Expedition to Elbrus – Part II

If you want to climb on the highest peak of the mountain, Elbrus, the organization must start at home. You need an invite letter for the Russian visa and a permission to climb on the mountain, reservation to stay in the little barrels and so on. I prepared everything before leaving. When we arrived in the small village under the mountain Terskol, a local was waiting for us and helped us with reservations. We spent the first night in the valley. The first acclimatisation started when we went from the valley to the nearby mountain Terskol, to the village Terskol. We went to Terskol as we were home in Slovenia, when we felt like it, like we’re going on every mountain any time anyhow. When the two in our group got lost while climbing on overhanging rock where a rock could easily come towards one or they could be carried away all the way to the valley, we took our second thought. We continued our path on safer areas, but still not completely by the map. The ridges on the left and on the right were too tempting to not climb on one from time to time. We were always curious what the view will be like from one ridge to the other. But in Caucasian Mountains you soon realize that the view will always be the same – endless mountains. The first acclimatisation was good, we were only very wet in our hiking shoes that we luckily dried in Terskol. The next day was more serious. We took a cableway to Elbrus and rode our tour skis to the little barrels. We could also get a chairlift to travel this area. The barrels are some kind of abandoned containers, which they made into accommodations. There are a few beds in them and little closets. They also have windows, but don’t have electricity, heating, so the temperature is always below zero. They lie 3800 above the sea level and are the main starting point for the visitors of Elbrus. The kitchen is common and is also located in one of the barrels. And what is the most surprising is that we had to melt snow for every food or drink. It was a long procedure, so it made sense to prepare food even before we were very hungry. 

 

Acclimatisation is absolutely necessary for the climb on Elbrus, which usually lasts about four days and on the fifth day, people finally climb on top. There’s no other way for acclimatisation than to walk in direction of Elbrus and go back on the same path. We underestimated the mountain at the beginning and it let us down. We wanted to climb on top on the third day. But the height of about 5100 metres tired us so much that we had to go back. After that we had a day of rest and tried to climb on top on the fifth day. This time we abided the rules that practice others. We hired a snow groomer, which drove us to 5100 metres and we continued by foot. And then Elbrus offered us great weather and normal temperatures (around -20 degrees) and we conquered it. Seven of us stood on the peak of Europe, on the spot, where you know that the whole continent is beneath you. The view offered us snowy mountains. The feeling of happiness soon gives you new ideas. It really may be in our nature. When we do something, we want to do more. So, we want to go higher. Elbrus is known for not being technically difficult, but is still a respected mountain. Five days is an optimal time to reach the top. We were all happy to conquer our goal.

 

 

But after this main goal, the trip wasn’t over yet. During our trip we also saw the saddest part of our trip, Beslan. The city is known of a disaster, where over 300 students and teachers were killed. 

 

And then there were lands that would charm every traveller. New mountains, rocky labyrinths, contact with locals, countries that are green and white. This countries made us feel endlessly free. We reached new goals. It was hard but we knew we could do it and that we would conquer it. Another mystical peak that added a special something to the trip. 

 

 

And no one could wish for a better team. Despite the night drives, strains in the mountains and the non-existing showers, no one was complaining. We drove 9000 beautiful kilometres in three weeks. There were no problems, only party, positive strains while conquering our goals and what was the best – new friendships were built and we are planning our new adventure.