Rest in the Elbrus region. Resorts, prices, interesting places. What awaits tourists in the Elbrus region Elbrus mountain vacation in winter

One of the seven wonders of Russia attracts connoisseurs of active recreation with its grandeur all year round. In summer, the mountain peaks of the dormant volcano are conquered by explorers and climbers; romantics prefer to spend time here on foot and on horseback. But what kind of entertainment awaits lovers of winter activities in these parts? Let's find out!
It is worth noting that frosts are easily tolerated here due to low humidity. In winter, the temperature drops to -15 degrees, but at higher points the levels can reach -25...-40 degrees. And the weather itself is sharply changeable: sometimes calm, sometimes heavy snowfall.
The most popular winter destination is Elbrus among fans of skiing and snowboarders.
So 150 km. from Nalchik there is the Elbrus resort (Azau), the tracks of which stretch along the southern slopes of the snow-capped giant, equipped with all the necessary elements, including lifts and snowcats.
In the main part of this resort, the skiing season lasts from October to May, and in higher areas (starting from 4 thousand meters) even longer.
On the local slopes there are 7 trails up to 11 kilometers in length. But along this entire length there are no signs or dividers, so the resort is considered one large highway. This gives its visitors the freedom to ride, which is the main distinguishing feature of this holiday destination.

First, let's look at the color marking of the trails, which is given to them depending on the type of difficulty:

Greens - the simplest, they have no bumps, they are well-groomed, well suited for beginners, and are of interest for honing the skills of experienced skiers in the form of riding on one ski, backwards.
Blue- well-groomed, with steeper sections in some places, without bumps, interesting for intermediate skiers.
Reds- the most interesting, with the steepest sections, bumps may appear
Black- used by experts, characterized by sharp turns with drops, bumps, in some places skating turns into jumping

In general, the slope of the Elbrus Azau resort conditionally consists of four sections:

- Old horizons (3000 m) - Azau(2350) - a complex area, color-coded as red, sometimes turning black. The trails are located here at a high level of difficulty due to their steep steepness. Below the track widens and turns into a gently sloping blue one. This station has a specialized equipment rental point.
- To a section of medium difficulty blue type Mir station(3500) - You can climb the Old Horizon on the new gondola-type cable car (movement in cabins) and the old pendulum lift;
- Gara-Bashi (3800) - Barrels (3750) - World- served by a chair lift. The route is of medium difficulty, blue. Below the Barrels on the right the area is narrow and steep, on the left it is more convenient in width;
- Ascent to the site Shelter eleven (4100) - Gara-Bashi possible on a snowcat and intended for experienced skiers, the route is red and black.

Let us note that by moving along the cable car, you are already making a kind of journey. After all, from a bird's eye view you can see limitless panoramas of the local beauties.
The rise time from Azau to Gara-Bashi is around 25 minutes.
Near the Azau station at an altitude of 2850 meters there is a green trail designed for beginners.
At each station there are numerous cafes where you can have a snack and relax.
Price of a ski pass (electronic lift ticket): half-day - 800, one-day - 1300 rubles.

Equipment rental points on Elbrus

The rental shops will be happy to provide you with all the necessary equipment for this activity!
Approximate prices (rub/day): for an adult, a set of snowboard/skis, poles, boots will cost from 500, helmet - 300, jacket - 300, trousers - 200.
Polyana Azau, "Free Ride", +7-866-387-12-60
In addition, boarding houses and hotels also provide similar services. Equipment rental points are available at the Antau Boarding House, +7-962-652-16-75.
Unlike Cheget, skiing on the slopes of the Elbrus Azau ski complex is considered more comfortable.
Three kilometers from the Elbrus complex lies Mount Cheget with the ski complex of the same name, the slopes of which are considered more difficult and are popular among extreme skiers with excellent skiing experience. The length of its 15 trails is about 20 km.
On the slopes of Cheget, red, blue and black pistes predominate; there are no green ones at all.
For boarders, its northern slopes are recommended, they are very steep, the hardest and most lumpy, where snow avalanches occur quite often, in contrast to the soft southern ones.
The cost of a day pass is 800 rubles; there are also equipment rental points.
For those who are bored with well-known routes, new directions of freeride (off-piste riding) are offered.
Snowadventure.ru, Email: [email protected], +7-928-694-83-75, 1 day - from 2 thousand rubles. (for a group of 3-5 people)
And alpine skiing or snowboarding goes well with a kite (kiteboarding). This windy sport is quite new, universal and unlike other types. It has its own energy and thrill.

Ski - mountaineering

Do you want to conquer the peaks of Elbrus, passing all the obstacles on your way, using climbing equipment and going down ATTENTION! On specially lightweight skis, adapted for walking? The boarding house "Antau" will provide you with such an opportunity. Firstly, a helicopter will take you to hard-to-reach places where you simply cannot get to, and secondly, you will enjoy riding along interesting slopes.
Ski mountaineering requires endurance and excellent physical fitness from its fans!
Polyana Azau, Boarding house "ANTAU", +7-866-387-13-97

Heli-ski

Another direction of off-piste skiing through valleys, gorges and glaciers, where no human has gone before, and where only a helicopter can take you (to an altitude of 3 to 5 thousand meters).
A one-day program in 6 heli-skiing zones with a length of slopes of up to 8 km and elevation changes of up to 2000 m will cost you from 20,000 rubles.
More detailed information on the tour +7-866-387-13-30.

Ice climbing

The numerous glaciers of Elbrus and its frozen waterfalls attract with the unpredictability of their relief and high levels of adrenaline. Ice climbing contributes to all this.
For this kind of extreme, all sorts of fairly comfortable and safe programs are organized, which do not even require any special skills and are filled with easy routes. Having mastered such a program, you will learn the basics of ice climbing and belaying, and get the most vivid impressions of exploring the snow-covered Caucasus.
The cost of renting some equipment (rub/day): boots - 200 - 400, ice ax - 100 -180, protective mask - 80, carabiner - 30 - 60, rope - 40 -140, telescopic poles - 100-200.
Ski resort "Elbrus", +7-862-233-09-43

Snowmobiles

A popular and breathtaking activity among tourists on Elbrus is snowmobiling (mainly Yamaha), which can accommodate up to three passengers, including an instructor. You can also ride as part of a larger group, organizing a kind of snowmobile safari and compete in speed, cutting through the wind and snow along the mountain ranges to the top of the volcano.
"Elbrus-tur", +7-928-913-12-34 invites tourists to use the "Snow Taxi" service, which will take you to the slopes. This service is valid after 16:00, when all lifts close. Price - 500 rub.

Paintball

Playing paintball can be an equally interesting and fun activity, especially if you come to Elbrus with a large group.
At the foot of the giant mountain and in Terskol there are sites equipped with the necessary equipment.
Paintball (Terskol village), +7-926-319-90-37; +7-928-717-68-27, [email protected]
Paintball from the company "TeamB", +7-928-707-99-22.

Snowshoe trekking

Do you want to travel through the mountains on foot? Then we take our snowshoes and hit the road. Such walks will bring you a lot of pleasure and will remain in your memory for a long time.
With such a variety of entertainment at the end of an active day, you can relax by steaming in a Finnish sauna with aromatic oils, a cedar barrel or hammam, after which you will be treated to a swim in the pool with hydromassage and pleasant lighting, an infrared chamber, and a massage.
Hotel "Azau Star", Azau glade, +7-918-10-60-888 "Mobile consultant" service
Health Center, Hotel "Ozone 7 Peaks" (Terskol village), +7-927-510-22-70
Yes, and when planning a trip to Elbrus, don’t forget to stock up on sunscreen and glasses, because solar activity in the mountains is high, especially when light is reflected from the snow! And don’t let anything spoil your holiday!

Make sure that Elbrus is the highest mountain in Europe and get your dose of adrenaline!

Who among us has not thought about spending a vacation in the mountains, or has not envied beautiful photographs from social networks or magazines with images of conquered peaks? We can talk endlessly about the benefits of such a vacation: fresh air, new experiences, and physical activity. When going to the mountains, it is not at all necessary to prepare to climb gentle slopes. After all, holidays in the mountains can be so varied that they can satisfy almost any tourist: as they say, for every taste and budget.

By the way, to enjoy the beautiful nature, recreation and sports in the mountains, there is no need to prepare tidy sums and a foreign passport: in Russia there are many wonderful places that allow you to fully admire the high-mountain landscapes. One of the most popular places for mountain lovers is Mount Elbrus.

Why is it worth going to Elbrus by car?

Traveling with your own transport is best suited for such a trip. Why? Everything is quite simple. Of course, planes and trains do not fly to the foot of Elbrus. Having reached a city where there is an airport or railway station, you will in any case have to look for a car to get first to the foot of the mountain, and then to the tourist base on its slope.

Of course, Elbrus is very popular among tourists, and transport goes there every day. But you must admit: getting to Elbrus by car is easier than planning a route taking into account transfers. In addition, when choosing a car, you won’t have to wait for the transport to depart and be afraid of missing your bus; you won’t have to drag your suitcase from one place to another.

On the way to Elbrus there are several small towns and villages with interesting traditions and cultural monuments, the population of which happily welcomes tourists. In addition, the road runs through very picturesque places. Most likely, you will often want to stop and take a photo or look at an interesting place you meet along the way. Therefore, it is most convenient to go to Elbrus by car - this way you will definitely not miss anything interesting!

Disadvantages of traveling by car

It would be wrong to say that the road to Elbrus by car is a pleasant and easy pastime. When traveling by car, be prepared to face the disadvantages associated with this type of travel.

You should always have an experienced driver who can navigate difficult traffic situations and is willing to spend most of the day behind the wheel. Traveling by car always requires tourists to be more focused and independent. Assess your capabilities soberly and leave yourself time for rest and sleep. Think about it: are you ready for such a trip? Perhaps it would be better to limit ourselves to a tourist trip to Elbrus and spend a vacation at sea?

What you need to know in advance

Plan your route in advance and find out where hotels, cafes and gas stations are located. Read reviews of hotels and cafes. Even if you don’t plan to sleep on the road or plan to spend the night in your car, choose your options for overnight accommodation in case of force majeure.

You will have to get to the tourist bases on Elbrus by car along a serpentine road. Be mentally prepared to drive along a winding mountain road. By the way, according to the stories of tourists, local youth will not at all mind having a little race with you along the mountain road. Remember that such bravado is dangerous even in ordinary urban conditions!

Stock up on non-perishable food and water in advance in case you need to eat and drink during the trip and the nearest store is closed.

Decide where you will sleep. Experienced tourists advise staying overnight (if you do not want to sleep in a hotel) in well-lit and guarded places - for example, in parking lots near gas stations.

Select the places you definitely need to visit on your way to Elbrus. When moving by car, you decide for yourself where and how long you can stay!

Experienced tourists warn that there are many traffic police posts on the border territory of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria, and cars are stopped for inspection quite often. Be prepared for the fact that you will go through the document verification procedure several times during your trip.

According to local residents, it is better to refuel at stations of well-known networks. Small local gas stations may sell low-quality fuel.

Many tourists complain that they planned their time incorrectly and regret that they could not stay longer in Elbrus. Based on reviews, the optimal travel time to Elbrus by car is 10-14 days.

How to get there

Do you know where Elbrus is? When going to Elbrus by car, knowing that it is “somewhere in the Caucasus” will clearly not be enough. The mountain is located on the border of two republics: Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia and is an extinct volcano. The closest way to get to Elbrus is from Pyatigorsk - from there the path to the foot of the mountain takes from 100 to 150 km.

Stock up on maps of the surrounding area in advance and use your navigator to see how to get to Elbrus by car.

Choice of clothes

Since the weather in the mountains changes with particular frequency, do not forget to take both warm and summer clothes with you. When going for a walk, take three types of things with you: summer, warm and windproof. By combining them, you can spend your vacation as comfortable as possible. As for shoes, you should not take winter boots with you. Sports sneakers will be enough. According to experienced travelers, you will not be cold in these shoes, despite the fact that in the mountains you will be surrounded by centuries-old caps of snow.

Local population

So, we figured out how to get to Elbrus by car and what to take with you on the trip. An important question remains: how to behave with the local population? There are quite a lot of different rumors about the North Caucasus and there are many stereotypes. But don’t be afraid: the population of the Elbrus region has a very positive attitude towards tourists. All that is required of you is a good mood, common courtesy and respect for another culture.

How to plan a budget

A trip to Elbrus by car, according to reviews, is not too expensive. Most of the money is spent on fuel for the car and food. You can calculate in advance how much money you will spend on gasoline by looking at maps to see how far you will have to travel. Please note that a trip to Elbrus will be more expensive in terms of fuel than descending from it, due to the fact that more gasoline will be consumed on the ascent.

According to tourists, it costs about 8 thousand to feed three people for a week. But here everything is very individual and depends on where and how you eat.

Toll roads will cost very little money - about 1000 rubles.

Souvenirs will cost one and a half to two thousand.

When is the best time to go?

According to reviews, the summer season is the most suitable for relaxation in the Elbrus region. At this time of year, at the foot of the mountain there is a real hot summer with all its delights, and at the tops there is winter and eternal snow. The temperature on the slopes of Elbrus can drop to zero degrees and slightly lower. At the same time, due to the hot sun and snow, the cold is almost not felt.

But when going to Elbrus by car in the summer, it is worth considering that the Krasnodar Territory is crowded with tourists at this time of year. Therefore, there is a possibility that on the way to Elbrus you will lose time in traffic jams. Experienced tourists are advised to plan their route so as to pass places with the greatest concentration of cars at night.

Traveling by car requires complete freedom of movement. Therefore, you need to decide in advance where you would like to go on the way to the treasured mountain. In addition to the fact that you will be driving along a road laid in a valley between picturesque mountains, several beautiful and interesting tourist places will await you.

The road to Elbrus begins in front of the village of Baksan and moves along the river of the same name. This is a cold and fast mountain river, surrounded by incredibly beautiful slopes and trees. Behind the bridge over the river, the first attraction awaits you - the monument to the conquerors of Elbrus.

30 km before Elbrus the ghost town of Tyrnyauz will be waiting for you. Once upon a time, during Soviet times, the town was built and developed due to the work of a tungsten plant there. But the USSR ceased to exist, and the plant also closed. People left the city in search of work and a better life. All that remains are abandoned high-rise buildings, surrounded by beautiful nature.

You can visit Polyana Narzanov, where you can get water from mineral springs, have a snack and buy souvenirs.

Of interest to tourists is the village of Terskol, which is now a cozy place for inexpensive accommodation for guests of the Elbrus region.

Elbrus would not be itself if it were not adjacent to Mount Cheget, which complements its grandeur and beauty. Translated, “Cheget” means “Located in the shadows.” Of course, Elbrus overshadows Cheget with its beauty and grandeur, but this mountain offers the most beautiful view of Elbrus. Local guides advise you to first climb it in order to acclimatize and get used to the pressure in the mountains.

The last attraction on the way to Elbrus is the Azau clearing. Here you can rent a room, buy souvenirs and, finally, park your car and buy a ticket for the cable car to Elbrus!

Where to stay in the mountains

The closest place to stay would be at the Azau glade or the Chegetskaya glade. The second most remote option would be hotels in the village of Terskol. And finally, located a little further away, but still conveniently located for tourists, it is ready to offer several hotels with rooms for every taste and budget.

Entertainment on Elbrus

Elbrus, first of all, is a ski resort. Therefore, entertainment here corresponds to this status. You can go skiing and snowboarding, rent a snowmobile, or go hiking or driving in the mountains.

If active recreation does not bring you pleasure, you can relax in the bars of Elbrus, sunbathe and take photographs against the backdrop of dazzlingly beautiful landscapes.

The name Terskol is given to the gorge, the glacier, and the river flowing from it, but for tourists Terskol is primarily a village in the Baksan Gorge, the administrative center of the Elbrus region recreational region. It is built at an altitude of about 2100 meters above sea level. A little lower, at an altitude of 2000 meters, is the Cheget clearing at the foot of Mount Cheget. Above is the Azau clearing, from which the ski lifts go to Elbrus. Unlike the purely hotel-tourist Azau, Terskol is a real village with permanent residents. The highest mountain village in the Elbrus region.

There are no architectural or historical sights in Terskol, and there is no need for it - the beauty of the mountains is so mesmerizing that you simply forget about “civilization”. There is one important monument - to those who died on the slopes of Elbrus during the Great Patriotic War. It is placed on a hill a hundred meters below the bus station. On May 9, 2012, the remains of eight Soviet soldiers, found by a group of searchers in August 2011 at an altitude of 4000 meters in the Gara-Bashi area (the slope of Elbrus), were solemnly buried here.

In addition to the bus station, Terskol has a school, post office, ATMs, grocery stores, and pharmacies. Regular buses come here from Nalchik. Everything is like in an ordinary village, if not for the proximity of the peaks and the increased number of hotels and tourist centers per capita. The lower lift stations on Elbrus and Cheget are from one to four kilometers away, so it’s convenient to stop in Terskol if you are interested in both mountains. Almost all hotels and camp sites organize transfers to the slopes. You can also walk there in about half an hour along a pleasant road surrounded by pine forest.

People go to Terskol, as well as to the Elbrus region in general, not only during the ski season and not only for the sake of skiing. The village is suitable as a base for other types of recreation: it is convenient to go for walks in the surrounding area, make one-day climbs, swim (only very carefully) in cold mountain rivers, wander through alpine meadows and light pine forests. You can get to the stunningly beautiful and powerful waterfalls - Terskolsky and Devichye Kos. First you need to get to the Terskol gorge (the road starts right from the village), and in the gorge choose the right or left path. To the left - to the Novy Krugozor clearing, where the observatory of the Academy of Sciences is located, and then go to the waterfall with a romantic name. Its flows are divided into small jets like streamers. (The name, however, is new and, like all such beautiful names, was invented for tourists.) At the bottom of the waterfall, under these very spits, there is a grotto.

If you turn right, you can walk to the Terskol glacier and Terskol waterfall. It is formed in the place where the Terskol River begins. Stormy streams of water roaring from above, basalt rocks, the bed of a waterfall (you can swim there if you wish) - the quintessence of mountain romance. However, romance requires some effort: depending on your general physical fitness, the journey to the waterfall will take from two to four hours one way. It is quite easy to get lost, but you will almost inevitably meet other tourists on the trail, so there will be an opportunity to clarify the route. And make friends - in the Elbrus region people surprisingly quickly find a common language, even if in ordinary life they have nothing in common. Probably, this is the influence of the mountains.

Important

CTO (counter-terrorist operation) regime in the Elbrus region canceled November 2011. It lasted eight months, from February 2011. During the CTO, tourists were not allowed into the Elbrus region, but were turned away at the checkpoint in the Baksan Gorge. During the eight months of the actual blockade, the tourism sector of the Elbrus region suffered enormous damage - hotels were empty, people were left without work, construction of new facilities came to a standstill. The introduction of the CTO was covered in great detail in the media, but the removal of the regime passed almost unnoticed. Therefore, we draw your attention to the fact that the CTO regime really canceled, the third stage of the cable car has been restored, tourists can easily come to the Elbrus region. There is only one checkpoint left in the gorge where documents are checked. But no one is stopping tourists anymore; there are no problems with travel to the Elbrus region. The situation in the area is calm.

It is also worth noting that tourists in the Elbrus region are always treated very carefully and kindly, because their presence is the bread for those working here.

Local features

The control and rescue service, a division of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, is based in the very center of Terskol. Everyone who decides to climb or hike through the passes is registered here. If you are not going to the mountains as part of an organized group, you must register with the control and rescue service yourself.

The advantage of Terskol compared to the glades of Cheget and Azau is the opportunity to rent an apartment or house from a private owner. This is especially true for those who want to save money or come with children. During the high season, it is worth taking care of a rented apartment in advance; at other times - in the summer and early autumn - there are usually no problems with housing.

There are many cafes and kebab houses in Terskol. For those who miss fish, there is a cafe with live trout - you can catch the fish yourself and they will cook it for you.
Two hundred meters from Terskol there is the Narzan spring Achi-su, very popular among both vacationers and locals. Water from it must be drunk on the same day it is collected, otherwise the metal will settle.

The three main Russian mobile operators - MTS, Megafon and Beeline - work equally well in the Elbrus region.

What to bring from Terskol

Local women knit things from goat and sheep fluff. Now many have switched to machine knitting, and the quality of products has deteriorated. But you can find hand-knitted products - from socks and hats to voluminous, warm, like a fur coat, sweaters and the thinnest openwork scarves. Knitted items may smell a little like goat, but there is no need to be embarrassed - this smell disappears very quickly, especially after washing. They also sell national felt hats and boots, chuni, and hats made of goat and lamb skins.

You can buy aurochs horns, horse horseshoes, and various embossed and ceramic items. Local markets sell dried lamb, smoked Kabardian cheese, and locally produced halva.

News

A rare Balinese starling has settled in the Moscow Zoo.

All beluga whales remaining in the “whale prison” in Primorye will be released next week.

The Tsarskoye Selo Museum-Reserve showed the progress of restoration of the interiors of the Alexander Palace.

Since 2011, over 60 kilometers of embankments and green areas along the Moscow River have been improved.

A boat that sank before the era of Ivan the Terrible was discovered in the Samara region.

A necessary part of spending time at any ski resort is apre-ski or “rest after skiing”. Of course, people come to the Elbrus region primarily for skiing and snowboarding. Therefore, the program of other entertainment is not so extensive and intricate.

The intensity of evening relaxation depends only on the desires of tourists. Gatherings at numerous kebab houses or cafes on Elbrus are traditional. Many people like to sit in cozy cafes with friends, taste homemade national cuisine, drink a glass of wine and discuss the events and achievements of the day.

You can also visit the disco in the Azau clearing. The cozy disco bar of the Balkaria hotel is pleased to offer its visitors a musical collection ready to satisfy the demands of music lovers of various ages. Techno, jazz, immortal classics, modern hits and remakes of popular tunes of all times and peoples, and, of course, fiery Caucasian dances. The background on the projection screen shows footage of super rides and jumps. Here you can play Russian or American billiards. The disco bar is located in the high attic of the hotel.

Those who like to sing can relax in the karaoke club of the Ozon 7 Verkhinks hotel in Terskol. The establishment is open from 19:00 pm to 4:00 am. For non-hotel residents there is an entrance fee. An indispensable attribute of all hotels in the Elbrus region are billiard rooms. There is both Russian and American billiards. Good billiard rooms are located in the hotels "Povorot", "Legend", "Chiran Azau", "Peak of Europe", "Eltur", in the hotels of the "Ozon" chain, and the boarding house "Edelweiss". Also, tourists’ mandatory winter holiday program in the Elbrus region includes visiting a sauna or bathhouse, which are present in many hotels.

A hookah, which is available in almost every cafe, will help you relax and unwind. You can also enjoy the incomparable aroma of hookah tobacco at the Cheget boarding house. There is a whole hookah hall with a VIP room for special connoisseurs.

As for active recreation, playing paintball will be an interesting and fun activity, especially for large groups. In Terskol, not far from the TsVTB, a special site with inflatable figures in the forest has been provided, 16 sets of clothes and shooters and a huge amount of “ammunition” have been delivered. Since June 2014, another site from the TeamB company has been operating at the resort, located at the foot of Elbrus. Up to 14 people can take part in the game. There is all the necessary equipment: marker (paintball machine), protective clothing, gloves, masks. There is also a shooting range here on Saturdays and Sundays.

On the slopes of Cheget and Elbrus you can always rent snowmobiles.

For fans of the skating promenade, ice skating rinks have been built for many years. One of them is located near the “Itkol” boarding house, the other - near the “Cheget” boarding house. You can also skate in the dark, as the skating rinks are equipped with lighting. Skate rentals are available, and there are points of sale for hot drinks and snacks. There is music playing on the skating rinks.

“Kabardino-Balkaria is an earthly miracle,

A wonderful land of waterfalls and rocks,

And this pearl is like a fairy tale,

Both the tourist and the poet sang” (M. Trubnyakov)

The excellent climate and enormous recreational potential attract hundreds of thousands of travelers to the Caucasus region every year. Krasnodar region and Stavropol region specialize in sanatorium and resort treatment. Adygea, Karachay-Cherkessia, Alania are focused on mountain tourism. But every rule has an exception. Kabardino-Balkaria organically combines the beauty of mountaineering trails, the exciting echo of gorges, the adrenaline of ski slopes and the heroic power of the natural springs of Narzan. The epicenter of tourist attraction is the snow-covered slopes of Elbrus. The two-headed stratovolcano reaches an impressive 5,642 meters above sea level and is rightfully crowned the highest point in Russia and Europe.

Meeting and transfers

All tours in the Elbrus region are complemented by external and local group transfers, including cable car trips included in the program. We meet guests at the airport or railway station in Mineralnye Vody. Depending on the number and composition of the group, we use:

· comfortable sedans;

· passenger minibuses;

· child seats.

The main route of movement “Mineralnye Vody – Baksan Gorge” runs along the federal highway A-158 “Prokhladny – Baksan – Elbrus”. The length of the trip is 180 km. Travel time is 2.5-3.5 hours (depending on weather, stops, traffic congestion). The road is quite picturesque, especially after ending the foothills zone and entering the famous Baksan Gorge, the exit from which is closed by Mount Elbrus. The total elevation difference is 1500 m (from 300 m to 1800 m). This is a lot, but not dangerous. The 1.8 km mark is optimal for initial mountain acclimatization without discomfort or harm to the body.

We will drive through most of the Baksan Gorge (75 km), passing the settlements of Zayukovo, Zhankhoteko, Bedyk, Bylym, Tyrnyauz, and Verkhniy Baksan. The final destination of the trip is the Elbrus_Holidays hotel in the village of Elbrus. After completing the program, we will take you to the plane or train along the same road. In this case, it is possible to order an individual transfer.

Choose reliability and safety!

At first glance, booking a tour to the Elbrus region in the summer is a trivial task. Many sites promise enchanting leisure and decent living conditions. In practice, a week-long stay in a high-mountainous republic often results in serious troubles:

· poor health due to acclimatization disorders;

· weak excursion program;

· low level of consumer services;

· hidden costs;

· poor quality food.

This is explained simply. Reseller agencies deliberately embellish reality in order to sell the service more profitably. Seasonal guides from Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities do not know the landscape thoroughly; they do not want and cannot comprehensively organize an interesting excursion, trekking, horseback riding, a comfortable overnight stay in the mountains, and a proper climb to the top.

But there is the best way out of the situation - buy a tour directly in the Elbrus region in the summer with a local operator, which:

· does not involve intermediaries;

· Values ​​his reputation and strictly fulfills his obligations;

· has its own hotel facilities and kitchen;

· cooperates with trusted housing landlords, instructors, guides, and suppliers of eco-products;

· safely conducts individual and group transfers;

· able to organize a family vacation at a high level, taking on a significant part of the care of children in order to relieve parents.

Support in everything, an individual approach to the needs and physical capabilities of tourists will make traveling around the Caucasus attractive and absolutely safe. This is the only way to feel like a welcome guest, welcome now and will be welcome next year!

Some travel, e.g. “Health tour Djily-Su”, provide an alternative route through the Kabardian ridge to the northern slope along the new route “Kislovodsk - Djily-Su”.

Where is better in the Elbrus region

Accommodation and infrastructure

Comfortable accommodation in the Elbrus region in summer is the key to a successful holiday. In winter, it is advisable to rent housing in Polyana Azau or Terskol, Polyana Cheget, in maximum proximity to the ski lifts and ski slopes. In the warm season, it is better to settle in the quieter village of Elbrus, which is 10 km away from the mountain, surrounded by a dense pine forest, and has a good location for sightseeing tours, radial excursions into the gorges, horseback riding, trekking, and jeeping.

We provide our guests with our own hotel in the village of Elbrus with a large fenced area. Nearby there is a pharmacy, a store, the Baksan riverbed, and the entrances to the Iryk-Chat and Adyl-Su gorges. The hotel fund consists of 2- and 3-bed Standard rooms with all amenities. Upon prior request, accommodation is available in junior suites and two-room suites.

Well-thought-out infrastructure offers guests additional rest, relaxation, exciting and active leisure:

· sauna and bath;

· sports ground;

· swimming pool and cafe;

· barbecue area with gazebos and fireplace room;

· eco-trail for walks in the forest, etc.

Thanks to long-term contracts with trusted hotels, guest houses, alpine camps and the private sector throughout the Elbrus region, we always select the best accommodation option in Terskol, Cheget, Upper Baksan, and Polyana Azau.

Holidays with children in the Elbrus region

The Elbrus region in summer is perfect for a family holiday with children. There are no ticks, mosquitoes, midges or midges here; they do not live at such a height. The special climate, coniferous forests, fresh and clean air with a slight lack of oxygen actively stimulate the immune system, strengthen the lungs, circulatory system and the health of the child in general. The mountain sun has a beneficial effect on key life processes, relieves apathy, improves mood and gives a charge of vigor.

Our hotel in Elbrus is optimized to accommodate children of all ages, including toddlers (up to 3 years free). We provide babysitting services, practice a special set of strengthening exercises, and have prepared a picturesque path for safe walks in the forest and along the river bank. We have a swimming pool, swings, a special menu, play equipment, a playground, and a games room. Our calm and obedient horses with a calm disposition bring bright colors and positive emotions to children’s mountain holidays during horseback riding in the gorges. Experienced instructors select a horse and equipment for each guest individually, ensure maximum safety during travel, and promptly resolve any problems that arise.

To be sure to guess the program for a holiday with children in the Elbrus region, pay attention to our 8-day author’s tour "Octopussy", which provides diverse entertainment, “climbing” Elbrus and Cheget, a picnic on a turquoise lake, and jeeping along the legendary Adyr-Su gorge.

Meals at the hotel and on routes

Author's tours in the Elbrus region from Elbrus_Holidays are distinguished by budget prices and many included options, which are indicated in the description of the programs on the website. Our guests are spared from solving any household problems. We take care of everything so that you can comfortably enjoy your vacation and excursions.

The base price of the trip already includes full meals. We prepare our own food using fresh and organic products. Emphasis on Russian, Caucasian and children's cuisine to best satisfy the taste needs of each guest. Large portions, varied home-cooked food and a family atmosphere at the table are the best remedy against hunger, fatigue and stress. If necessary, you can order additional meals from the menu or practice your culinary skills in the equipped barbecue area. We will help you with groceries!

Meals along the route are organized in several ways. If this is a day trip, we take a healthy packed lunch with us, organize a picnic, have lunch in a cafe or alpine camp (each program is thought out to the smallest detail). Mountain trekking or horseback riding Overnight stays in tents are supported by a vehicle that transports equipment, cooks and food.

A group arriving at the camp does not need to worry about preparing food; a piping hot lunch or dinner is already waiting for them.

Guides and instructors

Dozens of films have been made and hundreds of books have been written about the complex nature and unpredictability of mountains. Mountains require a respectful attitude, an adequate assessment of the situation, and the correct choice of equipment and route. Without a professional guide, traveling around the Caucasus is unsafe, physically difficult and uninformative.

Having decided to buy tour to the Elbrus region in the summer, you purchase a comprehensive active recreation program, which includes transfers, accommodation, meals, leisure and the services of guides with extensive mining experience. Our team includes practicing specialists from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, who thoroughly know the terrain, have stormed 8,000-meter peaks in Nepal, and have professional skills in instructing, acclimatizing to high mountains, selecting equipment, and assessing weather conditions. If there is a risk of cold weather and precipitation, we will promptly ask the hikers to take care of warm and waterproof clothes.

The missing equipment and equipment can be rented at our rental points at the foot of Cheget and Elbrus. Very popular tour “Climbing Elbrus”, which, thanks to the classic route along the southern slope, has a minimum of restrictions on age and physical fitness.

An English-speaking guide is provided for foreign guests. Fitness specialists will help with an individual nutrition program and functional strength training. Ski instructors will teach skiing or snowboarding skills and select the optimal route for your current level of training.

Creative and extreme tourism in the Elbrus region

· excursions to ancient settlements – El-Tyuby, Upper Balkaria.

· hikes to lakes – Donguz-Orun-kel, Gizhgit, “Dead”, “Living”, Bashkara;

The Elbrus region is not only about admiring nature, healing with Narzans, tasting delicious Kabardino-Balkarian cuisine and a rich historical and cultural heritage. There are plenty of blood-chilling activities here, which we have compactly compiled into an exciting extreme tour. You will find the Chegem Paradrome (paragliding, cliff jumping, high-speed descent from a cliff), diving in the Blue Lakes (karst sinkholes up to 300 m deep), overnight in the Ushtulu tract, lost in the mountains.

For creative people who dream of painting mountains with access to the open air and sharing their impressions with like-minded people, we have developed a 10-day creative tour “Sketches in the Elbrus region”. The Ullu-Tau alpine camp in the picturesque Adyr-Su gorge was chosen as the main base location.

How to get to Elbrus and Terskol on your own

The Elbrus region is an attractive tourist destination that is popular all year round. Many people want to visit this unique place, initially rejecting the idea of ​​ordering an organized tour. The logic here is simple - why overpay money if you can drive your own car, rent inexpensive housing locally, eat in a cafe or cook yourself.

But how effective is this approach in practice in terms of providing an economical, comfortable, educational and exciting vacation?