Mount Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe and Russia in particular. It is included in the catalog of the seven highest objects on the planet Earth. But this is not the only characteristic of this point in the Caucasus Mountains. It is a stratovolcano or, in other words, a layered volcano, which is formed by multi-layer hardening of lava, ash and tephra.

Such peaks are characterized great height and steep slopes. This is due to the properties of lava masses, which have a viscous and thick consistency. And eruptions from stratovolcanoes are explosive in nature, while the lava quickly solidifies and does not spread over the relief over long distances.

The height of Mount Elbrus

This volcano has two peaks with different heights. The western one is 5642 m, and the eastern one is a little lower - 5621 m. The distance between them is 3 km, and if measured along the mountainside - 5200 meters. On this saddle between the peaks of the volcano, the highest alpine shelter in Europe for climbers and mountain climbers was built. And there are more than enough people who want to climb to such a height, starting with the first ascent to the eastern peak on July 22, 1829 by Khilar Khachirov. This is a local guide, a resident of Kabardino-Balkaria, who knows these places well. The western peak was conquered somewhat later, in 1874, by the English climbers F. Grove, F. Gardner, H. Walker, P. Knubel and the local guide A. Sottaev. After that, thousands of people from all over the world try to climb to the height of Mount Elbrus, coming to the Elbrus region every year.

controversial issues

Often on pages World Wide Web you can see controversial dialogues about Elbrus, where it is located, in which country. The mountain is located on the border of several territorial units, although most of it is still on the territory of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, which occupies the northern slope Caucasus mountains.

But the mountain itself is located at the junction of Kabardino-Balkaria and the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, its image is on the emblems of both of these regions. However, North Ossetia, Georgia, and Stavropol region. Therefore, in the Elbrus region there is a whole complex of resorts belonging to different republics of Russia and Georgia.

Also, disputes on the issue of Elbrus (where it is located, in which country) are also being conducted by geographers who cannot agree on a common opinion. Doubts are raised by assumptions that this volcano is located in Europe. Some argue that this is already the territory of Asia. The border between the continents runs just in the middle of the Main Caucasian Range.

mountain name

Depending on the location of Elbrus (where it is located, in which country), local residents call the volcano differently. In Iran, it is called Aitibares, which means "sparkling or shining". This name is very consistent with the appearance of the peak, when the eternal snow reflects the bright sun.

In Georgia, they call the mountain Yalbuz, which means: yal - "storm", buz - "ice". It can be seen that the inhabitants of this country have repeatedly witnessed the raging elements on the slopes of the mountain.

The Armenian name is closely phonetically related to the Georgian version. Sounds like Alberis. Many believe that this name comes from the word Alps.

The name of the mountain, invented by the Alans, sounds very beautiful. These are residents of Karachay-Balkaria. "Mingi-Tau" is translated as "the eternal mountain of consciousness and wisdom."

The world-famous name of the volcano - Elbrus - also has a local origin. Consists of several words. "El" is translated as a settlement or nationality, but "bur" is a word familiar to Russian-speaking people, meaning to twist, turn back. The last particle of the word "mustache" is translated as temper, behavior.

Based on the meaning of the word Elbrus (where it is located, in which country, we found out), a name was invented, you can understand the nature and properties of this famous volcano, which in sunny weather reflects the sun's rays with a bright brilliance, in bad weather threatens travelers with a strong snowstorm with a spinning wind freezing rain and snow. Climbers who want to conquer the summit always remember the danger of such a hike.

Glaciers of the Caucasus Mountains

Elbrus last erupted over two thousand years ago. Since then, the temperature has always been very low at the top, which does not rise above 0 degrees even in the summer heat. The glaciers that cap the mountain cover 134.5 km, which is 10% of all such formations of the Caucasus Mountains. There are only 23 glaciers on Elbrus.

The largest and most famous are Big and Small Azau, Irik, Kokurtly, which occupy vast areas of valleys and slopes. But there are also very picturesque ice ones hanging from the cliffs. These are blocks of such glaciers as Kogutai, Terskol, Garabashi. Especially a lot eternal ice located on the northern slope of Mount Elbrus at an altitude of over 3850 meters.

The water formed after the melting and fall of these accumulations of ice fills the river flows of the mountain rivers of Stavropol, such as the Kuban, Malka and Baksan.

The climate on the mountain

The mountain range always has changeable weather. So in Kabardino-Balkaria, Elbrus is distinguished by the frequent change of good warm weather to bad, with precipitation and winds. This is due to the mountainous terrain, which forms the circulation of air masses by season.

Summer in the Elbrus region is cool, with high humidity. More than a week good weather not to be observed. The maximum thermometer showed + 35 degrees at an altitude of 2 km, even higher, at around 3 km, and even less, a maximum of + 25.

After this mark, winter weather begins in October. There is a lot of precipitation. The height of the snow cover on average reaches 50-80 cm. The higher to the top, the deeper the snow. More snow covers are located on the north side. Southern thickness of snow cannot boast.

Spring comes to the territory of Elbrus only at the beginning of May. The summit is covered with snow all year round. Due to them, the mass of ice in glaciers is constantly growing.

Winter lasts for a long time, and at an altitude of 3 km the temperature drops to -12 degrees, the lowest temperature recorded at this point was -27 degrees.

ski resort

The biggest ski resort"Elbrus Azau" was built in 1969 on the glade Azau, which is located at the foot of majestic mountain. For the convenience of skiers, there are two cable cars: the old pendulum with 20-seater cabins and the new gondola, taking 8 people on board. Lift tickets can be purchased as a one-time or for the whole day. They also sell season tickets for the entire period of skiing (from 2 to 8 days). The cost also varies depending on the season. One ascent - 550 rubles, descent - 500. The most expensive subscription for 8 days will cost 12,700.

Ski slopes

There are 11 slopes on Elbrus for skiers of all levels: from beginners to professionals. The blue slopes are wider and gentler. The reds and blacks are for experienced riders, but they also fade into the blue, gentle slopes. A subscription to skiing from the mountain will cost from 500 to 850 rubles per day.

Perfectly organized holiday for children. For them there is a separate drag lift for 300 meters. An experienced instructor conducts classes with beginners, fun competitions and contests are often organized. There is a ski school where the child will be taught all the details of the correct and safe descent.

Infrastructure of the complexes

On the territory of the complex there are 38 hotels, cafes, restaurants, baths and saunas, ski equipment rental. There are shops and even a club. You can pay in cash or bank cards. Everything is done for the convenience of vacationers.

For conquerors of peaks there is an interesting complex called "Barrels". There, climbers can go through acclimatization, warm up, relax after a hard climb, have a snack and sleep.

It is located at an altitude of 3750 meters, at the end station of the Garabashi chairlift. Each "barrel" is designed for 6 people. There is everything you need: toiletries, bedding, warm blankets.

How to get there?

The best and closest way to the mountain is from Nalchik. There is an airport, so you can fly from different places. Further from the city to the Elbrus region, you can take a taxi or minibus number 17. Then you also need to go to Terskol by taxi.

On your car from Rostov-on-Don, you need to go along the M-4 highway, and before reaching Nalchik, turn onto A-158. The coordinates of Elbrus, which is described in the article, on the navigator are 43°18"56"N, 42°27"42"E.

Come any time of the year. Skiing is also possible in the middle of summer.

Once upon a time Elbrus was active volcano, and is now listed in the group of the largest extinct volcanoes on the planet. The height of Elbrus is 5642 meters

The scientific study of Elbrus by Russian researchers began in the 19th century. In 1913, astronomer Academician V.K. Vishnevsky was the first to accurately determine the location and height of Elbrus. In 1829 Elbrus was visited by the first Russian scientific expedition. It included the famous Russian academician Lenz, the botanist Meyer, the architect of Pyatigorsk Bernardazzi and others. The expedition was accompanied by the head of the Caucasian line, General Emmanuel, with a detachment of 1000 Cossacks. The detachment stopped at the northern foot of Elbrus at an altitude of 2400 meters. The general did not go further, preferring to observe the actions of scientists through a telescope. An inscription was carved on the stones in the camp site: "1829 from July 8 to July 11, the camp was under the command of General Cavalier Emmanuel."

Having started the ascent, the expedition, after spending the night at an altitude of 3000 meters, continued to climb. Part of the expedition reached only a height of 4800 meters. Here, the St. George cross and the number 1829 were carved on the stones. This inscription was discovered in 1949 by a group of Soviet climbers of the Nauka society. Only Lenz, two Cossacks and two Kabardian guides continued on their way. Lenz and Cossack Lysenkov managed to reach the saddle, it was impossible to go further, as the snow had softened greatly. Only one Kabardian, Killar, went higher. He managed to reach the summit, as his body was better adapted to mountain conditions and he went out earlier on hard snow. Emmanuel saw Killar through a spyglass near the eastern summit. The scientists welcomed the guide who returned in the evening as the first climber to Elbrus. To commemorate the work of the expedition and reaching the summit, two cast-iron boards were cast with an inscription describing this event, which were later installed in Pyatigorsk near Diana's grotto and are currently stored in the museum. Pictured is the entrance to Diana's Grotto


According to one version, the name Elbrus comes from Iranian Aitibares - "high Mountain", more likely - 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 variant of the Georgian name, but the possibility of a connection with the common Indo-European base, to which the toponym "Alps" goes back, is not ruled out. According to another version, Elbrus is translated from the Karachay-Balkarian language as follows: El is a village, people, state; Bur is twist, gate, is one root with the word Buran; Us it means character, behavior, disposition. Having the habit of creating a snowstorm or a volcano that twisted, turned back the villages, the people. Now Elbrus is an extinct volcano, but local residents Karachay-Balkarians in the people's memory have preserved the times when Elbrus was still an active volcano.


Elbrus height- 5642 meters. Few volcanic mountains in the world surpass Elbrus in height. Only the extinct volcano Aconcagua (6960 m) and the active fire-breathing mountain Lyullyaillaco (6723 m), located in South America, exceed Elbrus by a little more than one kilometer. The greatest volcano in Africa, Kilimanjaro, is almost equal to Elbrus, exceeding it by only 253 meters, the same can be said about the largest volcano in North America, Orizaba (5700 m), surpassing Elbrus by 58 meters. Among the mountains of Asia, Elbrus is the highest volcanic peak, following it, Mount Damavend is inferior to Elbrus in height by 38 meters


Elbrus, like many other volcanoes, is divided into two parts: a pedestal of rocks, and an earthen cone formed as a result of eruptions. The pedestal of Elbrus reaches approximately 3700 meters. This means that the "growth" of Elbrus due to its eruptions is approximately 2000 meters.
Klyuchevskaya Sopka has the largest mound cone among all volcanoes. The bulk cone of this volcano reaches 4572 meters and exceeds the Elbrus cone by almost three kilometers.


The outlines of the two-headed blue or pink - depending on the lighting - Elbrus cone are well known to Stavropol residents. Elbrus is visible from all, even the most northern points of the region, where the horizon is not obstructed by other, closer elevations. Interest in Elbrus among Stavropol residents is also explained by the fact that the waters of its glaciers feed the most big rivers of our region - the beauty of the Kuban and the stormy Terek


Elbrus is a classic volcanic mountain. In its vast cone, poured during numerous eruptions, the history of the volcano seems to be recorded; it is successfully read by Soviet geologists in layers of lava, ash and volcanic tuff


Elbrus arose at the end of the Neogene during the rise of the Caucasus Range. The eruptions of Elbrus probably resembled the eruptions of modern Vesuvius, but were more powerful. From the craters of the volcano at the beginning of the eruption, powerful clouds of vapors and gases, saturated with black ash, rose many kilometers up, covering the entire sky, turning day into night. The earth shook from powerful underground explosions. The air was torn by incessant lightning and fiery streaks from thousands of volcanic bombs flying out of the vent. Streams of ash mud rushed along the slopes of the mountain, sweeping away vegetation and stones in their path. Each eruption ended with the release of red-hot lava, which quickly solidified on the surface. Layers of ash, lava, stones, layering on each other, expanded the slopes of the volcano, increased its height. The volcano possessed colossal power, its ashes are found in the area of ​​Nalchik, on the slopes of Mount Mashuk, 90 kilometers from Elbrus. Elbrus probably belongs to the ash deposits found in the north of our region near the city of Novoaleksandrovsk. But the epochs of eruptions were replaced by periods of calm, during which rivers and glaciers vigorously destroyed the volcanic cone, which had been piled up until then, almost to the ground. The volcanic rocks were overlain by thick moraines and river deposits. From the moment of the birth of Elbrus to the present, the periods of erosion and revival of the cone have been repeated up to ten times.


The activity of Elbrus continued in the ice age of the Quaternary period, when people already lived in the Caucasus, and stopped about 2500 years ago. During the onset of ice, its slopes were repeatedly covered with a powerful ice shell; during the next eruptions, they were washed away by stormy water flows. Elbrus eruption sites have been repeatedly moved. Both domes, currently crowning Elbrus, are the youngest. In the southwestern part of the mountain, in the form of rocks of Hotu-Tau-Azau, the remains of the most ancient crater have been preserved. Glaciers originate from here, feeding the Baksan River and the tributaries of the Kuban with water. The eastern and western peaks of Elbrus seem to be embedded in the upper part of the ancient crater. The youngest crater, the eastern peak of the mountain, had to finish the work of Elbrus. It is possible that both cones sometimes worked simultaneously


Geographers of the 16th century considered Elbrus an active volcano. In books and on maps, it was depicted as a fire-breathing mountain, the same is described in many folk legends. Rumors sometimes spread among the inhabitants of the mountains and foothills that Elbrus had begun to operate again or that Elbrus was expected to be revived in the near future. These stories are not justified. Elbrus, perhaps, can be called not an extinct, but a fading volcano. It is sometimes the center of small earthquakes propagating within Ciscaucasia. In the bowels of the batholith, which previously fed Elbrus, magma cools down, it supplies mineral springs carbon dioxide, turning them into narzans, which are very numerous at the foot of Elbrus. In some places on the slopes of Elbrus, sulfurous gases come out of the cracks, which gives other scientists reason to argue that:

"The results of many years of research ... clearly indicate the activity of the actual volcanic processes on Elbrus in the Holocene, including historical time. Elbrus is a modern volcano that is in a stage of relative rest. The absence of eruptions over the past millennium cannot be a sign of the end volcanic activity. The roof of the magma chamber is located, apparently, at a depth of 6 - 7 kilometers from the surface. Based on geological data, we come to the conclusion that the Elbrus volcano is on the ascending branch of development."

The two-headed giant Elbrus keeps inexhaustible riches in its bowels. At its foot go healing springs: the famous "Narzanov Valley" near the source of the Malka River - the brainchild of Elbrus. This is a future resort, not inferior to Kislovodsk in terms of the number of springs and the quality of narzans. Internal warmth, various minerals of Elbrus are waiting for their use.


Elbrus has a harsh climate, which makes it related to the Arctic region. The average temperature of the warmest month is -1.4°. There is a lot of precipitation on Elbrus, two or three times more than on the Stavropol plains, but they fall only in the form of snow. At the Elbrus meteorological station at an altitude of 4250 meters, for three years of observations, rain has never been recorded. Elbrus is sometimes compared to a piece of ice 6 kilometers in size, abandoned far to the south from the Arctic regions. Naturally, warm air masses coming from Atlantic Ocean, meeting this obstacle, rising and cooling, are forced to give part of their moisture to the slopes on the outskirts of this mountain. As a result, Elbrus changes the weather in vast areas of neighboring regions, which is noted by the sign of local residents: "When Elbrus puts on a cloudy hat on a clear day, there will be bad weather." The coldest month on Elbrus is February. The average air temperature in February is 15° lower than in Stavropol. In the warmest month, in July, average temperature air is approximately equal to the December temperatures in the Stavropol region, and the highest daytime temperature in this month reaches only eight degrees Celsius. August is the best month for climbing Elbrus, at this time the snow melts, all the cracks in the ice open, even where they are usually not visible.


The glory of Elbrus as the highest and most beautiful mountain of the Caucasus has been going on since time immemorial. Even before our era, Herodotus wrote about him. The peoples of the Caucasus and the Middle East have songs and legends about Elbrus. A.S. Pushkin, M.Yu. Lermontov, many Caucasian poets dedicated inspired lines to him.

Conquered giant
…In the depths of your gorges
The ax will rattle.
And an iron shovel
Into the stone chest
Mining copper and gold
It will cut a terrible path.
The caravans are already passing by
Through those rocks
Where only mists were rushing
Yes, king eagles.

M.Yu. Lermontov.

Due to its symbolic significance as the highest point in Europe, Elbrus became the scene of a fierce confrontation during the Great Patriotic War, which was also attended by units of the German Edelweiss mountain rifle division. During the Battle of the Caucasus on August 21, 1942, after occupying the Krugozor and Shelter of Eleven mountain bases, the Nazi Alpine shooters managed to install Nazi banners on the western peak of Elbrus. By the middle of the winter of 1942-1943, the fascist troops were driven off the slopes of Elbrus, and on February 13 and 17, 1943, Soviet climbers climbed the western and eastern peaks of Elbrus, respectively, where red flags were hoisted.


The entire infrastructure is mainly concentrated on the southern slopes of Elbrus, where there is a pendulum and chairlift leading to a height of 3750 meters to the Bochki shelter, which consists of twelve six-seater insulated residential trailers and a kitchen. Currently, this is the main starting point for those climbing Elbrus. Below is a map of the cable car

At an altitude of 4200 m, the highest mountain hotel "Shelter of the Eleven" is located, which burned down at the end of the 20th century, on the basis of the boiler room of which in given time a new building was rebuilt, also actively used by climbers. Pastukhov rocks are located at an altitude of 4700 m. Above them is an ice field (in winter) and an oblique ledge. Further, the route to the Western peak passes through the saddle. From the saddle, the peaks rise to a height of about 500 m.


More detailed map-scheme of Elbrus and Elbrus (click on the map to enlarge)


In this photo, Elbrus is captured from a bird's eye view


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 hemisphere of a geodesic dome with a diameter of 6.7 m, installed on a gabion foundation. In 2008, a reconnaissance of the area was carried out, base camp, the design of the shelter began. In 2009, the structures of the dome were made, construction work began: the members of the expedition erected gabions, the elements of the dome were transported to the construction site (including using a helicopter). Completion of construction is planned for 2010


On the north 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 climbing Eastern peak, the path to which passes through the Lenz rocks (from 4600 to 5200 m), serving as a good guide for all climbers

Giant's Snowcap
And in their circle there is a two-headed colossus.
In a crown of shining ice,
Elbrus is huge, majestic
White in the blue sky.

A.S. Pushkin.

In 2008, Elbrus was recognized as one of the seven wonders of Russia, according to the results of the voting "7 Wonders of Russia"

Articles in this place:

Last week I was in the Elbrus region to test the new Ford Ranger. At the same time, we climbed on the cable car to the "Bochki" shelter, located at an altitude of 3800 meters above sea level.

Meanwhile, Elbrus itself is considered the highest point in Russia and Europe. It has two peaks (this is an extinct volcano) with a height of 5621 and 5642 meters. To climb to the top, there are three lines of cable cars, then the ascent is possible either on foot or on a snowcat.

2. The cable car starts at the Azau station, located at an altitude of 2350 meters above sea level. There was a heavy downpour during the night, resulting in a mudflow. This Niva turned out to be a prisoner of the elements, but when we went downstairs they had already dug it out and she left.

3. There are two lifts on the first stage. An old pendulum cable car with two cabins with a capacity of 20 people each. And a new gondola-type cable car with detachable cabins (58 in total) with a capacity of 8 people each. They arrive at the Stary Krugozor station (altitude 3,000 meters).

4. The next line of cable cars goes from the Stary Krugozor station (3000 meters) to the Mir station (3500 meters). Here is exactly the same traffic pattern with two cable cars: the old one (pendulum) and the new one (gondola type). The cost of a sightseeing lift on a gondola cable car is 600 rubles, on a pendulum one - 300.

6. If in Mineralnye Vody on this day the temperature was +30 °C, but here, at an altitude of more than 3500 meters, it became cold.

7. Tourists descend to the cable car.

8. The tops of Elbrus are densely covered with clouds. In the foreground, you can see numerous snowmobiles and snowmobiles that offer to take you a little higher for 1000 rubles. Further, there is Shelter 11 (height 4130 meters), where in 1938 the highest mountain hotel in Russia was built, which burned down in 1998.

9. Melting glacier.

10. General view of the shelter "Barrels".

11. Disassembled snowcat.

12. Shelter "Barrels" consists of 9 six-seater residential containers-barrels, where tourists undergo acclimatization before climbing to the top of Elbrus. And also pay attention to how the concrete slabs in front of them led.

13. Shop with beer at an altitude of 3800 meters. That's right, what else to do during the acclimatization period.

14. Because There is no time for acclimatization and climbing Elbrus, and we fly to Moscow on the same day - we go down.

15. Finally, a picture of an excellent high-mountain toilet-type toilet, located at the Mir station (altitude 3500 meters above sea level). And one more thing, I almost forgot to say - I was extremely surprised at the availability of free Wi-Fi Internet at this height. I won’t even write about the amount of garbage, and everything is clear ...

I don’t know how to characterize it more correctly - sclerosis or deja vu? I remember exactly what I wrote about this. But today I spent the whole morning shoveling through my computer archive (it must be said, a large and confusing one) and found nothing. I tried to find it on the Internet - also to no avail. 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 only wanted to write, saying this topic to himself many times?

Early in the morning (!), making a plan for the next "cleansing" of the accumulated photos, I came across a record of a flight trip to Terskol, and there the phrase "which mountain is the highest in Europe?" The traditional question about knowledge of geography for those who come to Terskol... I wrote about it, but not where? I didn’t find it, I began to look for info on the Internet - I finally got confused.

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

What is the highest mountain in Europe?

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

With the heights of the vertices, there is a fairly clear definition.

Elbrus- 5642 m (Western summit) and 5621 (Eastern). Although some sources hold other values ​​(for example, 5633 - it looks like the arithmetic mean of two peaks). The mountain is located in Russia. On the edge of the short Side Range, a few kilometers north of the Main Caucasian Range. It is undeniably the highest peak in the Caucasus and Russia.

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

Regarding the "most", here's what it says:
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 show alternative, mostly non-geographic, boundary definitions:
Line A - goes through 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 (the border along the Araks).

So, what happens: there is no unequivocal answer to the question "is Elbrus in Europe or in Asia"? Those. everyone can choose the one that he likes, referring to an authoritative source suitable for the occasion.

But here it should be noted: all sources admit that there is no scientific justification for 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, it is necessary to talk about a single continent of Eurasia.

By the way, here it is necessary to recall the difference between the concepts of "mainland" and "part of the world." The division into continents is made on the basis of separation by water space from other continents, and parts of the world are rather a historical and cultural concept. So that, with From this point of view, the North Caucasus (and perhaps the entire Caucasus) is more likely to belong to Europe.

OK. Geographical boundary is a controversial concept. But the height marks are quite measurable values.

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

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

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

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

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

That, perhaps, is all.

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

Elbrus is a mountain that really knows how to fascinate, both climbers seeking to conquer the next peak, and the most ordinary travelers who annually come to its foot to feel all the power and strength of the stone peak. And of course, no one is disappointed.

This article will tell not only about the mountains in which Elbrus is located, but will also acquaint readers with its features, secret name, myths and legends.

Section 1. General description of a geographical feature

Elbrus is a mountain that is rightfully considered highest point Russian Federation, located in the northern part on the border of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria.

Due to the fact that the exact border between Europe and Asia has not yet been established, sometimes the mountain is equated with the highest European mountain peak and is referred to as the “Seven Peaks”. Perhaps some time will pass and geographers will finally resolve this dispute, but so far it is known for certain that Elbrus is a mountain that is a so-called two-peak stratovolcano. Its cone-shaped peaks were formed on an ancient volcanic base, and from a geological point of view, both peaks are absolutely independent volcanoes, each of which has a classical shape and a well-defined crater.

Caucasus Mountains… Elbrus… These places are actually famous for their ancient history. Few people know that the age is determined by the state of the upper part, which, for example, at the highest peak in Russia, is destroyed by a vertical fault. It was also possible to establish the date of the last eruption: it happened around the 50s AD. e.

Section 2. The mystery of the name of the peak

Perhaps, the question of where Mount Elbrus is located, albeit a little thoughtful, will be answered by an ordinary average student, but few know about the etymology of the name.

In general, it should be noted that this peak has several names at once. In total, there are more than a dozen of them.

Today it is quite difficult to determine which of the names appeared earlier and which later. Modern name This mountain, according to one version, comes from the Iranian "Aitibares", which in translation into Russian means "high mountain" or "brilliant" (a variant from the Zend language). In Karachay-Balkar, the peak is called “Mingi-tau”, which is translated into Russian as “a mountain of thousands”. However, there are Balkars who call it a little differently - "Minge-tau", which means "mountain saddled". Modern representatives of this nation still say "Elbrus-tau" - "a mountain around which the wind is spinning."

Among the many names of the stratovolcano, the name “Jinpadishah” is also distinguished, which in translation from Turkic sounds like “master of spirits”, “Orfi-tub” (Abkhazian) - “mountain of the blessed”, or “Yal-Buz” (Georgian) - “snowy mane".

Section 3. What is the height of Mount Elbrus?

Perhaps, this question at least once in a lifetime interested many inquisitive people. But the answer is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. Why? It's all about the features of its structure.

As noted above, Elbrus is a mountain consisting of two cone-shaped peaks. The height of the western one is 5642 meters, and the eastern one is 5621 meters. The saddle separating them rises above the surface by 5300 meters, and the distance from each other is about 3000 meters.

For the first time, the size of Elbrus was determined by the Russian academician V.K. Vishnevsky in 1813.

Recall that today the highest peak in the world is considered (Chomolungma), the height of which is 8848 meters, in comparison with which our mountain peak looks tiny.

Section 4. Severity of the local climate

Mount Elbrus ... Climbing to its top is often a dream for both experienced climbers and beginners. However, this cannot be done at any time. The most favorable is summer period, July August.

At this time, the weather is most stable and safer to visit such heights. The air temperature in summer rarely drops below -9 °C, although when it rises, it may well drop to -30 °C.

From October to April in these places there is a severe and cold winter. In the cold season, visiting the peak is almost impossible, and climbing it is tantamount to suicide.

Section 5. Volcanic activity

Elbrus is amazing and unique. The description of the mountain takes too much time, because each time more and more interesting features are discovered.

In this article, we will touch on only the most obscure ones. Geological studies of this extinct volcano have shown the presence of layers containing volcanic ash, which was formed as a result of ancient eruptions. According to the first layer, scientists proved that the very first eruption of Elbrus occurred about 45 thousand years ago. The second layer was formed after Kazbek. It happened about 40 thousand years ago.

It is now known for certain that it was after this second, most powerful even by modern standards, eruption that the Neanderthals who settled in local caves left these lands and went in search of more favorable conditions for life.

The most recent eruption of the Elbrus volcano occurred about 2000 years ago (50s AD).

Section 6. Legends of Elbrus

In general, the mountains of the Caucasus, Elbrus in particular, are shrouded in many of the most amazing and mysterious legends and myths.

One of these tales tells that in ancient times there lived a father and son - Kazbek and Elbrus. Both of them fell in love with one beautiful girl, whose name was Mashuk. Only the girl could not make a choice between two glorious heroes. For a long time, father and son competed, not wanting to give in to each other, and a deadly duel ensued between them. They fought until Elbrus defeated his father. But, realizing his terrible deed, the son turned gray with grief. He no longer wanted love, obtained at the cost of the life of a loved one, and Elbrus turned away from the beautiful Mashuk, a little later stabbing himself with the same dagger that killed his father.

The beautiful Mashuk wept for a long time and bitterly over the knights and said that there were no such heroes on the whole earth, and that it was hard for her to live in this world without seeing them.

God heard her moaning, and turned Kazbek and Elbrus into high mountains, more beautiful and higher than which in the Caucasus is no more. He turned the beautiful Mashuk into a smaller mountain. And now, from century to century, day after day, a stone girl stands and looks at the mighty peaks, without deciding which of the two heroes is closer and dearer to her stone heart ...

Section 7. History of great conquests

In 1829, headed by the leader scientific expedition George Emmanuel made the first ascent of Elbrus. The members of this expedition were mainly representatives of the scientific community: physicists, botanists, zoologists, geologists, etc. They conquered eastern part Elbrus and went down in history as the discoverers of one of the largest peaks of our planet Earth.

Kilar Khachirov, the guide, was the first to climb Elbrus. A few years later was conquered and more high peak this mountain - western. An expedition organized by English climbers, led by Florence Grove, made a trip to the western part of Elbrus in 1874. The very first person who climbed to its top was also a guide, this is a Balkar, Akhii Sottaev, a member of the first expedition.

Later, a man appeared who managed to conquer both peaks of Elbrus. It was the Russian topographer A. V. Pastukhov. In 1890 he was able to climb the western peak, and in 1896 - the eastern one. The same person made detailed maps Elbrus.

It should be noted that until now the stratovolcano is the most popular mountain among climbers from all over the world. To climb to its summit, climbers spend on average about one week.

But nowadays you can use the cable car, which greatly facilitates the journey and saves time.

At an altitude of about 3750 m there is a shelter "Barrels", from where the ascent to Elbrus usually begins. This shelter has six-seater insulated barrel-shaped trailers and a specially equipped kitchen. At the level of 4100 meters is the highest mountain hotel in the world - "Shelter of Eleven".

Section 8. Stone mushrooms on Elbrus

Elbrus is a mountain that can captivate travelers with its natural features, for example, unique rock formations called Stone Mushrooms.

Until now, no one knows why these stones were popularly called mushrooms, and nowhere else in the Caucasus such sculptures are seen anymore. On a small flat area (250 x 100 m) a couple of dozens of such “mushrooms” are picturesquely scattered. In many of them you can see the recesses.

Perhaps our ancestors used them for some religious purposes. Particularly impressive are the stones that resemble a face looking up. Many believe that this is a place with very strong positive energy, and even the weather here is very anomalous.

Section 9. Elbrus Defense Museum

The Defense Museum is the highest museum in the world. It is located at an altitude of 3500 meters from sea level.

The uniqueness of the exposition also lies in the fact that it is not limited only to the building, but continues in the surrounding area.

This institution has been operating since January 1, 1972. Its development and the preservation of the collections are always monitored by a researcher and two employees.

The collection contains more than 270 items. It should be noted that during the Second World War, the most high-altitude front was located in the Elbrus region. In these places, fierce battles were fought for which the Nazis tried to capture in order to get to the Transcaucasus.

Photo-documentary materials of these events have been kept in this museum for many years. The Elbrus Defense Museum is an organization of regional subordination, in which cultural and mass work is carried out.

Section 10. Interesting facts about the mountain

• In 1956, in honor of the 400th anniversary of Kabardino-Balkaria, a group of 400 climbers were able to climb Mount Elbrus at the same time.
• In 1998, the building of the Shelter of Eleven Hotel burned down in a fire. Today, on the site of the old wooden building, local authorities are building a new one.
• In 1991, Shelter of Eleven's toilet was named the worst toilet in the world by Outside Magazine. This is not surprising, given the fact that thousands of mountain tourists and climbers from all over the world have used this place for certain purposes for years.
• Elbrus is rightfully considered one of the most dangerous peaks peace. When climbing a mountain, accidents are very common. In 2004 alone, 48 extreme skiers and climbers died.
• In 1997, for the first time, a specially equipped and modified Land Rover was able to climb Elbrus. The person who drove this car is the Russian traveler A. Abramov.
• Mount Elbrus is one of the "Seven Peaks", in addition to it, the list includes: Aconcagua in South America, Chomolungma in Asia, McKinley in North America, Vinson Massif in Antarctica, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Puncak and Jaya in Oceania and Australia.
• There are also 22 glaciers on Elbrus, in which three Baksan and Malka originate.
• Sometimes, from the top of Elbrus, climbers can see the Black and Caspian Sea. It depends on the air pressure and temperature, due to which the viewing radius increases significantly.
• In 2008, Mount Elbrus was recognized as one of the