MOUNT ELBRUS, Russia - 9- Days - coming soon.

18,586 feet/ 5665m

EXPEDITION POSTPONED TILL 2010 

Description: One of the 7 summits at 5665m is Europe's highest mountain. Elbrus lies just north of the main Caucasus Chain - a range almost 1000 miles long with a heavily glaciated central section containing several summits rising well above 5000m. many of the remote side valleys are seldom visited except in summer by shepherds. Pine forests, alpine meadows, mineral springs, glacial rivers and periods of settled weather complete the picture.

ITINERARY - 9 days  - July 11- Start in: St. Petersburg  End in: Moscow  

Official Papers

• Valid passport
• 2 Copies of first page + visa page of passport
• Airline tickets
• Voucher copy (a copy of the form which was sent to you for obtaining visa).
• Border zone permission, other registrations and permits - (your guide will have this for you).

• Sleeping bag rated to -10°C

• Insulated parka/jacket, down or synthetic, rated to -15°C and able to fit over other sweater layers
• Rain jacket and pants side-leg zippers are helpful), roomy and water repellent

• Mid-weight fleece jacket
• Fleece pants or tights
• Mid-weight thermal underwear tops and bottom
• Hiking pants/skirt
• Hiking shorts
• Long-sleeve shirts/blouses
• T-shirts
• Underwear
• Hiking socks
• Liner socks

• Hiking boots
• Camp shoes: running shoes or trail shoes, sneakers

• Plastic boots or crampon-compatible heavy leather mountaineering boots. Note: cool feet could force you to turn back, or result in frostbite. We strongly recommend plastic boots. The only but very important advantage of plastic boots is that they may be dried easily on field. If you have your leather boots wet on the first day most likely they will stay wet for the whole trip. Wet boots may cause problems
• Skis with skins for ski-touring and ski-touring boots and poles (sticks), Crampons for skis.
• Crampons 
• Ice axe - An ice axe sometimes is not necessary depending on current weather (snow conditions). However one must have it in case it becomes necessary (your guide will advise before the climb.
• Protectors for ice axe and crampons; when you ride the chairlifts, they will often be crowded and an unprotected axe or crampons can do damage).
• Headlamp
• Big backpack or a bag which may be carried like a backpack (In case the 3rd leg of lifts is closed by any reason you will be forced to carry your own personal gear to the base camp on Elbrus. It is 0.5 - 1 hour walk depending on one's pace.)
• Flask (thermos bottle) .
• Small backpack for hikes and summit climb.
• Windproof mask - in case of cold strong wind
• Harness with a short piece of rope for self-belay, 2 carabiners.
• Avalanche transceiver.

• Sun hat
• Warm hat.
• Bandana
• Fleece windproof gloves.
• Thin liner gloves
• Waterproof over-mitts (to protect gloves from snow)
• Balaclava
• Snow gaiters, knee-length (super-gaiters, which cover the whole boot, are excellent)

• Lightweight easily washable items for travel and daily wear
• Comfortable shoes

• Water bottles
• Pocket knife or multi-tool
• Sunglasses with retainer strap (side-shields or glacier glasses highly recommended) or goggles or ski glasses.
• Spare contact lenses/glasses/sunglasses
• Sunblock and lip balm.
• Toiletry kit
• Small, quick-dry towel
• Hand sanitizer gel and Handi-wipes
• Several Ziploc plastic bags
• Large, heavy-duty plastic trash bags
• Plastic bowl, cup and spoon
• Swimsuit - for a sunbath or sauna. Local people do not like naked bodies at public places :)
• Personal first-aid kit.
• Any prescription or over the counter medications used regularly (these will not be available in the Caucasus).
• Watch/Travel alarm
• Rubber sink stopper for sinks in hotel (generally, these are not available in Russian hotels)
• Adapter for any electrical appliances. The 220V current in Russian outlets will ruin Western 110V appliances.
• Knee supports- if used.
• Camera and spare batteries
• Reading and writing materials

• Range of goods in Russia is not same as in your country so you may wish to bring some items that are probably not available in Russia and which may make your trip more pleasurable:
• Your favourite: instant coffee, herbal teas, powdered milk, sugar substitute, other power drinks, supplements or gels.
• Your favourite trail snacks.
• Vitamin supplements

HIMALAYAN HIGH ALTITUDE SPECIALISTS since 1983