Information about the Caucasian mountain Elbrus. Where is Mount Elbrus located? When is the best time to visit Mount Elbrus?
The address: Russia, Caucasus
Height: 5642 m (western summit), 5621 m (eastern summit)
First ascent: July 22, 1829
Coordinates: 43°20"57.4"N 42°26"51.6"E
The amazing Mount Elbrus, which attracts climbers, ski lovers and fans of outdoor activities, is actually a volcano.
Surprisingly, not everyone knows about this: for the majority, Elbrus is one of seven wonders of Russia(according to the vote of 2008), picturesque slopes, on 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 lava flows erupt from the conical vent, which, due to their viscosity, do not spread over long distances, but freeze not far from the place of their release. That is why Elbrus "grows" with each eruption and is currently considered the highest mountain peak in Europe. By the way, the volcano has two peaks: one of them (western) has a height of 5642 meters, and the second (eastern) - 5621 meters. The two peaks are separated from each other by a saddle having a height of 5200 meters and a length of 3 kilometers.
First summit climb
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 Arsenyevich 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, 1,000 servicemen and guides who knew the secret paths and the least dangerous slopes participated in the ascent to the summit.
Most likely, according to the assumption of modern historians, a person visited the peaks and gorges of Elbrus long before 1829. However, according to the documentation, climbing is considered to be the first conquest of Elbrus. scientific expedition led by Emmanuel.
Volcano name: origin story
Alas, at the moment it is not known for certain where the name Elbrus came from. Most scientists are inclined to believe that the name of the mountain comes from the Iranian word "Elburs", 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, where did the name of the volcano bewitching with its magnificence come from, most likely will not be found: you need to dive 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, bearing the name of the most beautiful mountain flower, "Edelweiss", participated.
The division was staffed exclusively by physically hardy people who lived in mountainous areas, who knew how to hit a target from the first shot. The mature age of some of the best soldiers of the Wehrmacht allowed them to fight in the mountains and survive in 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 a while they conquered the peaks of Elbrus, on which they hoisted flags with a swastika. It would seem that a feat was accomplished, but the ascent of German soldiers infuriated Hitler. “Crazy, insane people, stupid climbers! While the soldiers of the Wehrmacht are fighting 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 vanity, must be handed over to the tribunal! ”Hitler shouted in a rage. “Why do we need this useless bare peak? 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 differently. After the last German units were expelled from the Caucasus at the end of winter, Soviet soldiers again conquered the peaks of Elbrus. The flags with the swastika were destroyed, and the banners of the USSR proudly glowed on the western and eastern peaks.
The volcano is only dormant
Elbrus, as mentioned above, is a Mecca for climbers, climbers and skiers. Tourism brings the lion's share of income to the local budget in Kabardino-Balkaria. 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 can wake up at any moment, the eruption will be the most powerful in its strength!”, - experts say, based on a number of studies they have conducted.
Of particular concern is Lev Denisov, who calls on the authorities to reconsider their policies and think about what they are investing a lot of money in. “A restless volcano can destroy the entire infrastructure of the region in a few hours and claim the lives of thousands of people,” Denisov said in his address. In addition to a possible eruption, the so-called "pulsating glaciers" are of particular danger. It was they who led in due time to the tragedy in the Karmadon Gorge.
Monument to the Heroes of the Defense of Elbrus
However, neither the authorities of Kabardino-Balkaria, nor high-ranking officials from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations are willing to listen to the scientist's arguments yet. Opponents of Denisov say: "It may take several more centuries before the eruption, so far we have not observed any cause for concern." Naturally, in this context, the word “may” scares. After all, this does not exclude that Elbrus may “wake up” in the very near future. Who will be right, Lev Denisov with his group of researchers, or his opponents - only time will tell. Being in the Elbrus area, you should never forget about your own safety and strictly follow the instructions of the instructor. It is worth remembering that people are constantly dying and missing in the gorges and on the slopes of the mountain: everyone knows that in 2002, during the glacier descent in the Karmadon Gorge called Kolka, the most popular actor and director Sergei Sergeevich Bodrov disappeared.
"I'm standing on top, I'm happy and dumb ..."
Thanks to government decree Russian Federation, with the active support of the authorities of Kabardino-Balkaria, the tourism infrastructure is developing in the Elbrus region by leaps and bounds. The most convenient tourist bases, hotels with "luxury" rooms, ultra-modern ski lifts, rentals of modern mountain and ski equipment - only a small part of what a tourist who has come to high peak Europe.
Conquer one of mountain peaks, which offers a truly stunning view, you can in 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 a mountain peak. Thanks to the training of these people, climbing Elbrus has become practically safe. However, before you decide to climb the highest mountain in Europe, you should soberly assess your strengths. For a person with poor health, such a journey can end tragically. Although, almost all expeditions are equipped with radio communication with special stations. In the event of any dangerous situation, a helicopter is raised from a special platform, on board of which there are experienced rescuers. Before the ascent, the leaders of the group once again try to determine the physical condition of each participant and, in case of any doubts about his endurance, they recommend postponing the conquest of the peak, but it is better to enjoy the beauties of the Elbrus region on this trip, which are quite difficult to describe in words.
Elbrus is the most famous mountain in the world. It is an object of general attention, a dream for people who prefer extreme sports, and an object of admiration for tourists. Almost every traveler knows where Mount Elbrus is located, and therefore dreams of going to the distant and unexplored Caucasus.
For many, it is the Caucasus that is the territory that is worth visiting. After all, everyone knows that it is here that you can feel complete freedom from the hustle and bustle and fully enjoy, in truth, incredible landscapes. Since ancient times, it was considered to be the place on Earth that could be called "paradise". Nature has rewarded the area with an unusually beautiful relief and a variety of flora. The air here is clean and transparent, which is main feature this territory.
The Caucasus is a mountainous region of Eurasia, which has a lot of amazing places, but perhaps the most famous of them is Elbrus. This mountain has become calling card» area, since it is she who gathers many tourists near her. It is worth noting that the country is divided into two parts - Southern and Northern, conventionally they are called two half-worlds. Of course, the two parts are united by common traditions and culture, but the number of tourists is different.
What is the famous mountain?
The formation of this point began more than 218 thousand years ago. Since that ancient and forgotten time, lavas and tuff have erupted 15 times. It is impossible to say much or little, but it was they who gave mankind such an extraordinary gift.
Elbrus is a stratovolcano in the Caucasus, it is called the highest point in Russia. It is one of the Great Seven of the world's most famous peaks. Its location is unique, since it is located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. Outwardly, it is a two-peak cone-shaped volcano that has not erupted for a very, very long time (the last eruption dates back to 50 AD).
Each nationality has its own name for a mountain-volcano, which, more and more often, in translation means “height”, “elevation”, “highest point”. Such definitions are not accidental, because they are based on the coordinates of the height above sea level. By the way, for the first time the exact height of the mountain was determined back in 1883. This was done by the famous academician and scientist V.K. Vishnevsky. He indicated and recorded data according to which Mount Elbrus has a height of 5421 m. These figures have become unchanged, because no transformations were observed in the volcano. Until that time, exact data simply did not exist.
It should be noted that the mountain remained an object of research for a long time, each new ascent gave new information, which was recorded in the necessary documentation. Today this place is interesting for various reasons, so let's find out where Mount Elbrus is located on the map of Russia and how to find it for an ordinary traveler?
Correct coordinates
Of course this place is known local residents, and you can easily find the treasured mountain. But, in order not to worry, it is better to find out about everything in detail before the trip. First you need to find general information about the place you are interested in, then analyze the territory and mark the data you need.
Many travelers have developed a search pattern that is based on data from cartographic sources. From them you will know that Elbrus is located in the Caucasus, exactly 130 kilometers west of the city of Nalchik, within the northern part of the Main Caucasian Range. To find where Elbrus is located on the map, you do not need special knowledge and skills, since the most detailed maps and well-known routes are in the public domain. It will not be difficult for you to find an object, it is much more difficult to conquer it, and therefore we will continue our preparations.
About modes of transportation
Depending on what you are going to move on, you need to choose the right entrance to the mountain. Since this place is specific and not close to civilization, there is no better means of transportation than a car. Further, the route will be on foot, as it implies active rest. There is another option - to travel by bus, but it is acceptable only for large excursion groups. If you are traveling with a small group of like-minded people, then a car would be more appropriate.
Where to start climbing?
Of course, everyone has their own rules and principles for recreation, but when it comes to Elbrus, the Azau village is considered the first point of departure. Experts recommend acclimatizing and spending some time here (1-2 days), and then hit the road.
Remember that it is best to get to the mountain in the summer, when there will be no obstacles on the way. The period from September to September is a unique time in every sense and it suits every tourist in the best way.
Regarding July and August, it must be said that this is the optimal period due to the fact that the weather is incredibly warm and stable, there is no dampness, rain or any noticeable temperature changes. But sometimes, there are surprises, and therefore you should be prepared for everything in advance, because the Caucasian weather is very often unpredictable, remember this. For this reason, when planning a route, one extra day is always laid. winter climb probably, but here the weather plays against you, as it can be very cold at this time of the year, down to -40 at the top.
Many come back here at other times of the year, after the first ascent, to appreciate the beauty in other contrasts. For others, coming here becomes a challenge, as the low air temperature becomes an obstacle. It is important to note that it is always beautiful here, only in its own way. Different times provide an opportunity to see unique features that will not be noticeable in another season. Also remember that there are always a lot of tourists here, and therefore you will not be alone.
Mountain coordinates:
43.3469353 north latitude
42.4528694 east longitude.
Unsolved Mystery
There is one main question, when Elbrus will wake up and whether this will happen in the future, scientists have not yet given an answer. This means that climbing it will be possible for a long time, so it's time to start your preparations for such an amazing point on our planet. After all, if the eruption takes place, then the danger will be incredible. First, there will be a release of ash, lava, and the possibility of an unprecedented flood from the melting of glaciers will increase.
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 shape with a clearly defined crater. The height of the maximum point of Elbrus - the western peak - reaches 5642 m. This volcano has a fairly ancient history, which is reflected in the state of its upper part - it is partially destroyed by a vertical fault.
Elbrus is a saddle-shaped volcano cone last time active in 50 AD. e. It was most active about 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 slope angle 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 3500 meters, the volcano is covered with stone placers, rocks and glaciers. The number of the latter is about 70 pieces, and their total area is 134.5 km². Most famous glaciers Elbrus: Terskop, Big and Small Azau. The streams erupting from them, uniting, create the three main rivers of the region - Baksanu, Kuban and Malka. The surface free from glaciers is covered with moraines. A huge cap of ice and snow preserves the picturesque shape of a Kazakhstani volcano all year round. It is because of this snow cap that Elbrus is called Little Antarctica.
The first written mention of a two-peak 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 folded about Elbrus a large number of songs and legends. One of the legends tells that before the mountain was one-humped. On its top lived the magical bird Simurgh, who bestowed happiness and prosperity on the highlanders who inhabited the valleys of the mountain gorges. This idyll lasted for many centuries, until the desire to take possession of the bird's throne under heaven did not lead two greedy people to its possessions. Their fierce struggle was stopped by higher powers: blinding lightning cut the sky, a terrible thunder broke out and Elbrus split in two, spewing fiery streams that incinerate everything in its path. After such a terrible duel, the magical bird Simurgh hid deep underground, upset by the ingratitude and greed of people.
According to scientists, Elbrus has not reminded of itself for quite a long time, but despite this, the current degree of activity does not give specialists a reason to classify it as an extinct volcano, now it has the status of "sleeping". 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 +60°C. In the bowels of the volcano, the life of many famous springs of the medical resorts of Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk and the entire region of the Caucasian Mineral Waters begins.
The climate on Elbrus is characterized by severity, which makes it related to the Arctic regions. average temperature in the warmest month of the year it does not rise above -1.4°C. There is a lot of precipitation here, but they are mainly represented only in the form of snow.
Around the two-headed giant are the most beautiful peaks of the Caucasus: Nakra-Tau, Ushba, Donguz-Orun.
For the first time, a person managed to reach the eastern (lower) peak of the volcano 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 his first ascent at the age of more than forty, and the last - in 1909, when he was 121 years old.
On 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 the status of a unique natural landmark, 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 carried out here, and today the most highly located geophysical laboratory is located there.
The territory of the Elbrus region is a major center of tourism and skiing. The bulk of the guests are fans of winter sports, including extreme ones, which are very popular in these mountains. In addition to the usual snowboarding, sledding and freeride, thrill seekers were offered a new entertainment, which is climbing to the top of Elbrus by helicopter and then skiing down the mountain. For more conservative skiers, there are cable cars, with an average capacity of 2,400 people per hour.
Only mountains can be better than mountains - Vysotsky sang and was right. Mountains have always attracted people. Brave people, despite the cold, lack of oxygen, dangers and difficulties stubbornly "climbed" to the heights. What drew them there? Curiosity? Want to test yourself? Thirst for glory? Do you want to prove your superiority to yourself and others? Thirst for knowledge? It is difficult to find any logic in the inexplicable craving of people for mountains.
Let us recall the past years, when during the Great Patriotic War the German mountain rifle division "Edelweiss" with fierce battles broke through to the highest mountain in Europe - Elbrus, in order to install Nazi flags on its top. Why did the pragmatic Germans need to spend their energy on conquering this peak? Did Hitler even need 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 sapience are deprived of these qualities. Rising to the sky they try to join great secret of the universe, and having reached the top, they begin to see clearly. Against the backdrop of the cold gigantic peaks, everything that they lived before seems petty and insignificant.
Let's commit virtual journey and climb to the tops of the highest mountains of all the 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 Range, "under the command" of the mighty Elbrus, "cuts through" a dense veil of clouds (Photo source:).
Everest (Asia) - Height: 8848 meters Chomolungma) is the highest peak of our planet, part of the Himalayas. For many climbers, this mountain is the most desired trophy. But not everyone can climb this mountain. As a result, mountain climbers are sometimes forced to face cynical decisions about whether to rescue those in distress or continue on their way. Often the rescue of climbers in distress at high altitude is simply not possible, since here every step is given with incredible difficulty. Therefore, on the slopes of the mountains you can meet the bodies of 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) - Altitude: 6962 meters
- the most high peak Andes mountain range South America. Aconcagua "part-time" is the highest extinct volcano in the world.
In the photo, ant-sized climbers make their way forward towards the summit. A giant whirlwind of snow is circling above them (Photo source: ).
Sunrise over Aconcagua. The majestic panorama of the Andes appears in all its guise before the brave climbers (Photo source:).
McKinley (North America) - Height: 6194 meters
The summit of Alaska occupies an honorable third place among the highest peaks of the continents in our ranking.
Giant McKinley against the backdrop of the coniferous forests of Alaska (Photo source:).
View from the heights of McKinley. A dense blanket of clouds "creeps" on the peaks (Photo source:).
Kilimanjaro (Africa) - Altitude: 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. AT recent times Scientists are sounding the alarm, the Kilimanjaro ice cap is rapidly shrinking in volume. Over the past decades, 80% of the ice on this mountain has already melted. As the main culprit of this process, climatologists call.
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
In Russia, there is also a mountain-record holder - this is the highest peak in Europe -. Elbrus is part of the Main Caucasian Range and is located on the border of the two Russian republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. In the past (about 50 AD) Elbrus was an active volcano.
Handsome Elbrus (Photo source:).
Camp on the spurs of Elbrus (Photo source:).
Panorama of the mountains, opening to climbers from the top of Elbrus (Photo source:).
Silent and mysterious land of snows and clouds of Elbrus (Photo source:).
Unusual atmospheric phenomenon. The shadow of the top of Elbrus in the morning haze (Photo source:).
The beauty of the Elbrus region. End of all seasons. Green alpine meadows and spurs of Elbrus covered with snow (Photo source:).
At the top of Elbrus - a fantastic world of white snow and clouds (Photo source:).
Vinson Massif (Antarctica) - Height: 4892 meters
The coldest continent of the planet - Antarctica also has its 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 1200 kilometers from the southernmost point of the planet.
This is what the Vinson Array looks like from space (Photo Source:
