Average height of the Elbrus mountains. Where is Mount Elbrus located in Russia. The history of climbing Elbrus
The two peaks crowning the cone-shaped volcano are separated by a saddle, the height of which is 5300 m. The peaks of Elbrus are two independent volcanoes formed on an ancient volcanic base. The height of the young cone, located in the east, is 5621 m. This volcano has retained its classic cone-shaped shape with a clearly defined crater. The height of the maximum point of Elbrus - the western peak - reaches 5642 m. This volcano has enough ancient history, which was reflected in the condition of its upper part - it was partially destroyed by a vertical fault.
Elbrus is a saddle-shaped cone of a volcano that was last active in 50 AD. e. It was most active around 225 thousand, then 110-70 thousand and less than 30 thousand years ago. 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. 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.
Flowers on the southern slope of Elbrus:
At an altitude of more than 3,500 meters, the volcano is covered with stone placers, rocks and glaciers. The number of the latter is about 70 pieces, and there are total area equal to 134.5 km². The most famous glaciers of Elbrus: Terskop, Big and Small Azau. The streams erupting from them, connecting, create the three main rivers of the region - Baksanu, Kuban and Malka. The glacier-free surface is covered with moraines. A huge cap of ice and snow all year round preserves the picture form of the Kazakhstan volcano. It is because of this snow cap that Elbrus is called Little Antarctica.
The first written mentions of two-peaked volcano can be found in the "Book of Victories", written by the Persian historian and poet, Sharaf ad-Din Yazdi. It tells about the Central Asian conqueror Tamerlane, who during his military campaigns climbed to the top of Elbrus to pray.
The peoples of the Caucasus and the Middle East made up their minds about Elbrus a large number of songs and legends. One of the legends says that used to be a mountain was one-humped. At its top lived the magical bird Simurgh, who gave gifts to the mountaineers who inhabited the valleys mountain gorges, happiness and prosperity. This idyll lasted for many centuries, until the desire to seize the bird’s heavenly throne led to its possession by two greedy people. Their fierce struggle was stopped by higher powers: blinding lightning cut the sky, terrible thunder erupted and Elbrus split in two, spewing out streams of fire that incinerated everything in its path. After such a terrible fight, the magical bird Simurgh hid deep underground, upset by the ingratitude and greed of people.
According to research by scientists, Elbrus has not been visible for quite a long time, but despite this, the current level of activity does not give experts a reason to classify it as an extinct volcano; now it has the status of “dormant”. The volcano is indeed quite active in external and internal activities. 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°C and +60ºC. The life of many famous springs begins in the depths of the volcano health resorts Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk and the entire Caucasian region Mineralnye Vody.
The climate on Elbrus is characterized by severity, making it similar to the Arctic regions. The average temperature in the warmest month of the year does not rise above -1.4°C. There is quite a lot of precipitation here, but it is mainly represented only in the form of snow.
Around the two-headed giant are located the most beautiful peaks Caucasus: Nakra-Tau, Ushba, Donguz-Orun.
The first time a person managed to reach the eastern (lower) peak of the volcano was on July 22, 1829. This was done by the conductor of the Russian scientific expedition, a Kabardian by nationality, Kilar Khashirov. The highest peak of Elbrus (western) was conquered by a team of climbers led by Florence Grove in 1874. The first to reach both peaks was the Balkar hunter and shepherd Ahiya Sottaev. During the period of his long life, he conquered Elbrus nine times: he made the first ascent at the age of over forty, and the last in 1909, when he was 121 years old.
At the top of Elbrus:
View from the top of Elbrus:
The study of Elbrus by Russian scientists began actively in the 19th century. Academician V.K. Vishnevsky in 1913 was the first to determine the height and location of the volcano. In addition to its status as a unique natural attraction, the famous Caucasian peak is also an important scientific base. Even before the war, the first experiments with cosmic rays in the Soviet Union were conducted here, and today it houses the highest geophysical laboratory.
Territory of the Elbrus region - major center tourism and skiing. The bulk of the guests are fans of winter sports, including extreme sports, which are very popular in these mountains. In addition to the usual snowboards, sleds and freeride, a new entertainment was organized for thrill seekers, which was an ascent to the top of Elbrus by helicopter and subsequent descent from the mountain on skis. For more conservative skiers, there are cable cars with an average capacity of 2,400 people per hour.
Elbrus is a large stratovolcano, composed of layers of lava and volcanic ash. It has a conical shape with two peaks located at approximately the same height. The western peak of Elbrus rises 5642 meters above sea level, the eastern peak is slightly lower, at 5621 meters. The peaks are separated by a flat saddle about 5,300 meters above sea level and are located three kilometers from each other.
Elbrus is considered an extinct volcano, but the last eruption occurred not so long ago from a geological point of view - at the beginning of our era, approximately in the first or second century.
There are several versions about the origin of the mountain. According to one of them, “Elbrus” means “high mountain” or “sparkling mountain” in Iranian. The Karachais and Balkars, who have been living in the Caucasus in the Elbrus area for a long time, call this volcano Mingi-tau, which translates as “eternal mountain”.
Geographical location of Elbrus
The Caucasus Mountains are divided into two parts: the Greater and Lesser Caucasus. The Greater Caucasus Range lies on Russia's border with other southern countries(Georgia, Azerbaijan) from the Black to the Caspian Sea. Territory Greater Caucasus on the Russian side it is divided into several republics and regions: these are Adygea, Karachay-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Dagestan, North Ossetia. Elbrus is located on the border of the Kabardino-Balkarian and Karachay-Cherkess Republics.
A few kilometers south of the foot of the volcano lies the Russian border with Georgia.
The mountain is located in the northern part of the ridge at a distance from the other peaks, so it is clearly visible from all sides of the Ciscaucasia - the double-headed cone is visible even a hundred kilometers away. Elbrus is between the central and western Caucasus. West Side mountain system runs from Elbrus to Black Sea coast, the central one lies between this peak and Kazbek.
The volcano is surrounded by several gorges - Adylsu, Adyrsu, Shkheldy, glacial massifs and mountains. The area at the foot of Elbrus and in the area of the upper reaches of the Baksan River, which is part of the Terek basin, is called Prielbrus. This resort region and a protected area with unique natural beauties, sources of healing mineral water and excellent opportunities for skiing and hiking holidays.
The boundaries between Europe and Asia are not precisely defined, and if the Caucasus Range is considered the border, then Elbrus is the highest point in Europe. Otherwise, that title belongs to Mont Blanc in the Alps.
Double-headed Elbrus is the highest peak in Russia. The 5,642-meter-high stratovolcano is included in the list of “Seven Great Heights of the World.” According to geologists, Elbrus is a cone extinct volcano. Modern appearance with two peaks (the height of the eastern one is 5621 meters, the western one is 5642 meters) Elbrus acquired more than a million years ago. By the way, disputes about the volcanic activity of the mountain are still ongoing. Some scientists argue that the volcano is not extinct, but dormant. The argument is based on the fact that hot masses have been preserved in the depths of the mountain, heating thermal springs up to a temperature of +60 degrees.
The climate in the vicinity of the Elbrus region is soft, with low humidity, which makes it easy to tolerate frosty weather. But on Elbrus itself climatic conditions close to the Arctic with heavy precipitation and strong piercing winds. The air temperature at the top of the mountain can reach -40 degrees. IN summer time at an altitude of 4000 meters the temperature does not rise above -10 degrees.
Climbing Elbrus
The first documented conqueror of Elbrus (its eastern peak) was the Kabardian K. Khashirov, who accompanied the Russian expedition of 1829. The rest of the expedition members were only able to climb to 5,300 meters. The western peak of Elbrus was conquered by travelers only in 1879. Its first tourists were members of the English expedition, led by climbers F. Grove and accompanied by Kabardian A. Sottaev.
The latter became one of the most famous conquerors of Elbrus. Being a hunter and mountain lover, he climbed Elbrus 9 times, and his final climb was made at the age of 120!
IN Soviet time The Elbrus region has become one of the most popular places for mountaineering. The so-called “Alpiniads” took place here several times. The 1967 mountaineering competition was the most widespread - almost 2,500 mountaineering athletes took part in it.
Modern classic routes for climbing Elbrus are not very difficult; even beginners in mountaineering can do them. There are 3 main routes:
- Climbing from the south side of the mountain starts at the foot, but tourists often use the ski lift cable car to the Barrels shelter, which is located at an altitude of 3750 meters. The shelter has recreation centers, cafes and bars for tourists.
- Northern rise follows in the footsteps of the first conquerors of the mountain. The ascent is also not very difficult for people of average physical fitness, but, unlike the southern side, there is no tourist infrastructure here - the entire ascent is carried out without the help of a cable car and other benefits of civilization.
- Eastern rise more extreme. It passes through a lava flow, which naturally has long since solidified. The Akcheryakol lava flow offers the most beautiful panoramas on the route.
Most ascents take place in the summer - from May to October, since this is the most favorable time with the most comfortable weather (by local standards). All routes are built taking into account the time for acclimatization - after the morning ascent you need to go down for the night.
Ski resorts in the Elbrus region
The Elbrus region has been one of the most popular skiing destinations in Russia for decades. In total, about 35 kilometers of trails for skiing have been laid in the Elbrus region. alpine skiing and snowboards (mileage increases annually) and 12 kilometers of cable cars are equipped.
Among the surrounding mountains, the most popular is Mount Cheget, equipped with both chairlifts and cable-pendulum lifts. The Cheget trails are suitable for both beginners and professionals. Also on the slopes of the mountain and in its surroundings there is a lot of entertainment for relaxation after active skiing (après ski) - cafes, bars and restaurants, cozy chalet hotels and spa hotels.
For professionals, there is a “high-altitude taxi” that delivers skiers and snowboarders on snowcats to the Pastukhov rocks, at an altitude of 4800 meters.
The most long route located at the Stary Krugozor resort - its length is 2 kilometers, and the elevation difference reaches 650 meters.
The ski season in the Elbrus region lasts from November to April (if the snow cover is delayed, the season is extended until early May).
In the summer, horseback riding and mountain biking are organized along trails with panoramic views, trekking and paragliding are offered. For a significant amount of money, you can order heli-skiing - a ride with “delivery” to the top by helicopter.
Camp sites
Currently, Elbrus is not a wild and harsh area, but a mecca for mountaineering lovers. Therefore, the mountain slopes are equipped with numerous recreation centers and mountain shelter hotels. Most of The tourist infrastructure is concentrated on the southern slope, at an altitude of 3750 meters - in the Bochki shelter. The mountain shelter is equipped with heated residential trailers and a kitchen.
At an altitude of 3912 meters there is a mountain hotel "Liprus", with a capacity of 48 people. Its buildings are made in a futuristic style and resemble space stations.
The highest mountain hotel in Elbrus is the Shelter of Eleven hotel at an altitude of 4050 meters. The hotel was built in the middle of the 20th century and for a long time bore the title of “the highest mountain hotel in the USSR.” The main building burned down 20 years ago, but the hotel has now been rebuilt on the basis of the preserved boiler house.
The regional authorities plan to build a shelter at an altitude of 5,300 meters. Construction works are already underway, but the opening dates are constantly being pushed forward due to difficult weather conditions.
Attractions
The gorges and glaciers of Elbrus and the Elbrus region are the main attractions of these places. When going to the Elbrus region, it is worth visiting:
- Baksan Gorge. It originates in the glaciers of Elbrus and represents picturesque mountains with snow caps, green valleys, caves with traces of ancient people and rusty earth - due to the abundance of iron in its composition.
- Djily-Su tract. The place is known primarily for its hot springs. Swimming in natural pools has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and nervous systems; mineral waters treat skin diseases and allergies. In addition to the springs, there are powerful waterfalls in the surrounding area. The height of the largest of them is 25 meters.
- Elbrus Defense Museum. The highest mountain museum in the world is located at the Mir station. The local exhibition tells about the North Caucasian battles during the Great Patriotic War.
- Chegem Gorge. This is a picturesque area with centuries-old pine trees, deep canyons and rocky waterfalls.
How to get to Mount Elbrus
Elbrus is located on the border of the Kabardino-Balkarian and Karachay-Cherkess Republics. The nearest airport is in the city of Nalchik, 130 km from the foot of the mountain; you can also fly to Mineralnye Vody, located 200 km away. Then go through Pyatigorsk and Nalchik to Terskol with transfers by bus. Travel time will be from 3 to 5 hours, depending on the point of departure. Many expeditions and excursion groups depart from Terskol.
Elbrus on Google panoramas Maps
Video "Mount Elbrus"
Blessed is the mountain, the sparkling mountain, the mountain of joy, the pearl of the Caucasus, whatever names one of the highest mountains of Russia and Europe is called. But in reference books and guidebooks we know it under the name Elbrus, which from the Balkar language means “a mountain around which the wind swirls.” The fact is that the Balkar tribes who lived at the foot of the mountain often noticed the so-called “Elbrus whirlwinds” - these are masses of air visible to the human eye, which seem to be twisted into a horn.
Mount Elbrus: description, photo, video
Elbrus is a volcano with two peaks that died out two thousand years ago. The western peak has a height of 5641, the height of the north is 5621 (a difference of twenty meters). To help you imagine the height more clearly, we inform you that Elbrus is 4400 meters higher and 2300 meters higher. The first ascent to the summit took place on July 22, 1829, led by Georg Emmanuel. Despite the fact that since the discovery of this by scientists, it is considered extinct, gas eruptions have recently been noticed, which may indicate that the volcano is only dormant.
But tectologists are confident that an eruption could theoretically occur only in a couple of thousand years, and the obvious processes of gas eruption are only the beginning of a long process of awakening the volcano. And the current prospects for an eruption do not prevent tourists from all over the world from visiting one of the largest and beautiful mountains Europe.
The air on Elbrus is of high purity and crystal clear, thanks to which it offers views of two seas that are nearby: and. Experienced climbers always warn: Elbrus is a two-faced mountain with a changeable character. At an altitude of 3756 meters (where the cable car leads), the weather can be warm and little windy, but after a couple of hours of ascent it changes sharply and the ascent can become very difficult. Therefore, you must always be prepared for the manifestations of this miracle mountain, because the climb is worth it.
It is also worth separately noting the territory of the Elbrus region. During the Great Patriotic War, fierce battles took place here, in which the Edelweiss special forces division took part. This division brought together the toughest soldiers of the Wehrmacht, who had previously served and trained in mountainous areas. Interestingly, Hitler himself considered the operation to capture Elbrus and raise the flag on its top as a waste of effort and resources.
Panorama of Mount Elbrus
The first attempts of the Soviet army in August 1942 to liberate Elbrus were in vain. The fighters had neither special equipment nor alpine skills and were doomed. There were several attempts to storm Elbrus and liberate the Shelter of Eleven, the Ice Base and the 105th picket, but only at the end of the 42nd with the joint efforts of the NKVD, aviation and special forces. A group of soldiers with mountaineering skills and the proper equipment managed to dislodge the Edelweiss from Elbrus and raise the Soviet flag at its peak. Monuments to our fallen heroes testify to these battles in the Elbrus region.
Today the Elbrus region is one of the most developed tourist regions in the Caucasus, due to the number of tourists, this territory is among the ten most popular and visited in the world.
Where is Mount Elbrus located?
Elbrus is located on the border of two republics: Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, within the northern part of the Main Caucasus Range.
Mount Elbrus on the map
Coordinates of Mount Elbrus on the map:
- Latitude — 34°69′35′′
- Longitude — 45°28′69′′
The volcano mountain is located 130 kilometers west of the city of Nalchik.
How to get to Mount Elbrus
As a rule, most travelers prefer to join, or form tourist groups. These groups are transported by excursion bus to the towns of Neutrino, Terskol, Tegenekli, Elbrus and Baidaevo. These villages, as well as the Elbrus-Azau and Cheget ski resorts, are located along the main route. Also, you will not have any difficulty getting to them by car. There are no other options today.
When is the best time to visit Mount Elbrus?
As mentioned above, Elbrus has unstable weather conditions, which change quite sharply and quickly. It’s as if he’s trying to prevent the climber from reaching the top, testing him: with a nosy, cold wind, the smell of hydrogen sulfide, and fatigue. Therefore, people with poor health are highly discouraged from starting such a climb, and everyone else must use the services of a professional guide, due to the need to undergo training.
As for the optimal season for climbing, experienced climbers say that summer is best for beginners. Then the ascent conditions are a little milder, the daylight hours are longer, and the temperature is within normal limits. The only significant obstacle is the fairly frequent thunderstorms in this area, from which it is difficult to find shelter. Therefore, carefully study the weather forecast, and try not to start climbing on a day when there is supposed to be a thunderstorm.
Peculiarities
The volcano mountain itself and the Elbrus region are quite tourist developed. This resort is in no way inferior to its Himalayan and Alpine counterparts. Of course, he has his own Slavic characteristics. On its territory there are a number of hotels of various price categories, and several ski resorts. So, even without planning a climb, you'll have a great time skiing some of the longest ski runs in Europe, or reflecting in the local spas. In general, there is something to do.
Also at your discretion, at an altitude of 4110 meters, there is the highest mountain hotel in the world called “Shelter of the Eleven”. From the cable car (height 3750 meters) there is a path to this hotel. If you wish, you can use the lift, and then walk to it.
What to see in the area
What else is interesting in the vicinity of Elbrus and is a must-see? Mount Cheget, which is located on the opposite side of Elbrus and offers views of the entire volcano. By the way, most of the presented photographs of Elbrus were taken either from or from Mount Cheget.
The Baksan River is one of three rivers that flow from the glaciers of Elbrus with a beautiful azure hue of water. Visit blue Lakes Nalchik is one of the favorite attractions of local residents.
It doesn’t matter for what purpose you are going to this mountain: to visit places of military glory, test yourself in climbing, walk around the outskirts of Elbrus, or just relax at local resorts and go skiing Elbrus will entice you. It will interest, entice and leave behind the memory of a proud and self-sufficient mountain, the highest mountain in Europe and one of the seven wonders of Russia.
And if he allows you to climb, if you can climb to the highest point of Elbrus, the view that will open before you will be worth not only the effort and money spent, but also a new ascent, because according to the statistics, 6 out of 10 people who climbed Elbrus for the first time , do it again.
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 highest peaks parts of the world "Seven Peaks".
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 Elbrus saddle. 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 the Georgian "Yalbuz" meaning 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 location of the glaciers are located 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 active volcano. Today, scientists are still arguing about whether the volcano is dormant or extinct. The benefit of the “sleeping” version is that hot masses are preserved in its depths, which heat the local thermal springs to +60°C.
The mountain itself is made up of layers of tuff, ash and lava. 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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