Name Elbrus summits. Where is Mount Elbrus in Russia. What does Elbrus look like
Elbrus is located in the south of Russia, in the Caucasus, 130 kilometers west of the city of Nalchik. This two-headed peak of volcanic origin is 5642 meters above sea level and is the highest peak in Russia. Climbing Elbrus can be done by any young healthy person, but you need to go in a group with an experienced instructor, and with suitable equipment.
Coordinates:
43.3469353
north latitude
42.4528694
east longitude
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Mount Elbrus, Russia: description, photo, location on the map, how to get
Elbrus- one of the largest stratovolcanoes on the planet; the highest peak in Russia and Europe. The height of this giant increased with each eruption. According to the latest data, it rises 5642 m above sea level. There are many climbers and naturalists among the tourists visiting Elbrus. This mountain is included in 1000 popular places in the world according to our website.
Elbrus is geographically located in the northern part of the Greater Caucasus Range, on the border between Europe and Asia. The nearest airports to the area are Mineralnye Vody and Nalchik. Next, there is a transfer by taxi or bus, which takes from 3 to 4 hours. You can also get to the Elbrus region by train. There are railway stations in many cities of the North Caucasus.
Natural sights of the Elbrus region leave no one indifferent. The area located at the foot of the mountain is considered a balneoclimatic zone.
Visitors from all over the world dream of being there. All conditions have been created for a good rest. Possibly resort and sanatorium treatment based on carbonic mineral waters, the so-called narzans. Climbers and skiers dream of visiting the slopes of Mount Elbrus and the nearby Cheget peak. Well, the tourist routes run through picturesque gorges, valleys and passes.
This mountain has a special meaning for local residents. The name they gave her "Mingi Tau" means "Eternal Mountain". There are many versions about the origin of the name Elbrus itself. One of them refers the word to the Iranian dialect and translates it as "high, sparkling mountain." The first conquerors of the eastern summit of Elbrus were climbers in the group of General G.A.Emmanuel. This happened back in 1829. Half a century later, the English climber F. Grove ascended to the western, higher peak.
Today, many climbers are trying to conquer the peaks of this giant. Climbing, as a rule, takes place under the strict guidance of professionals who know all the subtleties and nuances of the terrain. The snow-ice cap and the outlines of Elbrus are well known not only to the residents of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria, but also to the Stavropol Territory. This is a real symbol of the entire North Caucasus of Russia. The Elbrus glaciers feed the largest river in Krasnodar Territory, the Kuban and the stormy Terek.
Attraction photo: Mount Elbrus
Mount Elbrus on the map:
Where to stay in the Elbrus region
In which part of the resort should you choose accommodation when coming on vacation? The question is quite important, since the resort area stretches for 20 kilometers along the Baksan gorge. This article will help you figure it out.
Lovers of skiing and snowboarding often settle near the cable cars, but there are also disadvantages: crowded, frequent traffic jams, avalanche danger, high altitude problems (pressure, feeling unwell).
There is a compromise accommodation option: stay in an inexpensive hotel away from the ski lifts and use a free shuttle.
So, let's consider all the options:
At the entrance to the Elbrus region, on the left side there is Adyr-su gorge with two climbing camps.
Further 5 km higher is pos. Neutrino... Vacationers who have arrived in their cars often stop here. Due to the remoteness from the main infrastructure of the resort, prices for the private sector (apartments) are significantly lower, and it takes 15 - 20 minutes to go.
Elbrus village... Another 5 km higher. There is a large settlement with shops, pharmacies and a hospital. Private sector prices are slightly higher than in Neutrino.
On the outskirts of the village there is a resort area in a pine forest. Elbrus has a large number of hotels with different price ranges. Most popular: Ozone and Peak Europa. They organize transfers to the ski lifts for their clients.
An ideal place for people suffering from bronchial asthma and various allergic diseases, this place is the most comfortable when choosing a summer vacation. Also, climbers planning their ascents to such peaks as Shkhelda, Ushba, Dzhantugan and Mount Elbrus (through the Irik-Chat gorge) begin their journey from here.
Above the village is the picturesque Adyl-su gorge with climbing camps.
Tegenekli village is located two kilometers above Elbrus. There is a large boarding house here. And above there is a large number of departmental bases.
The following tourist accommodation: pos. Baidaevo, Polyana Narzanov, Polyana Itkol... There are many Narzan springs, there are several hotels. It takes 5-10 minutes to get to the cable cars. by car.
Polyana Cheget... There are a large number of hotels in front of the ski complex. It is considered an avalanche hazardous place. The slope is more suitable for intermediate and high-level skiers.
Settlement Terskol... The main accommodation for tourists who prefer the private sector. There are also many hotels here. Most of the village of Terskol is located in an avalanche-safe place. On one side of the village of Terskolkskoe gorge. On the other hand, Terskol forest. Good place for walking, picking mushrooms and berries.
Glade Azau... Accommodation at the foot of the mountain. Within walking distance to the ski lifts. Most of the tourists are accommodated here. It is considered the best place to stay for tourists tired of transport.
However, there are also disadvantages: most of the glade is avalanche-prone, in winter it is difficult to drive in and out due to snow drifts and "traffic jams". Few places to walk.
Choosing Glade Azau, do not forget that you will be living at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level. This can be critical for people with heart disease and those sensitive to acclimatization.
Most often, tourists feel the effects of acclimatization on the first night and after three days. We hope this information will help you when planning your trip.
Distance from resort settlements to cable cars of Prielbusye
Terskol - 1.5 km to Cheget and 2.5 km to the foot of Elbrus
Baidaevo - 4 km to the lift to Cheget + 4 more to Elbrus
Tegenekli - about 7 km to the lift to Cheget + 4 more to Elbrus
Elbrus - about 10 km to Cheget + ...
Neutrino - about 14.5 km to Cheget.
These settlements have both the private sector and hotels. Walking distance to the ski lift. However, you can always take a taxi, which will cost from 300 to 100 rubles one way per car. Remote housing is cheaper. Some hotels offer a free shuttle to the cable cars.
Hotel location map
On our website you can choose the most convenient accommodation option, order a transfer from the airport / train station to the place of residence, and to the cable cars. Choose the excursions you are interested in, order a full-fledged tour, just learn something new and interesting about the Elbrus region, see photos of our beauties, get acquainted with the information necessary for hiking and climbing routes. We will be happy to help you find a mountain guide or ski / snowboard instructor and answer any questions you may have! Welcome!
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Mount Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe and Russia in particular. It is included in the catalog of the seven tallest objects on planet Earth. But this is not the only characteristic of this point in the Caucasus Mountains. It is a stratovolcano or, in other words, a layered volcano, which is formed by multilayer solidifications of lava, ash and tephra.
Such peaks are characterized by high altitude and steep slopes. This is due to the properties of lava masses, which have a viscous and thick consistency. And eruptions from stratovolcanoes are explosive, while the lava quickly solidifies and does not spread over the relief over long distances.
The height of Mount Elbrus
This volcano has two peaks with different heights. The western one is 5642 m, and the eastern one is slightly lower - 5621 m. The distance between them is 3 km, and if measured along the slope of the mountain - 5200 meters. On this saddle between the peaks of the volcano, the highest alpine shelter in Europe is built for climbers and those who like to conquer the peaks. And there are more than enough people to climb to such a height, starting with the first ascent to the eastern peak on July 22, 1829 by Khilar Khachirov. This is a local guide, a resident of Kabardino-Balkaria, who knows these places well. The western summit was conquered a little later, in 1874, by the English climbers F. Grove, F. Gardner, H. Walker, P. Knubel and the local guide A. Sottaev. After that, thousands of people from all over the world try to climb to the height of Mount Elbrus, coming to the Elbrus region every year.
Controversial issues
Often on the pages of the World Wide Web you can see controversial dialogues about Elbrus, where it is located, in which country. The mountain is located on the border of several territorial units, although most of it is located on the territory of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, which occupies the northern slope of the Caucasus Mountains.
But the mountain itself is located at the junction of Kabardino-Balkaria and the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, its image is on the coats of arms of both these regions. However, North Ossetia, Georgia, and the Stavropol Territory are very close. Therefore, in the Elbrus region there is a whole complex of resorts belonging to different republics of Russia and Georgia.
Also, disputes over the Elbrus issue (where it is located, in which country) are also being conducted by geographers who cannot agree on a common opinion. Doubts are raised by assumptions that this volcano is located in Europe. Some argue that this is already the territory of Asia. The border between the continents runs right in the middle of the Greater Caucasus Range.
Name of the mountain
Depending on the location of Elbrus (where it is located, in which country), the local people call the volcano differently. In Iran it is called Aitibares, which means "sparkling or shiny". This name is very consistent with the appearance of the summit, when the eternal snows reflect the bright rays of the sun.
In Georgia, they call the mountain Yalbuz, which means: yal - "storm", buz - "ice". It can be seen that the inhabitants of this country have repeatedly witnessed the raging elements on the slopes of the mountain.
The Armenian name is closely related phonetically to the Georgian version. Sounds like Alberis. Many believe that this name comes from the word Alps.
The name of the mountain, invented by the Alans, sounds very beautiful. These are residents of Karachay-Balkaria. "Mingi-Tau" is translated as "eternal mountain of consciousness and wisdom."
The world-famous name of the volcano - Elbrus - also has a local origin. Consists of several words. "El" is translated as a settlement or nationality, but "boer" is a word familiar to Russian-speaking people, meaning to twist, turn back. The last part of the word "mustache" is translated as disposition, behavior.
Based on the meaning of the word Elbrus (where it is located, in which country, we found out), the name was invented, you can understand the nature and properties of this famous volcano, which in sunny weather reflects the sun's rays with a bright brilliance, in bad weather threatens travelers with a strong blizzard spinning in the wind freezing rain and snow. Climbers wishing to conquer the summit always remember about the danger of such a hike.
Glaciers of the Caucasus Mountains
Elbrus last erupted over two thousand years ago. Since then, at the summit, the temperature has always been very low, which, even in the summer heat, does not rise above 0 degrees. The glaciers that cover the mountain cover 134.5 km, which is 10% of all such formations in the Caucasus Mountains. There are only 23 glaciers on Elbrus.
The largest and most famous are Big and Small Azau, Irik, Kokurtly, which occupy vast territories of valleys and slopes. But there are also very picturesque ice ones hanging from the cliffs. These are blocks of glaciers such as Kogutai, Terskol, Garabashi. Especially a lot of eternal ice is located on the northern slope of Mount Elbrus at an altitude after 3850 meters.
The water formed after the melting and falling of these ice accumulations fills the river streams of the mountain rivers of the Stavropol region, such as the Kuban, Malka and Baksan.
Climate on the mountain
The mountain range always has changeable weather. So in Kabardino-Balkaria, Elbrus is distinguished by a frequent change from good warm weather to bad weather, with precipitation and winds. This is due to the mountainous relief, which forms the circulation of air masses over the seasons.
Summers in the Elbrus region are cool with high humidity. More than a week good weather has not been observed. The maximum thermometer showed + 35 degrees at an altitude of 2 km, even higher, at around 3 km, and even less, a maximum of + 25.
After this mark, winter weather begins in October. There is a lot of precipitation. The height of the snow cover on average reaches 50-80 cm. The higher to the top, the deeper the snow. More snow covers are located on the north side. The southern one cannot boast of thick snow.
Spring comes to the territory of Elbrus only at the beginning of May. The summit is covered with snow all year round. Due to them, the mass of ice in the glaciers is constantly growing.
Winter lasts a long time, and at an altitude of 3 km, the temperature drops to -12 degrees, the lowest temperature recorded at this point was -27 degrees.
Ski resort
The largest ski complex "Elbrus Azau" was built in 1969 on the Azau glade, which is located at the foot of the majestic mountain. For the convenience of skiers, there are two cable cars: the old pendulum with 20-seater cabins and the new gondola, taking 8 people on board. Lift tickets can be purchased as a one-time ticket or for the whole day. They also sell season tickets for the entire skiing period (from 2 to 8 days). The cost also varies depending on the season. One ascent - 550 rubles, descent - 500. The most expensive subscription for 8 days will cost 12,700.
Ski slopes
Elbrus has 11 slopes for skiers of all levels: from beginners to professionals. Blue slopes are wider and more gentle. The reds and blacks are for experienced riders, but they also gradually transition into blue, gentle slopes. A ski pass from the mountain will cost from 500 to 850 rubles per day.
Recreation for children is perfectly organized. For them there is a separate drag lift of 300 meters. An experienced instructor conducts classes with beginners, fun competitions and contests are often organized. There is a ski school where the child will be taught all the subtleties of correct and safe descent.
Infrastructure of the complexes
On the territory of the complex there are 38 hotels, cafes, restaurants, baths and saunas, ski equipment rental. There are shops and even a club. You can pay with both cash and bank cards. Everything is done for the convenience of tourists.
For conquerors of peaks there is an interesting complex called "Barrels". There, climbers can acclimatize, warm up, rest after a hard climb, have a snack and sleep.
It is located at an altitude of 3750 meters, at the terminal station of the "Garabashi" chairlift. Each "barrel" is designed to accommodate 6 people. There is everything you need: toiletries, bedding, warm blankets.
How to get there?
The best and closest way to get to the mountain is from Nalchik. There is an airport there, so you can fly from different places. Further from the city to Elbrus you can take a taxi or minibus number 17. Then to Terskol you also need to take a fixed-route taxi.
By car from Rostov-on-Don, you need to go along the M-4 highway, and before reaching Nalchik, turn onto A-158. The coordinates of Elbrus, a description of which is given in the article, on the navigator are 43 ° 18 "56" N, 42 ° 27 "42" E.
Come any time of the year. Skiing is also possible in the middle of summer.
Blessed is the mountain, the sparkling mountain, the mountain of joy, the pearl of the Caucasus, with what names one of the highest mountains of Russia and Europe is called. But in reference books and guidebooks she is known to us by the name Elbrus, which from the Balkar language means "a mountain around which the wind whirls." The fact is that the Balkar tribes, who lived at the foot of the mountain, often noticed the so-called "Elbrus whirlwinds" - these are masses of air visible to the human eye, which, as it were, are twisted into a horn.
Mount Elbrus: description, photo, video
Elbrus is a volcano with two peaks that died out two thousand years ago. The western peak has a height of 5641, the height of the northern one is 5621 (the difference is twenty meters). In order for you to represent the height more clearly, we inform you that Elbrus is 4400 meters higher and 2300 m higher. The first ascent to the summit took place on July 22, 1829, led by Georg Emmanuel. Despite the fact that since the discovery of this by scientists, it is considered extinct, recently gas eruptions have been noticed, which may indicate that the volcano is only dormant.
But scientists tectologists are sure that the eruption theoretically can occur only after a couple of thousand years, and for the obvious processes of gas eruption this is only the beginning of a long process of volcanic awakening. And the current prospects of the eruption do not prevent tourists from all over the world from visiting one of the largest and most beautiful mountains in Europe.
The air on Elbrus is of high purity and crystal clear, thanks to which there is a view of the two seas that are nearby: and. Experienced climbers always warn: Elbrus is a two-faced mountain with a changeable character. At an altitude of 3756 meters, (where the cable car leads), the weather can be warm and low wind, but after a couple of hours of ascent, it changes dramatically and the ascent can be very difficult. Therefore, you must always be ready for the manifestations of this miracle of the mountain, because the climb is worth it.
It is also worth noting the territory of the Elbrus area. During the Great Patriotic War, fierce battles took place here, in which the Edelweiss special forces division took part. In this division were collected the most enduring soldiers of the Wehrmacht, who had previously served and trained in mountainous areas. Interestingly, Hitler himself considered the operation to capture Elbrus and raise the flag on its top a waste of strength and resources.
Panorama of Mount Elbrus
The first attempts of the Soviet army in August 1942 to liberate Elbrus were in vain. The fighters had neither special equipment nor alpine skills and were doomed. There were several attempts to storm Elbrus and liberate the Shelter of Eleven, the Ice Base and the 105th picket, but only at the end of the 42nd by the joint efforts of the NKVD, aviation and special forces. a group of soldiers with mountaineering skills and proper equipment managed to knock the Edelweiss off Elbrus and raise the Soviet flag on its summit. Monuments to our fallen heroes testify to these battles in the Elbrus region.
Today the Elbrus region is one of the most developed tourist regions in the Caucasus, due to the number of tourists this territory is among the ten most popular and visited in the world.
Where is Mount Elbrus
For territorial affiliation, Elbrus is located on the border of two republics: Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, within the northern part of the Main Caucasian Range.
Mount Elbrus on the map
Mount Elbrus coordinates on the map:
- Latitude - 34 ° 69′35 ′ ′
- Longitude - 45 ° 28′69 ′ ′
The volcano mountain is located 130 kilometers west of the city of Nalchik.
How to get to Mount Elbrus
Generally, most travelers choose to join or form tour groups. These groups are transported by excursion bus to the towns of Neutrino, Terskol, Tegenekli, Elbrus and Baidaevo. These villages, as well as the Elbrus-Azau and Cheget ski resorts, are located along the main road. Also, it will not be difficult for you to get to them by car. There are currently no other options.
When is the best time to visit Mount Elbrus
As mentioned above, Elbrus has an unstable weather situation that changes quite abruptly and quickly. He seems to be trying to prevent the climber from reaching the top, testing him: a nosy, cold wind, smells of hydrogen sulfide, fatigue. Therefore, people with poor health are highly discouraged from starting such an ascent, and everyone else must use the services of a professional guide, for the need to undergo training.
As for the optimal climbing season, experienced climbers say summer is best for beginners. Then the conditions of the rise are a little softer, the daylight hours are longer, and the temperature is within normal limits. The only significant obstacle is the fairly frequent thunderstorms in this area, from which it is difficult to find shelter. Therefore, carefully study the weather forecast, and try not to start climbing on the day when there should be a thunderstorm.
Peculiarities
The mountain-volcano itself and the Elbrus region are quite tourist-developed. This resort is in no way inferior to the Himalayan and Alpine counterparts. Of course, he has his own Slavic characteristics. On its territory there are a number of hotels of various price categories, and several ski resorts. So, without even planning your climb, you will have a great time skiing on some of the longest ski tracks in Europe, or reflecting in local spas. In general, there is something to do.
At your discretion, at an altitude of 4110 meters, there is the highest hotel in the world called "Shelter of Eleven". From the cable car (height 3750 meters) a path has been laid to this hotel. For desires, you can use the lift, and then walk to it on foot.
What to see in the vicinity
What else is interesting in the vicinity of Elbrus and must-see? Mount Cheget, which is located on the opposite side of Elbrus and from which a view of the entire volcano opens up. By the way, most of the presented photos of Elbrus were taken either from or from Mount Cheget.
The Baksan River, it is from three rivers that flow down from the Elbrus glaciers with a beautiful azure shade of water. Visit the blue lakes of Nalchik - one of the favorite attractions of local residents.
It doesn't matter for what purpose you are going to this mountain: visit places of military glory, test yourself in climbing, take a walk around the Elbrus region, or just relax at local resorts and go skiing Elbrus will entice you. It will interest, lure and leave the memory of a proud and self-sufficient mountain, the highest mountain in Europe and one of the seven wonders of Russia.
And if it allows you to climb, if you can climb the highest point of Elbrus, the view that will open before you, there will be not only the effort and money spent, but also a new ascent, because the statistics, 6 out of 10 people who first climbed Elbrus do it again.
Elbrus is the most famous mountain in the world. It is the object of universal attention, a dream for people who prefer extreme sports, and an object of admiration for tourists. Almost every traveler knows about where Mount Elbrus is, and therefore dreams of going to the distant and unexplored Caucasus.
For many, it is the Caucasus that is worth visiting. After all, everyone knows that it is here that you can feel complete freedom from the hustle and bustle and fully enjoy, in truth, incredible landscapes. For a long time, it was he who was considered the place on Earth, which could be called "paradise". Nature has awarded the area with an unusually beautiful relief and a variety of flora. The air here is clean and transparent, which is the main feature of this area.
The Caucasus is a mountainous region of Eurasia that has many amazing places, but perhaps the most famous of them is Elbrus. This mountain has managed to become a "visiting card" of the area, since it is she who gathers around a lot of tourists. It is worth noting that the country is divided into two parts - South and North, conventionally they are called two half-worlds. Of course, the two parts are united by common traditions and culture, but the attendance by tourists is different.
What is the famous mountain?
The formation of this point began more than 218 thousand years ago. Since that ancient and forgotten time, lavas and tuffs have erupted 15 times. It is impossible to say a lot or a little, but it was they who gave such an extraordinary gift to mankind.
Elbrus is a stratovolcano in the Caucasus, it is called the highest point in Russia. It is included in the Great Seven of the world's most famous peaks. Its location is unique, since it is located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. Outwardly, it is a two-peaked cone-shaped volcano that did not erupt for a very, very long time (the last eruption dates back to 50 AD).
Each ethnic group has its own name for the volcano mountain, which, more and more often, in translation means - "height", "elevation", "highest point". Such definitions are not accidental, because they are based on the coordinates of the height above sea level. By the way, for the first time the exact height of the mountain was determined back in 1883. This was done by the famous academician and scientist V.K.Vishnevsky. He indicated and recorded data on which Mount Elbrus has a height of 5421 m. These figures have become unchanged, because no transformations were observed in the volcano. Until that time, exact data simply did not exist.
It should be noted that the mountain remained an object of research for a long time, each new ascent provided all new information, which was recorded in the necessary documentation. Today this place is interesting for various reasons, and therefore let's find out where Mount Elbrus is located on the map of Russia and how to find it for an ordinary traveler?
Correct coordinates
Of course, this place is known to the locals, and you can easily find the cherished mountain. But, in order not to worry, it is better to learn about everything in detail before the trip. First, you need to find general information about the place you are interested in, then analyze the territory and mark the data you need.
Many travelers have developed a search scheme that is based on data from cartographic sources. From them you will learn that Elbrus is located in the Caucasus, exactly 130 kilometers west of the city of Nalchik, within the northern part of the Main Caucasian Range. To find where Elbrus is located on the map, you do not need special knowledge and skills, since the most detailed maps and well-known routes are available in the public domain. It will not be difficult for you to find an object, it is much more difficult to conquer it, and therefore we will continue our preparation.
About transportation methods
Depending on what you are going to travel on, you need to choose the right approach to the mountain. Since this place is specific and not close to civilization, there is no better means of transportation than a car. Further, the route will be on foot, as it implies active rest. There is another option - to travel by bus, but it is acceptable only for large excursion groups. If you are traveling with a small company of like-minded people, then a car will be more appropriate.
Where to start climbing?
Of course, everyone has their own rules and principles for rest, but when it comes to Elbrus, the first point of departure is the village of Azau. Experts recommend acclimatizing and spending some time here (1-2 days), and then hitting the road.
Remember that it is best to get to the mountain in the summer, when there are no obstacles on the way. The period from September to September is a unique time in every sense and it suits every tourist in the best way.
Regarding July and August, it must be said that this is the optimal period due to the fact that the weather is incredibly warm and stable, there is no dampness, rain or any noticeable temperature changes. But sometimes, surprises happen, and therefore you should be prepared for everything in advance, because the Caucasian weather is very often unpredictable, remember this. For this reason, when planning a route, they always lay in one extra day. Winter climbing is likely, but the weather plays against you here, as it can be very cold at this time of year, down to -40 at the top.
Many return here at other times of the year, after the first ascent, to appreciate the beauty in other contrasts. For others, it becomes a challenge to come here, since the low air temperature becomes an obstacle. It is important to note that it is always beautiful here, only in its own way. Different times provide an opportunity to see unique features that will be invisible in another season. Also remember that there are always a lot of tourists here, and therefore you will not be alone.
Mountain coordinates:
43.3469353 North
42.4528694 east longitude.
An unsolved mystery
There is one main question, when Elbrus will wake up and whether it will happen in the future, scientists have not yet given an answer. This means that climbing it will be possible for a long time, so it's time to start your training camp at such an amazing point on our planet. After all, if the eruption takes place, then the danger will be incredible. First, ash and lava will be ejected, and the possibility of an unprecedented flood from melting glaciers will increase.
Two peaks, crowning a cone-shaped volcano, are separated by a saddle, the height of which is 5300 m. The Elbrus summits are two independent volcanoes formed on an ancient volcanic base. The height of the young cone, located in the east, is 5621 m. This volcano has retained its classic cone shape with a distinct crater. The height of the maximum point of Elbrus - the western peak - reaches 5642 m. This volcano has a rather ancient history, which is reflected in the state of its upper part - it is partially destroyed by a vertical fault.
Elbrus is a saddle-shaped cone of a volcano that was last active in 50 AD. NS. It was most active about 225 thousand, then 110-70 thousand and less than 30 thousand years ago. The mountain, formed about a million years ago, is composed of alternating layers of lava, ash and tuff.
The slopes of Elbrus are mostly gentle, but starting from an altitude of 4000 meters, the average angle of inclination reaches 35 degrees. The northern and western slopes are strewn with sheer rocky areas up to 700 meters high. The eastern and southern ones are more gentle and even.
Flowers on the southern slope of Elbrus:
At an altitude of more than 3500 meters, the volcano is covered with stone deposits, rocks and glaciers. The number of the latter is about 70 pieces, and their total area is 134.5 km². The most famous glaciers of Elbrus are Terskop, Bolshoi and Maly Azau. The streams erupting from them, connecting, create three main rivers of the region - Baksanu, Kuban and Malka. The glacier-free surface is covered with moraines. A huge cap of ice and snow keeps the picturesque shape of the Kazakhstani volcano all year round. It is because of this snow cap that Elbrus is called Minor Antarctica.
The first written records of the two-peaked volcano can be found in the "Book of Victories" written by the Persian historian and poet, Sharaf al-Din Yazdi. It tells about the Central Asian conqueror Tamerlane, who during his military campaigns climbed to the top of Elbrus to pray.
The peoples of the Caucasus and the Middle East have composed a large number of songs and legends about Elbrus. One of the legends tells that the mountain used to be one-humped. The magic bird Simurg lived on its top, gifting the highlanders who inhabited the valleys of the mountain gorges with happiness and prosperity. This idyll lasted for many centuries, until the desire to take possession of the heavenly throne of the bird led to its possession by two greedy people. Their fierce struggle was stopped by higher powers: a blinding lightning cut the sky, a terrible thunder broke out and Elbrus split in two, spewing out fiery streams incinerating everything in its path. After such a terrible fight, the magic bird Simurg hid deep underground, grieved by the ingratitude and greed of people.
According to research by scientists, Elbrus has not reminded of itself for quite a long time, but despite this, the current level of activity does not give experts a reason to attribute it to extinct volcanoes, now it has the status of "dormant". The volcano is indeed quite active, both internally and externally. In its depths there are still hot masses that heat the local “Hot Narzans” - springs saturated with mineral salts and carbon dioxide, the temperature of which reaches + 52 ° C and + 60 ° C. In the depths of the volcano, the life of many famous springs of the medical resorts of Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk and the entire region of the Caucasian Mineral Waters begins.
The climate on Elbrus is characterized by the severity that makes it akin to the Arctic regions. The average temperature in the warmest month of the year does not rise above -1.4 ° C. There is a lot of precipitation here, but they are mainly presented only in the form of snow.
The most beautiful peaks of the Caucasus are located around the two-headed giant: Nakra-Tau, Ushba, Donguz-Orun.
For the first time, a man managed to reach the eastern (lower) peak of the volcano on July 22, 1829. This was done by the conductor of the Russian scientific expedition, a Kabardian by nationality, Kilar Khashirov. The highest peak of Elbrus (western) was conquered by a team of climbers led by Florence Grove in 1874. The first to reach both peaks was the Balkar hunter and shepherd Akhiya Sottayev. During the period of his long life, he conquered Elbrus nine times: he made the first ascent at the age of more than forty years, and the last - in 1909, when he was 121 years old.
At the top of Elbrus:
View from the top of Elbrus:
The study of Elbrus by Russian scientists began actively in the 19th century. Academician V.K. Vishnevsky in 1913 was the first to determine the height and location of the volcano. In addition to the status of a unique natural landmark, the famous Caucasian peak is also an important scientific base. Even before the war, the first experiments with cosmic rays in the Soviet Union were carried out here, and today it houses the highest geophysical laboratory.
The territory of the Elbrus region is a major center for tourism and skiing. The bulk of the guests are fans of winter sports, including extreme sports, which are very popular in these mountains. In addition to the usual snowboards, sledges and freeride, thrill hunters have organized a new entertainment, which is an ascent to the top of Elbrus by helicopter and subsequent descent from the mountain on skis. For more conservative skiers, there are cable cars with an average capacity of 2,400 people per hour.
