About this experience
Mountains have always attracted me since childhood! I have lived in the Elbrus region for a long time, interacted with rescuers, climbers, local residents, so I will show you this land from the inside out. Our friendly comfort tour will be different from standard trips to Elbrus: without haste, you will admire the ravines of Adyr-su and Baksan, see rocks the size of houses, explore a ghost town, and ascend by cable car.
What to Expect
Elbrus Region Unconventionally
I want you to feel the delight of the beauty and magnificence of the Elbrus region, for these places to give you emotions for a lifetime! To achieve this, I will show you my favorite spots and popular locations, avoiding tourist crowds. I will tell you about how people live in the mountains and how climbers make ascents, reveal the peculiarities of glaciers, and share stories from the practical work of rescuers.
Moreover, the tour is customized for you. Enjoy hiking? Let's go for a mini-trekking adventure. Prefer driving? We'll plan a route with minimal walking.
A Grand Journey in 1 Day
From the Caucasian Mineral Waters region, we will head to Kabardino-Balkaria. Why is this republic called the apple-growing one? Has Islam always dominated in these parts? What radioactive lake is hidden deep in the mountains? Along the way, I will share interesting facts about the area, not in the typical tour guide style but through friendly conversations. Our itinerary includes:
- Baksan Gorge and Ghost Town. Imagine driving through a winding gorge with mist hovering over its mighty peaks... We will definitely make stops for photos. We will also visit the highest mountain town in Russia to learn why it was abandoned.
- Adyr-Su Gorge, Shrouded in Legends. We'll admire a turbulent river and witness the mountain "elevator" for cars—I'll tell you how it was built and is used. We'll walk where there are no tourists but plenty of opportunities to observe climbers. Here, I will also share the story of the memorial to deceased mountaineers.
- Narzan Meadows—a valley where you can drink healing water from a natural source, relax by a river flowing from a waterfall, and savor local cuisine in a cafe.
- Cheget Glade—one of the best viewpoints overlooking the majestic Elbrus and the legendary Semerka Glacier.
- Azau Glade, where mountain conquerors begin their ascent to the summit of Elbrus. We will slightly deviate from the tourist center, move away from the crowds, and approach the border area with Georgia to see a 30-meter waterfall hidden in the ravine (depending on the condition of the eco-trail, the walk to the waterfall may be replaced by a trip to the high-mountain lake Gizgit).
- Gara-Bashi—the highest point of a cable car in Europe. The summit of Elbrus is within reach here, surrounded by dizzying views of snowy ridges.
If you wish to see something else, let me know when booking, and I will tailor the program to your preferences :)
Organizational Details
How the Trip Works
- Transportation in a KIA Sportage or comfortable UAZ Patriot
- I can pick you up from any city in the Caucasian Mineral Waters region (and drop you back): Kislovodsk, Essentuki, Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovodsk, Mineralnye Vody
- Wear comfortable non-slip shoes (sneakers or trekking boots will be perfect)
- Bring sunglasses and a jacket: it gets colder at the cable car's summit than at the base
Additional Costs
- Cable car ticket (open and slow in Cheget or closed and fast in Azau). Prices may vary depending on the season—check with me when booking, and I will advise.
- Meals at your preference
