Caucasus climbing
- Caucasus Russia
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Ascent of Mount Elbrus
- Ascent of Mount Kazbek
- Dykh Tau
- Shkhara
- Mount Koshtan Tau
- Mount Bzhedukh
- Climbing Erydag-Bazarduzu
- Mount Bazarduzu - Dagestan, Russia
- Mount Erydag - Dagestan, Russia
- Adyl su mountain course
- Mount Khalatsa
- Peak MNR
- Irik Chat alpine course
- 4x4 tour in Georgia and Armenia
Cross of Mount Elbrus
Elbrus Cross from North to South
English version of the program for mobile device
Versión del programa en español para dispositivos móviles
Route track for downloading to your navigator (.kmz)
Other MCS AlexClimb programs on Elbrus
Maximum altitude: 5642 m
Program category: mountaineering
Program difficulty: Basic (NO SPECIAL SKILLS REQUIRED!)
Duration: 7 days
Season: June - September
Program price: from 1480 euro
Optimal format: private or group of 4 people / 1 guide
- 30.06.26 - 07.02.26mini group, special conditions 149000 RUR booking
Mount Elbrus Cross — The best way to climb two sumits: beautiful, correct, safe route without unnecessary logistical complications.
Elbrus Cross Ascent Route Line
When it comes to traverses of Mount Elbrus, the most accessible option for climbing both summits is the classic Mount Elbrus Cross. The route goes from north to south.
Mount Elbrus from the north side
The route involves ascending and descending the different sides of the mountain, which, in fact, makes it a traverse, as opposed to a double ascent to the summits of Mount Elbrus when ascending from the south or north side.
The majestic dome of Mount Elbrus
The north-south direction was chosen deliberately - in this schedule, the ascent takes place along a longer and more difficult route, and the descent along a quicker and shorter one.
The absence of mechanical ascent gear on the north side of Mount Elbrus is a good option for a smoother ascent, which has a beneficial effect on your acclimatization.
Mount Elbrus Cross from North to South
Mount Elbrus Cross - this route is for those who want to get the best out of the mountain, to try a classic ascent along a beautiful route unspoiled by excessive commercialization.
Northern Face of Mount Elbrus
The logistics of the north-south Mount Elbrus traverse (Cross) allow for easy access to the starting point and a quick descent after climbing summits.
The descent route to the south side allows for a return trip literally the day after summitting.
Descent along the southern slope of Mount Elbrus
The Mount Elbrus "Cross" from north to south does not require a mountaineering expedition. The presence of permanent shelters on the northern side of Mount Elbrus allows for the traverse route to be completed in "alpine style" without tents or heavy backpacks.
If spending the night in the shelters, the amount of personal equipment needed on the route is minimal. The backpack weight on this Mount Elbrus route does not exceed 10-12 kilograms.
At the West Summit of Mount Elbrus
Since the Mount Elbrus Cross is a quite physically demanding ascent, one of the important factors for success on the route is a rational approach to preparation and acclimatization.
Any of my acclimatization modules in both the North and South Caucasus are ideal for this. The best results are shown by a preliminary ascent of Mount Kazbek or Mount Bazarduzu.
Acclimatization ascent of Mount Bazardyuzu in Dagestan, before climbing Mount Elbrus
A characteristic feature of the "Cross" program of Mount Elbrus is characterized by the ability to quickly and safely evacuate from any point of the route, both along the north and south sides of the mountain. This is a crucial option in case if any difficulties arise during the ascent to the summit.
At the West Summit of Mount Elbrus with a team from the UK
The Mount Elbrus Cross is the best choice for those already familiar with this mountain and who would like to explore it more closely.
The Mount Elbrus Cross is a wonderful opportunity to test your strength on a route that is truly challenging from a mountaineering point of view, as any traverse is always valued significantly higher than a simple ascent.
At the East Summit of Mount Elbrus with a team from Norway
Important! To get the most out of the "Mount Elbrus Cross from North to South" program, and to reduce the risk of harm to your health, I recommend adding an acclimatization module to this program.
Climbing Mount Kazbek
Climbing Mount Bazarduzu
Acclimatization program in Adyl Su
Acclimatization program in Irik Chat
The 7-day Elbrus Cross from North to South program is designed for those with experience of climbing 5,000+ meter mountains. The route presents no technical difficulties, but requires good physical fitness.
The First Principle of MCS AlexClimb
The first rule we follow when planning a route is safety. The group is leaded by professional mountaineering guides, using only high-quality certified gear and the most modern navigation devices. All this guarantees the highest possible level of your safety, which is the most important part of our work.
Program Schedule
MCS AlexClimb Mountaineering Program Schedule (Elbrus Cross from North to South 2026)
Mountaineering Program: Elbrus Cross from North to South
Mountaineering, Basic Level
Program Schedule - Elbrus Cross from North to South
Day 1 - Meeting at Mineralnye Vody Airport (MRV), hotel accommodation
Day 2 - Transfer from Mineralnye Vody to the Northern Elbrus region to Emmanuel Glade. Overnight at the shelter
Day 3 - Ascent to the North Elbrus high camp on the moraine (3800 m). Overnight in the shelter
Day 4 - Acclimatization hike to the Lenz Rocks 4800 m. Overnight in the shelter
Day 5 - Ascent to the East and West summits of Mount Elbrus, descent to the south slope, descent by cable car to the Baksan Valley, transfer and accommodation in the hotel
Day 6 - Spare day
Day 7 - Transfer to MRV Airport
Prices and conditions
The price of the alpine program "Mount Elbrus Cross from North to South" 2026:
1400 euro*- mini-group of 3-4 participants / 1 guide
2700 euro - private program for 1-2 participants / 1 guide
*Price per participant
You need to be prepared for:
- 5 days stay in the conditions of limited comfort;
- Making your food;
- Carrying a backpack 10-12 kg;
- Air temperatures above 3,000 m can drop to -10°C;
Conditions: It is recommended to complete the acclimatization module.
The price includes: Professional mountain guide services, rent of the communal equipment (tents, navigation equipment, cooking gear), hotel accommodation, transfers from the point of the beginning of the program to its end (MRV), using the communal basic medical kit, local registering and climbing permits, food for outdoor part of the program.
The price does not include: Russian visa charges*, International and domestic flight expenses to and from the point of the beginning of the program (MRV), obligatory climbing insurance, rent of the personal equipment, food and drinks
*AlexClimb Mountain Climbing School can provide Russian Visa support for you. More information on request.
Our Principles
AlexClimb Rule #1 - Safety First
From the very beginning of our activity, here nearly 16 years, the first Principle of work of School of mountaineering and rock-climbing of MCS AlexClimb is the Safety Priority. On the basis of this Principle all process of training is based, all programs and rounds are developed and carried out only within this main principle. We consider that at professional approach to development of programs, at personal discipline and correctly put motivation - occupations by mountaineering and rock-climbing are COMPLETELY safe. And from the return - all troubles and accidents in our sport come from nonprofessionalism, from ignorance or neglect by elementary standards of safety, from irrational motivation, from revaluation of own forces and opportunities. All these prerequisites we COMPLETELY EXCLUDE in our work - ours Rock-climbing, Ice climbing and Mountaineering are based on one Principle - the Safety Priority. In rock-climbing, mountaineering and ice climbing, the Priority of Safety of MCS AlexClimb-is your personal security and comfort irrespective of, than we are engaged - we train muscles and we work technology of the movement in the sports hall and on the rock climbing wall, we make the way through snowstorm to top or we relax on golden sand of the Caribbean beach after hot day of trainings on rocks. The Safety priority - the main credo of School of mountaineering and rock-climbing of MCS AlexClimb.
AlexClimb Rule #2 - Leave No Trace
Closely interacting with Nature, working with the active programs in mountains, woods, lakes and rivers, we perfectly understand the importance of carefull and respectfull bahavior towards the Nature, for its resources. From the very beginning of our outdoor-activity we adopted rules of Leave No Trace technique - the standard of behavior of the person accepted in all the civilized world in relation to environment and especially - to the wild nature. After all on the relation of people to the nature near which they exist, itself can draw dalekoidushchy conclusions on the relation of these people to... Where and as we didn't travel - we don't reserve any garbage, we try to reduce whenever possible our influence on environment to a minimum. We clear earlier zagryazyonny tourist parking of the left garbage, we take out and we take out to utilization places that to us other people left there. We consider that only thus, at personal individual consciousness of each citizen, each tourist, climber or autotraveller, we will be able to keep the nature surrounding us in its state, natural, suitable for life, - in it pledge of the healthy future for ourselves and our children.
