Elbrus is one of the highest mountains in the world, located in the northern part of the Greater Caucasus mountain system, on the territory of Kabardino-Balkaria. This is the highest peak in Russia, and is often referred to as one of the highest mountain peaks in Europe (the so-called "Seven Peaks" list).
Elbrus location
Mount Elbrus is located between the republics of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria. The summit of the mountain is double, the western one is 5642m high, and the eastern one is 5621m high.
Elbrus is an extinct volcano. The mountain has two peaks, one of which is slightly higher. Scientists believe that in the history of the mountain there were two significant eruptions, and the rocks of Elbrus, according to research, are about 2 or 3 million years old. Analysis of volcanic ash showed that the first eruption happened about 45 thousand years ago, and the second - about 40 thousand years ago.
Despite the fact that the mountain is very high, it is relatively easy to climb it, it does not require exceptional qualifications, as, for example, for Everest, and quite a lot of people try to do it. Up to 4 thousand meters, the slopes of the mountain are moderately gentle, but then a serious rise begins. The steepness of the slopes can reach 35 degrees! Ascents are made to both the Eastern and Western peaks.
How is the ascent going
Usually, the ascent starts from the village of Azau, which is located in the upper part of the Beksan Valley. Here tourists spend about a couple of nights in order to acclimatize to the altitude and not suffer from the "miner" - altitude sickness associated with thin air and unusual atmospheric pressure.
On the first day, people usually go to the Pastukhov Rocks, and on the second they schedule the ascent itself. They leave the camp at about 2 am. First, they go to the Pastukhov Rocks, and then reach the saddle of the mountain, where the routes are divided in the direction of the Eastern and Western peaks. A short rest in the saddle - and tourists move on to climb one of the peaks of Elbrus.
Elbrus history
The stunning beauty of the mountain landscapes, as well as the mountain itself - for a long time, all this served as the reason that people from all over the world came to the Elbrus region. The history of Elbrus climbers is proud of the names of the most worthy climbers since the 19th century. Among them there are both domestic mountain lovers and foreign ones.
The peak of Elbrus's popularity came in the 60s, when mountaineering was especially popular in the USSR. In the Beksan Gorge, a road was even paved, and several mountaineering and tourist bases were built in the vicinity of the mountain.
Today this place is also popular as a ski resort. People make descents from the slopes of Elbrus and Cheget - this is a mountain located nearby, it also belongs to the Greater Caucasus system.
On the territory of the Elbrus region, there is a national natural park created with the aim of preserving the nature of Kabardino-Balkaria. All conditions are created on the territory of the park so that people can have an organized and comfortable rest.
