Russia. Mount Elbrus - the highest mountain in Russia The largest mountain Elbrus
Name
Infrastructure
Climbing history
Elbrus(Karach-Balk. Mingi Tau) - a mountain in the Caucasus, on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. Elbrus is located north of the Main Caucasus Range and is the highest peak in Russia. Considering that the boundaries of the European part of the world are ambiguous, Elbrus is often also called the highest European mountain peak.
Geographical description
Elbrus is a double-peaked volcanic cone. The Western peak has a height of 5642 m, the Eastern one - 5621 m. They are separated by a saddle - 5200 m and are approximately 3 km apart from each other. The last eruption dates back to 50 AD. e. ± 50 years.
According to the mountaineering classification, Elbrus is rated as 2A snow-ice, the passage of both peaks is 2B. There are other, more difficult routes, for example Elbrus (W) along the NW edge 3A.
Name
According to one version, the name Elbrus comes from the Iranian Aitibares - “high Mountain”, more likely - the Iranian “sparkling, brilliant” (like Elburs in Iran). The Georgian name Yalbuz is from the Turkic yal - “storm” and buz - “ice”. The Armenian Alberis is probably a phonetic version of the Georgian name, but the possibility of a connection with the pan-Indo-European basis to which the toponym “Alps” goes back is not excluded.
Other names:
- Mingi Tau - eternal mountain (Karachay-Balkar).
- Elburus - wind guide (Nogai).
- Askhartau - snowy mountain of the Ases (Kumyk).
- Jin Padishah - king of mountain spirits (Turkic).
- Albar (Albors) - tall; high mountain(Iranian).
- Yalbuz - mane of snow (Georgian).
- Oshkhamakho - mountain of happiness (Kabardian).
- Uryušglyumos - mountain of the day.
- Kuskamaf is a mountain that brings happiness.
- Shat, Shat-mountain - Old Russian name (from Karach.-Balk. chat, chat- ledge, hollow, that is "mountain with a hollow")
Gorges
The gorges of Adylsu, Shheldy, Adyrsu, the Donguz-Orun and Ushba massifs are very popular among climbers and mountain tourists. Elbrus region - the most popular ski resort Russia.
Glaciers
total area Elbrus glaciers 134.5 km²; the most famous of them: Big and Small Azau, Terskol.
Infrastructure
Mainly concentrated on the southern slopes, where the pendulum and chairlift are located. The lifting height of the cable car is 3,750 meters; the Barrels shelter is located here, which is more than ten six-seater insulated residential trailers and a kitchen. Currently, this is the main starting point for those climbing Elbrus. At an altitude of 4000 m is located the highest mountain hotel “Shelter of Eleven”, which burned down at the end of the 20th century, on the basis of which the boiler room in given time A new building was rebuilt, also actively used by climbers. A number of residential 12-seater trailers and a kitchen have been installed. In the evenings, a diesel generator is organized to supply electricity to the trailers. At an altitude of 4600-4700 m the Pastukhov rocks are located. Above the Pastukhov rocks in winter there is an ice field. From an altitude of 5000, the so-called oblique shelf begins - a trail with a smooth climb. The standard route to the Western and Eastern peaks passes through the saddle. From the saddle, both peaks rise to a height of about 300 m.
Since 2007, work has been underway to build a rescue shelter (“Station EG 5300”) on the saddle of the mountain (height 5300 m). The shelter will be a geodesic dome hemisphere with a diameter of 6.7 m, installed on a gabion foundation. In 2008, a reconnaissance of the area was carried out, a base camp was prepared, and the design of the shelter began. In 2009, the dome structures were made, construction work began: gabions were erected by the expedition members, and the dome elements were transported to the construction site (including using a helicopter). Completion of construction is planned for 2010.
On the northern side, the infrastructure is poorly developed and is represented by several huts on one of the moraines (at an altitude of about 3800 m), which are used by tourists and employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. As a rule, this point is used for ascents to the Eastern peak, the path to which passes through the Lenz rocks (from 4600 to 5200 m), which serve as a good reference point for all climbers.
Climbing history
In 1813, Russian academician V.K. Vishnevsky first determined the height of Elbrus (5421 m).
The first successful ascent to one of the peaks of Elbrus was made in 1829 during an expedition led by General G. A. Emmanuel, head of the Caucasian fortified line. The expedition was of a scientific nature (the Elbrus expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences was organized from Pyatigorsk, which is recorded in Diana’s grotto; see also Mountaineering in pre-revolutionary Russia), its participants were: academician Adolf Kupfer - geophysicist, geologist, founder of the Main Physical Observatory in St. Petersburg , physicist Emilius Lenz, zoologist Eduard Minetrier, founder of the Russian Entomological Society, botanist Karl Meyer, who later became an academician and director botanical garden Russian Academy of Sciences, artist-architect Joseph (Giuseppe–Marco) Bernardazzi, Hungarian scientist Janos Besse. The auxiliary service of Emmanuel's expedition consisted of 650 soldiers and 350 line Cossacks, as well as local guides.
Kupfer, Lenz, Meyer, Minetrier, Bernardazzi, 20 Cossacks and guides took part directly in the ascent. However, lack of experience and poor quality of climbing equipment forced most of the participants to turn back. Only four continued the further ascent: Emilius Lenz, Cossack Lysenkov and two people from the group of guides - Hilar Khachirov and Akhiya Sottaev. At an altitude of about 5300 m, due to lack of strength, Lenz and his two accompanying men were forced to stop. The first to climb the eastern peak at about 11 a.m. on July 10, 1829 was the Karachay (according to other sources, Kabardian) guide Hilar Khachirov. This event was marked by a rifle salute in the camp, where General Emmanuel watched the ascent through a powerful telescope.
At the location of the camp, a memorial inscription was carved on one of the stones ( below and in Fig.), the location of which was lost over time. It was discovered by Soviet climbers already in the 20th century (by chance, 103 years later - it was hidden under centuries-old layers of lichens).
During the reign of All-Russian Emperor Nicholas I, the Commander of the Caucasian Line, General of the Cavalry, Georgy Emanuel, camped here from July 8 to July 11, 1829; With him were his son, Georgy, 14 years old, academicians sent by the Russian government: Kupfer, Lenz, Menetrie and Meyer, as well as the Official of the Mining Corps Vansovich, Mineralnye Vody Architect Ios. Bernardazzi and the Hungarian traveler Iv. Besse. The Academicians and Bernardazzi, leaving the camp located 8,000 feet (i.e. 1,143 fathoms) above the sea surface, entered Elbrus on the 10th to 15,700 feet (2,243 fathoms), the peak of which was 16,330 feet (2,333 fathoms) was reached only by the Kabardian Hilar. Let this modest stone pass on to posterity the names of those who first paved the way to reaching the now considered inaccessible Elbrus! |
The first successful ascent to the western, highest peak was made in 1874 by a group of English climbers led by F. Grove and Balkar guide A. Sottaev, who participated in the first ascent.
The first person to climb both peaks of Elbrus is considered to be the Russian military topographer A.V. Pastukhov. In 1890, accompanied by four Cossacks of the Khopersky regiment, he climbed its western peak, and six years later, in 1896, he conquered the eastern one. Pastukhov was also the first to map the peaks of Elbrus.
In August 1974, three completely standard (without winches and traction chains) UAZ-469 vehicles reached a glacier on Mount Elbrus at an altitude of 4000 meters during a test run.
Now Elbrus is very popular for climbing, both in mountaineering and mountain tourism.
Elbrus during the Great Patriotic War
Due to its symbolic significance as the highest point in Europe, Elbrus became the scene of a fierce confrontation during the Great Patriotic War, in which units of the German mountain rifle division “Edelweiss” also participated. During the Battle of the Caucasus on August 21, 1942, after occupying the Krugozor and Shelter of the Eleven mountain bases, German alpine riflemen managed to install German banners on the western peak of Elbrus. By the middle of the winter of 1942-1943, the Wehrmacht was knocked out from the slopes of Elbrus, and on February 13 and 17, 1943, Soviet climbers climbed the western and eastern peaks of Elbrus, respectively, where Soviet flags were hoisted.
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 multi-layered solidification 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 in nature, while the lava quickly hardens and does not spread over long distances over the terrain.
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 mountainside - 5200 meters. On this saddle between the peaks of the volcano, the highest alpine shelter in Europe was built for climbers and lovers of conquering peaks. And there are more than enough people willing to climb to such a height, starting with the first ascent to the eastern peak on July 22, 1829 by Hilar Khachirov. This is a local guide, a resident of Kabardino-Balkaria, who knows these places well. The western peak was conquered a little later, in 1874, by English climbers F. Grove, F. Gardner, H. Walker, P. Knubel and local guide A. Sottaev. After this, 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 what country. The mountain is located on the border of several territorial units, although most of is still located on the territory of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, which occupies northern slope 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 of these regions. However, very close North Ossetia, and Georgia, and Stavropol region. Therefore, in the Elbrus region there is a whole complex of resorts belonging to different republics of Russia and Georgia.
Also, disputes on the issue of Elbrus (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 through the middle of the Main Caucasus Range.
Mountain name
Depending on the location of Elbrus (where it is located, in what country), local residents call the volcano differently. In Iran it is called Aitibares, which means "sparkling or brilliant." This name is very appropriate appearance peaks when the eternal snow reflects the bright rays of the sun.
In Georgia they call the mountain Yalbuz, which translated means: yal - “storm”, buz - “ice”. Apparently, the inhabitants of this country have repeatedly witnessed the raging elements on the slopes of the mountain.
The Armenian name is closely phonetically related 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 Karachaevo-Balkaria. "Mingi-Tau" is translated as "eternal mountain of consciousness and wisdom."
The name of the volcano, known throughout the world - Elbrus - also has local origin. Consists of several words. “El” is translated as a settlement or nationality, but “bur” is a word familiar to Russian-speaking people, meaning to twist, turn back. The last part of the word “us” is translated as disposition, behavior.
Based on the meaning of the word Elbrus (where it is located, in what 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 shine, bad weather threatens travelers with a strong storm with freezing rain and snow swirling in the wind. Climbers who want to conquer the peak always remember the dangers of such a hike.
Glaciers of the Caucasus Mountains
Elbrus last erupted more than two thousand years ago. Since then, the temperature at the top 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 areas of valleys and slopes. But there are also very picturesque ice ones hanging from cliffs. These are blocks of glaciers such as Kogutai, Terskol, Garabashi. Especially a lot eternal ice located on the northern slope of Mount Elbrus at an altitude of 3850 meters.
The water formed after the melting and fall of these ice accumulations fills the river flows of the mountain rivers of the Stavropol region, such as the Kuban, Malku and Baksan.
Climate on the mountain
The mountain range always has changeable weather. Likewise, in Kabardino-Balkaria, Elbrus is characterized by a frequent change of good warm weather to bad weather, with precipitation and winds. This is due to the mountainous terrain, which forms the circulation of air masses according to the seasons.
Summer in the Elbrus region is cool, with high humidity. More than a week good weather there is no need to observe. The thermometer showed a maximum of + 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 you go to the top, the deeper the snow. More snow covers are located on the north side. The south cannot boast of the thickness of snow.
Spring comes to the territory of Elbrus only in early May. The peak is covered with snow all year round. Due to them, the mass of ice in 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 biggest ski resort"Elbrus Azau" was built in 1969 on the Azau clearing, which is located at the foot majestic mountain. For the convenience of skiers, there are two cable cars: the old pendulum with 20-seat cabins and the new gondola, which takes 8 people on board. Lift tickets can be purchased either one-time or for the whole day. They also sell passes for the entire skiing period (from 2 to 8 days). The cost also varies depending on the season. One ascent costs 550 rubles, descent costs 500. The most expensive 8-day pass will cost 12,700.
Ski slopes
Elbrus has 11 slopes for skiers of all levels: from beginners to professionals. Blue trails are wider and flatter. The red and black ones are for experienced riders, but they also gradually transition into the blue, gentle slopes. A ski pass will cost from 500 to 850 rubles for one day.
Excellent recreation for children. For them there is a separate rope tow of 300 meters. An experienced instructor conducts classes for beginners, and fun competitions and competitions are often organized. There is a ski school where children will be taught all the intricacies of proper and safe descent.
Complex infrastructure
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 either in cash or bank cards. Everything is done for the convenience of vacationers.
For mountain climbers there is an interesting complex called “Bochki”. 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 final 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 you can get to the Elbrus region by taxi or minibus No. 17. Then you also need to go to Terskol by minibus.
In your car, you need to drive from Rostov-on-Don along the M-4 highway, and before reaching Nalchik, turn onto A-158. The coordinates of Elbrus, the 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. You can go skiing in the middle of summer.
The highest peak in Russia belongs to the mountain system of the Caucasus Mountains. This is the double-headed Elbrus, located on the border of two Caucasian republics - Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria. The highest mountain in Russia has a height of 5642 meters. Some researchers have awarded it the title of the highest in Europe, but this is not entirely true. The Alpine Mont Blanc (4807) is indeed inferior in height to Elbrus. But Elbrus is located north of the Main Caucasus Ridge, along which the border of Europe and Asia passes. The side ridge, to which Mount Elbrus belongs, clearly belongs to Asia.
Mount Elbrus - photo
The first mentions of the highest peak of Russia in historical literature can be found in the “Book of Victories”. In the descriptions of Tamerlane’s military campaigns there is information that the “great lame man” climbed Elbrus in order to pray there.
At the top of Elbrus
Mount Elbrus - photo
The Caucasus attracted conquerors even at a later time. During the Great Patriotic War, the German special service Ahnenerbe, which was engaged in the study of paranormal phenomena and occult forces, showed great interest in the Elbrus region. During the battle for the Caucasus, a special group was allocated from the mountain riflemen of the Edelweiss division, who in 1942 planted German flags on both peaks of Elbrus. Soviet troops removed them in February 1943, and the Battle of Shelter of Eleven went down in history as the highest altitude battle of the Second World War. To this day, frozen bodies of the dead and various ammunition are found in Caucasian glaciers.
Elbrus is an extinct volcano with two peaks. They are connected by a saddle at an altitude of approximately 5300 meters. The lower peak, which has a height of 5621 meters, is considered by geologists to be younger in age. It has retained a clear crater and a regular cone shape. The older peak of Mount Elbrus, which lies to the trap, has been significantly destroyed.
Two peaks of Elbrus - photo
The greatest peak of the Caucasus last erupted around 50 AD. This does not allow us to call the volcano extinct, since volcanoes that have not erupted in human memory are called extinct. Volcanologists prefer to call it dormant and believe that the peaks of its activity occurred during periods of 30, 100 and 220 thousand years ago. The structure is made of volcanic ash, cooled lava and tuff, arranged in layers.
Mount Elbrus - photo
Mount Elbrus - photo
The slopes of Elbrus, relatively flat at the bottom, above 4000 meters acquire a steepness of up to 35 degrees. It is easier to climb from the east or south, since on the northern and western slopes there are a lot of steep sections with elevation differences of up to 700 meters.
Scheme of the route for climbing Elbrus
All of the Caucasus is characterized by altitudinal zonation, expressed in the alternation natural areas when climbing from the bottom to the top. On Elbrus the snow line is located at an altitude of 3500 meters. Here the alpine meadows end and above there are only rocks, snow and glaciers. Since the snow does not melt above this line, the mountain always has a snow-white cap, which allows it to be called Little Antarctica. This cap is clearly visible in the photo of Mount Elbrus.
Mount Elbrus - photo
The total area of glaciers is 135 square kilometers. Among the largest are Big and Small Azau, as well as Terskop. They serve as the basis for the nutrition of the Caucasus, including Kuban. Numerous tongues of glaciers descend into valleys, where they melt, leaving sediments.
The first documented ascent of the eastern, lower peak took place in 1829. Kabardian Kilar Khashirov, who served as a guide for the Russian expedition, climbed it on July 22.
The height of Mount Elbrus was a great irritant for climbers, and in 1874 the highest point of the Caucasus was conquered by the team of Florence Grove. The true record holder for ascents was a simple hunter Ahiya Sottaev. He was not only the first to visit both peaks, but also made nine ascents, the last one at a more advanced age. At that time he was 121 years old!
Elbrus region is popular tourist area. Thanks to volcanic heat, hot mineral springs. Their temperature reaches 60 degrees. Bathing in the springs is used in the prevention and treatment of many types of diseases.
Alpine hotel "Shelter of Eleven"
These places are popular among ski lovers. They offer numerous trails equipped with ski lifts. On most of them the season lasts from October to May, but on peaks above 3800 meters skiing is possible all year round. Lots of lovers extreme sports. They get to the very tops of the mountains using helicopters and descend on skis or snowboards. Often such extreme athletes become the culprits of avalanches.
Shelter "barrels"
The tourist attractiveness of Elbrus increased after the Olympics in Sochi. It was used to attract not only Russian, but also foreign tourists and lovers to the region winter species sports This was partially successful, and for foreigners Mount Elbrus is now associated not only with the highest point in Russia, but also with high-quality ski slopes.
Thus, the height of Mount Elbrus, which is more than five and a half kilometers, can become not only part of geographical statistics, but also the starting point for the development of an entire region.
Views from the top of Elbrus
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
The stunning Mount Elbrus, beckoning climbers, ski lovers and fans active type rest, is actually a volcano.
Surprisingly, not everyone knows about this: for most, Elbrus is one of seven wonders of Russia(according to the 2008 vote), picturesque slopes along which you can ski down with a breeze, and the virgin, even somewhat “unearthly” beauty of the Elbrus region.
Scientists call Elbrus a stratovolcano, which means that from time to time thick streams of lava erupt from a conical vent, which, due to their viscosity, do not spread over long distances, but solidify not far from the point of their emission. 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) has a height of 5621 meters. The two peaks are separated by a saddle with a height of 5200 meters and a length of 3 kilometers.
First summit ascent
According to documents that have survived to this day, the first conquest of the eastern peak 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 military personnel and guides who knew secret paths and the least dangerous slopes took part in the ascent to the peak.
Most likely, according to the assumption of modern historians, people visited the peaks and gorges of Elbrus long before 1829. However, according to documentation, it is generally accepted that the first conquest of Elbrus was the ascent of a scientific expedition led by Emmanuel.
Volcano name: history of origin
Alas, it is currently unknown where the name Elbrus came from. Most scientists are inclined to believe that the name of the mountain comes from the Iranian word “Elborz”, which is literally translated into Russian as “brilliant or sparkling.” In Iran there is a mountain called Elburz, probably for this reason, many associate the origin of the name itself high point in Europe with the Iranian language. In fairness, it is worth noting that the rest of the scientists, who, although in the minority, argue that the name Elbrus may come from the Armenian or Georgian language. The answer to the question of where the name of this mesmerizing volcano came from will most likely never be found: you need to delve too deeply into the history of mankind to solve this problem.
Battle for Elbrus
During the Great Patriotic War, fierce battles were fought for the peaks of Elbrus, in which the famous German division, named after the most beautiful mountain flower, “Edelweiss,” took part.
The division was staffed exclusively by physically hardy people who lived in mountainous areas and were able to hit a target with the first shot. Mature age of some of them best soldiers The Wehrmacht allowed them to fight in the mountains and survive in deserted areas, where it was almost impossible to get food, endure severe frosts and strong gusts of wind.
As is known 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 some time conquered the peaks of Elbrus, on which they hoisted flags with swastikas. It would seem that the feat was accomplished, but the rise of the German soldiers infuriated Hitler. “Crazy, deranged people, stupid climbers! While Wehrmacht soldiers are waging a fierce struggle for every square kilometer of the Caucasus, they decided to “play.” These climbers, who climbed Elbrus for the sake of their own pride, must be put on trial!” Hitler shouted in rage. “Why do we need this bare peak that no one needs? They are not aware of what they are doing. Our flags should hang on the buildings of Sukhumi, and not fly 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 expelled from the Caucasus at the end of winter, Soviet soldiers re-conquered the peaks of Elbrus. Flags with swastikas were destroyed, and on the western and eastern peaks the banners of the USSR proudly glowed.
The volcano is only dormant
Elbrus, as mentioned above, is a Mecca for climbers, mountaineers and skiers. Tourism brings Kabardino-Balkaria the lion's share of income to the local budget. Therefore, the authorities, according to some scientists, are silent about the danger that awaits not only tourists, but also local residents, whose houses are located near the volcano. “Elbrus could wake up at any moment, the eruption will be very powerful!” say experts, based on a number of studies they have conducted.
Particular concern is expressed by Lev Denisov, who calls on the authorities to reconsider their policies and think about what they are investing huge amounts of money into. “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” pose a particular danger. It was they who led to the tragedy in the Karmadon Gorge.
Monument to the “Heroes of the Elbrus Defense”
However, neither the authorities of Kabardino-Balkaria nor high-ranking officials from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations want to listen to the scientist’s arguments. Denisov’s opponents say: “Several more centuries may pass before the eruption, but we don’t see any cause for concern yet.” Naturally, in this context, the word “may” is scary. After all, this does not exclude the possibility that Elbrus may “wake up” in the very near future. Who will be right, Lev Denisov and 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 constantly die and go missing in the gorges and on the slopes of the mountain: everyone knows that in 2002, during the collapse of a glacier in the Karmadon Gorge called “Kolka”, the most popular actor and director Sergei Sergeevich Bodrov disappeared.
“I’m standing at the top, I’m happy and speechless...”
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 centers, hotels with “luxury” rooms, ultra-modern ski lifts, rentals of modern mountain and ski equipment - only a small part of what a tourist who comes to the high peak Europe.
Conquer one of mountain peaks, which offers a truly stunning view, is possible 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 the mountain peak. It was thanks to the training of these people that climbing Elbrus became practically safe. However, before you decide to climb the highest mountain in Europe, you should soberly assess your strength. For a person in poor health, such a journey can end tragically. Although, almost all expeditions are equipped with radio communications with special stations. In the event of any dangerous situation, a helicopter with experienced rescuers on board rises from a special platform. Before the ascent, the group leaders once again try to determine the physical condition of each participant and, in case of any doubt about his endurance, recommend postponing the conquest of the peak, but rather, on this trip, enjoy the beauty of the Elbrus region, which is quite difficult to describe in words.
Only mountains can be better than mountains - Vysotsky sang and he was right. Mountains have always attracted people. Brave people, despite the cold, lack of oxygen, dangers and difficulties, stubbornly “climbed” to the top. What attracted them there? Curiosity? Want to test yourself? Thirst for fame? The desire to prove to yourself and others your superiority? Thirst for knowledge? It is difficult to find any logic in the inexplicable attraction of people to the mountains.
Let us remember the events of past years, when during the Great Patriotic War the German mountain rifle division "Edelweiss" with fierce battles broke through to the very high mountain Europe - Elbrus to install Nazi flags on its top. Why did the pragmatic Germans need to waste energy conquering this peak? Did Hitler really need even such proof of his own greatness?
Mountains are the greatest creation of mother nature. They are great, powerful and eternal. Representatives of the species Homo sapiens lack these qualities. Rising to the sky they try to join great secret the universe, and having reached the top they begin to see clearly. Against the backdrop of the cold, gigantic peaks, everything they lived with before seems petty and insignificant.
Let's take a virtual trip and climb to the tops of the highest mountains of all continents of the Earth and enjoy the fantastic landscapes that open before the eyes of brave climbers. Maybe we will be able to comprehend the secret of these natural monuments.
The Main Caucasian Ridge, “under the command” of the mighty Elbrus, “cuts through” the dense veil of clouds (Photo source:).
Everest (Asia) - Height: 8848 meters Chomolungma) is the highest peak of our planet, part of the Himalaya mountain system. For many climbers, this mountain is the most coveted trophy. But not everyone can climb this mountain. Therefore, climbers “climbing” a mountain are sometimes forced to make cynical decisions about whether to rescue those in distress or continue on their way. Often, rescuing climbers in distress at high altitude is simply not possible, since every step here is taken with incredible difficulty. That's why you can find bodies on the mountain slopes dead climbers. You can familiarize yourself with very “unsightly” stories and photographs.
Photo on the left: the road to Everest, photo on the right: base camp at an altitude of 8300 meters (Photo source:).
Aconcagua (South America) - Height: 6962 meters
- the most high peak mountain range Andes in South America. Aconcagua “part-time” is the highest an extinct volcano in the world.
In the photo, climbers the size of ants are moving forward towards the top. A giant whirlwind of snow is circling above them (Photo source:).
Dawn over Aconcagua. The majestic panorama of the Andes appears in all its guise before brave climbers (Photo source:).
McKinley ( North America) — Height: 6194 meters
The peak of Alaska takes an honorable third place among the highest peaks of the continents in our ranking.
The giant McKinley against the backdrop of coniferous forests of Alaska (Photo source:).
View from McKinley Heights. A dense blanket of clouds “crawls” onto the peaks (Photo source:).
Kilimanjaro (Africa) - Height: 5895 meters
The highest point in Africa, the mountain is located in the northeastern part of Tanzania. It is a very unusual sight to see a snowy peak in the sultry African savannah. Recently, scientists have been sounding the alarm that the Kilimanjaro ice cap is rapidly decreasing in volume. Over the past decades, 80% of the ice on this mountain has already melted. Climate scientists name the main culprit in this process.
African elephants against the backdrop of the snowy peaks of Kilimanjaro are a very unusual sight (Photo source:).
On the way to Kilimanjaro. The landscape is fantastic (Photo source:).
View of the veil of clouds from the highest point of the African continent (Photo source:).
Elbrus (Europe) - Height: 5642 meters
Russia also has a record-breaking mountain - this is the highest peak in Europe - . Elbrus is part of the Main Caucasus Range and is located on the border of the two Russian republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. In the past (around 50 AD) Elbrus was an active volcano.
Handsome Elbrus (Photo source:).
Camp on the spurs of Elbrus (Photo source:).
Panorama of the mountains that opens to climbers from the top of Elbrus (Photo source:).
The silent and mysterious land of snow and clouds of Elbrus (Photo source:).
An unusual atmospheric phenomenon. The shadow of the peak of Elbrus in the morning haze (Photo source:).
The beauty of the Elbrus region. The edge of all seasons. Green alpine meadows and spurs of Elbrus, covered with snow (Photo source:).
On the top of Elbrus - a fantastic world of white snow and clouds (Photo source:).
Vinson Massif (Antarctica) - Altitude: 4892 meters
The coldest continent on the planet, Antarctica, also has its own mountains. The highest of them were discovered relatively recently, at the end of the 50s of the last century. The Vinson Massif is part of the Ellsworth Mountains and is located 1,200 kilometers from the southernmost point of the planet.
This is what the Vinson Massif looks like from space (Photo source:
