Tours to the Caucasus. Hiking in the mountains of the Caucasus When is the best time to go hiking in the Caucasus
Hiking in the Caucasus, even the simplest, cannot be called a cakewalk. The weather changes very often here, and constant elevation changes and long transitions can exhaust even experienced travelers. The requirements for equipment are also high: ordinary sneakers can fail on difficult rocky paths, and a cheap tent will not withstand heavy mountain winds. This article will help you decide on a list. equipment and clothes worth taking with you on a hike.
So, the basic equipment you will need is tent, backpack and sleeping bag. Their choice should be approached especially carefully, because your comfort throughout the trip will depend on them.
The main requirements for tent- Water resistance and wind resistance. The first is measured in millimeters of water column. It is advisable to take a tent whose water resistance value exceeds 5000 mm. Arcs (framework) are responsible for wind resistance. For hiking in the Caucasus, it is permissible to take tents with fiberglass arches, but it is even better if the frame is aluminum. The latter option is more expensive, but at the same time more reliable and lighter. In any case, do not buy cheap tents in supermarkets - they will definitely not withstand even one hike in the Caucasus.
If you don't have a tent, don't worry. It can be rented. The cost of one place will be approximately 1 dollar / night.
Now oh backpacks. The main thing is that it is durable and comfortable. If you have a new backpack, try to “break it in” before hiking, otherwise the straps can rub a lot during the first days. Another important parameter is the presence of a cape from the rain. If it is not there, it is worth taking the raincover separately. The volume of a backpack for a hike in the Caucasus should be 60 - 80 liters. When choosing a backpack, give preference to well-known manufacturers of hiking equipment - in this case, it is more likely that the backpack will withstand the trip.
sleeping bag- Another important piece of equipment. When choosing, make sure that the sleeping bag is sewn with high quality, the fabric does not get into the zipper, does not have defects on the fabric, and is equipped with a drawstring on the hood. But, of course, the main parameters are the temperatures of comfort and extreme. The first of these means the temperature in the tent at which you can sleep comfortably, and the second is the temperature at which you will be cold, but at least you will not get hypothermia. Naturally, you should focus on the comfort temperature. For a hike in the Caucasus, it should be 0 degrees Celsius. If the route does not pass at high altitudes, you can limit yourself to a sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of +5 degrees.
Another important thing is a sleeping mat - karemat. The most common Izhevsk karemat will do.
Now for the accessories. It is advisable to have trekking poles - with them, part of the load is transferred to the hands, and it will be much easier to walk. You also need to have a headlamp, sunblock and sunglasses, hygienic lipstick, a towel, a water bottle. Do not forget the utensils - a plate, a spoon, a knife and a cup. Dishes should be light and durable.
More about clothes. The most important thing is shoes. For a hike in the Caucasus, you need good trekking boots which will be strong enough and at the same time comfortable. Therefore, they must be carried before the start of the journey. Take the second pair of flip-flops - they will come in handy for walking around the camp and for fording rivers.
Be sure to take membrane pants and a jacket - they will help you not get wet during the rains. Also take a down jacket or a warm sweater. You will sleep in them. It is also advisable to take additional warm pants for sleeping. And for the transitions you will need a fleece, a few T-shirts and lighter pants. It is also worth taking a shirt with long sleeves - it will save your hands from sunburn.
Be sure to take a winter hat and gloves - you will sleep in them. We also need one more headgear - a buff, a cap or panama - for transitions.
To store documents and money, take care of the presence of sealed bags that are not afraid of moisture.
All that is listed above is enough for you for ordinary trekking in the Caucasus. But climbing requires special equipment. The list includes an ice ax, crampons, a belay system, a descender, a jumar and three carabiners. It is also desirable to have a ski mask that will protect your face from wind and sun. Almost everything from this list can be rented immediately before the ascent.
You can always discuss any questions regarding equipment with us, and we will be happy to help you!
Hiking in the Caucasus in the Western Elbrus region 7 days
Have you seen Elbrus from the heights of proud eagle wings, flying in the world of the Caucasus mountains?
Five thousand meters high, where there are beautiful ridges and skies!
And the waters are warmer, the local Narzans, have you tried swimming here?
Or did they not boldly plunge into the invigoratingly cold lakes living there, among the high-altitude forests? Not?!
And they did not sit in clean passes,
Where the world at your feet lies in the splendor of landscapes, as the most worthy of the planet? Not?!
Then they stomped to where the one who rules the wind, who is above all, raising snow-white peaks into the sky, invites you to his estates.
Elbrus is the name of the glorious mountain of the Caucasus!
A technically simple, sightseeing hike in the Caucasus (Karachay-Cherkessia), to the foot of the highest mountain in Europe, at medium altitudes from 2000 to 3700 meters, is confidently beautiful, interesting and informative for everything that is there.))
- Duration - 7 days.
- Type - autonomous trip.
- Difficulty is above average.
- The cost of the tour is 10,000 rubles.
- Hiking distance – 73 km
- Age requirement - from 16 years.
Conditions for a hike in the Western Elbrus region:
- Travel time is 7 days. Heights up to 3700 meters.
- It is best to arrive in Nevinnomyssk in advance, on the eve of a hike in the Caucasus, after spending the night in the hotels of the city (we will tell you the addresses).
- The total time for the group to gather at the railway station in Nevinnomyssk is 9.00. Start of the hike.
- The cost of the trip includes: all transfers (round trip), 3 meals a day (hot breakfasts and dinners, lunch - a snack on the route), guide services, group pharmacy + equipment: gas, burners, boilers, registration with the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
- The price does not include: Railway and Air tickets, rental of personal equipment.
- Equipment: it is best to have your own, familiar, down to the last shoelace.)) But we have a rental: backpacks, tents, rugs, sleeping bags - we look.
- If you have any questions, write or call here, me, Oleg.
- Number of participants in the trip: 10-12 people.
- The leader has a multi-fuel burner - the main cooking of food. A bonfire, if possible, for firewood to live in one place or another. Plus a camping pharmacy, boilers, etc., necessary for an autonomous trip.
- The end of the hike in the city of Nevinnomyssk at the railway station. Estimated time of arrival is 18.00 (six o'clock in the evening).
The route is carefully thought out with the aim of logically adaptive acclimatization, so that your and our journey will be successful and with the interest of everything that is in western mountains Elbrus.
Attention! This hiking route to the Caucasus is intended for advanced users of mountains and forests, that is, those who have at least two or three autonomous hikes behind their backs and good physical fitness, health and the ability to independently manage personal equipment: put up a tent, center a backpack, and so on. associated with the collective life of the group in the campaign. This is important and is related to the altitude of the route!
Equipment list for a hike, look, read below, after full description route.
More details about the route:
First day. Nevinnomyssk – Khurzuk – Ullu-Khurzuk
The group gathers at the railway station of the city of Nevinnomyssk at 9.00. That is, you need to arrive on the eve of the start. So it will be convenient and logical. A chartered bus will take us to the start of the route in the high mountain village of Khurzuk. The road is long, the journey time is about 5 hours, so we will stop for lunch (khychins, tea, airan) near the memorial to the defenders of the Caucasian passes at the entrance to the city of Karachaevsk.
Second day. Narzan springs of Djily-su.
To get into the wonderful possessions of Mount Mingi-Tau, another name for Elbrus, you need to work a little.))
Today we have an early rise and an early exit. The path is long, about 17 kilometers up the valley, to the foot of Mount Elbrus. Two-thirds of the way we will go through a pine forest, where a lot of berries in the form of strawberries, lingonberries, raspberries and blueberries will help us calmly overcome the first difficulties of climbing. And when the forest ends, ahead, in the evening light, we will be greeted by the one who rules the wind. In the evening we set up camp at an altitude of 2700 m, near the narzan resort called Dzhily-su (Karachay-Cherkessia), unfinished in the last century, with healing mineral springs, or on a tour. base (depending on weather conditions). We are in the Caucasus mountains.
The smooth lines of the mountain ranges, the comfort of the green valleys of the highlands, pleases and disposes to rest.
Some places of narzan are equipped for swimming, others are intended for drinking. To relieve fatigue before going to bed, those who wish can plunge into 18-degree soda.))
Day three. Radial exit - Balk-Bashi pass.
This day we will dedicate a radial trip light, to one of the passes, located in the depression of the northern spur, from eastern summit Elbrus. This is the Balk-Bashi pass (3689m), a beautiful and panoramic place of the mountain. He is on the left in the photo. After the transition, you can relax in the bath.
Day four. Radial exit to the Koltsevaya pass.
After breakfast, getting ready and... one more free radial. Slowly we walk around and climb to the Koltsevaya pass (3350m). The ascent is not steep, it goes along the left tributary of the river. Bityuktyube (orographically), large scree abounds at the end, but quite passable. The pass itself is spacious and wide. There is a lake. If you wish, you can climb the Ozerny Pass, provided that the group feels well. From the Koltsevaya pass, the southern spurs of Elbrus, the valley and passes of the Kukurtlyu river are well and beautifully visible.
Descent back along the right side of the left tributary of the river. Bityuktyube, after passing through a large scree.
At the finish line there is a narzan and a swimming pool.))
Day five. Enukol Ridge.
The most beautiful and panoramic transition, a trip to the Caucasus, in good weather. After a short descent, a steep and long ascent to the Enukol ridge awaits us.
In these places there is an old, well-trodden Syut-Jol (Milk Way) cattle drive. We will take advantage of the invitation of the trail, first asking if it is possible?)) And having heard - "Good road", we will climb to the heights of the ridge. The Milky Way is beautiful, panoramic and impressive with its views of Oshkhamakho (where the gods live - another name for the beautiful Elbrus) and the surrounding mountains.
We will camp right on the ridge, not far from the Enukol pass, at an altitude of about 3000 m. This will be our highest overnight stay.
Day six. Enukol Ridge – Lake Khurla-Kol
An easy and spectacular transition to the lake. The lake is located at an altitude of about two thousand meters above sea level. The age of this unique among the lakes of the Caucasus is 15 thousand years! Can you imagine?!
On a wide mountain terrace, surrounded by pine forests and magnificent landscapes, the lake looks like a wonderful reality of these places. Beautiful purity, crystal transparency, cold and attracting. Sit and watch for a long time. And what else is needed.))
In good weather, you can arrange a real beach holiday here.
Day seven. Lake Khurla-Kol – Kart-Jurt – Nevinnomyssk
Early rise and exit. We have breakfast, clean the feathers and go down to the native penates.)) Today is the last day of the hike in the Caucasus, a small and glorious journey!
After climbing a small pass, we will have a long descent into, probably, the most ancient village of Karachay-Cherkessia, the Kart-Dzhurt village, an informative place for historical data. Not far from the village, on the way home, at the confluence of the Kuban and Khudes rivers, there is a stone, the Black Stone of Karchi, sacred - has been lying for ages, and passing travelers consider it their duty to be near him, knowing that this stone gave a lot of good to the people, living here.
We will ask the driver to stop here for a minute and also be with him for a while, paying tribute to the history and traditions of this small but glorious country.
In Kart-Jurt a minibus will be waiting for us, which will take us to Nevinnomyssk.
Photos of the trip to the Caucasus can be viewed
The beautiful Caucasus attracts tourists from all over the world with its beauty and wealth. And this region is especially dear to us, because the history of the Peak tourist club began here in 2005: our group traveled a 120-kilometer route from Arkhyz to Krasnaya Polyana. Everything changes with time, routes are updated, new ones appear, but you will always find some interesting hiking trips in the Caucasus mountains in our plans.
Tours to the Caucasus from St. Petersburg
The most popular route for hiking in the Caucasus mountains in Soviet times was the so-called All-Union route 30 from Adygea. They began to master it in the mid-30s. The journey took about 20 days. It started at the base "Gornaya" in Adygea, and ended on the Black Sea coast in Dagomys with an ascent to the Fisht glacier.
Here you can find one of the varieties of this journey through the Caucasus - a tour of Adygea with an ascent to Fisht.
In addition, the Peak Tourist Club has mastered many other areas of this magical land and offers you hiking and climbing the Caucasus Mountains for every taste.
Therefore, if you still do not know what kind of vacation in the Caucasus to choose and where to go, join our friendly company.
From the Russian side of the Caucasus range, we lead groups in several directions. Hiking in the Caucasus Mountains in the Arkhyz region is divided into two types: one tour is more physically difficult (Arkhyz's Blue Necklace) and a simpler, but contemplative Creative Arkhyz with rest in tents and songs by the fire.
A very popular route through the Caucasus in the Elbrus region with climbing the highest mountain in Europe - Elbrus. To participate in the ascent, it is highly desirable to have hiking experience. In the near future, we plan to lead groups along easy routes in the area of the Bezengi alpine camp.
From foreign countries Caucasian ridge we arrange .
An extremely popular and not very difficult route in Abkhazia, which is suitable for beginner hikers. A good end to this hiking trip across the Caucasus will be two days on the Black Sea coast.
Thought out and launched an interesting high mountain route travel to Georgia. The main part of the route will pass through Svaneti, by the end of the trip the group goes to the sea.
Hiking in the mountains of the Caucasus: geography
In order to understand the scale of those places that we call the Caucasus, we will study their location in more detail. In addition, if you are planning a hike in the Caucasus and do not know where to go, this information will be useful to you.
The Caucasus lies between the Azov, Black and Caspian Seas and consists of the Main Caucasian Range and adjacent regions of the North and South Caucasus.
The North Caucasus is mostly flat areas. This includes the Kuban and Ciscaucasia, bounded from the west Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait, and from the east by the Caspian Sea. The entire North Caucasus is the territory of Russia.
The South Caucasus, or Transcaucasia, is the territory of such countries as Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan. In the north, Transcaucasia borders on Russia, and in the south on Iran and Turkey. This region has long connected East and West, trade routes between the Near and Far East and Europe ran here.
The Central Caucasus is the most mountainous, and therefore attracts fans of extreme adventures. The most high peak Caucasus - Mount Elbrus (5642 m). This extinct volcano has two peaks, covered with non-melting snow caps. We offer mountain hikes in the Caucasus with climbing Elbrus for beginners and experienced tourists.
Elbrus - this is the name of the area from the western foot of Elbrus to the Chegem River in the east. This is the territory of Kabardino-Balkaria, represented by many high mountain ranges. Hiking tours in the Caucasus in the Elbrus region are often of increased complexity and require endurance and hiking experience from tourists. Here you can meet the most beautiful gorges and waterfalls, and on higher approaches - glaciers.
The Western Caucasus is more gentle than the Central. Here the highlands are combined with forest landscapes and valleys. Trekking in the Western Caucasus is the best way to visit the majestic mountains for the first time. It is here that beautiful Abkhazia is located, which is always glad to meet travelers. Read reviews about holidays in Abkhazia on the page describing this trip.
What awaits you during a hike in the Caucasus? Nature, relief, population
A beautiful mountainous region, the center of Soviet tourism and mountaineering, the Caucasus is a place that is impossible not to fall in love with. One of the versions of the etymology of this word is the Scythian combination of words, which in translation means “sparkling with ice”. The Caucasus Mountains are quite young, which means they are steep and high: sheer walls of rocks, sparkling glaciers, cold lakes of cosmic blue color, stone piles. At the foot of these grandiose mountains are alpine meadows with flowers, herbs, and stormy rivers.
Very rich in vegetable and animal world this edge. Many endemics (species characteristic only for this habitat) live here. And this is not surprising, because several climatic zones are located in a small area at once. The space from the broad-leaved forests of the foothills to the snow caps of the peaks is home to a variety of animals, trees, and herbs. More than 6,000 species of plants grow in the Caucasian expanses, each of which chooses its own height and suitable climate. On the slopes of these mountains you can see wild boars, mountain goats, chamois, roe deer. It is said that there is a lynx in the mountains, but our groups have never met this cautious animal.
The inhabitants of these parts are amazing and beautiful. We, people with a backpack on our backs, more than once managed to experience their cordiality and hospitality.
Living in Russia and not seeing these mountains is a big crime. Therefore, urgently pack your backpack, buy a ticket and go on a trip to the Caucasus with the PIK tourist club.
More information about the prices of tours to the Caucasus in 2019, as well as reviews and routes can be found in the relevant sections of the site.
The Caucasus is an amazing place. The legendary peaks of Elbrus and Kazbek crown the local ranges, united into mountain systems - here the Greater and Lesser Caucasus begin. Looking at the snow-covered rocky slopes supporting the sky, you feel all the power wildlife. The Caucasus is a rather harsh mountain, in winter, five meters of snow falls on the passes here, and in summer the heat is up to thirty degrees. Numerous hiking routes in the Caucasus are very diverse and at the same time not easy. Mountains and passes attract both experienced tourists and those who are just beginning to explore the wonderful world of tourism. Alpine meadows here alternate with stormy mountain rivers, carrying their foam jets into the real foothill jungle. Stunning colors and amazing silence are the visiting card of these places, and here, in the Caucasus, you can really enjoy both in full.
There are several features of hiking in the Caucasus. First, let's talk about the weather. The rains here in summer are rarely prolonged, but they come often, and sometimes it happens every day. A windbreaker is a must, and a raincoat too. If the sun shines, then it shines so that be healthy, especially at altitude, so do not forget to take sunscreen with you so as not to burn yourself too much. Good weather that lasts a week in a row is rare in the Caucasus, but it happens. In addition to everything, there are no problems with water in the Caucasus, there are many springs and rivers that we will sometimes cross.
Secondly, I will mention a slight feeling of hunger. We usually carry all the products with us, since there is nowhere to buy them on most routes, and since you can’t take much on yourself, otherwise you just won’t go, you have to take into account the number of products per day compared to the same Crimea. A vicious circle - the loads in the Caucasus are large, you will want to eat a lot, but you won’t take much with you, in general, it will be possible to lose another kilogram.
Hiking in the Caucasus, we usually go for 9 and 12 days. And here you need to be strong in spirit and realize that you have to go to the end. Because there is simply nowhere to get off here on the route. There are mountains around. To get off the route, the whole group will have to leave and stomp to the nearest village, and this is often a couple of days' journey in order to leave those who wish to end the journey prematurely there. But, I will add that we have a couple of not very difficult routes, especially for beginners - along Tkhachs in Adygea and along the Kodori Gorge in Abkhazia.
Let me remind you that we have routes that go along the border and nature reserves. This imposes its own characteristics on hiking, nature reserves as nature reserves, but border guards need to issue permits for some routes in advance, for Russians a pass is issued a month in advance, for citizens of other states two months before the hike, we issue passes, you only need your data. Well, that's all, good trips!
The Caucasus Mountains have a well-deserved reputation for being harsh and difficult - it is better to go here after conquering several lower Crimean or Carpathian peaks. But, on the other hand, our club offers hikes in the Caucasus of 2016 of different complexity - among them there are those that are available to beginners without special preparation. Moreover, you can go to or on even with children.
Parking Features
Most of the routes in the Caucasus involve spending the night at popular tourist sites, where there is convenient access to water and plenty of space for tents. In general, there are no problems with water in the Caucasus - during the transitions you will not have to carry a large supply of water with you, and at the halts you will have the opportunity to wash yourself every day.
The situation with firewood is a little worse - not every parking lot will have enough of them. As a rule, hikes in the Caucasus Mountains are carried out with a gas burner, which completely solves the problem of cooking.
Separately, it should be said that most of the more or less difficult Caucasian routes pass far from towns and cities. This means that it will most likely be difficult to leave "to civilization" halfway - plan to go through the hike to the end. For example, in our trip to Fisht, a convenient opportunity to leave the race falls only on the 7th day. It also follows that you will have to carry a supply of food with you - there will be no opportunities to buy something along the route.
When is the best time to go hiking in the Caucasus?
You can go on stationary tours with an overnight stay at the hotel at any time of the year - clean air, luxurious landscapes and healthy mineral springs are always waiting for tourists. But for hiking in the Caucasus, the best season, of course, is summer. And not the very beginning of summer, but closer to its middle - when warm weather sets in even in the mountains.
Please note that at an altitude of over 2500 m above sea level. even in July it can still snow. On the one hand, this provides a unique opportunity to play snowballs at the height of summer, but on the other hand, it obliges you to take care of a warm set of hiking clothes and appropriate footwear.
The best months for are considered July and August. This is the time of more or less stable weather, when the air has already warmed up well, and the autumn coolness has not yet begun. Beginners can still go to the mountains in September, however, with the expectation of colder nights. But October, November and the winter months are only for experienced hikers who are ready for serious difficulties and have good winter equipment. That is why our club does not plan hikes in the Caucasus after September.