Where is Elbrus located? Elbrus is a mountain in the Greater Caucasus. Pastukhov Andrey Vasilievich

I don’t know how to describe it more correctly - sclerosis or deja vu? I remember exactly what I wrote about this. But today I spent the whole morning rummaging through my computer archive (large and confusing, I must say) and found nothing. I tried to find it on the Internet - also useless. Maybe it was in the letters that I accidentally deleted during the next cleaning of the computer? Or maybe he didn’t write anything, but just wanted to write, talking about this topic to himself many times?

Early in the morning (!), while drawing up a plan for the next “cleaning” of accumulated photographs, I came across an entry about a flight trip to Terskol, and there the phrase “which mountain is the highest in Europe?” A traditional question on knowledge of geography for those coming to Terskol... I wrote about this, but not where? I couldn’t find it, I started looking for information on the Internet - I was completely confused.

In short, you need to clearly record what you remember and add what you found today.

What is the highest mountain in Europe?

Answer: unknown! Some sources say Elbrus in the Caucasus, others say Mont Blanc (Alps).

There is a fairly clear definiteness with the heights of the peaks.

Elbrus- 5642 m (Western peak) and 5621 (East). Although some sources also use other values (for example, 5633 - similar to the arithmetic mean of two vertices). The mountain is located in Russia. On the edge of the short Side Range, a few km north of the Main Caucasus Range. It is undeniably the highest peak in the Caucasus and Russia.

Mont Blanc.There are differences here. In Russian Wikipedia it is written - 4808 m.
In the English WikiPedia - 4010, it is clarified that this is the data of the latest measurements made in 2002. Before that, it was believed that its height was 4807 m (I remember exactly this value from childhood). The summit is located in France, the border between France and Italy runs along mountain range Mont Blanc is a little south of the summit.

Regarding “most”, here’s what they say:
Wikipedia:
Mt. Elbrus (west) stands at 5,642 meters (18,510 ft) and it is the highest mountain in Europe. Mont Blanc or Monte Bianco (French and Italian- "White Mountain") is the highest mountain in the Alps and in Western Europe.

Three additional boundary lines on the map demonstrate alternative, mostly non-geographical, definitions of boundaries:
Line A - runs along the vertices Ural mountains and further along the Ural River
Line B - runs along Kuma-Manych depression and further along the Sea of Azov
Line C - follows the watershed of the Caucasus Mountains

Note! Wikipedia believes that almost the entire Caucasus belongs to Europe (border along the Araks).

So, what happens: there is no clear answer to the question “Is Elbrus located in Europe or in Asia?” Those. everyone can choose the one they like, referring to an appropriate authoritative source.

But here it should be noted: all sources admit that there is no scientific substantiation of this or that version of the border between Asia and Europe based on geological or geographical concepts (climate, tectonics, etc.). From this point of view, we need to talk about a single continent of Eurasia.

By the way, here we need to remind you of the difference between the concepts of “continent” and “part of the world”. The division into continents is made on the basis of separation by water from other continents, and parts of the world are rather a historical and cultural concept. So, With this point of view, North Caucasus(and maybe the entire Caucasus) most likely still belongs to Europe.

OK. Geographical boundary- the concept is controversial. But elevation marks are quite measurable quantities.

As we noted above, there is no particular discrepancy regarding the heights of the peaks. But for some other points of Elbrus there are.

At what altitude is Shelter 11? I always thought - at an altitude of 4200 m (Wikipedia also says). But in some Internet publications I found - 4100 (maybe these are typos).

But regarding the Pastukhov rocks there is complete confusion. I always believed (according to various sources) that their height is 4810 m. This was fundamental: it was believed that reaching the rocks could be equated to climbing Mont Blanc (although conquering Mont Blanc is an order of magnitude more difficult).

Wikipedia (and a number of other sources) says differently - 4700 m (and in some places I found even lower - 4600 m.)

It also says that the Elbrus Saddle is located at an altitude of 5200, although I remember the figure 5300 m.

That's probably all.

This one shows 4 photos: Elbrus from the side of Cheget (this is my photo) and from Kislovodstvo (below), as well as Mont Blanc - view from France (above) and from Italy.

Elbrus is a double-peaked volcanic cone. The western peak has a height of 5642 m, the eastern one - 5621 m. It is located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, north of the Greater Caucasus Range and is the highest peak in Russia. Elbrus is also considered the highest mountain peak in Europe, and is therefore included in the list highest peaks planets.

First ascents of Elbrus

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 July 1829 during a military-scientific 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 in Pyatigorsk, which is recorded in Diana’s grotto), 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 (who made the first image of Elbrus), Hungarian scientist Janos Besse. The auxiliary service of Emmanuel's expedition consisted of 650 soldiers and 350 line Cossacks, as well as local guides.

The first part of the route from the Konstantinogorsk fortress (present-day Pyatigorsk) to the “Stone Bridge” fortification (on Malka) passed without complications. On July 8, 1829, travelers arrived at the Kharbas River (a tributary of the Malki). From here they climbed to a height of about 2600 m and camped near one of the mineral springs on the banks of the Kyzylsu River.

Inscription on "Emanuel's Rock"

Inscription on the “Emanuel Rock”: “1829 from July 8 to 11 Camp under the command of General of the Cavalry Emanuel”
Kupfer, Lenz, Meyer, Minetrier, Bernardazzi, 20 Cossacks and guides took part directly in the ascent. However, lack of experience and poor quality climbing equipment forced most participants turn back. Only four continued the further ascent: Emilius Lenz, Cossack Lysenkov and two people from the group of guides - Kilar 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. According to some sources, the Karachay guide Kilar Khachirov was the first to climb the eastern peak at about 11 a.m. on July 10, 1829. 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, 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).
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.

Pastukhov Andrey Vasilievich

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.
According to the Russian mountaineering and mountain classification, Elbrus is rated as 2A category of difficulty, the passage of both peaks is 2B. There are others, more difficult routes, for example, Elbrus (W) along the NW edge 3A.

Elbrus during the Second World 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 the lesson mountain bases“Krugozor” and “Shelter of the Eleven”, German alpine shooters managed to install Nazi banners on the western peak of Elbrus. At the same time, the capture of Elbrus was not part of the plans of the German high command.

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.

Climbing Elbrus
You can climb Elbrus from any direction: from the south, north, west and east. There are more than 100 different routes to its peaks, mostly their complexity is within 2A-2B class, with the exception of climbing Elbrus along the wall of Kyukurtlyu-Kol-Bashi, which has a difficulty category of 5B. But this route is slightly “far-fetched”, and there have been no repeated passages along it over the past 20 years.

The most popular and easiest route for climbing Elbrus is from the south, from the village of Terskol or from the Azau clearing. Therefore, this is exactly what we offer to those who do not have a mountaineering qualification. On the boring part of the route there is a lift, 2 steps of which will take you to top station"Mir", located at an altitude of 3452 meters. From the station begins a breathtaking hiking climb to Elbrus. And acclimatization before the ascent is carried out in the Elbrus region, in the Adyr-Su gorge, which adds variety to the hike.

Whatever tour on Elbrus you choose, remember that the goal of the climb is not a mountaineering rank, but pleasure. And if you have good weather, luck and experienced instructors, it is guaranteed to you.

Sights of the Elbrus region

Valley of Narzans
The Narzanov Valley is located 34 km south of Kislovodsk, in the foothills of the Rocky Range of the Greater Caucasus, in the valley of the Khasaut River, at an altitude of 1300 m above sea level, on the border between Stavropol Territory and the Kabardino-Balkarian Autonomous Republic.

There are 17 Narzan-type mineral water springs in the Narzan Valley. Their water belongs to the carbonic acid bicarbonate-chloride sodium-calcium type with mineralization up to 3.3 g/l and carbon dioxide content up to 2.2 g/l. The nature of the valley fascinates with its beauty: majestic mountains, luxury sub alpine meadows, dense forest and numerous mineral springs. Before going there, you should take care of your beauty, perhaps get waxed and visit a beauty salon (just kidding).

Another Narzan Valley is located in the Baksan Gorge, behind the village of Baidaevo, a little closer to the Itkol boarding house. This place is often visited as it is easily accessible to all guests. The ground in the clearing is painted rusty brown. This occurs due to the high iron content in water. One of the springs in the clearing is so powerful that the thickness of its stream is comparable to the thickness of an adult’s arm.

Baksan Gorge
The Baksan Gorge is perhaps the most famous gorge of the Central Caucasus, known far beyond the borders of Kabardino-Balkaria. It's incredibly beautiful and unusual place. It is through the Baksan Gorge that the road to the Elbrus region goes, and it ends in the Azau clearing, at the foot of Elbrus. The length of the gorge is 85 km.

The gorge gets its name from the Baksan River, which accompanies the traveler throughout the entire journey. The upper reaches of the Baksan Gorge and its spurs are occupied by glaciers. Several glaciers flow here from Elbrus, as well as from the neighboring Donguz-Orun mountain, which give rise to the high-water and stormy Baksan.
The path to the gorge goes along three Caucasian ridges - Pastbishchny, Skalisty and Main through a number of villages. The road winds all the time, sometimes gaining height, sometimes decreasing.

In the gorge itself there are many interesting natural and historical monuments, including the Narzan Glade, ancient caves on the slopes of Mount Ullukai, a complex of monuments to the first climbers of Elbrus, the “Mourning Highlander” monument, etc.
From the Baksan Gorge you can get to the picturesque gorges of Adyr-Su, Adyl-Su, Itkol, Yusengi, Terskol, Donguz-Orun.
The gorge has long been favored by climbers. There are many camps located on its territory, including “Ullu-Tau”, “Elbrus”, “Dzhailyk”, “Shkhelda”.

Springs of Djily-Su
The Djily-Su tract with its healing mineral springs is located on the northern slope of Mount Elbrus in the upper reaches of the Malki River at an altitude of 2380 m. unique place in the Elbrus region annually gathers a large number of people who want to improve their health with the help of warm Narzans. The most popular and main source comes directly from the rock. Water fills the artificial bath (about 12 cubic meters in volume) and it is renewed every 10 minutes. The water temperature in the source is +22-24 degrees. Swimming is carried out according to the schedule.

The healing properties of warm narzan have a beneficial effect on the nervous and cardiovascular systems, the musculoskeletal system, and treat skin and allergic diseases. Djily-Su mineral springs are also consumed internally. This helps improve the human body’s immunity, helps improve metabolism, and treats diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. There are separate “specialized” sources: “renal”, “ocular”, “lumbar”, “hepatic” and others. In total, there are about 14 active springs in Djily-Su.

The Silver Spring with slightly mineralized water, which flows from mid-July to the end of September, is interesting. The water in the source is crystal clear and has a bluish tint. Each liter of water contains 4 mg of the precious metal silver. The healing properties of the source normalize heart function, equalize blood pressure, improve blood and lymph microcirculation, stimulate tissue regeneration processes, and cleanse the body of toxins.

In addition to mineral springs, there are other attractions in the Djily-Su tract. You should definitely visit the local waterfalls - the famous handsome giant Sultan (40 m), as well as Karakaya-Su (25 m) and Emir (7.5 m). Also popular excursion objects are the Kala-Kulak gully (Valley of Castles), the Valley of Stone Mushrooms, the Valley of Ancient Menhirs, and the German Airfield.

Blue Lakes
Blue Lakes is a unique natural monument located in Kabardino-Balkaria. There are lakes in the Cherek Gorge. There are five of them in total.

Lower Blue Lake (Tserik-Kel) is the most interesting and beautiful. The water in it is crystal clear, transparent and very cold. All year round it has approximately the same temperature and does not rise above + 9 degrees). With a surface area of just over 1.5 hectares, the lake is one of the ten deepest in the world. Russian Federation(after Teletsky and).
Camp sites are scattered along the shores of the Lower Blue Lake, and there is a modern diving center. The fact that the lake does not freeze makes it possible to organize divers’ meetings and training here at any time of the year.

The Upper Blue Lakes are represented by the Eastern and Western communicating lakes. A dam is installed between them, through which water from East Lake goes to Western. These two lakes are rich in fish.
The other two lakes of the group are interesting in their own way - Secret and Sukhoe. Secret got its name because of its invisibility. The lake is located in a deep depression, so it is not immediately visible. The dry lake is located at the bottom of a very deep canyon, the height of the steep walls reaches 180 m.

Chegem waterfalls

Chegem waterfalls are a unique natural monument that is definitely worth a visit if you come to the Caucasus. This is a whole group of waterfalls located in the gorge of the Chegem Gorge. Locals call these waterfalls "Sous Auzu", which means "water throat". And, indeed, the water rushes in a stormy stream with a roar from the rocks, flows out of numerous crevices, and falls from a height of 50-60 meters into the seething Chegem. The largest and most powerful waterfall of the group is called Adai-Su ( Maiden's Braid). Its height is about 30 m.

In winter, the Chegem waterfalls present a fantastic spectacle in their beauty. Freezing, the water forms numerous ice columns and columns, turning the rock wall into a real work of art.
Near the waterfalls there is a small hotel, a cafe and a market. You can always buy from here local residents knitted items, wine, preserves, souvenirs. You will be invited to take pictures in folk costumes or take a ride on a donkey.

Semerka Glacier

One of these natural wonders is the glaciological object Semerka glacier, which is part of National Park Elbrus region. The glacier is, as it were, “sewn” to the northern wall of the Donguzorun peak, and thereby faces Elbrus. Unusual name The glacier comes from its shape, which resembles the number 7.
The slopes of Mount Elbrus, the white ice shell of Donguzorun and the Semerki glacier - popular place among ski tourists.

Stone "mushrooms"

Stone “mushrooms” are a product of exotic erosion, which resulted in stone pillars with flat caps, similar to mushrooms. They are located at an altitude of 3200 m. Having arrived at the foot of Elbrus, you find yourself in the kingdom of the volcano, where nature has created many sculptures of the most intricate shapes from lava.

Elbrus National Park

Established by government decree on an area of 101.2 thousand hectares in order to preserve the unique natural complex of the Elbrus region and use it for recreational, scientific and cultural purposes.
Elbrus region as an area of traditional tourism and others active species sport, occupies an area along the Baksan River basin in the high mountainous part of its tributaries - Adyr-su, Kyrtyk, Adyl-su and its sources - Azau, Terskol, Donguz-Orun.

Between the southern slopes of Elbrus to the Main Caucasus Range and the interfluve of Baksan and Chegem is located the most popular in Russia and beyond its borders. mountain resort. Another part of the National Park is the northern Elbrus region, located in the upper reaches and sources of the Malka River.

Legendary mountain

The mountain, formed about a million years ago, consists of alternating layers of lava, ash and tuff. The slopes of Elbrus are mostly gentle, but starting from a height of 4000 meters the average angle of inclination reaches 35 degrees, and the peaks are covered with a dense cap of perennial snow - firn and eternal ice. Several dozen glaciers with a total area of 134 square meters descend from them in all directions. km.

The most famous are Big and Small Azau, Irik, Terskol. The powerful glaciers of Elbrus give rise to the rivers Kyukyurtlyu, Ullu-Khurzuk, Ullu-Kam, which, merging, form the Kuban, the most big river in the North Caucasus. Kuban can be called the daughter of Elbrus.

The legendary mountain has always attracted people with its mysterious beauty. The northern and western slopes are strewn with steep rocky areas up to 700 meters high. The eastern and southern ones are more gentle and even. The sparkling glaciers of the southern side of the Elbrus region have been chosen by skiers and climbers since Soviet times. The longest trails on the mountain: Azau - Stary Kruzor - 2.5 km, Stary Kruzor - Mir - 2 km. The season in the Elbrus region lasts from December to March.

Up to an altitude of 4000 meters, the slopes of Elbrus are relatively gentle, but above that they become steep.

The Adyl-Su, Adyr-Su and Shkheldy gorges are especially popular among climbers in Russia and the former USSR republics.

Conquest of Elbrus

The history of the conquest of Elbrus goes back almost 200 years. The first to determine its height was the Russian academician Vikenty Vishnevsky in 1813.

And the first recorded ascent of Elbrus, the eastern peak, was made in 1829 under the leadership of the hero of the Napoleonic War and conqueror of the Caucasus, General George Emmanuel. The expedition's auxiliary service consisted of 650 soldiers and 350 line Cossacks, as well as local guides.

The expedition included geophysicist and founder of the Main Physical Observatory in St. Petersburg, academician Adolf Kupfer, physicist Emilius Lenz, founder of the Russian Entomological Society, zoologist Eduard Menetrier, botanist Karl Meyer, who later became director of the Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences, artist-architect Joseph Bernardazzi and Hungarian scientist Janos Besse.

Kupfer, Lenz, Meyer, Menetrier, 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.

According to some sources, the first to climb the eastern peak at about 11 a.m. was the Karachai guide Kilar Khachirov, according to others, it was a Kabardian guide.

From the memoirs of Adolf Kupfer: “Only the next day - July 23 - at noon, the Hungarian traveler de Bess noticed through a telescope on the sparkling covers of Elbrus four people who were trying to reach the top of the mountain. Three of them soon disappeared from sight, the fourth rose higher and higher - and suddenly his figure was outlined in relief above the very crown of Elbrus. He was, as it turned out later, a Kabardian Kilyar, a native of Nalchik.”.

This event was marked by a rifle salute in the camp.

By order of General Emmanuel, in memory of this outstanding event, the following text was carved on the rock: “During the reign of All-Russian Emperor Nicholas I, cavalry general Georgy Emmanuel, commander of the troops on the Caucasian line, camped here from July 20 to July 23, 1829. With him were: his son Georgy, fourteen years old, academicians sent by the Russian Government: Kupfer, Lenz, Menetrier, Meyer, an official of the mining corps Vansovich, an architect Mineralnye Vody Joseph Bernardazzi and the Hungarian traveler Ivan de Bess. The Academicians and Bernardazzi, leaving the camp located eight thousand feet (1143 fathoms) above the sea surface, climbed Elbrus to fifteen and a half thousand feet (2223 fathoms) on the twenty-second. Only the Kabardian Kilyar reached the top. Let this modest stone pass on to posterity the names of those who first paved the way to reach Elbrus, which until now was considered impregnable.”.

The information that Emmanuel's expedition conquered Elbrus was not known abroad, therefore, when the Englishman Douglas Freshfield climbed the mountain in 1868, it was regarded as a first ascent. The highest peak of Elbrus (western) was conquered by a team of climbers led by Florence Grove in 1874.

First geographic map Elbrus was compiled in 1890 by Russian military topographer Andrei Pastukhov, who made the first ascent without guides. Rocks at an altitude of 4800 meters now bear his name.

It is believed that the first person to reach both peaks was the Balkar hunter and shepherd Ahiya Sottaev. He climbed Elbrus nine times, the last time in 1909, when he was 121 years old.

IN Soviet time mountaineering has become widespread. According to the Society of Proletarian Tourism, from 1829 to 1914, 59 ascents of Elbrus were made, 47 of them by foreigners. And in one year, 1935, Soviet climbers climbed Elbrus 2016 times.

Elbrus was the center of attention during the Great Patriotic War - it became the scene of fierce confrontation. Units of the German mountain rifle division "Edelweiss" also took part in the battles. 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. But by the middle of the winter of 1942–1943, German troops were driven out from the slopes of Elbrus, and on February 13 and 17, 1943, our climbers climbed both peaks, where Soviet flags were hoisted.

Elbrus today

Today Elbrus is one of the most popular ski resorts Russian resorts, Mecca for snowboarders, freeriders and climbers.

The Elbrus region is also interesting for nature lovers. One of the most striking representatives of the animal world of this region is the Caucasian tur, which lives at altitudes from 1200 to 3400 meters above sea level. Turs come at night to graze in the alpine meadows, where bluegrass, foxtail, fescue, and buckwheat grow. IN winter time Turs feed on mosses, lichens, and tree bark. In the most inaccessible places, along with aurochs, chamois are found. In the lowlands of mountain forests you can find roe deer, which belongs to the deer family. In the Elbrus region, an attempt was made to adapt a herd of Central Asian yaks, but the experiment failed. Wolves also live here, but there is no need to be afraid of them; there have been no cases of wolves attacking either skiers or climbers.

Although the Elbrus volcano has not been visible for almost two thousand years, scientists consider it not extinct, but dormant. In its depths there are still hot masses that heat the local “hot narzans” - springs saturated with mineral salts and carbon dioxide, the temperature of which reaches +52 and +60 ºС. The life of many famous springs originated in the depths of Elbrus health resorts Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk and the entire Caucasian Mineral Waters region.

Geographical description

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. 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. Lifting height cable car- 3750 meters, here is the Barrels shelter, which is more than ten six-bed 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 and construction works: the expedition members erected gabions and transported the dome elements 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 of the botanical garden of the 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.

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.

The report about Mount Elbrus will tell you what Mount Elbrus is known for and where it is located.

Message about Mount Elbrus

Elbrus- stratovolcano in the Caucasus - the highest Mountain peak Russia and Europe, included in the list of the highest peaks of the world “Seven Summits”.

In the 19th century, scientific exploration of the peak began. The exact height and location were determined only in 1913. The goal of the first expedition in 1829 was to reach the top of the Elbrus volcano. Its members included such great scientists as Kupfer, Lenz, Minetrier. Having reached an altitude of 2400m, the group moved on. Only 5 people reached above 4800 m, and only three reached the saddle of Elbrus. They could not go further because the snow had become very soft.

The first person to conquer the peaks of Elbrus was Ahiya Sottaev, when he was already over 40 years old. After his first ascent, he climbed the mountain 8 more times. Moreover, Sottayev made his last ascent at the age of 121.

Elbrus mountain where is it located?

Elbrus is not only highest point Europe, but also a place of pilgrimage. It is located between Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria, and the peoples living there have created many legends. For example, about the origin of the name. From Iranian “Aitbares” means high Mountain, from Georgian “Yalbuz” means ice and storm. According to another theory, the name of the mountain is made up of three words: “El” - settlement, “Bur” - twist, “Us” - character.

Mount Elbrus description

Elbrus height above sea level is 5642 m. Moreover, the height of the western peak is 5642 m, and the eastern one is 5621 m. Between them there is a saddle, inferior in height to only 300 m. There are more than 80 glaciers on the mountain, the largest are Bolshoi Azau, Irik and Terskol . They give rise to many rivers Malka, Terek, Baksan and Kuban.

Below the glaciers there are alpine meadows and coniferous forests. The slopes themselves are rocky. The mountains were formed more than a million years ago, and at first Elbrus was an active volcano. Today, scientists are still arguing about whether the volcano is dormant or extinct. The “sleeping” version is supported by the fact that hot masses remain in its depths, which are heated by local thermal springs up to +60°С.

The mountain itself is made up of layers of tuff, ash and lava. The last eruption was recorded in 50 AD.

Climate

The climatic conditions near the slopes are mild. The humidity here is low, so frosts are tolerated quite easily. But higher up on the volcano the climate is already harsh, similar to the Arctic. At the foot of the winter mountain average temperature ranges from 10 0 C to – 25 0 C, and at the top up to -40 ° C. On Elbrus, precipitation is abundant and frequent, mainly in the form of snow. The air warms up in summer to +10°C at an altitude of 2500 m, and higher even in July the temperature barely reaches -14°C. The weather is characterized by instability - a calm, clear day can give way to snowy storms with strong wind gusts.

Relief

The climate at the foot of the mountain is varied: many gorges and rocky areas. And on the slopes even in summer you can see melting snowflakes. On the surface of Elbrus there are glaciers with an ice thickness of 400 m. Glacial water forms streams that fall down as waterfalls. Starting from an altitude of 3500 m, moraines, cirques, and glacial lakes are common.

Flora and fauna

Velvet greenery, pine forests, and trees and shrubs grow in the meadows of Elbrus. The flora has 3000 species. It includes pine, alder, mint, celandine, sea buckthorn, thyme, fennel, wormwood, rose hips, St. John's wort and coltsfoot.

The fauna is represented by aurochs, mountain goats, ground squirrels, raccoon dogs, wild boars, chamois, jackals, roe deer, foxes, wolves, wild cats, lynxes, squirrels and bears.

The heavenly expanses were conquered by vultures, eagles and kites, golden eagles, saker falcons, titmice, bullfinches, blackbirds, and woodpeckers.

The local population calls Elbrus “Mingi-tau”, which means “Mountain of Thousands”. The name emphasizes its height and size.
This is a very difficult mountain to climb. In winter it is generally forbidden to climb it.
Elbrus is mentioned in the works of Herodotus. The ancient Greek historian pointed out that the god Zeus chained Prometheus to it because he gave fire to people.

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