Mount Elbrus, 5642m

10 Days £1795

Your expedition in safe hands Contents

1 Your Expedition in Safe Hands 2 The Journey 3 What is and What isn't Provided? 4 The Finer Detail 5 The Booking Process 6 Kit List 7 Safety, Accreditation and Qualifications 8 Our Other Products

1. Your Expedition in Safe Hands

The Adventure Element Ltd is a leading provider of Outdoor Courses, DofE Expeditions and Expedition Guiding. Providing services across the UK and worldwide in some of the most stunning and wild locations. Our history of working in the outdoors spans over 25 years. Our staff hold some of the highest outdoor qualifications available in the UK and all follow our simple 3 stage ethos of: SAFETY Always our number one priority. We provide experienced staff and our trips use the very best in local providers. Along side this a thorough recce trip is carried prior to a trip being launched.

ENJOYMENT Its hard not to enjoy the experience when all of your fellow adventurers are right there beside you willing you to succeed. Making you laugh at just the right time and encouraging you when you need it. LEARNING We know that being on adventures pushes boundaries to a point where you learn so much about yourself. You are capable of more than you expect, and our staff and local partners are there to help you every step of the way.

Amazing staff are the key to the success of our programmes and trips. Each staff member is a keen outdoor enthusiast and a full time professional instructor or guide. They are full of knowledge and passion for the outdoors, it’s hard not to be motivated by their enthusiasm and feel safe in their decision making. Everything at The Adventure Element Ltd is focused on your safety, success and enjoyment. We want you to be confident that - Your Expedition is in Safe Hands 2. The Journey

At 5642m, Mount Elbrus is a huge double-domed dormant located in the spectacular of Russia. The west is the highest peak in , making it one of the world famous '7 ' - there being one on each . Technically, Mount Elbrus is a straight-forward ascent and a perfect prospect for those wanting to gain ice and snow experience and basic skills.

Standing at such a height, the largest challenges for climbers are the altitude and unpredictable nature of the weather - making this a challenging and adventurous undertaking. Our itinerary allows for maximum acclimatisation time and two opportunities for a summit attempt, in case of bad weather. An ascent of Mount Elbrus requires basic mountaineering skills, which can be learnt as part of the trip.

Day 1 - Depart Day 6 - Rest day Depart from your chosen UK airport to Mineralnye Following yesterday’s acclimatisation we will Vody. It is advised to time your flights inline with have an easier day allowing for our bodies to your expedition leaders arrival in-country. We will recover and prepare for our summit attempt. inform you of their flight details. NOTE: 1) Flights are not included in this package. Day 7 / 8 / 9 - Acclimatisation 2) Private transfers to your hotel are available at approx. £70. and Summit attempts Day 2 - Arrive Mineralnye Vody These days are allocated for our summit attempts. Starting at around 3am a snow-cat can take us the first part of the way to Arriving in Mineralnye Vody, just to the North of the Pastuchov’s Rock (Please see notes beautiful Caucasus range, we will then regarding the use of Snow-cat). This is have a 4 hour transfer to our comfortable hotel for ground we have already covered the previous the night. Here you will receive a full briefing from day and will save us 2 - 4 hours in time and a your leader and meet our local crew. Following lot of energy! We will then continue on foot dinner you will then have an opportunity to prepare towards Sedlowina Saddle, the col between for the following days activity. the two peaks of Elbrus and then on to the summit, the highest point in Europe! This Day 3 - Peak Cheget, 3461m could be a very long day taking up to 12 A day hike will take us up to a possible height of hours - but worth the effort. 3461m, Peak Cheget (Maliy Donguzorun). This will Once we have summitted it will take approx 3 the beginning of our acclimatisation programme - 4 hours to return to the huts. and hopefully offer us views across to our goal, Having spent another night in the huts Elbrus. recovering from our epic climb, we will descend back to the valley for lunch, a Day 4 - Transfer to huts warm comfortable hotel, shower a beer (not always in that order!!). Tonight we will also Today we move to our mountain refuge at 3800m. have our celebratory meal. We will use the ski lift infrastructure to transport ourselves and kit to the refuge. This will be our NOTE: Depending on which day we are able home for the next few days, so the rest of the day to summit due to the unpredictable weather, will be a chance to rest and settle in. Living on the we may descend to the valley early. mountain is more basic than in our hotel but food This will mean an extra night in a hotel is will be plentiful and prepared for us. If fitness in required. (This night in the hotel is not the group is good we may use the afternoon for covered in the trip price. Approx. £30.00) further acclimatisation and there will be a chance to practice our mountaineering skills. Day 10 - Transfer to airport A morning transfer will take us back to Day 5 - Pastuckhov rocks - Mineralnye Vody and on our independent 4700m onward travel back to the UK. From the hut we will continue to climb towards Pastuckhov rocks - 4700m. Along the way we’ll practice our crampon and ice axe skills on the icy slopes. Tonight we will descend back to the huts for a well-earned rest. 3. What is and What’s not Provided?

What’s Provided? 1 Accommodation - Hotels and Mountain hut 6 In country transportation Technical equipment - crampons, axes, 2 7 National Park trekking fees and permit helmets etc. if required All meals - Excluding celebratory meal and 3 8 Local Guides and Cooks final day lunch 4 All drinking water whilst trekking 9 Experienced UK Expedition Leader

NOTE: To assist on summit night it may be possible to use a snow-cat (an all-terrain vehicle) to drive us up to around 4600m. The snow-cat will take us over terrain already covered in our acclimatisation days and is no way cheating in climbing to the summit. It will save approx 3-4 hours off our summit day and also allow us to conserve some energy on what is already a tough nights climb.

The use of the snow-cat is not mandatory and is not included in the price and if you decide not to use it, there will be a guide available to walk with you. To use the snow-cat allow approx. £50 - £100. This amount can vary depending on the elevation we decide to be dropped at. This cost is shared amongst the group. If it is not possible to fill a whole vehicle then other teams on the mountain will be approached to join us to spread the cost.

What’s not Provided? Tips for Local crew. We recommend £30 - 1 UK Transport to and from the airport 8 £40

2 International and internal flights and taxes 9 Entry Visa

3 Personal Equipment 10 Meals not included in the package

Alcoholic or soft drinks not supplied with 4 Travel Insurance 11 meals

Entrance fees to monuments or tourist 5 The hire of suitable boots if required. 12 attractions

Unscheduled hotels and restaurant meals. Items of a personal nature:phone calls, 6 13 Approx. £30 per night. laundry etc

Transport to airport or from airport due to a Use of Snow-cat on summit day. Allow 7 differing departure time to main group. £50 - £100. Private transfers approx. £70.00 4. The Finer Detail Accommodation and Food We use very comfortable 3 star (or above) hotels hosting a bar and restaurant. During the trek you will stay in a communal mountain lodge. Living on the mountain is very basic with no shower facilities and water is from a spring. However, food will be plentiful and prepared for us. There will always be a hot drink available with biscuits and snacks when you arrive after a long day on the hill. NOTE: Day 8 lunch and celebratory meal is not covered in trip price.

Flight Information This is a ‘Land Only’ package meaning you are responsible for arranging your own flights and your trip will begin on arrival at Mineralnye Vody, Russia. We would normally recommend flying with Aeroflot from London. They offer the best value flights and fit in with our schedule. However, feel free to search for an alternative. DO NOT BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS UNTIL YOUR TRIP HAS BEEN CONFIRMED. We use www.SkyScanner.net If you are arriving via another airport is it your responsibility to ensure you coordinate with our groups flights to arrange meeting point. It is not possible to fly directly to Mineralnye Vody from the UK and transit should be through Moscow. There will be a few hours to kill so pack a book or some form of entertainment! Passport and Visa There should be at least six months validity left on your passport. Most nationalities, including UK citizens, require a visa for entry into Russia. Your visa must be obtained prior to arrival in Russia by visiting one of the Russian Embassy building in either London, Manchester or Edinburgh and will cost approx. £120. You will require a letter of invitation to accompany your application which we will provide for you. The visa processing time is a minimum of 12 calendar days. A ‘how to’ guide will be sent to you Please visit - www.ru.vfsglobal.co.uk Vaccinations We insist that you have had a Tetanus injection in the last ten years, and highly recommend checking with your GP or travel clinic for up-to-date travel health advice as it does change. Altitude This trek is challenging in itself, but the main challenge lies in the altitude. Our route allows for excellent acclimatisation to the altitude and allows you to follow the golden rule of acclimatisation ‘Climb High, Sleep Low’. Symptoms of being at altitude include tiredness, shortness of breath, headaches and nausea. Altitude affects people differently and being super-fit is no guarantee of being less likely to feel the effects. All of our Leaders have experience of trekking at altitude and are medically trained. The leader will assess your progress as you climb and their decision is final if you need to descend for safety reasons. 4. The Finer Detail

Fitness, Training and Experience Climbing Mount Elbrus is a serious physical undertaking but regular hill walkers who can happily stay out all day should be fine. The key thing to remember though is that this is an endurance event and stamina and mental toughness are more important than outright fitness. We can take people to the summit who are not perfect specimens of fitness but they must have loads of grit and determination. The best way to build stamina and mental toughness is to get used to spending long periods of time on your feet so there is no real substitute for getting out in the hills with your boots on carrying a 10kg pack and clocking up some miles and hours. This is the best and, if you can do enough, the only exercise you need to do. Not everyone can get to the hills though so you should get out wherever you can and walk as far as time allows two to three times a week. If you have membership of a gym, or can run or cycle regularly you can augment your walking training and then try to fit in extended walks on the weekends closer to your climb date. Whilst having some mountaineering experience of walking in crampons and using an ice axe is preferable, we do provide on-site tuition in the basic mountaineering skills. These skills are essential to ensure a safe summit. If you are interested in learning mountaineering skills prior to joining this expedition, we would highly recommend one of our Scottish Winter Hill Skills programmes. Insurance It is imperative to have adequate travel Insurance which covers mountain rescue, evacuation and medical expenses. We will require a copy of your insurance prior to departure. Please also ensure your insurance covers you for walking in snow and ice up to 6000m (some will exclude this option). Weather Alongside the altitude, the weather on Elbrus is the biggest challenge. Whilst lower in the valley we could experience pleasant temperatures ranging between 15-20 degrees C, the evenings will be colder once the sun drops and with possible rain in the evenings. As we venture higher in altitude, the mountain can be hit by sudden storms and strong winds and temperatures can be way below zero ranging from -10 or -15 degrees C with a wind chill factor dropping temperatures to -20 degrees C. We visit the mountain at the optimum time of year for better weather but it can be very unpredictable. This is the reason we leave 2 full days spare in the itinerary for our summit attempt. Due to the very cold and volatile weather it is imperative you are prepared with the correct clothing suitable for the conditions.

Participation Statement We recognise that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement. Itinerary Accuracy While it is our intention to adhere to the described route, it may be necessary to make changes as a result of flight schedules, climatic conditions, limitations of infrastructure or other operational factors. The itinerary is brief, due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. As a consequence, the order or location of overnight stops and the duration of the day may vary from those outlined. You should be aware that some events are beyond our control and we would ask for your patience. The itinerary is a general guide to the trip and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. 5. The Booking Process

We are proud of our customer service. Our policy is to offer all of our clients a personal approach and to ensure you have the very best experience.

If you would like to join one of our programmes please read through the description carefully to help ensure you are booking on to a programme which suits your needs. Following this, feel free to contact us to discuss making a provisional booking.

Step by Step Booking We would always prefer to chat to you to Call or Email to make your initial enquiry. make sure you get the programme you need. Call us on: 017868 800212

The Participant Information Form will be Return Participant Information Forms emailed to you following your enquiry.

A deposit will need to be paid to confirm Deposit Paid and Programme details sent your place on the programme. Final programme details will then be sent to you.

Once minimum numbers have been Programme Confirmed - Book flights reached, we will confirm the trip is running. At this point you will need to make your flight arrangements.

Your final invoice will need to be paid 6 Final Payment weeks prior to the programme start date.

NOTE: The trip must reach minimum numbers before it is confirmed to run. Your deposit is 100% secure and refundable until this point. See Terms and Conditions.

JUST FOR YOU

WANT A PRIVATE TRIP? If the scheduled departure date for this trip does not suit you, but you are excited about being part of this adventure, book this trip as a private departure - just for you and your group on your chosen date.

All you need to do is: • Tell us when you want to travel • Have at least 6 people in your group CLOTHING CAMPING AND GENERAL KIT Item Needed Packed it Item Needed Packed it FEET BAGGAGE Double Mountaineering boots 6000m. Soft expedition holdall 75 - 100Ltr + i.e.Scarpa Vega or La Sportiva Spantiks or G5 Waterproof Rucksack liner or small dry bags Trekking shoes or Walking boots Small Day Bag - 25 - 30 Ltr with good hip belt 3 - 4 x pairs of trekking socks + Pairs of and suitable for carrying all day thicker socks for very cold conditions CAMPING AND SLEEPING Gaiters - essential for keeping snow out of Sleeping bag - 4 season minimum boots Sleeping mat. (not essential but may offer TREKKING WEAR more comfort 3 x Thermal t-shirts (long and short sleeved) Light Weight Dry bag for sleeping bag 2 x Fleece tops (1 thick, 1 thin) or Primaloft Sleeping bag liner (optional) jacket. Head Torch (Battery operated only) Walking type trousers (zip off legs are ideal) Spare batteries for head torch 1 x Shorts (if you don’t have zip off leg HYDRATION trousers) 3 x 1ltr Water bottles (wide necked is better) 1 x Pair light weight trekking gloves or liner gloves Water Purification Tablets (for back up only) 1 x Pair Heavy weight Glove or Mitten. Must Vit C Tablets and/or Hydration Tablets be big enough to fit over liner gloves HYGIENE Warm hat to cover ears & Sunhat / Cap Hand Sanitiser Neck gaiter or Buff 1 x Toilet roll and plastic nappy bags Fully waterproof over-trousers with taped Ear Plugs seams. i.e. Gore-tex or eVent Wet Wipes Waterproof Shell Jacket i.e.Gore-Tex +with Essential wash kit/personal hygiene items hood Light Weight Towel Down Jacket with hood. essential for EXTRAS summit day. Camera CLIMBING EQUIPMENT These items are provided free of charge if required Trekking Poles - highly recommended Ice Axe - Mountaineering / Walking axe Sun Glasses. Cat.3/4 100% UVA/UVB (Wrap Around style is preferred) Crampons - C2 walking crampons Ski Googles. 100% UVA/UVB Climbing Harness / Helmet Extra snacks. High energy and 2 x screw gate carabiners + 3m of 9mm lightweight dynamic cord Luxury treats which you can share with GENERAL CLOTHES the group. i.e. chocolate or coffee Extra pair of trousers for evenings iPod / Book / Kindle / Diary Long Sleeved Shirt Bowl, Mug and Spoon. (Long handled Long Thermal top and bottoms is better). Underwear

DOCUMENTS & MONEY PERSONAL 1st AID KIT Item Needed Packed it Item Needed Packed it Passport and Visa + Photocopy High Factor Sun Block and Lip Block Tourist Voucher and Tourist Confirmation Diarrhoea Tablets (Imodium) Money to be changed in country Painkillers Money for tips £30-£40 Anti-inflammatories Money for Snow-Cat £50-£100 Rehydration Sachets Credit Card Antiseptic wipes and Plasters Insurance Documentation Blister Plasters - Compeed AirlineTickets Personal medication Money Belt #YourAdventureInSafeHands

01768 800212 : [email protected] : www.TheAdventureElement.co.uk