock up on maps of the surroundings and see on the navigator how to get to Elbrus by car.
Choice of clothes
Since the weather in the mountains changes with particular frequency, do not forget to bring both warm and summer clothes. When going for a walk, take three types of things: summer, warm and windproof. By combining them, you can spend your vacation as comfortable as possible. As for footwear, you shouldn't take winter boots and boots with you. Sports sneakers will be enough. According to experienced travelers, in these shoes you will not be cold, despite the fact that in the mountains you will be surrounded by centuries-old caps of snow.
Local population
So, we figured out how to get to Elbrus by car and what to take with us on the trip. An important question remains: how to behave with the local population? There are many different rumors about the North Caucasus and there are many stereotypes. But do not be afraid: the population of the Elbrus region has a very positive attitude towards tourists. All that is required of you is a good mood, banal politeness and respect for another culture.
How to plan your budget
A trip to Elbrus by car, according to reviews, is not too expensive. Most of the money is spent on fuel for the car and food. You can calculate in advance how much money will be spent on gas by looking at the maps for how far you will have to travel. Please note that a trip to Elbrus in terms of fuel will be more expensive than descending from it, due to the fact that more gas will be consumed for the ascent.
For food for a week for three, according to tourists, it takes about 8 thousand. But here everything is very individual and depends on where and how you will eat.
On toll tracks it will take quite a bit of money - about 1000 rubles.
Souvenirs will cost one and a half to two thousand.
When is the best time to go?
According to reviews, the summer season is the most suitable for recreation in the Elbrus region. At this time of the year, at the foot of the mountain there is a real hot summer with all its delights, and on the peaks, winter and eternal snow reign. The temperature on the slopes of Elbrus can drop to zero degrees and a little lower. At the same time, due to the hot sun and snow, the cold is almost not felt.
But going to Elbrus by car in summer, it is worth considering that the Krasnodar Territory at this time of the year is overflowing with tourists. Therefore, there is a possibility that on the way to Elbrus you will lose time in traffic jams. Experienced tourists are advised to plan your route so as to pass the places of the greatest congestion of cars at night.
Traveling by car means complete freedom of movement. Therefore, you need to decide in advance where you would like to go on the way to the cherished mountain. In addition to the fact that you will be driving along the road, laid in the valley between the picturesque mountains, there will be several beautiful and interesting tourist places.
The road to Elbrus begins in front of the Baksan village and moves along the river of the same name. It is a cold and fast mountain river surrounded by incredibly beautiful slopes and trees. Behind the bridge across the river, the first attraction awaits you - a monument to the conquerors of Elbrus.
The ghost town Tyrnyauz will be waiting for you 30 km before Elbrus. Once, in Soviet times, the town was built and developed due to the work there of a tungsten plant. But the USSR ceased to exist, and the plant was closed. People, in search of work and a better life, left the city. There are only abandoned high-rise buildings, surrounded by beautiful nature.
You can visit Polyana Narzanov, where you can get water from mineral springs, have a snack and buy souvenirs.
Of interest for tourists is the village of Terskol, which is now a cozy place for inexpensive accommodation for guests of the Elbrus region.
Elbrus would not be itself if it were not adjacent to the Cheget mountain, which complements its greatness and beauty. Translated, "Cheget" means "In the shadow". Of course, Elbrus overshadows Cheget with its beauty and grandeur, but on the other hand, the most beautiful view to Elbrus. Local guides advise to climb it first in order to acclimatize and get used to the pressure in the mountains.
The last attraction on the way to Elbrus is the Azau glade. Here you can rent a room, buy souvenirs and, finally, park your car and buy a ticket for the cable car to Elbrus!
Where to stay in the mountains
The closest will be to stop at the Azau glade or the Cheget glade. The second most remote option will be hotels in the village of Terskol. And, finally, located a little further, but nevertheless located conveniently for tourists, is ready to offer several hotels with rooms for every taste and budget.
Entertainment on Elbrus
Elbrus, first of all, is a ski resort. Therefore, entertainment here corresponds to this status. You can go skiing and snowboarding, rent a snowmobile, or go hiking or hiking in the mountains.
If active leisure activities do not bring you pleasure, you can relax in the bars of Elbrus, sunbathe and take photos against the backdrop of dazzlingly beautiful landscapes.
"Kabardino-Balkaria is an earthly miracle,
The wonderful land of waterfalls and rocks,
And this pearl is like a fairy tale,
Both the tourist and the poet sang "(M. Trubnyakov)
The wonderful climate and huge recreational potential annually attract hundreds of thousands of travelers to the Caucasus region. Krasnodar Territory and Stavropol Territory specialize in sanatorium treatment. Adygea, Karachay-Cherkessia, Alania are focused on mountain tourism. But every rule has an exception. Kabardino-Balkaria organically combined the beauty of mountaineering trails, the exciting echo of the gorges, the adrenaline of the ski slopes and the heroic power of the natural sources of Narzan. The epicenter of tourist attraction is the snow-capped slopes of Elbrus. The two-headed stratovolcano breaks through an impressive mark of 5642 meters above sea level and is rightfully titled the crown of the highest point in Russia and Europe.
Meeting and transfers
All tours in the Elbrus region are complemented by external and local group transfers, including cable car rides provided for by the program. We meet guests at the airport or railway station of the city Mineral water... Depending on the number and composition of the group, we use:
· Comfortable sedans;
· Passenger minibuses;
· Child seats.
The main route of the movement "Mineralnye Vody - Baksan Gorge" runs along the federal highway A-158 "Prokhladny - Baksan - Elbrus". The length of the trip is 180 km. Travel time is 2.5-3.5 hours (depending on the weather, stops, traffic congestion). The road is quite picturesque, especially after the end of the foothill zone and the entrance to the famous Baksan gorge, the exit from which is closed by Mount Elbrus. The total height difference is 1500 m (from 300 m to 1800 m). This is a lot, but not dangerous. The 1.8 km mark is optimal for initial mountain acclimatization without discomfort and harm to the body.
We will pass most of the Baksan gorge (75 km), bypassing the settlements of Zayukovo, Zhanhoteko, Bedyk, Bylym, Tyrnyauz, Verkhny Baksan. The final destination of the trip is the Elbrus_Holidays hotel in the village of Elbrus. After completing the program, we will take you to the plane or train along the same road. At the same time, there is the possibility of ordering an individual transfer.
Choose reliability and safety!
At first glance, ordering a tour to the Elbrus region in the summer is a trivial task. Many sites promise enchanting leisure time and decent living conditions. In practice, a week-long stay in a mountainous republic often turns into serious troubles:
· Poor health due to acclimatization violations;
· Weak excursion program;
· Low level of consumer services;
· Hidden costs;
· Poor quality food.
The explanation is simple. Resellers deliberately embellish reality in order to sell the service more profitably. Seasonal guides from Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities of Russia do not thoroughly know the landscape, do not want and cannot comprehensively organize an interesting excursion, trekking, horseback riding, a comfortable overnight stay in the mountains, correct ascent to the top.
But there is the best way out of the situation - directly buy a tour in the Elbrus region in the summer from a local operator, which the:
· Does not involve intermediaries;
· Values \u200b\u200bits reputation and clearly fulfills its obligations;
· Has its own hotel fund and kitchen;
· Cooperates with trusted landlords, instructors, guides, suppliers of organic products;
· Safely conduct individual and group transfers;
· Is able to organize family vacations at a high level, taking on a significant part of child care in order to relieve parents.
Support in everything, an individual approach to needs and physical capabilities tourists will make travel in the Caucasus attractive and absolutely safe. This is the only way to feel like a welcome guest, who are welcome now and will be happy next year!
Some travel, for example "Dzhily-Su health tour", provide an alternative route through the Kabardinsky Range to the northern slope along new track "Kislovodsk - Dzhily-Su".
Where is better in the Elbrus region
Accommodation and infrastructure
Comfortable living in the Elbrus region in summer is the key to a successful vacation. In winter, it is advisable to rent a house on the Azau or Terskol Glade, Cheget Glade, as close as possible to the ski lifts and ski slopes... In the warm season, it is better to settle in the quieter village of Elbrus, which is 10 km away from the mountain, surrounded by dense pine forest, has a good location for sightseeing tours, radial exits to the gorges, horse and trekking walks, jeeping.
We provide our guests with our own hotelin the village of Elbrus with a large fenced area. Nearby there is a pharmacy, a shop, the Baksan river bed, the entrances to the Iryk-Chat and Adyl-Su gorges. The hotel fund consists of 2- and 3-bed rooms of the Standard category with all amenities. By prior arrangement, check-in is available in "junior suites" and two-room "suites".
A well-thought-out infrastructure offers guests additional rest, relaxation, exciting and active leisure:
· Sauna and bath;
· Sports ground;
· Pool and cafe;
· Barbecue area with gazebos and a fireplace room;
· Eco trail for walking in the forest, etc.
Thanks to long-term contracts with proven hotels, guest houses, alpine camps and the private sector throughout the Elbrus region, we always select the best accommodation option in Terskol, Cheget, Verkhniy Baksan, on the Azau Glade.
Holidays with children in the Elbrus region
Elbrus in summer is perfect for families with children. There are no ticks, mosquitoes, midges and gnats, they do not live at that height. The special climate, coniferous forests, fresh and clean air with a slight lack of oxygen actively stimulate the immune system, strengthen the lungs, the circulatory system and the health of the child in general. The mountain sun has a beneficial effect on key life processes, relieves apathy, improves mood and gives a boost of vivacity.
Our hotel in Elbrus is optimized to accommodate children of different ages, including toddlers (up to 3 years old free). We provide babysitting services, practice a special set of strengthening exercises, and have prepared a picturesque path for safe walks in the forest and along the river bank. We have a swimming pool, swing, special menu, play equipment, playground, playroom. Our meek and obedient horses with a calm disposition bring bright colors and positive emotions to the mountain vacation for children during horse trips to the gorges. Experienced instructors select a horse and equipment for each guest individually, provide maximum safety during the trip, and promptly solve any problems.
To guess for sure with the program of recreation with children in the Elbrus region, pay attention to our 8-day author's tour "Octopus", which provides for diverse entertainment, "climbing" Elbrus and Cheget, a picnic on the turquoise lake, jeeping along the legendary Adyr-Su gorge.
Meals at the hotel and on the routes
Author's tours to the Elbrus region from Elbrus_Holidays differ in budget cost and many included options, which are indicated in the description of the programs on the site. Our guests are relieved from solving any household problems. We take care of all the worries so that you can comfortably enjoy your rest and excursions.
The basic price of the trip already includes complex meals. We prepare the food ourselves, using fresh and organic products. Emphasis on Russian, Caucasian and children's cuisine to satisfy the taste needs of each guest to the maximum. Large portions, varied homemade food and a family atmosphere at the table - best remedy against hunger, fatigue and stress. If necessary, you can order additional meals à la carte or practice your culinary skills in the equipped barbecue area. We will help you with the products!
Meals along the route are organized in several ways. If it is a day trip, we take a healthy ration with us, organize a picnic, have lunch in a cafe or alpine camp (each program is thought out to the smallest detail). Mountain trekking or horse trek overnight stays in tents are supported by a car that carries equipment, cooks and food.
The group arriving at the camp does not need to worry about cooking, they are already waiting for lunch or dinner with ardor, with heat.
Guides and instructors
Dozens of films and hundreds of books have been written about the complex nature and unpredictability of mountains. The mountains require respect for themselves, an adequate assessment of the situation, the correct choice of equipment and a route. Traveling in the Caucasus without a professional guide is unsafe, physically difficult and uninformative.
Deciding to buy tour in the Elbrus region in the summer, you get a comprehensive outdoor activities program that includes transfers, accommodation, meals, leisure and guides with extensive experience in mining. Our team includes practicing specialists of the Ministry of Emergency Situations who thoroughly know the area, stormed 8-thousand-strong Nepal, professionally possess the skills of instructing, acclimatizing to the highlands, selecting equipment, assessing weather conditions. If there is a risk of cold snap and precipitation, we will promptly ask the hike participants to take care of warm and waterproof things.
Missing equipment and equipment can be rented at our rental points at the foot of Cheget and Elbrus. Very popular tour "Climbing Elbrus", which, thanks to the classic route along the southern slope, has a minimum of restrictions on age and physical fitness.
An English-speaking guide is provided for foreign guests. The fitness experts will help you with a personalized nutritional and functional strength training program. Ski instructors will teach you the skills of skiing or snowboarding, select the optimal track for your current level of training.
Creative and extreme tourism in the Elbrus region
· Excursions to ancient settlements - El-Tyubu, Upper Balkaria.
· Hikes to the lakes - Donguz-Orun-kel, Gizhgit, "Dead", "Zhivoe", Bashkara;
The Elbrus region is not only about admiring nature, healing with narzans, tasting delicious Kabardino-Balkarian cuisine and a rich historical and cultural heritage. There are enough blood-chilling activities that we have compactly collected in an exciting extreme tour... The Chegem paradrome (paragliding, jumping off the cliff, downhill slope), diving in the Blue Lakes (karst sinkholes up to 300 m deep) awaits you, overnight in the Ushtulu tract lost in the mountains.
For creative people who dream of drawing mountains with access to the open air and sharing their impressions with like-minded people, we have developed a 10-day creative tour "Etudes in the Elbrus region"... The Ullu-Tau alpine camp in the picturesque Adyr-Su gorge was chosen as the main base.
How to get yourself to Elbrus and Terskol
The Elbrus region is an attractive tourist destination that is popular all year round. Many people want to visit this unique place, initially discarding the idea of \u200b\u200bordering organized tour... The logic here is simple - why overpay money if you can drive your car, rent inexpensive housing on the spot, eat in a cafe or cook yourself.
But how effective is this approach in practice in terms of providing an economical, comfortable and informative and exciting vacation?
We first arrived in the Elbrus region three years ago and loved this region with all our hearts. Incredibly beautiful mountain landscapes, unusual lakes, waterfalls and many other interesting places make Kabardino - Balkaria very popular among tourists. People travel to the Elbrus region at any time of the year. In the warm season - excursions, walks, climbing Elbrus, trekking routes. Depending on the desires and level of sports training, everyone will find what they need there for themselves. In winter, it is, of course, a ski resort. Moreover, the skiing season sometimes lasts until June.
Walk along the Elbrus. View of the Caucasian ridge from the Garabashi glacier.
Elbrus region. Where to spend your vacation.
To get a little idea of \u200b\u200bthe Elbrus region, one day is naturally not enough. Especially if you are active and are going to hike in the mountains. There are many routes where you can go both independently and with a guide. Climbing Elbrus itself, of course.
Cherek Gorge in Upper Balkaria. View from the old road near the tunnel. If you just decide to take a break from the bustle of the city and see the sights, then there are excursion routes for you by transport, forests, rivers, mountains, lakes. The cable cars will take you to great heights. Mushrooms, blueberries in August. We will try to tell you in detail about each of the places we have visited ourselves, and you will already have to choose a vacation to your liking.
Glade Azau. Parking, the beginning of the cable car, hotels. Popular places to stay are Azau glade, Terskol village and Cheget glade. These are the closest points to the foot of Elbrus, to the cable cars. Here is the most developed tourist infrastructure.
The proximity to the cable cars is especially important for ski lovers.
Glade Azau is the closest village to Elbrus, located at its foot. The location directly next to the cable cars (there are two of them here) makes it the most popular resort Elbrus. It is here that ski lovers from all over the world come in season. And the season, I repeat, sometimes lasts until June.
Glade Azau. New hand-held lift. Trails on Elbrus for skiers of different skill levels. Above, on Garabashi, there are green trails for beginners, below there are steeper slopes. There are a lot of hotels of different levels in the village, both in price and in comfort. There is everything you need for living - shops, a pharmacy, an ATM, a first-aid post.
Azau is in demand at any time of the year among fans of mountaineering, trekking, and just vacationers. The cable car will take you 3750 meters above sea level to the Garabashi glacier. From there, a panorama of the Caucasian ridge and snowy Elbrus opens.
Cheget.
Polyana Cheget is a ski resort for more experienced athletes. The tracks here are only blue and red, beginners have nothing to do. There is a chairlift to Mount Cheget. In the village there are hotels, cafes, rentals.
Polyana Cheget. View from the cable car. Cafes, hotels, market. In summer, lovers of hiking and outdoor activities come here. There are a lot of routes for them, including to the top of Cheget. Adaptation takes place here before climbing Elbrus.
View of Elbrus from Mount Cheget. The upper station of the cable car. Cheget offers a magnificent view of Elbrus, the Baksan gorge. The place is ideal for photo tours, the main thing is to be lucky with the weather. If you do not like walking in the mountains, you can take a cable car or take a walk at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level.
Polyana Narzanov.
Glade Narzanov can be imagined as a small recreation park. It is located in a picturesque place under a mountain in a place where several mineralized springs gush out of the ground. Water contains iron and has a characteristic flavor and color.
The glade is located not far from the village of Terskol, a convenient access, beautiful mountain landscapes, many cafes with national cuisine attract tourists here not only for treatment with narzan, but also in order to calmly walk, relax, eat in a cafe. For example, we love to stop by here for lunch.
Narzan spring in the Elbrus region. Water contains iron and therefore has a characteristic color and flavor. In fact, the special value of this place is, of course, in the composition of the water. Bottles, disposable glasses can be purchased locally.
Various souvenirs and trinkets for tourists are sold on the territory of the meadow.
Thermal springs.
Popular thermal waters of Kabardino - Balkaria are Geduko and Aushigersk sources. They are located near Nalchik and are popular at any time of the year. The water in the springs is hot and mineralized. People come here both for medicinal purposes and just to relax.
Thermal springs in Aushiger. Kabardino - Balkaria. Aushiger has one pool with warm water, about 35 degrees. You can pay for a booth for a company and relax separately, with a pool, sofas, a table and a barbecue. On the territory there are hotels, cafes, shops. For bathers, changing rooms and gazebos for relaxation.
Geduko has several pools with water of different temperatures. There are various slides, boats for children. Also sun loungers, gazebos, changing rooms, showers. As in Aushiger, there are booths for groups of several people.
There is also in the Elbrus region mysterious place Jili-Su. There, too, there are pools with thermal water and there is absolutely no civilization. All summer we were going to swim in them, but the weather let down all the time, in this rainy summer, we did not dare. The road leaves much to be desired, but you need to spend the night in tents, or stop in Kislovodsk. We left this journey for the next season.
Trekking routes.
There are a lot of trekking routes in the Elbrus region. For all tastes, ages and fitness levels. Designed as one day or several.
Ecological trail to the waterfall. Not far from the Azau glade. You can walk on your own, or with professional guides. We have just discovered this type of outdoor activity, and in our piggy bank hike to the waterfall Maiden's Braids , Azau waterfall, routes along the Baksan river, Adyr-Suu and Adyl-Suu gorge. Read about all our travels in the blog.
A more difficult route is climbing Mount Cheget. Those who are going to conquer Elbrus also pass it. And there are many roads that we have not yet explored.
Sights and excursions in the Elbrus region. Where to go and what to see.
We have already written about Azau, Terskol and Cheget, but the Elbrus region is large. Just below Terskol there is a turn into the Adyr-Suu gorge.
Lift in the Adyr-Suu gorge. There are 310 steps in total. Below is a platform for lifting machines. Cars are lifted on a special lift, people can climb on foot. The road through a dense mountain forest will lead to the foot of the Ulu-Tau mountain. It is about 15 kilometers from the lift to the goal, it is difficult to walk on foot, you need to go by off-road vehicles.
The sights of Kabardino-Balkaria are not only the Baksan Gorge, which we mainly wrote about. Not far from the capital of the republic - Nalchik, there are amazing places that tourists love very much.
Big Chegem waterfalls in Kabardino-Balkaria. View from observation deck. Chegem waterfalls ... They are located in the gorge of the same name. Popular excursion route to the waterfalls includes a visit to the Small Waterfall, also called the Maiden Spit, and the Big or Main Chegem Waterfalls. Highly beautiful place - a narrow gorge, high cliffs and cascades of water falling from a great height. People come here at any time of the year.
If you drive another 15 kilometers along the gorge, there will be a Chegem parodrome. You can fly with an instructor on a paraglider and see the gorge from above.
Blue Lake Tserik-Kel in Kabardino-Balkaria. Translated as "Rotten Lake". Blue Lakes. This is the place for those who are tired of the hustle and bustle. Three lakes are available for walks, located close to each other. The most popular is the Lower Blue Lake. The beautiful turquoise color of the water has the same temperature in winter and summer. This lake, unlike the two upper ones, does not freeze in winter.
If you go further along the road, you will find yourself in the Cherekskoe gorge. The main attractions of this area are old road, tunnel and ancient city... In general, the places here are so picturesque that the road to Upper Balkaria is itself an attraction.
Thermal springs, we have already talked about them.
Excursions in the Elbrus region.
If you have never been to the Elbrus region, for the first acquaintance, you need several days. The summer season is of course trekking. There are a lot of unique routes in the Baksan Gorge. It's like health trails along the Baksan River through the forest. So are simple routes to lakes and heights that can be walked in one or several days. Well, if you can call it an excursion - climbing Elbrus.
Garabashi glacier. Elbrus. The top is slightly hidden behind the clouds. This route is for more prepared travelers, although we know many examples when people climb without any training and acclimatization. Such an excursion lasts up to 10 days, although the ascent to the mountain itself takes 8 hours. We will tell you more in the blog articles.
In winter, the resort turns into a big friendly family of skiers, many tourists come here to ski on the ski slopes of Elbrus. For lovers of freeride there is Cheget. The trails from this mountain are more difficult and lovers of "powder" here have a place to show their skills.
Summer and Winter in the Elbrus mountains.
Let's start with the fact that the weather in the mountains is very difficult to predict. More than once we got into situations when the weather changed dramatically within half an hour. We were suddenly covered with thunderstorm rain or dense fog. Just be prepared for such a change.
Adyr-Suu gorge. Paradise for mushroom lovers. Hunting and fishing are prohibited here, the gorge is a nature reserve. Summer is perhaps the most favorite time of the year for us. It is at this time that you can go around many beautiful places, just be in nature. For lovers of berry and mushroom hunting, there is simply expanse here. If you are fond of fishing, you can go for trout fishing. It starts to get cold in the gorge in September. And at the end of the month, the first snow may fall. Up in the mountains, he goes much earlier. And the ski tracks are ready at the beginning of December.
We are going to the Elbrus region. All you need to know.
Coming to the Caucasus, remember that many nationalities live here and the main religion is Islam. Respect for local laws and regulations. You do not need to learn the language, they speak Russian perfectly. A large number of foreigners from all over the world are also not limited in communication - English, Spanish, German, whatever speech you just hear.
It is customary to greet people here even with strangers! Be sociable and they will tell you everything.
Clothing should be chosen so that it is comfortable and warm. Remember the changeable weather and the fact that the higher in the mountains - the colder. If you are going to ride the cable car, even in summer, take a jacket in your backpack. You can easily get caught in rain or snow, your rest will be ruined.
How much is a vacation in the Elbrus region. How much money to take.
In any resort, vacation requires a waste of money. Let's try to tell you what you will have to spend money on.
View from the cable car to the Cheget glade. Downstairs of the hotel and parking for cars. If you come to ski, then you have to rent a hotel... In the high winter season, the demand is huge, the prices are not low, so book your accommodation in advance, there are plenty of services. It is also possible to find accommodation upon arrival, but you have to search and it will cost you much more (recall this in the winter season). When there are no skiers and the ski slopes are closed, prices drop and you can book a room for 1000 rubles.
Hotels and cable car in Azau. Another point of consumption will be the cable car. The prices for the lifts are different, there are one-time tourist lifts and there are unlimited lifts - a ski pass.
For example, this summer, climbing Cheget on chairlift cost 700 rubles. per person. Ascent to Mir station on Elbrus - 950 rubles. on the new lift, and 500 rubles on the old one. The funicular goes up a little slower and you may have to queue.
From the Mir station to the Garabashi station, there is a one-seater chairlift, the lift costs 200 rubles. There is a new gondola, but it was not possible to climb on it, at that time there was a renovation.
Prices in the Elbrus region - what to buy and where to eat.
As elsewhere, prices go up in high season. If in summer you can rent a hotel room for 1000 rubles, then in winter it can cost 5000-7000 rubles. per day.
Home you can bring a bunch of souvenirs ranging from ammonites, to various knitted items and toys made from sheep wool. We were happy to buy here warm knitted socks, and warm slippers and fur toys as gifts for relatives. Magnets with our photos on Cheget.
Shashlik on the Narzanov glade. A mutton fat tail is smoked over the barbecue. Local delicacy. You can dine in various hotel cafes. We like to go to the Cheget glade or Narzanov glade for lunch. The nearest supermarket and market are located in Tyrnyauz. Closer only private shops with a meager assortment and slightly overpriced.
Food prices in 2017. How much food costs and where is it more profitable to eat.
The cuisine is the same everywhere - Caucasian. In all cafes, shorpu (mutton soup) is cooked, khychins, shashlik and zhaubaur (liver in a grid on the grill) are fried.
Shorp. Lamb soup. Some potatoes and herbs. Insanely delicious! All dishes are made from lamb. You won't find pork, you rarely find beef. We come to eat at the Cheget glade or the Narzanov glade. A hearty lunch will cost about 400 rubles per person. The portions are large, the dishes are hearty, so don't order too much, you will have to take it with you. We used to take groceries with us, as we already wrote, it’s about forty minutes to go to the nearest supermarket. Recently, we prefer to eat in a cafe, it is not much more expensive and everything is always fresh.
Souvenirs, shopping, what to bring home from the trip.
There are many souvenirs in the markets. As elsewhere in the Caucasus, in the Elbrus region there are many markets where you can buy various necessary and unnecessary things. There are many knitted items, works of local craftsmen. A lot of knitted and felted things from natural sheep six. Warm sweaters and hand-knitted sweaters. Toys, souvenirs. Mugs, plates with themed inscriptions, personalized spoons. A huge number of magnets. Ammonites, ancient fossilized molluscs, are sold on the Blue Lakes.
What to take with you in the Elbrus region.
The most important thing is warm clothes and comfortable shoes. Necessarily a changeable set of clothes, we have already written about the changeable nature of the local nature. And your sneakers and pants may not dry out overnight. If we go in shorts and T-shirts in the summer, then a warm vest and a windbreaker must be in the trunk.
We take a minimum of products. There is nowhere to store them, but you can always eat in a cafe, where everything is hot and fresh. We do not buy bottled water. Water pipelines are mainly drawn from mountain springs, the water is clear, glacial, without impurities.
You can rent any equipment. So there is no special need to buy and carry with you.
To the Elbrus mountains independently.
With the current development of the Internet, there are no problems getting anywhere on Earth. If you are driving, the navigator will guide you where you need to go. If you arrived by train or arrived by plane, there is public transport or taxis. The nearest airport is in Nalchik, a little further from Min-Vody. Railway in Pyatigorsk. Book accommodation, tickets and there will be no problems.
Glade Azau. Market, parking. The nearest airport in the capital of the republic is in Nalchik. Locals and more seasoned tourists will be happy to tell you about the places they have visited themselves and will recommend where to go. You can use the advice of travelers on the Internet. You can buy a tour or use the services of professional guides, while there will be much more opportunities and impressions.
Where and how to find housing in the Elbrus region.
The most popular hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the ski lifts. In the glade Azau and the glade Cheget. There are many hotels along the road to Azau. IN summer time campgrounds open.
Hotels in the Azau glade. The old funicular is visible. A large number of private hotels can be booked on booking.com, find discounts for hotels on Roomguru.com. If you have not booked the hotel in advance, you will have to go directly to the hotels and inquire about availability. We advise you not to run from hotel to hotel - prices are about the same.
How to travel by public transport
You planned independent travel to the mountains of the Elbrus! What do you need to travel? Our site has useful services page for traveling. It can help you save a lot of time and money. There are several ways to get to the Elbrus region.
Let's say your point of departure is Moscow or St. Petersburg. The fastest way is to buy a ticket to Nalchik or Mineralnye Vody. Searching for air tickets on the service aviasales.ru will help you buy a cheap ticket. I will say right away that to get to Cheget, Terskol or Azau by public transport possible, but very inconvenient, you will waste a lot of time. I will not explain, google it yourself. Better or Azau. It turns out to be very beneficial if you are eating in a group and you have huge backpacks.
You can take the train, but that's if you have time. There are no direct trains to the Elbrus region either.
It is also possible to get through the Stavropol airport, but we do not recommend it, because air tickets to Mineralnye Vody or Nalchik will cost almost half the price, you still have to go to these cities.
You can buy bus tickets to Nalchik or Mineralnye Vody. Take tickets at a proven serviceThere are not so many options, but they are all available and it is possible to buy tickets through online services.
Elbrus region is not easy ski region... This is a special world, where it is very easy to become "your own". You just need to breathe in this fresh frosty air, dumbfounded to shake your head at the surrounding peaks, slap a friend on the shoulder, saying Gagarin's "Let's go!", And forever forget the gray everyday life, dull high-rise buildings and eternal traffic jams. They say that you are returning from this land of snows and trails as a new person, which you can readily believe. Dizzying heights, insanely dangerous slopes, devilishly exciting descents and adrenaline rushing 24 hours a day - that's what Elbrus is.
And at the same time, this one of the best ski regions in Russia is still "lagging behind" modernization. Don't let this buzzword evoke a smirk: yes, the skating here is incredible, especially for the pros. And no, most of the infrastructure is not even a four, but a C with a minus. The Elbrus region must be developed. Fortunately, at the very least, they do it, but it is still worth being prepared for meager entertainment and Soviet service when planning a trip.
How to get to Elbrus
The fastest and most convenient way to get to the Elbrus region is by plane. The nearest large airports are located in Nalchik (130 km) and Mineralnye Vody (200 km). However, it is worth choosing the latter, since there are an order of magnitude fewer flights to Nalchik, mostly on board UTair. Mineralnye Vody Airport is much more developed: during the season it receives a dozen planes from many major cities of Russia. And the cost of tickets here is traditionally lower.
From the airports, skiers usually take a private taxi, minibuses or "ski" buses, which run only in the winter season. Directions: to Tyrnyauz, Elbrus village and KBSU recreation center. From Nalchik the way will take from 2 to 2.5 hours, from Mineralnye Vody it will take an hour longer. The fare from MinVod is from 300 RUB by bus, from 650 RUB by shuttle bus. The prices on the page are for October 2018.
Search for air tickets to the city of Mineralnye Vody (the nearest airport to the Elbrus region)
By train
Immediate railway stations to Elbrus are located in the city of Prokhladny (150 km), Nalchik, Mineralnye Vody and Pyatigorsk (160 km). The last two points accept more trains, so it will be easier to find tickets here. The fare depends on the dates and the desired level of comfort: a seat in a SV carriage from Moscow will not cost much less than the cost of a flight, but for a reserved seat you will have to pay about 2900 RUB one way. Further from the railway station, you can order a transfer, a private taxi or take a bus.
By bus
Every winter, travel agencies organize ski buses from Moscow and St. Petersburg directly to the elephants of the Elbrus region. The road will take at least 17 hours from the capital, the ticket price is from 3800 RUB.
By car
Despite the seeming remoteness of the resort, getting here by private car is not a bad option. Firstly, it is enough to pack your ski equipment once and forget about it until the slopes. Secondly, the journey 1600 km from Moscow will seem mostly comfortable: the M-4 Don highway contributes to this. Mountain areas closer to Elbrus can cause inconvenience, but having your own car will make skiers mobile - you can ski on all slopes and save on housing by settling not at the ski lift. From Moscow the way will pass through Rostov-on-Don, Mineralnye Vody, Baksan and Tyrnyauz.
Elbrus regions
Elbrus is not just a village, it is a whole ski region, which includes two ski areas (Elbrus and Cheget) and several villages: Azau glade, Cheget glade, Terskol, Baidaevo, Tegenekli and Elbrus.
Glade Azau is a "tasty morsel" for ski fans. This small village is located directly at the foot of Elbrus, and when they talk about skiing "from the doorstep" of the hotel, this is about it. Moreover, Azau is the highest inhabited point of the entire Elbrus region (2300 m), here the asphalt road from civilization ends. And right there - the main place for sports and recreation, as well as the start of the cable cars "Elbrus Azau" and the gondola Puma. In addition: hotels, camp sites, cafes, barbecue, equipment rental points, etc.
Glade Azau is a "tasty morsel" for ski fans.
Polyana Cheget is an analogue of Azau, but not at the foot of Elbrus, but at the foot of the mountain of the same name with the village. There are also many cafes and hotels where fans of freeriding and virgin lands often stay. The main advantage of this place: a good location to both stations of the cable cars "Cheget", from which skiers are literally a couple of minutes walk away.
Terskol is located approximately in the middle between these glades, so for those who want to master the entire Elbrus region, this is an ideal option. To Cheget from here about 1 km (or half an hour walk along the path through the pine forest), to Azau - 4 km or 5 minutes by car or hotel transfer. Local hotels and camp sites offer a little more low prices for accommodation, but in terms of infrastructure development it is even better here.
Baidaevo stands behind Terskol and the turn to Cheget, on the left bank of the Baksan River. This small aul is the ancestral settlement of the Baidaev family, no more than 70 people live here all year round, therefore the atmosphere of the village is extremely calm and quiet. The Cheget glade is 4 km from here, and 8 km from Azau.
A significant advantage lies in the fact that Baidaevo is not an avalanche-prone area, you can feel safe here. And the prices for accommodation are, frankly, lower.
Next comes Tegenekli, where comfortable hotels and tourist centers have been built recently. For those who appreciate the convenience of rooms and quality of service, Tegenekli - not bad option... Well, for those who are eager to start every morning with an invigorating descent from the mountain, it is worth looking for more - to Azau 13 km, to Cheget about 9 km. Local hotels organize a transfer for their guests, but you still have to adjust to the check-out time and pack your uniforms in the Gazelle salon every day. But it is on the territory of Tegenekli that the famous Alpinist and Hunting Museum named after A. Vladimir Vysotsky is an ardent admirer of the Elbrus region.
Finally, the village of Elbrus is the most remote and, perhaps, the most inconspicuous among all the villages of the Elbrus region. It is large enough, dull and far from the slopes to be preferred over other villages in the region. But the local sanatoriums and hotels located towards the exit towards the mountains are one of the most comfortable and picturesque.
Elbrus transport
There is no public transport between all the villages of the Elbrus region, but most hotels organize a transfer for their guests. As a rule, guests striving for the slope are collected at the reception every morning and delivered at will to the lower station of Cheget or Elbrus. The return, of course, is also taken away. Taxi services are also popular - within 10-15 km you can arrange a trip for 200-250 RUB.
Better, of course, to live directly at the lifts, on one of the meadows, or have your own car. However, it should be borne in mind that the entrance to Azau is closed in winter, the car will have to be left in a paid parking lot at the entrance to the village.
Residents of the resort will have to pay for parking on their own cars; Azau hotels do not have their own parking lots.
Alpine skiing in the Elbrus region
Elbrus region is the most beautiful region of the Caucasus, covering the vicinity of Elbrus and many peaks of the Main ridge. There are two main ski areas: Elbrus-Azau and Cheget. In total, this gives skiers 12 km of cable cars and 35 km of trails, as well as year-round skiing on certain sections of the slopes. But it is important to understand that most of the local trails are wild mountain stretches full of hillocks and cliffs. Therefore, in the Elbrus region, every season they harvest injured skiers. In a word, you need to adequately assess your strength when going to this area.
Elbrus-Azau
As you know, the height of Elbrus is 5642 m, but the highest point available for skiers is Gara-Bashi (3780 m above sea level). Despite its heights, the ski area is suitable for both beginners and "pros". For the former, at the foot of the giant, there is a yoke serving a gentle slope. Well, confident “middle peasants” and pros will need two lift stations - the “old” pendulum and the new gondola lift. Both start from the Azau glade and go parallel to each other. From the second stage (station "Mir"), those who wish to go upwards by snow groomers, to "Priyut-11", it takes about 20 minutes.
In general, the slopes of Elbrus are wide and gentle blue slopes, with slight elevation differences and short red sections. The length of the longest track of the Stary Krugozor resort is 2.5 km with an elevation difference of 650 m. Some of its sections are quite accessible even for beginners. In general, the slopes of Elbrus are less demanding on the professionalism of skiers than Cheget. Beginners will be relatively comfortable here, as well as families with children. Well, the boarders will also like the fields rich in snowy relief under the second stage of the pendulum (from the Mir station). Fans of freeride and backcountry can be advised to join the guides in groups.
You can get to Gara-Bashi from the Mir station by snowcat, sometimes the snowcat can bring skiers even higher than the Shelter of Eleven, about 4800 m above sea level. Goal? Cutting the snow with edging even in summer - this is where the year-round skiing area is located.
The cost of the Azau - Krugozor - Mir lift: from 1550/800 RUB per day per adult / child, 1900/1000 RUB - in high season and 800/450 RUB for 1 "tourist" lift without skis. Cable car Elbrus - Azau costs 1400 RUV for 1 day, 1600 RUB on weekends, 600/700 RUB for excursionists.
The Shelter of Eleven often experiences stormy and even hurricane force winds. In winter, with low temperatures and deep snow, this makes climbing to the top very difficult.
Cheget
The slopes of Che (or Cheget, 3700 m) are the domain of professionals; they are rightfully considered one of the best in the country. And it is here that one of the most difficult slopes in the world ski resorts is located, which only experienced skiers can handle.
And Cheget is also known as the venue for all-Russian and international competitions. However, there are also areas for "new" athletes here. Although, frankly, the concept of a "well-groomed track", rendered into a state of "corduroy", is unfamiliar to local riders. Cheget is the pristine silence of the mountains and wild nature. Vertical drop - 1000 m.
Hotels near Elbrus
In the Elbrus region, there are a lot of hotels, tourist centers and sanatoriums, but during the season, for example, under New Year, it is easy to be homeless if you do not take care of booking in advance. The best hotels, as well as those located closest to the ski lift, despite the high prices (from RUB 3000 per night), fly like hot cakes.
The main thing to start with when choosing a hotel is the area. The glades of Azau and Cheget are the most expensive, skiers who mostly do not spare money for the ideal location to the slopes stay here. Families with children prefer Terskol or Elbrus - the first for its relatively good location and developed infrastructure, and the second for its excellent sanatoriums with a lot additional services... You can live in Baidaevo or Tegenekli on a budget and quite comfortably, but get ready to get to the tracks every day for 15-20 minutes by car. The most economical option is to rent an apartment from private traders, a large selection of which is in Terskol. But in this case, tourists will be deprived of pleasant bonuses from almost all Elbrus hotels - ski storage, rental points and a spacious space for drying things.
Worth knowing: in Cheget, the high season lasts from the second half of January to the end of March. And on Elbrus - from October to the end of May. This factor directly affects the cost of placement.
What to bring
At the lower stations of the Cheget and Elbrus lifts, as well as in the center of the Azau and Cheget glades, spontaneous markets are scattered every day, where you can even find the bald devil. Naturally. The most popular souvenirs are hand-knitted items made from goat and sheep down (very warm and pleasant). Moreover, it is extremely easy to determine by eye whether the product is made by the hands of a local craftswoman or by a machine - the latter are always worse. You can update almost your entire wardrobe, from socks and hats to sweaters, underpants and fishnet shawls. To them, you can also buy national felt hats and boots, chuni, hats made of goat and lamb skins, and the image will be completed.
Having exhausted the topic of fashionable shopping, you should pay attention to the horns of the tour, the horseshoe of a horse and all kinds of chased and ceramic products. Finally, stock up on food for future use - dried lamb, smoked cheese, halva, amazing honey or herbal picks.
Cafes and restaurants of the Elbrus region
In the "Courchevel" understanding of the après-ski, the Elbrus region does not - there are a dozen cafes and bars on the slopes, and the same number in the villages. But skiers do not complain: this is not why they come to Elbrus. And yet, earthly food for skiers tired of conquering trails is important, therefore, in the Elbrus region, Caucasian cuisine is so respected - hearty, hot, meat. The best snack is the famous khychins, the drink is mulled wine (from 80-100 RUB). Average check for lunch: 300-600 RUB.
There are also a couple of places of worship worth visiting just for the sake of history. For example, the Ai cafe on Mount Cheget at an altitude of 2750 m. Just imagine: on the right - Elbrus, on the left - Kogutai, Donguz-Orun and Nakra-Tau, in the center - skiers sunbathing and sipping hot wine. Its rival, located on Elbrus, is the Stary Krugozor cafe - another meeting place that should not be changed.
The best photos of Elbrus
Entertainment and attractions of the Elbrus region
The mountains, causing wild delight and some kind of animal admiration, are the main local attractions. It is simply impossible to take your eyes off them or go somewhere on a cultural "excursion". Therefore, most of the excursions are natural, not counting a couple of museums, which only serve as a pleasant addition to the rest in the mountains. The most visited is the Alpinist and Hunting Museum. V. Vysotsky in Tegenekli. The exposition is not rich, but it touches to the depths of the soul - these are hunting trophies collected over 30 years and memorable gifts and photographs of famous people who could not imagine life without Elbrus. Among them is Vladimir Semenovich, who starred here in the title role of the sensational tape "Vertical".
Another important collection is located in Terskol - the Elbrus Defense Museum, the highest in the world (3500 m above sea level).
Museum exposition. Vysotsky is not rich, but it touches to the depths of the soul - these are hunting trophies collected over 30 years and memorable gifts and photographs of famous people who could not imagine life without Elbrus.
No less popular is the famous "Polyana Narzanov", which is located near the village of Baidaevo. In fact, the springs of this healing water spill out in the Elbrus region almost everywhere, but the most convenient one is located here, three kilometers from Terskol. The meadow, surrounded by a fluffy pine forest, is equipped with benches, gazebos, a cafe, two baths and a parking lot. Mineral springs Narzan is rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium, so it is worth consulting your doctor about medicinal use.
Alas, it will not work to collect narzan for the future - after a couple of hours it has a "rusty" sediment.
As an outing excursion, you can advise a trip to the Aushiger thermal hot springs, located 30 km from Nalchik to the village of Aushiger. The spring flows from a well 4000 m deep, forming a beautiful lake on the surface where you can swim all year round. Also - an excursion to the Chegem gorge with the waterfall of the same name. In winter, the water column falling from the cliff freezes, turning into the kingdom of the Snow Queen - countless icicles hang everywhere, ice blocks rise from below, there is a ringing silence. And, of course, do not forget that the ski resort is located on the territory of the same name national park, where there are more than 60 species of mammals. Even in winter, routes are arranged in the park, including snowmobiling and snowshoeing.
The rest of the entertainment is active - ice skating, billiards, saunas, cross-country skiing, karaoke and nightclubs. Alas, with the onset of darkness in the Elbrus it becomes boring, but an early lights out for many is only a plus - the sooner a new one will come ski day.
Elbrus maps
Weather
The climate of the Elbrus region is formed under the influence of high-mountainous, sharply dissected and contrasting relief. On the plains, it is continental, and high in the mountains, even in the middle of summer, it is below zero.
Each high-altitude zone has its own climatic characteristics. With altitude, atmospheric pressure decreases noticeably - in the upper limits up to 25%, the weight content of oxygen also decreases proportionally, the intensity of solar radiation, in particular, ultraviolet radiation, increases. During excursions involving mountain climbing, these circumstances should always be taken into account in order to avoid overheating and sunburn.
In terms of the number of sunny days, the Elbrus region is not inferior to such resorts as Dombay, Teberda and Krasnaya Polyana. The snow cover here is established in November, in the valleys the snow lies until about mid-May-June.
I think many of you watched with interest films about mountain climbing, about mountain climbers. And someone even had a thought - what is it like to climb several kilometers up ? Why are almost all films about ascents (as well as real ascents) literally imbued with the spirit of danger? What loads does the human body experience in this case?
Few will venture on a real expedition to big mountains - this is the lot of the elite. This requires serious preparation: physical, moral and financial, finally ...
But still, there is one place in Russia where you have a real chance to experience all the "delights" of the highlands, to understand how our body feels at a high altitude, to be the hero of the day on social networks. And at the same time - admire the unforgettable landscapes.
If you like this "option" - welcome to Elbrus , the highest mountain peak in Russia and Europe.
Trip to Elbrus and Cheget in May by car
Where is Elbrus
Until last year, despite my rich travel experience, I could hardly have been able to accurately answer the question - where is Elbrus? Where, where, in the Caucasus! Which, of course, would be the correct answer. But not complete.
And only when last fall we got to the glorious city Pyatigorsk Elbrus has ceased to be an abstract mountain in the Caucasus for me. When we went on an excursion, I saw a road sign to Elbrus, which was only about 100 km away ... And I realized that I would definitely go there. Not this time, so next. But surely soon.
So, Mount Elbrus (height 5642 m) is located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia and is a volcanic mountain range, that is, an extinct volcano. This is one of the largest centers for mountaineering and skiing in Russia and Europe.
From Pyatigorsk to the foot of Elbrus, only 150 km. And in good weather, a good view of Elbrus opens from Mashuk.
But our goal is to climb Elbrus itself by cable car. And so, on a sunny May morning, we load into our car and move out of Pyatigorsk to see everything with our own eyes.
Elbrus region in spring-summer: what tourists do here
The summer season in the Elbrus region is an expanse for active recreation. Climbing groups constantly climb the mountain, and the picturesque views of the Elbrus peak, which is covered with white snow even in summer, attract crowds of ordinary tourists. And every year there are more and more people wishing to climb the famous mountain.
Gone are the days when there were "old-regime" cable cars, on which not only to climb - it was scary to watch from the side ... Now all advertising brochures inviting to Elbrus promise a pleasant walk on a fast and safe lift. Well, well, let's see ...
How to dress for a trip to Elbrus
While I was studying travel forums in search of information about what Elbrus is in May, I most often came across a discussion of the question - how cold is Elbrus at this time of year? And the opinions were downright polar. Some wrote that they climbed in a light fleece and did not freeze. Others claimed that they took winter clothes and shoes with them - and did not regret it ...
I was guided by the fact that in our Polyana, climbing to the top of the Black Pyramid in the summer, I took only a light sports jacket with me. And I didn't really need anything but good sneakers to walk on the snowfield. If the sun is bright, you will sweat and burn out. And if a cloud flies in ... You just need to understand that the weather in the mountains changes every 5 minutes, and you still won't be able to foresee all the scenarios. Therefore, it is worth having with you a couple of additional layers of clothing of varying degrees of insulation, for example, a warm fleece and a windbreaker jacket. Put them in your backpack, and then on the spot you will find out what you want to wear.
What to see on the way to Elbrus
Generally speaking, the road to Elbrus, starting from the turn from the highway in front of the Baksan settlement, goes through a beautiful valley between the mountains, along baksan river .
The river is long - 173 km. Its sources are in the glaciers of Elbrus, therefore the river is stormy and cold. And the landscapes are beautiful:
And the road surface is good here, so the trip by car will be pleasant.
Monument to the first conquerors of Elbrus
The first place where we made a short stop was the Monument to the first conquerors of Elbrus. It is located behind the bridge over the Baksan River, in front of the village Verkhniy Baksan ... Represents four pedestals. On two of them are the figures of snow leopards, and on two of them are the figures of two brave mountaineers: the Kabardian Killar Khashirov (in other sources - Khachirov) and the Balkar Akhii Sottaev.
The first was in 1829 a guide on an expedition to Elbrus under the leadership of the head of the Caucasian fortified line, General G. Emmanuel, and the only person from the whole expedition who climbed to the top of Elbrus (the rest were "blown away" at an altitude of 5350 meters). The second became a guide for a group of British climbers led by D. Freshfield in 1868 and then again, six years later.
Tyrnyauz
Town of Tyrnyauz - the administrative center of the Elbrus region and the largest settlement in the valley. It arose in 1934, when a tungsten-molybdenum deposit was discovered here and a plant was built, which supplied our military industry with raw materials. This city-forming plant was one of the flagships of the non-ferrous metallurgy of the USSR.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, when the city-forming enterprise slowly rolled into the abyss, the town began to decline. It became out of fashion to work at the plant. In addition, it has suffered more than once from mudflows descending from the surrounding mountains ... After them, the infrastructure was hardly renewed - there was no money. People began to leave for large cities, simply abandoning their apartments. selling them at that time was almost impossible - the Caucasus was shaken by military conflicts ...
In short, about Tyrnyauz, almost every travel site said that it was ghost town , which frightens passing tourists with half-abandoned houses. So I was determined to see practically the "Caucasian Chernobyl". But the town turned out to be not so scary:
Apparently for last years tourism began to grow, and the town began to gradually revive.
It would be logical to make it a tourist center, where skiers, conquerors of Elbrus and other lovers of mountain landscapes can rest. After all, it is just a stone's throw from here to Elbrus - only 30 km. I would like to hope that the times are not far off when decent hotels will be built here, shops, cafes, souvenir shops will open ... But so far all this is not. And there is beautiful nature - and semi-residential high-rise buildings requiring repair ...
Village Elbrus
If Tyrnauz stuck in our memory, then you can't say that about the village of Elbrus. We just drove right through it and drove on. And in front we see a pointer to Polyana Narzanov.
Narzan glade
To be honest, at first glance at this place it became clear to me (as a guide): this is a pure attraction for tourists. Yes, there are narzans here:
But there are 5-7 different cafes and souvenir pavilions per source. However, if you want to have a snack and buy some souvenirs from a trip to the Elbrus region, then do not drive by.
We just drank coffee (100 rubles per cup) and drove on - we could not wait to climb Elbrus itself.
It is for the same reason that we have so far passed the turn to Cheget, although it is located almost immediately after Polyana Narzanov. We will visit it on the way back. In the meantime, we go further.
Terskol
And then there was Terskol. It is as small as Elbrus, but because of the tall pines it is somehow more comfortable. Terskol was originally built to house the maintenance personnel of the Elbrus recreation area. But now it is advised to all tourists as an inexpensive accommodation option in the Elbrus region. There are really many mini-hotels and hotels here. By the way, the prices for them were quite decent even now, in May (i.e., sort of like in the off-season).
But as I realized later, in the summer there is also a demand for them here. And all because here, within 15–20 km (on a good highway), there are a dozen different, easily accessible, not similar to each other, the most beautiful short (4–8 km) routes.
In the center of the village there is a control and rescue service, which is one of the strongest services in the structure of the Russian Emergencies Ministry. Another thing that attracts attention is the zentik cannons standing on the side of the road, in the woods. But no, this is not an echo of the Caucasian wars. These are anti-avalanche cannons. To forcibly release avalanches at the right time in the right place.
Glade Azau and ascent to Elbrus
The Azau glade is located at an altitude of 2300 meters. And this is the final part of the car route. We park in one of the lanes. Now, in May, there is no problem with that. As there are no warnings that parking in this place is paid. Or maybe it is not paid, but before our departure from Azau some peasant came up and shook us 200 rubles. It seems like a trifle. But for what - it is not clear ...
Yes, the tourist infrastructure here, of course, is not as extensive as in Krasnaya Polyana. The entire Azau glade can be walked around in 10 minutes. And the best hotels here look like cheap hostels in Krasnaya Polyana.
But we don't sleep here. Therefore, we don't bother too much about hotels, but go straight to the cable car ticket office.
We buy a ticket for the rise up to 3780 - Garabashi station ... It costs us 1,250 rubles per person. We load into an 8-seater gondola and begin our "conquest" of Elbrus. Its top is hidden from us by dense clouds.
By the way, weather during our journey from Pyatigorsk to Terskol it has time to change. The sun hides behind the clouds, and the air temperature drops by 10 degrees: if in Pyatigorsk it was about +25, then in the Azau glade it is no more than +15.
But here she remains below:
On the way we manage to take a few photos. Here, in parallel with us (but a little slower than us), the trailer of the old cable car rises:
And the first transfer is to be at around 3000 meters above sea level. We leave the booth and go to the next line of the lift, driven by the cool breeze.
So far, we have not seen any significant changes in health. But here it got even colder and there is already snow underfoot:
On the next section of the cable car - up to 3500 - we notice that the visibility has deteriorated, the mountain began to be covered with a cloud, and snow pellets fell from the sky.
On the slopes under the cable car, I can see several ski trails. And I also notice that the snow here is also with a sandy pink tint, just like we had creme brulee snow in March in Krasnaya Polyana:
In general, this region is loved for its off-piste opportunities, i.e. for a great freeride.
We leave at 3500 and find ourselves in the most real winter:
But the fact that the temperature is near freezing here is not the most surprising. Most of all, the reaction of your own body is surprising: your head is spinning like after good champagne. Well, despite the cloudiness, it is unrealistic to remove dark glasses from your eyes - your eyes begin to watery from the excess of ultraviolet radiation.
By the way, that is why we are not so cold: you feel warm from below from the snow. This is the same ultraviolet light reflected from the snow warms you up ...
The last stretch is up to 3780 meters. We leave the booth and understand - it is hard to be at such a height without preparation - already here it becomes a little difficult to breathe. Although some people feel quite comfortable here and let themselves be stroked:
To go even higher, on a chairlift, or as the local "Jedi" suggest to us - on snowmobiles, in our clothes, of course, it makes no sense. But there, up, a group of well-equipped conquerors of Elbrus goes on skis ...
And we are saving ourselves from the cold in a simple cafe.
Outside the windows there is a snowy haze, which is getting stronger every minute. Here's to you, grandmother, and gorgeous views of Elbrus ... From Pyatigorsk it could be seen even better))) It's a little offensive that I didn't get to fully experience the beauty of this place.
Well, I was also impressed by the local toilet. No, he is not in the cafe. It is located behind the cafe and looks like this: a metal box hangs over the abyss, there is a hole in the floor, and there is a 100-meter break under it. Yes, here, as in that joke, you go to pee - at the same time ...
After warming up a little in a cafe, we set off on the return journey. As the cabin descends, the head stops spinning. But the ears are lagging. An incomprehensible fatigue is pouring in.
But the weather suddenly changes again, the clouds part, and we admire the beautiful panorama of the mountains. Elbrus apologizes to us for the harsh reception at 3780 ...
So on the way back the photo session was longer.
And the mood has improved markedly! So we arrive at the Azau glade satisfied, having made a huge number of bright photos.
After all, we were on Elbrus, and now it will also be in our hearts.
Now +15 in the Azau glade seems to us a real warmth. We walk a little along the market with local knitted products:
And we also go to eat khychins in a cafe. Now you can look at Cheget too.
Cheget unsubdued
Mountains Cheget and Elbrus are practically opposite each other. Cheget translated from Balkar means "northern" or "in the shadow". And yes, of course, he is much inferior to his great brother Elbrus - only 3422 meters high. But on the other hand, according to experienced tourists and skiers, it offers the best view of Elbrus.
And besides, some of our instructors, with whom I work in Krasnaya Polyana, asserted: those who can ride on the slopes of Cheget will be able to ride everywhere. In general, I had two reasons to climb Cheget: to make gorgeous shots with Elbrus and to see those very difficult slopes of Cheget for skiing.
And both reasons were smoothly transferred to the next time by the idle cable car Cheget. Yes, we were late: she worked until 16 o'clock. And we arrived at the clearing in front of Cheget at half past four. And the old Cheget ski lift froze until the next morning. Please note: there are no modern cabins like on Elbrus. Chairlift, open. Therefore, for those who are afraid of heights, there is definitely no need here:
True, you can climb the mountain on foot (and save 600 rubles), but this method is definitely not for “couch dwellers”. By the way, local guides take those wishing to climb Elbrus here for primary acclimatization before the hike.
The glade itself seemed to me even more comfortable and welcoming than the Azau glade. There are a lot of different cafes here. Behind them are various hotels, new and not so:
And no one took a ruble from us for parking. And they rode our child's ATV for free for a couple of minutes, for his wide smile))
In a word, Cheget remained unconquered, but became a pleasant memory of that day.
And we had a way back 150 km long to Pyatigorsk, and our number in. We drove into Pyatigorsk already in complete darkness. And looking at him blooming flower beds and alleys , we could not believe that three hours ago we were walking along snow-covered slopes of Elbrus …
Accommodation on Elbrus and Cheget
To be honest, if we had no other plans for the next day, we would be happy to stay on Elbrus to spend the night. Moreover, the number of rooms in the vicinity of Elbrus is for different tastes and wallets.
- for skiers, the most convenient options are hotels right next to the ski lifts, on the Azau glade: Vertical, Sirius, Jan Tugan, Scheherazade, Relax hotel Azau Star 4 *, or on the Cheget glade: ozone Hotel, hotel Laguna 3 *, hotel Snow Leopard.
- can also be found good hotels in Terskol: hotel Smile, Ozone Seven Summits, hotel pivot, terskol hotel 3 *, hotel Saray Gora.
- a little further, but also not far from the ski resorts, in the village of Elbrus: Shaman chalet near Elbrus, sky Elbrus hotel, hotel Maral, Elbrus Plaza
In the high season (December-January) it is worth taking care of the accommodation well in advance. Although there are a lot of hotels, all decent options can be bought.
Summary
This is how we got this trip to the Elbrus region. Of course, it is difficult to cover everything in one day that people come to this region for a week or two. Therefore, most likely our route will pass through this picturesque valley more than once.
So, if you generally love mountains, are nostalgic for the romance of the Soviet era, dream of an active and non-trivial vacation - then the Elbrus region is waiting for you!
And for our next impressions we went to another valley and another, neighboring republic of the North Caucasus. But that's a completely different story ... Stay tuned for new articles!
See you soon on the blog!
