Elbrus description. Elbrus during the Great Patriotic War


Last week I was in the Elbrus region for a test of the new Ford Ranger. At the same time we took the cable car up to the "Bochki" shelter, located at an altitude of 3800 meters above sea level.

Meanwhile, Elbrus itself is considered the highest point of Russia and Europe. It has two peaks (this dormant volcano) with a height of 5621 and 5642 meters. There are three lines of cable cars to climb to the top, then the ascent is possible either on foot or by snowcat.


2. The cable car begins at the Azau station, located at an altitude of 2350 meters above sea level. There was a heavy downpour at night, as a result the mudflow came down. This Niva was captured by the elements, but when we went downstairs they already dug it out and left.

3. At the first stage, there are two lifts. An old pendulum cable car with two cabins for 20 people each. And a new gondola-type cable car with detachable cabins (58 in total) with a capacity of 8 people each. They arrive at the Stary Krugozor station (altitude 3000 meters).

4. The next line of cable cars goes from the Stary Krugozor station (3000 meters) to the Mir station (3500 meters). Here is exactly the same scheme of movement with two cable cars: the old (pendulum) and the new (gondola type). The cost of an excursion lift on a gondola cable car is 600 rubles, on a pendulum cable car - 300.

6. If in Mineralnye Vody oh, that day the temperature was +30 ° C, but here, at an altitude of more than 3500 meters, it became cold.

7. Tourists descend to the cable car.

8. The summits of Elbrus are densely covered with clouds. In the foreground, you can see numerous snow groomers and snowmobiles, which offer to drive a little higher for 1000 rubles. Further, there is "Shelter 11" (height 4130 meters), where in 1938 the highest mountain hotel in Russia was built, which burned down in 1998.

9. Melting glacier.

10. General view of the shelter "Bochki".

11. Disassembled snowcat.

12. Shelter "Bochki" consists of 9 six-seater dwelling containers-barrels, where tourists undergo acclimatization before climbing to the top of Elbrus. Also, notice how the concrete slabs moved in front of them.

13. Shop with beer at an altitude of 3800 meters. Correctly, what else to do during the acclimatization period.

14. Because There is no time for acclimatization and climbing Elbrus, and we have to fly to Moscow on the same day - we go down.

15. Finally, there is a picture of an excellent alpine toilet of the toilet type, located at the Mir station (3500 meters above sea level). And yet, I almost forgot to say - I was extremely surprised by the availability of free Wi-Fi Internet at this height. I won't even write about the amount of garbage, and so everything is clear ...

Mount Elbrus (Caucasus, Russia) - detailed description, location, reviews, photos and videos.

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Ever since school age, each of us remembers the stately two-headed Elbrus, if not from geography textbooks, then from literature textbooks. After all, the great Lermontov, having come to the Caucasus against his will, was truly fascinated by him, loved him with all his heart and sang him not only in poetry, but also in colors. His paintings depicting Elbrus, Beshtau, gorges and mountain ranges of the Caucasus perfectly convey the beauty and special, harsh, ancient and breathtaking poetics of these places.

In system Greater Caucasus Elbrus occupies a special place. This is the highest mountain range of the Lateral Range of the Caucasus Mountains. Geologists have determined that Elbrus is the cone of an extinct volcano. Its western peak reaches a height of 5642 m, and the eastern one - 5621 m, they are separated by a deep saddle, which is also a five-thousander, its height is 5325 m.

Since Elbrus is very high, it is always covered with a firn and ice cap, from which 54 glaciers descend in different directions, the largest of which are Bolshoi Azau, Irik and Terskol.

Climbing Elbrus

Naturally, even in those days when the mountains were the point of application of sports interests only for climbers, and not at all for skiers and snowboarders, attempts were made to conquer Elbrus. The eastern summit in 1829 was the first to reach the Kabardian K. Khashirov, the guide of the Russian scientific expedition, and the western one in 1874 was reached by the English athletes led by F. Grove and the Kabardian guide A. Sottaev, a participant, by the way, of the first ascent of the Russian expedition.

During the years of Soviet power, ascents in the Elbrus region became very popular, they turned into massive "alpiniads", the largest of which in 1967 was attended by no less than 2,400 climbers.

At an altitude of 4600-4700 m there are the rocks of Pastukhov, the Russian military topographer, who was the first to conquer both the Eastern and Western peaks of Elbrus. There is an ice field above these rocks in winter. From a height of 5000 m, the "oblique ledge", as climbers call it, begins, a fairly flat going plane that rises upward. Traditionally, the route of climbing any of the peaks of Elbrus passes through its saddle. From there, about 300 m remains to both peaks.

From the north side mountain range the infrastructure is still poorly developed, there are only a few huts for climbers, which are used by both tourists and employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. As a rule, ascents to the Eastern Summit are made from the northern side, the route passes through the Lenz Rocks (from 4600 to 5200 m).

During the years of Soviet power, ascents in the Elbrus region became very popular, they turned into massive "alpiniads", the largest of which in 1967 was attended by 2,400 climbers.

Skiing

In our country, the Elbrus region has always been and remains one of the most popular centers alpine skiing and tourism. The most visited slope of the Elbrus region is Mount Cheget, which is perfectly equipped with both chair-lift and rope-pendulum lifts. The tracks here are of varying degrees of difficulty, anyone, from aces to beginners, will find a track on Cheget according to their capabilities. Cheget also has a choice of entertainment that is quite attractive for tourists. There are cafes and restaurants on the slope, there are inventory rental points. A wonderful view of the two-headed Elbrus opens from the top of the mountain.

Elbrus clones

Tourist bases

As for Elbrus itself, then, for all its severity and external inaccessibility, which, it would seem, does not imply the presence of a person, there is also a certain tourist infrastructure. It is concentrated mainly on the southern slopes of the mountain range, where the pendulum-chair lift is located, the height of which is 3750 m. Here you will be greeted by the Bochki shelter, which houses more than ten insulated residential trailers for six and a kitchen. This place serves launch pad for modern athletes climbing Elbrus. There is a new, more modern, “Liprus” shelter, opened in 2013. It accommodates 48 people and is located at an altitude of 3912 m. At present, a new building has been rebuilt on the basis of the boiler room of the former hotel. In addition, the shelter has several 12-bed trailers and a kitchen. In the evenings, the work of the diesel generator is organized with the supply of electricity to the trailers.

The saddle of Elbrus, as a starting point for all climbers, no matter which of the peaks they are striving to reach, has long needed its own shelter, because the higher the climbers climb, the more difficult every centimeter of the path is given to them. Therefore, a shelter at an altitude of 5300 m is really necessary. Since 2007, work has been underway on its construction. The shelter will be a hemisphere with a diameter of 6.7 m, installed on a foundation. By 2009, the dome structures were made, and construction work began. However, it was not possible to open the shelter on the planned date - 2010 - and the work is ongoing.

How to get there: by plane to Kislovodsk, Nalchik or Cherkessk, then by bus, taxi or rented car.

Address: Russia, Caucasus
Height: 5642 m (western peak), 5621 m (eastern peak)
First ascent: July 22, 1829
Coordinates: 43 ° 20 "57.4" N 42 ° 26 "51.6" E

Mount Elbrus, striking the imagination, beckoning climbers, ski lovers and fans of outdoor activities, is actually a volcano.

Surprisingly, not everyone knows about this: for most, Elbrus is one of the seven wonders of Russia(according to the 2008 vote), picturesque slopes, on which you can ski down with a "breeze", and virgin, even somewhat "unearthly" beauty of the Elbrus region.

Scientists call Elbrus a stratovolcano, which means that from time to time thick lava flows erupt from the conical vent, which, due to their viscosity, do not spread over long distances, but freeze near the place of their release. That is why Elbrus “grows” with each eruption and is currently considered the highest mountain peak in Europe. By the way, the volcano has two peaks: one of them (western) has a height of 5642 meters, and the second (eastern) is 5621 meters. The two peaks are separated by a saddle with a height of 5200 meters and a length of 3 kilometers.

The first conquest of the summit

According to documents that have survived to this day, the first conquest of the eastern summit of Elbrus took place in 1829. The expedition was led by Georgy Arsenievich Emmanuel, who, despite his Hungarian origin, led the Caucasian fortified line. In addition to numerous scientists included in the expedition by the Russian Academy of Sciences, 1000 servicemen and guides who knew secret paths and the least dangerous slopes took part in the ascent to the summit.

Most likely, according to the assumption of modern historians, a person visited the peaks and gorges of Elbrus long before 1829. However, according to the documentation, it is considered that the first conquest of Elbrus is the ascent of a scientific expedition led by Emmanuel.

Volcano name: origin story

Alas, it is not known for certain at the moment where the name Elbrus came from. Most scientific workers are inclined to believe that the name of the mountain comes from the Iranian word "Elburz", literally in Russian it translates as "shiny or sparkling". In Iran there is a mountain called Elburz, probably for this reason, many associate the origin of the name of the highest point in Europe with the Iranian language. In fairness, it is worth noting that the rest of the scientists, who, albeit in the minority, claim that the name Elbrus may come from the Armenian or Georgian language. The answer to the question, where did the name of the volcano fascinating with its splendor come from, most likely will not be found: it is necessary to plunge too deeply into the history of mankind to solve this problem.

Battle of Elbrus

During the Great Patriotic War For the peaks of Elbrus, fierce battles were fought, in which the famous German division, bearing the name of the most beautiful mountain flower, "Edelweiss", took part.

The division was staffed exclusively by physically hardy people who lived in mountainous areas, who were able to hit the target from the first shot. The mature age of some of the best soldiers of the Wehrmacht allowed them to fight in the mountains and survive in uninhabited areas, where it was almost impossible to get food, endure severe frosts and strong gusts of wind.

As you know from the history of the Second World War, the battle for the Caucasus began on July 25, 1942. Less than a month later, soldiers from the Edelweiss division occupied the Shelter of Eleven and Krugozor bases, and after a while they conquered the peaks of Elbrus, on which they hoisted flags with a swastika. It would seem that a feat was accomplished, but the ascent German soldiers infuriated Hitler. “Crazy, deranged people, stupid climbers! While the soldiers of the Wehrmacht are waging a fierce struggle for each square kilometer Caucasus, they decided to "play". These climbers, who climbed Elbrus for the sake of their own pride, must be put under a tribunal! ”Hitler shouted in fury. “Why do we need this unnecessary naked peak? They are not aware of what they are doing. Our flags should hang on the buildings of Sukhumi, and not develop where even birds cannot see them, ”A. Speer recorded these words of Adolf Hitler in his diary.

Stalin, apparently, thought quite differently. After the last German units were driven out of the Caucasus at the end of winter, Soviet soldiers conquered the peaks of Elbrus again. The flags with the swastika were destroyed, and the flags of the USSR were proudly displayed on the western and eastern summits.

The volcano only slumbers

Elbrus, as mentioned above, is a Mecca for rock climbers, climbers and skiers. Tourism brings the lion's share of income to the local budget in Kabardino-Balkaria. Therefore, according to some scientists, the authorities are silent about the danger that awaits not only tourists, but also local residents, whose houses are located near the volcano. "Elbrus can wake up at any moment, the eruption will be the most powerful in its strength!"

Lev Denisov, who calls on the authorities to reconsider their policies and reflect on what they are investing huge amounts of money in, expresses particular concern. “A restless volcano can destroy the entire infrastructure of the region in a few hours and take the lives of thousands of people,” Denisov said in his address. In addition to a possible eruption, the so-called "pulsating glaciers" are especially dangerous. It was they who led at one time to the tragedy in the Karmadon Gorge.

Monument to the Heroes of the Defense of the Elbrus Region

However, neither the authorities of Kabardino-Balkaria, nor high-ranking officials from the Russian Emergencies Ministry want to listen to the scientist's arguments so far. Denisov's opponents say: "It may take several centuries more before the eruption, we do not see any reason for concern so far." Naturally, in this context, the word “may” scares. After all, this does not exclude that Elbrus may "wake up" in the very near future. Who will be right, Lev Denisov with his group of researchers, or his opponents - only time will tell. While in the Elbrus area, you should never forget about your own safety and strictly follow the instructions of the instructor. It is worth remembering that people are constantly dying and missing in the gorges and on the slopes of the mountain: everyone knows that in 2002, during the descent of the glacier in the Karmadon Gorge under the name "Kolka", the most popular actor and director Sergei Sergeevich Bodrov disappeared.

"I am standing on the top, I am happy and dumb ...."

Thanks to government decree Russian Federation, with the active support of the authorities of Kabardino-Balkaria, tourism infrastructure is developing in the Elbrus region by leaps and bounds. The most convenient tourist camps, hotels with "luxury" rooms, ultramodern lifts, rental of modern mountain and ski equipment are just a small part of what a tourist who has come to himself can count on. high peak Europe.

You can conquer one of the mountain peaks, from which a truly stunning view opens up, on one of the expeditions. They are constantly organized here by companies that have received a special license for this type of activity. Climbing Elbrus always takes place under the guidance of a professional climber who knows all the subtleties and nuances of conquering mountain peak... Thanks to the training of these people, climbing Elbrus has become practically safe. However, before deciding to climb the highest mountain in Europe, you should soberly assess your strength. For a person with poor health, such a journey can end tragically. Although, almost all expeditions are equipped with radio communication with special stations. In the event of any dangerous situation, a helicopter rises from a special platform with experienced rescuers on board. Before the ascent, the leaders of the group once again try to determine the physical condition of each participant and, in case of any doubts about his endurance, they recommend postponing the conquest of the peak, but rather enjoy the beauty of the Elbrus region on this trip, which is rather difficult to describe in words.

Who among us has not heard about the greatness and beauty of Elbrus? Does everyone know where Mount Elbrus is? And what is the height of Mount Elbrus? Towering in the ridge Caucasus mountains, it is the highest and most famous point in Russia.

In the last century, Elbrus inspired mountaineers to ascend. Overcoming dangerous areas, people tempered their will and strength. Enjoying the beauty snowy mountains contemplating the amazing local landscape from a height, poets and bards composed their songs and verses.

It is on Elbrus that there is a feeling of complete freedom from the surrounding bustle, and, there is an opportunity to enjoy the deafening silence. The region where Mount Elbrus is located has long been considered a place that can be described as "paradise on Earth".

The snowy peaks of this giant are a favorite place for tourists.

Pioneers famous mountain there were Russian scientists. In 1913, academician, astronomer V.K.Vishnevsky calculated the height and exact location of Elbrus. In 1829 the first Russian expedition was equipped to Elbrus. The researchers included distinguished scientists: academician Lenz, botanist Meyer, architect of Pyatigorsk and others.

The expedition was accompanied by the Cossacks, a detachment of a thousand people, led by General Emmanuel. The Cossack detachment stopped at the northern foot of Elbrus at an altitude of 2400 meters. The general and his detachment did not go further, but watched the pioneers in spyglass, ready, in case of unforeseen circumstances, to come to the rescue.

A commemorative inscription was engraved on a large stone, which has survived to this day: "1829 from 8 to 11 July the camp, which was headed by General Cavalier Emmanuel."

And the expedition continued its ascent. After spending the night at an altitude of 3000 meters, the travelers moved on. Part of the expedition stopped at an altitude of 4800 meters and did not go further. A memorial sign was carved at this point - the St. George's Cross and the date: 1829. In 1949, a group of climbers from the Science Society discovered this monument. Only Lenz, two Cossacks and two Kabardian guides continued to go higher.

Lenz and the Cossack Lysenkov reached the saddle of Elbrus. They could no longer go further, since the loose, softened snow interfered with the ascent. Only one Killar from the Kabardian went higher. He was able to reach the very top of Mount Elbrus because his body was used to the mountain climate and mountain trails.

General Emmanuel saw through a telescope on the eastern summit of Elbrus the brave highlander Killar. When Killar returned to the adventurers' camp that evening, the scholars greeted him with the honors Killar deserved as a brave pioneer.

In honor of the discovery of the summit of Elbrus and the first ascent to it, two boards of cast iron were cast, with an inscription describing this event. Later, these memorial signs were installed in Pyatigorsk at. They are currently kept in the museum.

First steps to the top

Where to start your first ascent of Mount Elbrus? The first step is to find the mountain on the map of Russia in order to have an idea of ​​the scale and size of the object. After you find out where Mount Elbrus is, you will need to tone all the muscles by performing active physical exercises.

Push-ups, squats, exercises on the horizontal bar. All these exercises must be done two months before the expected travel date. It is imperative to go jogging for several kilometers: to increase the body's endurance. Squats on one leg "pistol", improve the tone of the muscles of the legs.

Before the trip, you need to take a break from physical activity so that the body recovers and there is no overexertion. Rumor has it that Elbrus carries a special energy charge. Elbrus makes people strong in spirit stronger, it drains people weak in spirit. So it is useful to do yoga, breathing exercises, put in order not only the body, but also the spirit. It is necessary to feel the harmony of strength and spirit.


Beginners are usually accompanied by instructors. There is no need to be ashamed of this, and mindlessly risk your life, starting the ascent without an experienced escort. Moreover, it is not known how the beginner's body will react to altitude. The height of Elbrus is 5642 meters. Five kilometers six hundred forty two meters! On a horizontal surface, the journey would take just over an hour on foot.

But you have to go up the frozen slope, overcoming obstacles and enduring hardships on your way. The ascent to the altitude is accompanied by pressure drops, so there are several guides for a group of several people. As a rule, this is one guide for three people. If someone becomes ill, the group will have to return to the camp and accompany the sick traveler.

On the second day after arrival, experienced guides first take travelers to the Maly Cheget Mountain. The height of this mountain is 3360 m. The walking path lasts 2-3 hours. According to the results of this path, already accustomed to the beginners' environment, the next day they lead to the southern slope to Elbrus. The southern slope is a classic climbing route.

In modern perception, with the use of the latest climbing equipment and with the help of experienced mentors, the path will not seem very difficult and dangerous. But this is in the case of unquestioning obedience to the guides.

The main difficulties in overcoming snow peaks, can occur when passing through cracks in glaciers hidden by snow, in strong winds, at very low temperatures. Therefore, it is recommended to visit Elbrus for the first time, in the second half of summer, in July-August.

Coordinates and history of the famous mountain

Of course, having arrived in Nalchik, the capital of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, any local resident will be able to show where Mount Elbrus is. Yes, it is hard not to notice it - it rises above the city with a snow cap and is even marked on the flag of the republic. The height of Mount Elbrus fascinates and delights with its cold beauty.

Elbrus is a volcano that lost its strength many millennia ago. More than 218 thousand years ago, erupting more than 15 times, Elbrus emerged from the bowels of the earth as a huge giant. And nowadays, people feel tremors, but they are no longer as dangerous as active volcanoes.

Elbrus is known for its harsh climate. Snowy hills do not melt even on the hottest summer days. On Elbrus average temperature in the warmest month - 1.4 degrees. There is more precipitation on Elbrus than on the plains Stavropol Territory, but they fall mainly as snowflakes. At the Elbrus meteorological station, rain has never been noticed for three years.


Some people even joke that Elbrus is a piece of ice abandoned from the Arctic. Warm air currents coming from the Atlantic, meeting this cold barrier on their way, rain down on the foothills of Elbrus. And Elbrus changes the weather in nearby regions. Locals even noticed: if on a clear day Elbrus is covered with clouds - expect worsening weather.

Legends and songs have long been composed about Elbrus. Herodotus wrote about him, even before our era. The peoples of the Middle East and the Caucasus have composed folk epics about him.

Mount Elbrus has more than two dozen names in different languages ​​and dialects. Moreover, the Kabardian language does not translate the word "Elbrus" in any way. It is believed that the word "Elbrus" is of Iranian origin. But, in Kabardian and other local languages, there are 40 different names great mountain. It is difficult to write about such a great sorrow. And it is impossible to describe in words all the beauty of Elbrus. This beauty must be seen with one's own eyes.

Elbrus is a large stratovolcano composed of layers of lava and volcanic ash. It has a conical shape with two vertices located at approximately the same height. The western peak of Elbrus rises 5642 meters above sea level, the eastern one is slightly lower, at 5621 meters. The peaks are separated by a gentle saddle about 5300 meters above sea level and are located three kilometers from each other.

Elbrus is considered an extinct volcano, but last eruption happened not so long ago from a geological point of view - at the beginning of our era, approximately in the first or second century.

There are several versions about the origin of the mountain. According to one of them, "Elbrus" means "high mountain" or "sparkling mountain" in Iranian. The Karachais and Balkars, who have been living in the Caucasus in the Elbrus region for a long time, call this volcano Mingi-tau, which translates as "eternal mountain".

The geographical location of Elbrus

The Caucasus Mountains are divided into two parts: the Greater and Lesser Caucasus. Big Caucasian ridge takes place on the border of Russia with other southern countries(Georgia, Azerbaijan) from the Black to the Caspian Sea. The territory of the Greater Caucasus on the Russian side is divided into several republics and regions: these are Adygea, Karachay-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Dagestan, North Ossetia... Elbrus is located on the border of the Kabardino-Balkarian and Karachay-Cherkess republics.

A few kilometers south of the foot of the volcano lies the border of Russia with Georgia.

The mountain is located in the northern part of the ridge at a distance from the other peaks, so it is perfectly visible from all sides of the Ciscaucasia - a two-headed cone is visible even a hundred kilometers away. Elbrus is located between the central and western Caucasus. Western part mountain system runs from Elbrus to the Black Sea coast, the central one lies between this peak and Kazbek.

The volcano is surrounded by several gorges - Adylsu, Adyrsu, Shkhelda, glacial massifs and mountains. The area at the foot of Elbrus and in the area of ​​the upper reaches of the Baksan River, which is part of the Terek basin, is called the Elbrus region. This is a resort region and a protected area with unique natural beauty, healing mineral water springs and excellent opportunities for skiing and hiking.

The borders between Europe and Asia are not precisely defined, and if the Caucasian ridge is considered the border, then Elbrus is highest point Europe. Otherwise, this title belongs to Mont Blanc in the Alps.

Elbrus is one of the highest mountains in the world, located in the northern part of the Greater Caucasus mountain system, on the territory of Kabardino-Balkaria. This is the most high peak in Russia, it is often ranked among the highest mountain peaks Europe (the so-called "Seven Summits" list).

Elbrus location

Mount Elbrus is located between the republics of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria. The summit of the mountain is double, the western one is 5642m high, and the eastern one is 5621m high.
... The mountain has two peaks, one of which is slightly higher. Scientists believe that in the history of the mountain there were two significant eruptions, and the rocks of Elbrus, according to research, are about 2 or 3 million years old. Analysis of volcanic ash showed that the first eruption happened about 45 thousand years ago, and the second - about 40 thousand years ago.

Despite the fact that the mountain is very high, it is relatively easy to climb it, it does not require exceptional qualifications, as, for example, for, and quite a lot of people try to do it. Up to 4 thousand meters, the slopes of the mountain are moderately gentle, but then a serious rise begins. The steepness of the slopes can reach 35 degrees! Ascents are made to both the Eastern and Western peaks.

How is the ascent going

Usually, the ascent starts from the village of Azau, which is located in the upper part of the Beksan Valley. Here tourists spend about a couple of nights in order to acclimatize to the altitude and not suffer from the "miner" - altitude sickness associated with thin air and unusual atmospheric pressure.

On the first day, people usually go to the Pastukhov Rocks, and on the second, they schedule the ascent itself. They leave the camp at about 2 am. First, they go to the Pastukhov Rocks, and then reach the saddle of the mountain, where the routes are divided in the direction of the Eastern and Western peaks. A short rest in the saddle - and tourists move on to climb one of the peaks of Elbrus.

Elbrus history

Stunning beauty mountain landscapes, as well as the mountain itself - for a long time all this served as the reason that people from all over the world came to the Elbrus region. The history of Elbrus climbers is proud of the names of the most worthy climbers since the 19th century. Among them there are both domestic mountain lovers and foreign ones.

The peak of Elbrus's popularity came in the 60s, when mountaineering was especially popular in the USSR. In the Beksan Gorge, a road was even paved, and in the vicinity of the mountain several mountaineering and tourist bases were built.

Today this place is also popular as ski resort... People make descents from the slopes of Elbrus and Cheget - this is a mountain located nearby, it also belongs to the Greater Caucasus system.

On the territory of the Elbrus region there is a national nature Park, created with the aim of preserving the nature of Kabardino-Balkaria. All conditions are created on the territory of the park so that people can have an organized and comfortable rest.

Elbrus is the most high mountain In Russian federation. Its height is 5642 meters. The mountain is located on the border of two regions - Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria.

Elbrus history

The study of Elbrus began in the 19th century. The first scientific expedition visited Elbrus in 1829. Part of the expedition only reached an altitude of 4800 m. They carved the number 1829 and the St. George's Cross on the stones. Only Killar, a Kabardian, reached the top. He was proclaimed as the first ascent of Elbrus. In honor of such an event, cast iron plaques with an inscription were cast, which are currently kept in the Pyatigorsk Museum.

The first mention of the mountain was found in the "Book of Victories", which was written by the Persian historian and poet Sharaf ad-Din Yazdi. The book tells about Khan Tamerlane, who climbed to the top of the mountain during military campaigns.

In 1942, after an intensified war at the foot of Elbrus, the Germans installed Nazi banners on the top of the mountain and renamed it "Hitler's Peak". But in the winter of 1943, Soviet troops drove the Nazis from the slopes of the Greater Caucasus and placed Soviet flags on the top.

general information

Elbrus is an extinct volcano. The name comes from the Iranian word "Aitibares" - a high mountain. Elbrus, which formed about a million years ago, is composed of lava, tuff and ash. Western and northern slopes strewn with plumb lines and rocks. The southern and eastern slopes are smoother and more gentle. The last time the volcano erupted 2 thousand years ago. Now on the peaks of Elbrus there are eternal glaciers and cover an area of ​​approximately 140 sq. km. Because of this, the mountain is even called Minor Antarctica. In spring, when glaciers melt, water flows are formed that feed the Baksanu, Malke and Kuban rivers

Elbrus is a "sleeping" volcano, but life inside it is in full swing. It is from its depths and depths that the famous springs of Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk, Narzan and Mineralnye Vody activate their vital activity. The masses seething inside the volcano saturate the local springs with mineral salts and carbon dioxide and heat the water temperature to + 60 ° C.

Elbrus slopes are a favorite place for sportsmen and tourists. The middle of the mountain can be reached by using cable car... Next, at an altitude of 3500 m, is located