Summit Mt. Elbrus – 5642m | Seven summit series

Mount Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe (5,642 m) and one of the Seven Summits. This extinct volcano with twin summits offers a true high-altitude alpine experience without technical climbing, making it an ideal goal for strong hikers and first-time 5,000+ m climbers.

Climbing Elbrus means standing on the roof of Europe, building altitude confidence, and taking a meaningful step toward bigger mountains and the Seven Summits journey.

At AFT Adventures, we don’t just guide you – we prepare you for success and unforgettable memories. Here’s why climbing with us is unique:
– Comprehensive Preparation: From fitness training plans and structured practice hikes to mental conditioning, we ensure you’re ready for the challenge. Each participant receives a personalized preparation plan developed with our Elbrus expert in the UAE, Faisi, a mountain leader and certified fitness trainer, so even first-time hikers can confidently take on the summit.
– Year-Round Hiking: Adventure isn’t seasonal for us. Our training hikes in the UAE mountains and wadis run throughout the year, giving you real terrain experience, stamina building, and team bonding
– Personalized Gear Support: We walk you through gear selection, packing, and preparation, making sure you have the right equipment for every stage of the climb.
– Experienced Local Support: Expeditions are led by certified mountain guides, ensuring safety, guidance, and support throughout the climb.
– Flexible and Stress-Free Planning: We handle all logistics, including airport pickups, transport to training hikes, and gear rental support, so you can focus entirely on the experience.
– Small Group Focus: Expeditions are run in small, carefully managed groups to maximize safety, support, and personalized attention.
– Global Adventure Community: Join a tribe of like-minded adventurers, sharing stories, challenges, and the joy of achieving something extraordinary together.

Cost: AED 10,150 | USD 2,750
Early Bird Offer AED 9,135 | USD 2,500 (Upon deposit made by January 30, 2025)
+ Special Discount: 5% off for full payment upfront (applies to any booking amount)

Payment Schedule:
– AED 2,000 non-refundable deposit upon booking
– AED 2,000 by February 28, 2026
– AED 2,000 by March 31, 2026
– Balance by April 30, 2026 (Booking closes).

! Please note: Pass Holder discount and Early Bird offer cannot be combined. Only one discount may be applied per booking.

Day 0 (August 08). You should arrive in Mineralnye Vody (Airport: MRV), which is the gateway to the Caucasus. From there we travel for 3.5-4 hrs in a private van on a good paved road across plains, through small towns and villages into the Baksan valley.

Group transfer to Terskol.
Hotel accommodation in Terskol.

As most international flights (especially from UAE) arrive late at night, this day is planned as a rest and recovery day to allow proper acclimatization (at 2,000 meters above sea level) and recovery after travel. We will spend the rest of the day in Terskol and do any gear preparation, gear rental, money exchange etc.

Day 1 (August 09). In the morning we go for an acclimatization hike. This would be a 4-6 hours hike and we should be back to hotel early afternoon.

Hotel accommodation in Terskol.

Day 2 (August 10). We go by van/cars to Azau station (2356m), the start of the Elbrus cable car, and will ascend to the white open spaces of the Elbrus snow fields. We leave our things in the mountain hut (3750m) where we will stay later that night, and will ascend a bit further (4200m) to acclimatise. We will pass several huts and in about 1.5 hrs we will arrive to the famous Refuge of 11, 4100m (burnt down in 1998).

Hut accommodation at 3750m.

Day 3 (August 11). Today we move to the higher hut which is approximately at 4150m go again up, to the snow fields to Pastukhov Rocks (4750m) to accclimatise. Descent to Refuge.

Hut accommodation at 4150m.

Day 4 (August 12).  Day of rest and preparation. Dinner and overnight in the hut. Here we spend a couple of hours on snow training (crampons, ropes) and then we go back down to our hut for the night. We will have an early sleep to begin our summit push by midnight.

Hut accommodation at 4150m.

Day 5 (August 13).  The long and hard Elbrus summit day. When ascending we have an option to take a ride with Snow Cat to the top of Pastukhov Rocks (4750m) or to the start of the traverse (5100m). The cost does not include this option but can be availed with additional cost. From the saddle (5300m) between the two summits a snow slope of 30-35degree (about 150m) leads to the summit plateau, from where the stunningly contrasting views to south and north open up and a final short ascent will take you to the West summit of Elbrus, the highest summit of Europe. The return trip to the hut normally takes 10-14 hr. Often the long descent is even more exhausting than ascent, so to save time and energy (and feet) there is another option to ride the snow cat down as well. Normally we descend the same day to the valley so we can enjoy our great hotel. If we arrive too late for the last cable car, we can stay the night in the hut.

Hotel (additional payment)/Hut accommodation (included).

Day 6 (August 14).  Spare day. This day will be used in case of bad weather on summit day. Otherwise we spend this day exploring some forest and waterfall trails at the base of Elbrus.

Hotel accommodation.

Day 7 (August 15).  Drive to Mineralny Vody for your flight back. End of trip.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Our group transfer from the hotel to the airport starts early, but if you are making your own flight arrangements, then please plan your flight back from midday onwards.

Professional Support & Guidance

– Professional UAE Mountain Guide
– Professional certified first-aider
– Mandatory group registration with local rescue authorities (EMERCOM / MChS) before the climb, ensuring coordination and rapid response in case of emergency

Training & Preparation

– UAE Training Hikes Package (included 5 local hikes Intermediate level and above). Hikes in UAE are part of our structured training program, following the general fitness and trekking preparation schedule to provide real terrain practice, build stamina, foster team experience, and allow flexible participation so participants can join all or select hikes according to their availability.
– Personalized Trek Preparation Plan – individual consultation with a certified mountain leader (Kilimanjaro expert) and certified fitness trainer to optimize training and readiness
– Gear Checking & Advice – assistance with selecting, testing, and packing gear; guidance on what to bring, fit, and use
– Support and advice during the trek for comfort, safety, and efficiency

Trek Comfort & Services
– Technical gear rental (rope, harness, crampons, helmet, ice axe)
– Two meals per day on the mountain (expedition food)
– Treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
– Emergency first-aid kit

Accommodation & Transportation

– Group transfer to/from Mineralnye Vody Airport to your accommodation
– 3 (Three) nights hotel (sharing bases)
– Transportation to & from Elbrus Cable station
– Cable car (both ways)
– Hut sleep arrangements in the mountains

Fees & Certification

– Park entry fees
– Government taxes
– Summit Certificate

– Flights
– Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
– Travel insurance, visa and passport related expenses
– Snow cat / snow mobile cost at summit night (if required), from/to Cable station (3750m) to the Hut (4200m) – (if required)
– Personal Gear (other than technical gear mentioned above)
– Personal gear, items and toiletries
– Tips
– Laundry
– Travel & Health/Rescue insurance.

Trip cost (excluding deposit) is fully refundable 30 days prior to departure. A 50% of total trip value is charged for cancellation within 30 days from trip date.