UKH

Being relatively accessible, Elbrus is a great choice for the first altitude climb and a good way to start your Seven Summits quest. The conventional route from the South, however, can get crowded, with people taking advantage of chair-lifts and snowcats.

Instead, we offer a completely different take on reaching the highest summit of Europe: a North-South traverse with ascending the Western summit at 5,642m! The Northern side is much less developed and acclimatisation hikes through serene landscapes feel fun rather than necessity.

No previous high-altitude experience is required, thanks to 11-days programme. The climb itself is non-technical but we may need to negotiate a few crevasses, so a brief course in glacier travel is included.

The tour is led by an independent Russian female guide, who speaks English and French and shares a lot of British culture, having lived in the UK for several years.

• Staying in huts, including a very comfortable Italian-built refuge after the descent
  
• Group of no more than 7 participants
  
• Russian cuisine at the basecamp
  
• Any personal gear can be rented
  
• Satellite text message from the summit
  
• Assistance with visa, registration and permit
  
• Guided town walks give a taster of modern Russia and traditional hospitality of the Caucasus
  

Participation cost is £950. The trip is guaranteed but the dates are still flexible and subject to the group size.

View detailed itinerary and FAQs: https://goo.gl/eui58k
..and show your interest on Facebook: https://www.fb.com/events/1089619657851530/

..or, if you are more into exploring, have a look at my unsupported trekking in the land of Kamchatka volcanoes: https://www.fb.com/events/267387990359120/

Anna