The foot of Mount Elbrus. Where is Elbrus

21.05.2020

Elbrus is a two-peaked volcano cone. The western peak has a height of 5642 m, the eastern one is 5621 m.It is located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, north of the Bolshoi Caucasian ridge and is the highest peak in Russia. Elbrus is also considered the highest mountain peak Europe, and therefore is included in the list of the highest peaks of the planet.

The first ascents to Elbrus

In 1813, the Russian academician V.K.Vishnevsky first determined the height of Elbrus (5421 m).
The first successful ascent to one of the peaks of Elbrus was made in July 1829 during a military scientific expedition led by General G.A.Emmanuel, head of the Caucasian fortified line. The expedition was scientific in nature (the Elbrus expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences was organized in Pyatigorsk, about which there is a record in Diana's grotto), its participants were: academician Adolf Kupfer - geophysicist, geologist, founder of the Main Physical Observatory in St. Petersburg, physicist Emily Lenz, zoologist Edward Minetrie , founder of the Russian Entomological Society, botanist Karl Meyer, who later became an academician and director botanical garden Russian Academy of Sciences, artist-architect Joseph (Giuseppe-Marco) Bernardazzi (who made the first image of Elbrus), Hungarian scientist Janos Besse. The support service of Emmanuel's expedition consisted of 650 soldiers and 350 line Cossacks, as well as local guides.

The first part of the route from the Konstantinogorsk fortress (present-day Pyatigorsk) to the fortification "Stone Bridge" (on Malka) passed without complications. On July 8, 1829, the travelers arrived at the Kharbas River (a tributary of the Malka). From here they climbed to an altitude of about 2600 m and camped near one of the mineral springs on the banks of the Kyzylsu river.

The inscription on the "Emanuele rock"

The inscription on the "Emanuel rock": "1829 from 8 to 11 July Camp under the command of General of the cavalry Emanuel"
Kupfer, Lenz, Meyer, Minetrie, Bernardazzi, 20 Cossacks and guides participated directly in the ascent. However, the lack of experience and the poor quality of climbing equipment forced most of the participants to turn back. The further ascent was continued by only four: Emiliy Lenz, the Cossack Lysenkov and two people from the group of guides - Kilar Khachirov and Akhiya Sottayev. At an altitude of about 5300 m, due to lack of strength, Lenz and two of his accompanying persons were forced to stop. According to some data, the first to climb the eastern summit at about 11 am on July 10, 1829 was the Karachai guide Kilar Khachirov. The event was marked by a rifle salute in the camp, where General Emmanuel watched the ascent through a powerful telescope.

At the location of the camp, a commemorative inscription was engraved on one of the stones, the location of which was lost over time. It was discovered by Soviet climbers already in the 20th century (accidentally, 103 years later - it was hidden under a century-old layer of lichens).
The first successful ascent to the west, the most high summit, was made in 1874 by a group of English climbers led by F. Grove and the participant of the first ascent by the Balkarian guide A. Sottaev.

Andrey Pastukhov

The first person to climb both peaks of Elbrus is the Russian military topographer A.V. Pastukhov. In 1890, accompanied by four Cossacks of the Khopersky regiment, he climbed its western peak, and six years later, in 1896, he conquered the eastern one. Also Pastukhov for the first time made maps of the peaks of Elbrus.
In August 1974, three completely standard (without winches and traction control chains) UAZ-469 vehicles during a test run reached the glacier on Mount Elbrus at an altitude of 4000 meters.

Now Elbrus is very popular for climbing, both in mountaineering and mountain tourism.
According to the Russian mountaineering and mountain classification, Elbrus is assessed as a 2A category of difficulty, the passage of both peaks is 2B. There are other, more difficult routes, for example, Elbrus (Z) along the NW edge 3A.

Elbrus during the Second World War

Due to its symbolic meaning as highest point Europe Elbrus became the arena of fierce confrontation during the Great Patriotic War, which was attended, among other things, by units of the German mountain rifle division "Edelweiss". During the Battle of the Caucasus on August 21, 1942, after the occupation of the mountain bases "Krugozor" and "Shelter of Eleven", the German Alpine riflemen managed to establish Nazi banners on the western summit of Elbrus. At the same time, the capture of Elbrus was not included in the plans of the German High Command.

By the middle of the winter of 1942-1943, the Wehrmacht was knocked out of the slopes of Elbrus, and on February 13 and 17, 1943, Soviet mountaineers climbed the western and eastern peaks of Elbrus, respectively, where Soviet flags were hoisted.

Climbing Elbrus
You can climb Elbrus from any side: from the south, north, west and east. More than 100 different routes have been laid on its summit, mostly their difficulty is within the limits of 2A-2B class, with the exception of the ascent to Elbrus along the Kukyurtlyu-Kol-Bashi wall, which has a 5B difficulty category. But this route is a bit "contrived", and there have been no repeated passes over it in the last 20 years.

The most popular and simple route for climbing Elbrus is from the south, from the village of Terskol or from the Azau glade. Therefore, we offer it to those who do not have a mountaineering category. On the boring part of the route there is a lift, 2 steps of which will take you to the upper station "Mir" located at an altitude of 3452 meters in 30 minutes. From the station begins an exciting hiking climb to Elbrus. And acclimatization before the ascent is carried out in the Elbrus region, in the Adyr-Su gorge, which brings variety to the hike.

Whichever Elbrus tour you choose, remember that the purpose of the ascent is not a mountaineering discharge, but pleasure. And with good weather, luck and experienced instructors, it is guaranteed to you.

Attractions of the Elbrus region

Valley of the Narzan
The Narzanov Valley is located 34 km south of Kislovodsk, in the foothills of the Rocky Ridge of the Greater Caucasus, in the Khasaut River valley, at an altitude of 1300 m above sea level, on the border between Stavropol Territory and the Kabardino-Balkarian Autonomous Republic.

There are 17 springs of mineral water of the Narzan type in the Narzan Valley. Their water belongs to carbonic acid bicarbonate-chloride sodium-calcium with a mineralization of up to 3.3 g / l and a carbon dioxide content of up to 2.2 g / l. The nature of the valley is mesmerizing with its beauty: majestic mountains, luxurious subalpine meadows, dense forest and numerous mineral springs. Before you go there, you should take care of your beauty, perhaps do hair removal and visit a beauty salon (just kidding).

Another Narzan Valley is located in the Baksan Gorge, outside the village of Baidaevo, a little closer to the Itkol boarding house. This place is often visited as it is easily accessible to all guests. The ground in the clearing is rusty brown. This is due to the high iron content in the water. One of the springs in the clearing is so powerful that the thickness of its jet is comparable to the thickness of an adult's hand.

Baksan gorge
Baksan gorge, perhaps the most famous, known far beyond the borders of Kabardino-Balkaria, the gorge of the Central Caucasus. It is incredibly beautiful and unusual place... It is through the Baksan gorge that the road goes to the Elbrus region, and it ends in the Azau glade, at the foot of Elbrus. The length of the gorge is 85 km.

The gorge got its name from the Baksan River, which accompanies the traveler throughout the entire journey. The upper reaches of the Baksan Gorge and its spurs are covered with glaciers. Several glaciers flow down here from Elbrus, as well as from the neighboring Donguz-Orun mountain, which give rise to the high-water and stormy Baksan.
The path to the gorge goes along three Caucasian ridges - Pasture, Skalisty and Glavnoy through a number of villages. The road winds all the time, then gaining height, then descending.

In the gorge itself there are many interesting natural and historical monuments, including the Glade of Narzans, ancient caves on the slopes of Mount Ullukai, a complex of monuments to the first climbers of Elbrus, the "Grieving Highlander" monument, etc.
From the Baksan gorge you can get to the picturesque gorges of Adyr-Su, Adyl-Su, Itkol, Yusengi, Terskol, Donguz-Orun.
The gorge has long been chosen by climbers. There are many camps on its territory, including "Ullu-Tau", "Elbrus", "Dzhailik", "Shkhelda".

Sources of Jila-Su
The Dzhily-Su tract with its healing mineral springs is located on the northern slope of Mount Elbrus in the upper reaches of the Malka River at an altitude of 2380 m. unique place in the Elbrus region annually gathers a large number of people who want to improve their health with the help of warm narzans. The most popular and main source comes straight from the rock. Water fills an artificial bath (with a volume of about 12 cubic meters) and is renewed every 10 minutes. The water temperature in the spring is + 22-24 degrees. Bathing is carried out according to the schedule.

The healing properties of warm narzan have a beneficial effect on the nervous and cardiovascular systems, the musculoskeletal system, treat skin and allergic diseases. Also, the mineral springs of Dzhily-Su are consumed internally. It helps to increase the immunity of the human body, helps to improve metabolism, treats diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. There are separate "specialized" sources: "renal", "ocular", "lumbar", "hepatic" and others. In total, there are about 14 active sources in Jili-Su.

Of interest is the Silver Spring with low-mineralized water, which flows from mid-July to the end of September. The spring water is crystal clear and has a bluish tint. Each liter of water contains 4mg of the precious metal silver. The healing properties of the source normalize the work of the heart, equalize pressure, improve microcirculation of blood and lymph, stimulate tissue regeneration processes, cleanse the body of toxins.

In addition to mineral springs, there are other attractions in the Dzhily-Su tract. You should definitely visit the local waterfalls - the famous handsome giant Sultan (40 m), as well as Karakaya-Su (25 m) and Emir (7.5 m). Also popular excursion sites are Kala-Kulak gully (Valley of Castles), Valley of stone mushrooms, Valley of ancient menhirs, German airfield.

Blue Lakes
Blue Lakes is a unique natural monument located in Kabardino-Balkaria. There are lakes in the Cherek Gorge. There are five of them.

Lower Blue Lake (Tserik-Kel) is the most interesting and beautiful. The water in it is crystal clear, transparent and very cold. All year round it has approximately the same temperature and does not rise above + 9 degrees). With a mirror area of slightly more than 1.5 hectares, the lake is one of the ten deepest in Russian Federation(after Teletsky and).
There are tourist centers scattered along the shores of the Lower Blue Lake, and a modern diving center operates. The fact that the lake does not freeze allows organizing meetings and training for divers here at any time of the year.

The Upper Blue Lakes are represented by the East and West communicating lakes. A dam is installed between them, through which the water from the East Lake passes into the West. These two lakes are rich in fish.
Interesting in their own way are the other two lakes of the group - Secret and Sukhoye. The Secret got its name from its invisibility. The lake is in deep hollow so it is not immediately visible. The dry lake is located at the bottom of a very deep canyon, the height of the steep walls of which reaches 180 m.

Chegem waterfalls

Chegem waterfalls are a unique natural monument, which is definitely worth a visit if you come to the Caucasus. This is a whole group of waterfalls located in a gorge Chegem gorge... Locals call these waterfalls "Su-Auzu", which means "water throat". And, indeed, the water rushes with a roar from the rocks, flows out of numerous crevices, falls from a height of 50-60 meters into the seething Chegem. The largest and powerful waterfall the group is called Adai-Su (Maiden Scythe). Its height is about 30 m.

In winter, the Chegem waterfalls are a fantastic spectacle in their beauty. Freezing, the water forms numerous ice columns and pillars, turning the rock wall into a real work of art.
There is a small hotel near the waterfalls, a cafe and a market. Here you can always buy from local residents knitwear, wine, jams, souvenirs. You will be offered to take pictures in folk costumes or take a ride on a donkey.

Glacier "Seven"

One of these natural wonders is the glaciological object "Seven" glacier, which is part of National park Elbrus region. The glacier is, as it were, "sewn" to the northern wall of the Donguzorun peak, and thus faces Elbrus. The unusual name of the glacier comes from its shape, which resembles the number 7.
The slopes of Mount Elbrus, the white ice shell of Donguzorun and the "Seven" glacier are a popular place among ski tourists.

Stone "mushrooms

Stone "mushrooms" are a product of exotic erosion, which resulted in stone pillars with flat caps, like mushrooms. They are located at an altitude of 3200 m. Arriving at the foot of Elbrus, you find yourself in the kingdom of the volcano, where nature has created many sculptures of the most intricate forms from lava.

National Park "Elbrus"

Formed by a government decree on an area of 101.2 thousand hectares in order to preserve a unique natural complex Elbrus and its use for recreational, scientific and cultural purposes.
The Elbrus region, as a region of traditional tourism and other active sports, occupies an area along the Baksan river basin in the high-mountainous part of its tributaries - Adyr-su, Kyrtyk, Adyl-su and the sources - Azau, Terskol, Donguz-Orun.

The most popular mountain resort in Russia and beyond is located between the southern slopes of Elbrus to the Main Caucasian ridge and the interfluve of Baksan and Chegem. Another part of the National Park is the northern Elbrus region, located in the headwaters and sources of the Malka River.

Mount Elbrus, Russia: description, photo, location on the map, how to get

Elbrus- one of the largest stratovolcanoes on the planet; the highest peak in Russia and Europe. The height of this giant increased with each eruption. According to the latest data, it rises 5642 m above sea level. There are many climbers and naturalists among the tourists visiting Elbrus. This mountain is included in 1000 popular places the world according to our website.

Elbrus is geographically located in the northern part of the Greater Caucasus Range, on the border between Europe and Asia. The nearest airports to the area are Mineralnye Vody and Nalchik. Next, there is a transfer by taxi or bus, which takes from 3 to 4 hours. You can also get to the Elbrus region by train. Railway stations available in many cities North Caucasus.

Natural attractions of the Elbrus region leave no one indifferent. The area located at the foot of the mountain is considered a balneoclimatic zone.

Visitors from all over the world dream of being there. All conditions have been created for a good rest. Possibly a spa treatment based on carbon dioxide mineral waters, the so-called narzans. Climbers and skiers dream of visiting the slopes of Mount Elbrus and the nearby Cheget peak. Well and tourist routes run through picturesque gorges, valleys and passes.

For local residents, this mountain has a special meaning. The name they gave her "Mingi Tau" means "Eternal Mountain". There are many versions about the origin of the name Elbrus itself. One of them refers the word to the Iranian dialect and translates as "high, sparkling mountain." The first conquerors of the eastern summit of Elbrus were climbers in the group of General G.A.Emmanuel. This happened back in 1829. Half a century later, the English climber F. Grove ascended to the western, higher peak.

Today, many climbers are trying to conquer the peaks of this giant. Climbing, as a rule, takes place under the strict guidance of professionals who know all the subtleties and nuances of the terrain. The snow-ice cap and the outlines of Elbrus are well known not only to the inhabitants of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria, but also to Stavropol. This is a real symbol of the entire North Caucasus of Russia. Elbrus glaciers feed largest river Krasnodar Territory Kuban and stormy Terek.

Attraction photo: Mount Elbrus

Mount Elbrus on the map:

Where to stay in the Elbrus region

In which part of the resort should you choose accommodation when coming on vacation? The question is quite important, since resort area stretches for 20 kilometers along the Baksan gorge. This article will help you figure it out.

Ski and snowboard lovers often settle near cable cars, but there are also disadvantages: crowded, frequent traffic jams, avalanche danger, high altitude problems (pressure, feeling unwell).

There is a compromise accommodation option: stay in an inexpensive hotel away from the ski lifts and use a free shuttle.

So, let's consider all the options:

At the entrance to the Elbrus region, on the left side there is Adyr-su gorge with two climbing camps.

Further 5 km higher is pos. Neutrino... Vacationers who have arrived in their cars often stop here. Due to the remoteness from the main infrastructure of the resort, prices for private sector(apartments) is much lower, and it takes 15 - 20 minutes to go.

Elbrus village... Another 5 km higher. There is a large settlement with shops, pharmacies and a hospital. Private sector prices are slightly higher than in Neutrino.

On the outskirts of the village there is a resort area in a pine forest. Elbrus has a large number of hotels with different price ranges. Most popular: Ozone and Peak Europa. They organize transfers to the ski lifts for their clients.

An ideal place for people suffering from bronchial asthma and various allergic diseases, this place is the most comfortable when choosing summer vacation... Also, climbers planning their ascents to such peaks as Shkhelda, Ushba, Dzhantugan and Mount Elbrus (through the Irik-Chat gorge) begin their journey from here.

Above the village is the picturesque Adyl-su gorge with climbing camps.

Tegenekli village is located two kilometers above Elbrus. There is a large boarding house here. And above there is a large number of departmental bases.

The following tourist accommodation: pos. Baidaevo, Polyana Narzanov, Polyana Itkol... There are many Narzan springs, there are several hotels. It takes 5-10 minutes to get to the cable cars. by car.

Polyana Cheget... There are a large number of hotels in front of the ski complex. It is considered an avalanche hazardous place. The slope is more suitable for intermediate and high-level skiers.

Settlement Terskol... The main accommodation for tourists who prefer the private sector. There are also many hotels here. Most of the village of Terskol is located in an avalanche-safe place. On one side of the village of Terskolkskoe gorge. On the other hand, Terskol forest. A good place for walking, picking mushrooms and berries.

Glade Azau... Accommodation at the foot of the mountain. Within walking distance to the ski lifts. This is where most of vacationers. It is considered the best place to stay for tourists tired of transport.

However, there are also disadvantages: most of the glade is avalanche-prone, in winter it is difficult to drive in and out due to snow drifts and "traffic jams". Few places to walk.

Choosing Glade Azau, do not forget that you will be living at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level. This can be critical for people with heart disease and those sensitive to acclimatization.

Most often, tourists feel the effects of acclimatization on the first night and after three days. We hope this information will help you when planning your trip.

Distance from resort settlements to cable cars of Prielbusye

Terskol - 1.5 km to Cheget and 2.5 km to the foot of Elbrus

Baidaevo - 4 km to the lift to Cheget + 4 more to Elbrus

Tegenekli - about 7 km to the lift to Cheget + 4 more to Elbrus

Elbrus - about 10 km to Cheget + ...

Neutrino - about 14.5 km to Cheget.

These settlements have both the private sector and hotels. Walking distance to the lift. However, you can always take a taxi, which will cost from 300 to 100 rubles one way per car. Remote housing is cheaper. Some hotels offer a free shuttle to the cable cars.

Hotel location map

On our website you can choose the most convenient accommodation option, order a transfer from the airport / train station to the place of residence, and to the cable cars. Choose the excursions you are interested in, order a full-fledged tour, just learn something new and interesting about the Elbrus region, see photos of our beauties, get acquainted with the information necessary for hiking trails and climbing. We will be happy to help you find a mountain guide or ski / snowboard instructor and answer any questions you may have! Welcome!

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Once upon a time Elbrus was an active volcano, and now it is listed in the group of the largest extinct volcanoes on the planet. The height of Elbrus is 5642 meters

The scientific study of Elbrus by Russian researchers began in the 19th century. In 1913, the astronomer academician V.K. Vishnevsky was the first to accurately determine the location and height of Elbrus. In 1829, the first Russian scientific expedition visited Elbrus. It included the famous Russian academician Lenz, botanist Meyer, Pyatigorsk architect Bernardazzi and others. The expedition was accompanied by the head of the Caucasian line, General Emmanuel, with a detachment of 1000 Cossacks. The detachment stopped at the northern foot of Elbrus at an altitude of 2400 meters. The general did not go further, preferring to observe the actions of scientists through a telescope. An inscription was engraved on the stones at the camp site: "1829 from 8 to 11 July, the camp under the command of General Cavalier Emmanuel".

Having started the ascent, the expedition, after spending the night at an altitude of 3000 meters, continued the ascent. Part of the expedition only reached an altitude of 4800 meters. Here the St. George's cross and the number 1829 were carved on the stones. This inscription was discovered in 1949 by a group of Soviet climbers of the "Science" society. The further journey continued only Lenz, two Cossacks and two Kabardian guides. Lenz and the Cossack Lysenkov managed to reach the saddle, it was impossible to go further, since the snow was very soft. Only one Killar from Kabardin went higher. He managed to reach the top, as his body was better adapted to mountain conditions and he went out earlier on hard snow. Emmanuel was seen through Killar's telescope near the eastern summit. Scientists greeted the guide who returned in the evening as the first ascent to Elbrus. To commemorate the work of the expedition and reaching the summit, two cast-iron boards were cast with an inscription describing this event, later installed in Pyatigorsk near Diana's grotto and currently stored in the museum. In the photo, the entrance to the grotto of Diana

According to one version, the name Elbrus comes from the Iranian Aitibares - "high Mountain", more likely - the Iranian "sparkling, shiny" (like Elburs in Iran). The Georgian name Yalbuz is from the Turkic yal - "storm" and buz - "ice". The Armenian Alberis is probably a phonetic variant of the Georgian name, but the possibility of a connection with the common Indo-European basis, to which the toponym "Alps" goes back, is not excluded. According to another version, Elbrus is translated from the Karachay-Balkarian language as follows: El is a village, people, state; Boer this twist, turn it, is one root with the word Buran; Us it means character, behavior, disposition. He who has a disposition to create a blizzard or a volcano, which turned, turned up villages and people. Now Elbrus is an extinct volcano, but the local residents of Karachay-Balkars have preserved in the people's memory the times when Elbrus was still an active volcano.

Elbrus height- 5642 meters. Few volcanic mountains in the world exceed Elbrus in height. Only the extinct volcano Aconcagua (6960 m) and the active fire-breathing Mount Llullaillaco (6723 m), located in South America, exceed Elbrus by a little more than one kilometer. The greatest volcano in Africa, Kilimanjaro, is almost equal to Elbrus, surpassing it only by 253 meters, the same can be said about the largest volcano in North America, Orizaba (5700 m), exceeding Elbrus by 58 meters. Among the mountains of Asia, Elbrus is the highest volcanic peak, following it, Mount Demavend is 38 meters behind Elbrus in height

Elbrus, like many other volcanoes, is divided into two parts: a pedestal of rocks, and a bulk cone formed as a result of eruptions. The pedestal of Elbrus reaches approximately 3700 meters. This means that the "growth" of Elbrus due to its eruptions is approximately 2000 meters.
Klyuchevskaya Sopka has the highest fill cone among all volcanoes. The bulk cone of this volcano reaches 4572 meters and exceeds the cone of Elbrus by almost three kilometers

The outlines of the two-headed, sometimes blue, then pink - depending on the lighting - of the Elbrus cone are well known to the Stavropolites. Elbrus is visible from all, even the most northern points of the region, where the horizon is not blocked by other, closer heights. Stavropol residents' interest in Elbrus is also explained by the fact that the waters of its glaciers feed the largest rivers of our region - the beautiful Kuban and the stormy Terek

Elbrus is a classic volcanic mountain. In its vast cone, poured during numerous eruptions, the history of the volcano is, as it were, recorded; it is successfully read by Soviet geologists on layers of lava, ash and volcanic tuff

Elbrus arose at the end of the Neogene during the rise of the Caucasian ridge. The eruptions of Elbrus probably resembled the eruptions of modern Vesuvius, but were more powerful. At the beginning of the eruption, powerful clouds of vapors and gases, saturated with black ash, rose from the craters of the volcano at the beginning of the eruption, covering the entire sky, turning day into night. The earth shook from powerful underground explosions. The air was bursting with incessant lightning and fiery streaks from thousands of volcanic bombs that flew out of the vent. Streams of ash mud rushed along the slopes of the mountain, sweeping away vegetation and stones in their path. Each eruption ended with the release of incandescent lava, which quickly solidified on the surface. Layers of ash, lava, stones, layering on top of each other, expanded the slopes of the volcano, increased its height. The volcano possessed colossal strength, its ashes are found near the city of Nalchik, on the slopes of Mount Mashuk, 90 kilometers from Elbrus. Elbrus probably belongs to ash deposits found in the north of our region near the city of Novoaleksandrovsk. But epochs of eruptions were followed by periods of calm, during which rivers and glaciers vigorously destroyed the previously filled volcanic cone almost to the bottom. Volcanic rocks were overlapped by powerful moraines and river sediments. Since the inception of Elbrus to the present, the periods of erosion and revival of the cone have been repeated up to ten times

Elbrus's activity continued during the Ice Age of the Quaternary period, when people already lived in the Caucasus, and stopped about 2500 years ago. With the onset of ice, its slopes were repeatedly covered with a powerful ice shell, with subsequent eruptions they were washed away by violent streams of water. The eruption sites of Elbrus have been repeatedly moved. Both domes, currently crowning Elbrus, are the youngest. In the southwestern part of the mountain, in the form of rocks Khotyu-Tau-Azau, the remains of the most ancient crater have been preserved. The glaciers that feed the Baksan River and the tributaries of the Kuban originate from here. The eastern and western peaks of Elbrus are, as it were, planted in the upper part of the ancient crater. The youngest crater, the eastern peak of the mountain, had to finish the work of Elbrus. It is possible that both cones sometimes worked at the same time.

16th century geographers considered Elbrus to be an active volcano. In books and on maps, he was depicted as a fire-breathing mountain, the same is described in many folk legends. Rumors sometimes spread among the inhabitants of the mountains and foothills that Elbrus had begun to operate again or that Elbrus was expected to revive in the near future. These stories are not justified in any way. Elbrus, perhaps, can be called not extinct, but a dying volcano. It is sometimes the center of small earthquakes spreading within the Ciscaucasia. In the bowels of the batholith, which used to feed Elbrus, magma cools down, it supplies mineral springs with carbon dioxide, turning them into narzans, of which there are a lot at the foot of Elbrus. In some places on the slopes of Elbrus, sulphurous gases come out of the cracks, which gives rise to other scientists to assert that:

"The results of many years of research ... unambiguously indicate the activity of volcanic processes on Elbrus in the Holocene, including historical time. Elbrus is a modern volcano, which is in a stage of relative dormancy. The absence of eruptions over the last millennium cannot serve as a sign of the end of volcanic activity. The roof of the magma chamber is located, apparently at a depth of 6 - 7 kilometers from the surface. Based on geological data, we come to the conclusion that the Elbrus volcano is on the ascending branch of development. "

The two-headed giant Elbrus keeps inexhaustible wealth in its depths. Healing springs emerge at its foot: the famous "Narzan Valley" near the source of the Malka River - the brainchild of Elbrus. This is a future resort, not inferior to Kislovodsk in terms of the number of springs and the quality of narzans. Internal warmth, various minerals of Elbrus are waiting for their use.

Elbrus has a harsh climate that makes it akin to the Arctic region. The average temperature of the warmest month is -1.4 °. There is a lot of precipitation on Elbrus, two to three times more than on the Stavropol plains, but they fall only in the form of snow. At the Elbrus meteorological station at an altitude of 4250 meters, for three years of observations, no rain was noted. Elbrus is sometimes compared to a piece of ice 6 kilometers in size, thrown far to the south from the Arctic regions. Naturally, warm air masses coming from the Atlantic Ocean, meeting this obstacle, rising and cooling, are forced to give up part of their moisture to the slopes on the outskirts of this mountain. As a result, Elbrus changes the weather in vast areas of neighboring areas, which is noted by the sign of local residents: "When Elbrus puts on a cloud cap on a clear day, there will be bad weather." The coldest month on Elbrus is February. The average air temperature in February is 15 ° lower than in Stavropol. In the warmest month, July, the average air temperature is approximately equal to the December temperatures in the Stavropol Territory, and the highest daytime temperature this month reaches only eight degrees Celsius. August is the best month for climbing Elbrus, at this time the snow melts, all cracks in the ice open, even where they are usually not visible.

The glory of Elbrus as the highest and most beautiful mountain in the Caucasus has been going on since time immemorial. Even before our era, Herodotus wrote about him. The peoples of the Caucasus and the Middle East have songs and legends about Elbrus. The inspired lines of A.S. Pushkin, M.Yu. Lermontov, and many Caucasian poets dedicated to him.

Conquered giant
... in the depths of your gorges
The ax will rumble.
And an iron shovel
Into a stone chest
Mining copper and gold
Will cut a terrible way.
The caravans are already passing
Through those rocks
Where only mists rushed
Yes, the kings are eagles.

M.Yu. Lermontov.

Due to its symbolic significance as the highest point of Europe, Elbrus became an arena of fierce confrontation during the Great Patriotic War, in which, among other things, units of the German mountain rifle division "Edelweiss" took part. During the Battle of the Caucasus on August 21, 1942, after the occupation of the mountain bases "Krugozor" and "Shelter of Eleven", Hitler's Alpine riflemen managed to establish Nazi banners on the western summit of Elbrus. By the middle of the winter of 1942-1943, the fascist troops were driven off the slopes of Elbrus, and on February 13 and 17, 1943, Soviet mountaineers climbed the western and eastern peaks of Elbrus, respectively, where the red flags were hoisted.

The entire infrastructure is mainly concentrated on the southern slopes of Elbrus, where a pendulum and chairlift is located, leading to a height of 3750 meters to the Bochki shelter, which consists of twelve six-seater insulated residential trailers and a kitchen. Currently, it is the main starting point for those climbing Elbrus. Below is the map of the cable car

At an altitude of 4200 m, there is the highest-altitude hotel "Shelter of the Eleven", which burned down at the end of the 20th century, on the basis of which a new building has now been rebuilt, which is also actively used by climbers. The Pastukhov Rocks are located at an altitude of 4700 m. Above them is an ice field (in winter) and an oblique ledge. Further, the route to the Western Summit passes through the saddle. From the saddle, the peaks rise to a height of about 500 m.

More detailed map-scheme of Elbrus and Elbrus (click on the map to enlarge)

In this photo Elbrus is captured from a bird's eye view

Since 2007, work has been underway to build a rescue shelter (Station EG 5300) on the saddle of the mountain (height 5300 m). The shelter will be a hemisphere of a geodesic dome with a diameter of 6.7 m, installed on a foundation of gabions. In 2008, a reconnaissance of the area was carried out, the base camp was prepared, and the design of the shelter began. In 2009, the structures of the dome were made, construction work began: by the efforts of the expedition members, gabions were erected, and the elements of the dome were transported to the construction site (including using a helicopter). Completion of construction is scheduled for 2010

On the northern side, the infrastructure is poorly developed, and is represented by several huts on one of the moraines (at an altitude of about 3800 m), which are used by tourists and employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. As a rule, this point is used for ascents to the Eastern Summit, the path to which passes through the Lenz rocks (from 4600 to 5200 m), which serve as a good reference point for all climbers.

Giant's Snow Cap
And in their circle there is a two-headed colossus.
In a crown shining with ice,
Elbrus is huge, stately
Glowed white in the blue sky.

A.S. Pushkin.

In 2008 Elbrus was recognized as one of the seven wonders of Russia, according to the results of the vote "7 Wonders of Russia"

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Elbrus is a large stratovolcano composed of layers of lava and volcanic ash. It has a conical shape with two vertices located at approximately the same height. The western peak of Elbrus rises 5642 meters above sea level, the eastern one is slightly lower, at 5621 meters. The peaks are separated by a gentle saddle about 5300 meters above sea level and are located three kilometers from each other.

Elbrus is considered an extinct volcano, but the last eruption occurred not so long ago from a geological point of view - at the beginning of our era, approximately in the first or second century.

There are several versions about the origin of the mountain. According to one of them, "Elbrus" means "high mountain" or "sparkling mountain" in Iranian. Karachais and Balkars, who have been living in the Caucasus in the Elbrus region for a long time, call this volcano Mingi-tau, which translates as "eternal mountain".

The geographical location of Elbrus

The Caucasus Mountains are divided into two parts: the Greater and Lesser Caucasus. The Greater Caucasus Range passes on the border of Russia with other southern countries (Georgia, Azerbaijan) from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea. The territory of the Greater Caucasus on the Russian side is divided into several republics and regions: these are Adygea, Karachay-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Dagestan, North Ossetia. Elbrus is located on the border of the Kabardino-Balkarian and Karachay-Cherkess republics.

A few kilometers south of the foot of the volcano lies the border of Russia with Georgia.

The mountain is located in the northern part of the ridge at a distance from the other peaks, so it is perfectly visible from all sides of the Ciscaucasia - a two-headed cone is visible even a hundred kilometers away. Elbrus is located between the central and western Caucasus. The western part of the mountain system runs from Elbrus to the Black Sea coast, the central one lies between this peak and Kazbek.

The volcano is surrounded by several gorges - Adylsu, Adyrsu, Shkhelda, glacial massifs and mountains. The area at the foot of Elbrus and in the area of the upper reaches of the Baksan River, which is part of the Terek basin, is called the Elbrus region. This is a resort region and a protected area with unique natural beauty, healing mineral water springs and excellent opportunities for skiing and hiking.

The borders between Europe and Asia are not precisely defined, and if the Caucasian ridge is considered the border, then Elbrus is the highest point in Europe. Otherwise, this title belongs to Mont Blanc in the Alps.

The mountains of the Caucasus are amazing and beautiful. Snow-covered Elbrus beckons everyone. Especially beautiful are the protected areas of the Elbrus region with ski resorts, cable cars and a ski track 35 km away. It has a rather mild climate and wonderful landscapes. But the Caucasus is not only beautiful, it is very harsh. Many climbers died from avalanches and rockfalls, from the unpredictability of the weather and sheer cliffs ...

"stone art"
Northern Elbrus region. This stone is against the handsome Elbrus. Someone tried to knock out his portrait in stone.

at the foot of Elbrus

flowering foot of Elbrus

from the slope of Elbrus to Dzhilysu

Elbrus is a stratovolcano located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. It is deservedly considered the highest peak in Russia. And due to the ambiguous border between Europe and Asia, it is often called the highest mountain peak in Europe.

Lenticular cloud over Elbrus

Elbrus, covered with a "veil"

rhododendron slopes of Elbrus

raincoat mushrooms on the bank of Kyzylkol

raincoat under Elbrus

"gopher party" at the foot of Elbrus

In the Karachai-Balkarian language, the mountain is called "Mingi-tau", which can be roughly translated into Russian as "reminiscent of a thousand mountains" (a mountain of thousands). This name refers to the incredibly huge size of Elbrus, which has always been admired by the indigenous people of this region.

from the trail from the Devil's Bridge

Northern Elbrus region. The area near the Kalinov Bridge, popularly nicknamed the Devil. If you believe the legends, near the sacred mountain Alatyr (Elbrus) there was an Iriysky (paradise) garden, and the river Smorodina flowed, dividing the earthly world and the afterlife. Above the Smorodina Kalinov bridge, which connected these two worlds. The souls of the dead penetrated through it from one world to another. To cross the Kalinov Bridge, the daring hero had to fight with a snake with three heads. It is easier to defeat evil in the face of various serpents that threaten good. The one who stepped on the Kalinov bridge is the last frontier before the kingdom of Morana (Mary), there is no time to ponder, the choice between Good and Evil is predetermined by his entire previous life. It is no coincidence that the Kalinov Bridge in folklore is a place of battles between knights and evil spirits.

stone mushrooms
Northern Elbrus. Birdzhal tract. At an altitude of over 3000 meters above sea level, the so-called "meadow of mushrooms" on the slopes of Elbrus. It is a flat, slightly inclined area to the north, small in size. Only 250 meters by 100, but how many "mushrooms" fit here for every taste: with flat caps, and like boletus on a strong leg. Some of them are higher - up to five or more meters, others lower - from two to three meters.

at the foot of Elbrus from the north side

So much brightness and light! Colors of mountains and colors of summer!
These wonderful spaces! And the whitening mountains!
Mountain air, aroma! I am glad to breathe in with all my chest!
The land is magical and wonderful, a blooming meadow in the sky !!! ...

Cornelia

Some Balkars, nevertheless, dispute this pronunciation of the name and insist that it is more correct to call it “Minge-tau”, and this is no longer “a mountain of thousands”, but “a mountain saddled”. So Elbrus began to be called only after the first man ascended its summit in 1829. In local areas, it is customary to rename the mountains in honor of the one who climbed them first, so this theory also has a right to life. Modern Balkars call the mountain "Elbrus-tau" and it can be translated as "a mountain around which the wind whirls."

waterfall "Sultan"

In the Northern Elbrus region, in the Dzhily-su tract, there is the Sultan waterfall - an amazingly beautiful natural monument, 40 meters high. The Kyzylkol River (this is the name of the Malka in its upper reaches, originating from the Ullu-chiran glacier hanging from Elbrus), having cut through the lava ridge, it rushes down from a height of many meters, connecting with the waters of the Birzhanly-su river at the place where warm narzans emerge.

Northern Elbrus. Rivers flowing from the slopes of Elbrus cut deep canyons in the lava. All paths go up the slopes, and a waterfall stream rages and roars underfoot.
along the trail above the canyon

The Garabashi-su river falls from the slopes of Elbrus like such a spectacular waterfall. Locals called it "Maiden's Braids" for the similarity of the streams with loose hair. Behind the streams there is a convenient grotto, from where the mountains of the Caucasian ridge look spectacular through the water.

Before every waterfall
I want to fall on my face
Tears are pouring down
The mountains are crying ... But about whom? ...

Inna Kashezheva

in the gorge of the Zugulla river

View from the Kullumkol valley

And in the distance in front of you, dressed in a blue mist,
The mountain rose above the mountain, and in the host of them the giant was gray-haired.
Like a cloud, Elborus, two-headed, terrible and stately
Everything there shines with beauty ...

V.A. Zhukovsky.

Elbrus at dawn

Elbrus has not one but two peaks. The western peak rises 5642 meters, and the eastern one - 5621 meters. The distance between the two peaks is approximately 3000 meters. For the first time, the height of Elbrus was determined by the Russian academician Vikenty Karlovich Vishnevsky in 1813. There are 22 glaciers on Mount Elbrus, which give rise to the sources of three rivers: Baksan, Malka and Kuban.

The most favorable time to visit Elbrus and climb it is the period from July to August, when the weather is most stable. In summer, the local temperature rarely drops below -8 degrees Celsius. But as you climb the mountain, the temperature can drop to -30 degrees. Winter in these places is rather severe, and it lasts here from October to April. Climbing a mountain in winter is almost tantamount to voluntary suicide.

lonely cloud

Pos. Terskol. Elbrus region. A cloud appeared over the Cheget peak (translated as the Summit in the shadow, it should be understood in the shadow of Elbrus, since it is opposite it and much lower in height). From Georgia. This is a signal that the weather will turn bad and it will snow. But that's okay. Even good for skiers and snowboarders. Well, for the avalanche service - work: forcibly lowering the snow masses.

from the glade in the Jylysu tract

On average, climbers spend a little less than one week to climb the summit of Elbrus. Nowadays, climbing Elbrus can be greatly facilitated. After all, it is much easier to use the cable car and immediately be at an altitude of about 3750 meters. At this height is the "Bochki" shelter, which consists of ten six-seater insulated barrel-shaped trailers and a specially equipped kitchen. It is from this place that most of the ascents of Elbrus begin today.

The very first ascent to the eastern summit of Elbrus was made in 1829 during an expedition led by Russian general Georgy Emmanuel. The expedition was scientific in nature and among the members of the detachment were geologists, physicists, zoologists, botanists and other representatives of the scientific world. The first to climb the top of Elbrus was the Karachai guide Kilar Khachirov. This event went down in history as the first case of the conquest of one of the greatest peaks of the planet Earth. To this day, Elbrus is one of the most popular summits for climbing among climbers around the world.

The height of Elbrus is 5642 m above sea level. Such a giant is visible from almost anywhere in the Caucasus. Elbrus is a great place to view the surrounding gorges and peaks. The territory of Georgia and the ridges that descend in steps to the sea are perfectly visible.

From time to time, climbers at the top of Elbrus can simultaneously see the Caspian and Black Seas. It all depends on temperature, pressure and other parameters, due to which the viewing radius can grow significantly. In 2008, Elbrus was recognized as one of the seven wonders of Russia, according to the results of the "7 Wonders of Russia" vote.

Elbrus from Kyzylkol gorge

According to research by scientists, Elbrus has not reminded of itself for quite a long time, but despite this, the current level of activity does not give experts a reason to attribute it to extinct volcanoes, now it has the status of "dormant". The volcano is indeed quite active, both internally and externally. In its depths, there are still hot masses that heat the local "Hot Narzans" - springs saturated with mineral salts and carbon dioxide, the temperature of which reaches + 52 ° C and + 60 ° C. In the depths of the volcano, the life of many famous springs of the medical resorts of Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk and the entire region of the Caucasian Mineral Waters begins.

Foundation stone

He is more than 200 years old, and this causes involuntary awe and respect. After all, as the memorial plaques on the gates of the fortress say, Pushkin and Lermontov, and General Ermolov, and Count Vorontsov, and General of Infantry Emmanuel, who made an attempt to climb Elbrus, walked, walked, rode here.

sculpture of a poet

In the Northern Elbrus, there is still a glade where he camped with the Cossacks, and it is called Emmanuel's glade.

"castles" on the background of Elbrus
Northern Elbrus region. Here are two almost identical elongated peaked pyramids. Those who descend to Jilisu through the Chatkara pass and the ice lake Jikaunkengez enter through them, like a gate. If they talk about Jilisu as a heavenly place, then these pyramids are “the gateway to heaven”. By the way, the pyramids look wonderful against the background of the snow-white snows of Elbrus.

Northern Elbrus region. "An eagle spreading its wings" ... The slopes of Elbrus, where molten lava and ice met, are covered with different "sculptures", which are given different names by lovers of natural sculptures.

During the geological studies of Elbrus, layers were discovered containing volcanic ash from two ancient eruptions. The first layer is the eruption of Elbrus itself, which dates back to a period of about 45 thousand years ago. The second layer is the eruption of the Kazbek volcano, which occurred about 40 thousand years ago. It was after the second powerful eruption that the inhabitants of local caves (Neanderthals) left these places and went to look for more favorable conditions for life.

The last eruption of Elbrus occurred approximately in the 50s of our era, that is, about 2000 years ago.

over the Malki canyon, Northern Elbrus region. National park. Jylysu tract, which adjoins directly to the slopes of Elbrus.

Interesting Facts

Mount Elbrus is mentioned in the myths of Ancient Greece. After all, it was to this mountain that the god Zeus chained Prometheus for giving people fire.

Elbrus from the slope of the Tashlysyrt ridge

During the Great Patriotic War, during the battle for the Caucasus, the German mountain rifle division "Edelweiss" captured the mountain bases "Krugozor" and "Shelter of Eleven", and also installed Nazi banners on the western summit of Elbrus. German newspapers of that time were full of enthusiastic articles that fascist flags were erected on both peaks, and the participants in the ascent were awarded an iron cross and a badge with the inscription "Hitler's Peak", since the Nazis planned to rename Elbrus to "Hitler's Peak".

next to the snow

Elbrus belongs to the list of "Seven Peaks", in which, in addition to it, there are the following highest peaks of the six parts of the world: Chomolungma in Asia, Aconcagua in South America, McKinley in North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Vinson Massif in Antarctica and Punchak Jaya in Australia and Oceania.

A very beautiful sky in the Caucasus Mountains, it is velvet purple, studded with diamonds of bluish and yellow stars. I want to endlessly watch ... and breathe.

Glade of Emmanuel and Elbrus