• Fully supported 12-day group challenge
• 8-9 days trekking
• International Flights
• Accommodation, Transfers & Meals
• National Park entrance fees
• Full support team, including local guides
• Action Challenge Trek Leader
• UK Qualified Medic
• Pre-challenge support

• Airline fuel surcharge 
• Single supplement for tent / hotel
• Travel insurance
• Visa for Russia
• Tips for local crew
• Optional extensions
• Optional training weekends
• Kit hire

The Mount Elbrus Challenge contains all of the components of a big mountain ascent. Some days are very long and tough, whilst others are easier and shorter. It’s all about getting ourselves ready for the summit night. The challenge includes multiple days of load carrying at high altitude and lots of time spent on snow and ice with crampons and ice axes, on some days the weather will be very cold. As such it is perhaps the most challenging of all of Action Challenges trips.

The Mount Elbrus Challenge is a flights included package. Upon signing up you will be included in the group flight booking that we make.

Yes, this becomes our land only package and reduces your final balance or minimum sponsorship balance – please contact us for more information if you are looking to book your own flights. 

You will be required to arrange all flights and transfers in order to meet the group at the starting hotel on day 2 of your challenge and Action Challenge will require details of your travel arrangements before departure. 

Please note you are unable to change your package once final balance invoicing has been completed and tickets have been issued by the airline.

Yes – why not stay on and explore more of what Russia has to offer! We can request with to change your return date with the airline. Places are limited and all arrangements are subject to availability.

Climbing Mount Elbrus is a tough challenge, but a very achievable one with the correct training and determination. Our trek will lead us to altitudes of 5,642 m, and therefore high levels of strength and stamina will be necessary both of which can be honed prior to the challenge.

Whilst climbing Elbrus you’ll need to load carry your sleeping and climbing equipment from base camp to high camp, and back down again. This part of the challenge is often underestimated and can prove to be very tough for many participants. We highly recommend training includes long hill walks whist carrying backpacks weighing approx 15kg.

Yes, Elbrus is a cold and challenging mountain and the route includes lots of time spent on snow and ice. Upon signing up you’ll be sent a full kit list that details all of the clothing and equipment needed. Items of particular importance include:

• crampons
• ice axe
• harness
• mountaineering double boots, suitable and warm enough for 6000m and rated B3
• cat 4 rated sunglasses or glacier glasses
• snow goggles

These more specialist items are available to rent from within the UK and locally in Kislovodsk, though availability may be limited an so its best to book well in advance.   

The terrain is very varied. Some sections are fairly standard mountain hiking trails over undulating terrain. The section to/from the high camp is steep, loose and slippery as it crosses boulder fields and glacial moraines. Above high camp the entire route to the summit is glacial ice and snow, for this section you’ll be fully equipped with crampons, ice axes and ropes etc.

All meals are included within the cost of the trip apart from on your free day. We try to provide varied meals, which are simple but wholesome and we hope they exceed people’s expectations given the limited facilities on the mountain. For trekking days we recommend people bring their own snacks to keep their energy levels up such as cereal bars, biscuits, chocolate, fruit gums and carbohydrate gels.

Please note that we will do our best to accommodate all dietary requirements if informed in advance.

While climbing Elbrus the participants carry their own sleeping and climbing equipment up to the high camp. We do this between base camp and high camp, and from high camp to base camp at the tail end of our challenge. Load carrying at altitude is tough, and so we highly recommend incorporating hill walking whilst carrying weight into your training and preparation.

Porters are, subject to availability, an option for an additional charge. Contact our office team for more information.

The pace is always slow and steady. A slow and manageable pace is a key part of good, safe acclimatisation. Your action challenge leader, uk medic and head local guide will together decide the best pace for the group. Remember on most days there’ll always also be time to stop and take in the views, eat a snack or change a layer. On summit day the schedule is tightened a little, with fewer stops owing to the terrain and conditions.

Yes, you are supported every step of the way! Your challenge will be led by an experienced Action Challenge leader. Our leaders are selected for their experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, sensitivity and sense of humour, and will ensure that your trip runs smoothly. 

You will also be accompanied by an Action Challenge doctor, who will be carrying a fully stocked medical kit in case of any emergency. They will carry out daily health checks, and the re-assurance of their presence should allow you to focus on, and enjoy your challenge!

 We have a full support team in country with two way radio contact between the Action Challenge Head Quarters in London and local staff and satellite phone for emergencies. If for any reason you need to leave the group early local staff will assist you with your descent and will arrange transfers, accommodation and medical care if necessary.

Elbrus is a very cold mountain! Be prepared to get cold on Elbrus, especially on summit night. We climb Elbrus during the best time of year, summer, like on any mountain the weather can be unpredictable. High winds, rain and snow are not uncommon. On summit night temperatures can fall to minus 30c.