Climbing Mount Elbrus from the East
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Altitude: 5621 m
Program category: Mountain Climbing
Difficulty: basic (SPECIAL SKILLS ARE NOT REQUIRED)
Duration: 7 days
Season: June - September
Program price from: 750 Euro
Best format: mini group 4 participants / 1 guide
Contact the organizer via WhatsApp or Telegram +44 7727 445099
Ascent of Eastern Elbrus from the rising sun side along the Ichkerikol lava flow
Detailed FAQ section on preparation, equipment, and routes to Mount Elbrus
Europe's highest mountain, Mount Elbrus, has two summits—Western and Eastern. Once upon a time, both peaks formed part of a single enormous dome, rising at least 1,000 meters above Mount Elbrus's present-day elevation.
Several hundred thousand years ago, a powerful explosion destroyed the upper part of the volcano, creating the mountain's shape we see today—a gently sloping, two-peaked dome with a deep saddle between two summits.
Elbrus's western summit (5,642 m) is 21 meters higher than its eastern summit (5,621 m). This slight difference in altitude has led to the majority of mountaineering ascents being made to the higher, western summit of Mount Elbrus.
Most ascents are completed via the southern route, which is subject for significant, even unhealthy, crowds during the peak season.
There are far fewer ascents to the eastern summit of Mount Elbrus, which is why the eastern route has remained pristine—free from intrusive commercial services, cable cars, and crowds of tourists.
When choosing between the four classic routes to climb Mount Elbrus, the eastern route should be considered as an option with low traffic and convenient approaches. Being not over popular, however, it does not require the same logistical effort as the western route.
Climbing Elbrus from the east that is attempting the route that combines all the features of a true, albeit short, but still autonomous mountaineering expedition.
The climbing route of Mount Elbrus from the east - that is the choice for true mountain lovers, for those who value the pristine purity and tranquillity, the opportunity to be alone with the mountains, and to overcome real obstacles in a fair confrontation with the Mountain – from the foot to the very summit.
The ascent route to the eastern summit of Mount Elbrus begins in the village of Elbrus. Via the Irik-Chat Valley, the trail reaches the Irik Pass. Then, traversing the Dzhainkau-Ginköz ice plateau, it reaches the lower part of the eastern crater (Horseshoe).
From there, along gentle scree and snowy slopes, we reach the Eastern summit of Mount Elbrus.
This ascent route does not involve overnight stays in the huts or using the cable car. This improves acclimatization and makes the climb more enjoyable. There are usually few tourist groups on this route, so the annoying traffic will not detract you from contemplating the fantastic sunrise.
Important! To maximize your experience and reduce the risk of harm to your health, we strongly recommend adding a full acclimatization module to this mountain tour:
Acclimatization Program in Adyl-Su
The 7-day "East Elbrus Climb" program is designed for those with little mountain climbing experience. The Mount Elbrus climb presents no serious technical difficulties, but requires good physical fitness.
The East Elbrus climbing schedule (Climbing Mount Elbrus from the East 2026):
Easy сlimb, Basic level
Day 1 - arrive to MRV (options: NAL, OGZ), group transfer to the Baksan Valley (minibus), breakfast and lunch are not included in the program for this day, dinner in the hotel restaurant, accommodation in 2-3 bed rooms with private facilities
Day 2 - hiking up the Irik Chat valley, setting the Camp 1 2400 m. Breakfast in the restaurant, lunch and dinner - outdoor ration, overnight in the tents on the grass
Day 3 - hiking up to the base of Irik Pass, setting the Camp 2 3300 m. Breakfast, lunch and dinner - outdoor ration, overnight in the tents on the rocks
Day 4 - climbing up the Irik Pass, traversing the flat glacier Jinkau Ginkez, setting the Camp 3 4300 m at the base of the East Elbrus lava flood. Breakfast, lunch and dinner - outdoor ration, overnight in the tents on the rocks
Day 5 - summit day climbing the East summit of Elbrus, descent to the Camp 3 4300 m. Breakfast, lunch and dinner - outdoor ration, overnight in the tents on the rocks
Day 6 - spare Summit day, breakfast, lunch and dinner - outdoor ration, overnight in the tents on the rocks
Day 7 - descent to the Elbrus village, hotel accommodation, overnight in the hotel, breakfast and lunch outdoor ration, overnight in the hotel
Day 8 - breakfast in the restarant, transfer to MRV (NAL, OGZ)
The price of the program Climbing Elbrus from the East" 2026:
780 Euro* - standard group 5-10 participants / 2 guides
950 Euro* - mini-group 3-4 participants / 1 guide
2600 Euro - private program for 1-2 participants / 1 guide
* price per person
You have to be ready for:
- 4-5 days of camping life in the field conditions;
- Cooking your meals while climbing mountains;
- Carrying a 20-25 kg backpack;
- Air temperature can be down to -10°C at the altitude higher than 3000 m;
Conditions: acclimatization module is recommended before the trip
The price includes: Professional mountain guide services, rent of the communal equipment (ropes, belaying and navigation equipment, cooking gear), hotel accommodation, transfers from the point of the beginning of the program to its end (Mineralnye Vody), 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), one day in Moscow if you have long transfer, obligatory climbing insurance, rent of the personal equipment, food and drinks while being in cities.
MCS EDIT 2025