Climb a mountain peak without dying of fatigue: how to choose a route and prepare for the climb

“The only thing better than mountains are mountains that you have never been to before,” Vladimir Vysotsky once sang. Once you become interested in mountaineering and climb the first peak, it is difficult to resist the desire to climb others. Gradually gaining experience, you can reach eight-thousander mountains, although climbing any of them will not at all be like running up the stairs to the ninth floor when the elevator is not working. We have compiled a list of the best mountains for mountaineering and rock climbing. Many of them are quite accessible even to an ordinary, moderately prepared person.

Monte Rosa, Pennine Alps, Switzerland

The highest peak of the mountain range is Dufour, the height is 4634 meters. Monte Rosa is located in the same chain as the Matterhorn, the peak of the Pennine Alps. Nearby is the popular resort of Zermatt, which attracts many tourists. There is good infrastructure and excellent mountain views.

In the northern part of Monte Rosa there is a large glacier called Gorner. Its length is just over fourteen kilometers. The mountains in the Monte Rosa massif are quite high and moderately difficult, but the local landscapes make up for any difficulties in climbing.

You will overcome all problems

Did you dream of climbing a mountain through mud? The dream book says: the path to success will be complicated by many unpleasant moments, but they can be easily overcome. After achieving the goal, all misadventures will be forgotten.

Why do you dream of climbing a mountain, but not an ordinary one, but a snowy one? The dream book informs: a person will set himself a noble, sublime goal. If he manages to rise, he will achieve his plans in reality. It will not succeed - alas, the plans will remain ephemeral.

Seeing as if you were climbing a snow cap in a dream, moving forward with difficulty? You will get bogged down in a lot of different things. They are difficult to do, but you can’t quit.

Belukha, Gorny Altai, Russia

You don't have to travel far to feel like a mountain climber. On the border of Kazakhstan with Russia is the highest point of the Altai Mountains with a height of 4509 meters. It is called Eastern Belukha. Nearby are Delone peak (4260 meters) and Belukha Western (4435 meters). Together they form three peaks, which is why Belukha is often called the “Three-Headed Sacred Mountain.”

This mountain is considered sacred because, according to legend, the goddess Umai lives here. Among the Turkic peoples, this is the highest female deity, as well as the patroness of women in labor and children. The Altaians do not seek to enter the goddess’s domain; on the contrary, they are wary of her and therefore usually do not climb to the top.

What route is covered at the initial stage?

A hike of the first category of difficulty involves resting every hour for 15-20 minutes. For example, if the duration of the route is three kilometers, this does not mean that you are obliged to walk this route in the morning. No, the climb can be 100, 200 or 300 meters.

But even a 100-meter climb into the mountains with a steep slope is very difficult. Moreover, when there are constantly stones under your feet, you have to choose a different, longer route, and this is even more difficult. Moreover, there is still a heavy backpack behind him.

Juniper coffee and cloudberry wickets: a gluttonous excursion to northern Russia

If the slope is gentle, then, of course, you can walk more. And if it’s very steep, then even a short distance will take a lot of time. For example, we got up in the morning, had breakfast, climbed, say, 500 meters, then climbed to the pass and rested. Then we descended just as slowly, because getting up and down quickly is physically impossible, and even dangerous.

Sometimes you have to move along ropes. And sometimes it happens that someone’s legs are above your head, and your legs are above someone else’s - that’s why you walk very carefully, carefully catch stones so that they don’t fall and provoke a rockfall.

Island Peak, Himalayas, Nepal

The mountain is of decent size - 6130 meters. Despite the supposed difficulty of the climb, which is also associated with acclimatization, among professional climbers Island Peak is considered a kind of warm-up before hiking Everest.

You can get to this part of the Himalayas by plane. Deciding to take such a flight is already a feat, not to mention climbing Island Peak. The fact is that Lukla airport is located almost on a mountain ridge, and the length of the runway is only 527 meters. On one side there is a cliff, on the other there is a concrete wall.

Video: Kirill Yasko

Island Peak was first climbed in 1953. The mountain has become one of the most popular climbing spots among tourists who come to the Himalayas.

Precarious position, other people's worries

Seeing a large hill of sand in front of you and climbing there in a dream - the sleeper will be given many other people’s responsibilities, which he will not be able to refuse.

Also, dreaming of a huge hill of sand along which you are trying to climb up means: your plans can fail at any moment, your dreams are too unsteady, almost unrealistic, more like illusions. The dream tells you: you can achieve enormous wealth, or you can suddenly lose everything.

Climbing up through the mud in a dream, slipping and almost falling is a symbol of your life path at the moment. You should be prepared to face any twists of fate, difficulties, even falls.

Stok Kangri, Himalayas, India

Stok Kangri, like Island Peak, is often used by experienced climbers as a training ground before climbing more difficult mountains. You don’t need a lot of equipment to conquer it: people who have been there say that trekking poles and crampons will be enough. However, it is better not to neglect safety, especially if you have never climbed such high mountains before - 6137 meters.

There are several places in the surrounding area that sell everything you need for climbing. At an altitude of 3700 meters there is the village of Stok, and even higher (5000 meters) the base camp is set up.

How to prepare for climbing mountains

To want .
This is the first preparation point. If there is no checkmark next to this item, it is difficult to move on. Think over the route . Decide which way to go. If the trip is short and the budget is limited, you can take a walk in the nearby mountains. It is important to find a proven and safe route.

Assess your level . There are several options:

• a beginner who saw mountains in pictures on the Internet;
• a tourist walking in the mountains for aesthetic pleasure;
• amateur climber - did not study anywhere, but went on mountain hikes with a group several times;
• a professional is someone who lives in the mountains, has conquered different peaks and can teach others how to climb.

Check your health. You can go to the doctor, especially if you have chronic diseases. Take standard tests and check your heart function.

Dolomites, Italy

There are twelve ski resorts here, so there will definitely not be any difficulties in finding a place to stop. The lower slopes are all green - many forests and meadows. In the Dolomites there is the Dolomiti-Bellunesi National Park, where you can hike before or before climbing to the top of Marmolada (3342 meters).

A big plus of this array is its developed infrastructure. There are plenty of shops and places to rest and stop. Climbing Mount Marmolada should not cause any great difficulties, however, it cannot be called a walk - there is a glacier and dangerous cliffs.

What about nutrition?

The instructor thinks through the meals, and he also draws up a list of products and takes into account all economic expenses. Most often, they give an hour and a half to have a snack, no more - participants must fit within this period of time.

Checklist: what is important not to forget to take on a hike?

During the hike, everything is strictly according to schedule, even if the weather conditions are unfavorable. The main thing is to quickly cook, eat, wash up after yourself, rest a little and move on. After all, if you walk less than the conditionally planned 10 km, then the next day you will have to walk even more.

After all, this is a sports trip, and there can be no relaxation here. Unless, of course, this is an easy event where there is little walking and a lot of sitting.

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

The highest point in Africa (5895 meters) is a stratovolcano. Despite its impressive height, Kilimanjaro is quite suitable for novice tourists, but it is better not to go there without the accompaniment of experienced climbers. Just like any other mountain.

The mountain is very popular, the flow of tourists is stable, and finding a suitable all-inclusive tour will not be a problem.

The main thing about hiking in the mountains

It is important to soberly assess your level of preparation and choose the right route. For beginners, easy hiking, a trip to the mountains in off-road vehicles, or a funicular ride are suitable.

You should not go hiking in the mountains alone, especially if you are a novice hiker. It is better to prepare for such an ascent in advance: train endurance, prepare yourself. If a trip to the mountains is serious and requires composure, include daily physical activity in your preparation, follow a daily routine and walk more in the fresh air.

You need to think through every little detail: what to wear, what things to take with you, what backpack to choose. Before and during the hike, listen carefully to the instructor, keep up with the group, and follow safety rules. Don't forget to register with the rescue unit.

Elbrus, Russia

Another mountain that is located in Russia. The height is 5642 meters, the peak is located on the western side of Elbrus. The place is very popular, with many tourist centers and hotels. There is a road near the foot of the mountain, so you can easily get to the starting point.

There are about ten climbing routes, but despite the apparent ease, accidents are not uncommon here. The danger is posed by glacial crevasses and rapid changes in weather conditions. For beginners, it is better to postpone climbing Elbrus and conquer easier mountains first.

How much does it cost to climb a mountain peak?

The price largely depends on geography. The more difficult the route, the longer it takes to get to the foot of the mountain, the more expensive such an ascent costs.

At the Rosa Khutor resort, the cost of lifts depends on the chosen tariff. On average, the price of one adult ticket is 1000 rubles.

Choose a tariff, find out the exact cost and buy a ticket on the Rosa Khutor resort website

Include a ticket for the swallow in the price. You can get to the resort from Krasnodar for 860 ₽, from Sochi - 280 ₽ (data from Yandex Schedules).

To climb the Polyud stone , you can buy a tour from Perm. The cost of a one-day hike is approximately 2000 rubles per person. The tour includes climbing not only Polyud, but also the neighboring peak Vetlan. It is not high - only 100 m - but also picturesque.

Buy a tour to Polyud

The price must include travel to Perm (plane, train, bus or car) and Krasnovishersk (bus, car).

A three-day tour to the top of Kyzyl-Taiga costs from 8,000 rubles plus travel to Abakan and Abaza. You can purchase a tour with a visit to Tyva and the sights of Khakassia.

Buy a tour to Mount Kyzyl-Taiga

The cost of climbing Belukha starts from 29,000 rubles. To this amount you need to add the road to Barnaul, transfer to the foot, purchase of a pass.

Buy a tour to Belukha

The price for a 7-day tour to Elbrus starts from 43,000 rubles. The price does not include the road to Mineralnye Vody or Nalchik, transfer to the foot.

Buy a tour to Elbrus

Yangshuo, China

As is usually the case with eastern names, Yangshuo is written and pronounced in different ways: Yangshuo, Yangsu, and Yangshu. There are many green mountains in the vicinity of the city. Some are suitable for not the most prepared climbers, while others will require serious work to conquer.

What if you like the mountains, but don't want to endure the cold, icy winds, pounds of equipment and kilometers of walking up rock and ice fields? Most likely, you should pay attention to rock climbing - this bright, beautiful sport will not require you to have superpowers or frost resistance, because the best climbing areas are located in warm regions, near the seas, and the simplest routes are quite within the reach of anyone. We will tell you about the three most remarkable areas.

What was the mountain like?

The interpretation of the dream takes into account which mountain you dreamed of climbing:

• stone, with special equipment - you will be able to move forward, avoiding ambushes and traps;
• sandy - hopes will unexpectedly fail, collapse;
• earthen - overcome a minor difficulty;
• snowy - obstacles in solving complex issues;
• icy - indifference, cooling of the person from whom you expect understanding and love.

Also, climbing onto a sandy surface means you will feel disappointment and resentment. Feel indignation, which, although fair, will be meaningless. Earthy - unnecessary worries, minor troubles.

El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, USA

The highest mountain in Yosemite National Park, located in California. The altitude, relative to other places on the list, is not very high - only about 900 meters, but this does not mean that the routes are easy. The first ascent of this massif in 1958 took a group of rock climbers for 47 days! Of course, in our time, climbing and belaying techniques are being improved, and now the record for speed climbing El Cap (as it is respectfully called) is a little less than two and a half hours!

In 2008, rock climber Alex J. Honnold soloed El Capitan, meaning he climbed to the summit without a belay and using no equipment other than climbing shoes and a bag of chalk. The Discovery Channel created a documentary about this phenomenal climb.

Packing a backpack: what to take with you to the mountains

The choice of clothing depends on the time of year, the altitude to which you plan to climb, and the duration of the hike. Don't neglect warm clothes. Climbers say: “Fried ones have never been found in the mountains. There are as many frozen ones as you like.”

Standard set of clothes for hiking in the mountains:

• thermal underwear;
• two fleece sweaters - thicker and thinner;
• windproof jacket and pants;
• two pairs of waterproof gloves (if the mountain is not high and it happens in the summer) or mittens (if it’s winter or you’re climbing 3000 km or more);
• a balaclava hat to protect the face in winter or during long climbs;
• an ordinary knitted hat if the peak is not high and the hike is planned in the warm season.

Shoes should be comfortable, not rub or slip. If the route is difficult, you will have to climb to the tops along steep steep slopes or walk on ice and crust - take alpine crampons. These are special attachments on shoes for safe climbing. Socks - two pairs of warm and thin ones. You can take nylon shoe covers to prevent your feet from getting wet.

For a one-day hike you also need:

• backpack with a volume of 30-60 liters;
• headlamp with a set of batteries;
• a thermos with a hot drink and a two-day supply of food;
• personal documents in waterproof film;
• first aid kit;
• cream to protect skin from wind and frost;
• phone, GPS navigator.

For a long hike you will have to bring in your backpack:

• a tent without a zipper (the zipper will freeze in the cold);
• warm sleeping bag;
• heat insulating mat;
• devices for heating food - primus stoves, burners, etc.;
• food supply with the following calculation: the number of days on a hike plus another 2-3 days in case of force majeure;
• water in liter plastic bottles;
• axe, saw;
• matches and candles;
• hygiene items: toothpaste and brush, toilet paper (plain and wet), soap, comb.

For a long hike, you need a backpack with a volume of at least 100 liters. If you are planning a skiing trip, you need to take with you a spare pole and ski, and a repair kit.

Products are often purchased together. The instructor makes a list of what is needed. If you plan to hike in the mountains unaccompanied, you need to buy something that can be stored for a long time: cereals, canned food, cookies, crackers, instant noodles. Pack food in airtight bags.

A tourist's backpack fits a lot of things

Kalymnos, Greece

Kalymnos is not a mountain, but a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, widely known and very popular among climbers all over the world. Delicious food, warm sea, excellent weather - in general, a wonderful resort where you can not only relax on the beach, but also test yourself on the rock climbing route.

By the way, there are a great variety of climbing routes here: the so-called “guide book,” that is, a book that contains all the routes located on the island, contains descriptions of tens of thousands of routes for all rock climbing enthusiasts. Both a professional and a beginner - everyone can find a route to their liking and mood! After a busy day of sports, you can sit with friends in one of the many cozy cafes, and on a day of rest, go scuba diving for sponges or take a yacht ride around the island.

How to behave in the mountains: safety rules

The main thing to remember is common sense. Hiking in the mountains will be an adventure with a lot of positive emotions if you approach it responsibly and do not forget about safety. Important:

• register with the rescue unit (on the Ministry of Emergency Situations website) and choose a route that suits your level of training;
• monitor the weather, and if it worsens, wait out the bad weather;
• determine the pace of movement based on the weakest member of the group;
• move in a group and maintain discipline;
• overcome dangerous areas with insurance;
• inspect the resting place so as not to lose anything;
• do not walk on loose stones.

Anything is possible in the mountains. To prevent the journey from turning into a tragedy, you need to listen to the instructor and follow his instructions.

Insurance, protective elements and knowledge of safety rules are important conditions for a successful trip.

Arco, Italy

A small town in northern Italy, almost in the very center of Europe. The medieval castle, built by Count Arco in the 14th century, and the ancient narrow streets are filled with crowds of tourists from all over the world every year. This place is also very popular with rock climbers. People come here alone, as a couple, with families and pets, and stay in hotels and campsites. They climb - to get to the nearest route, just cross the road, ride bicycles - some of the best mountain bike routes in the world are in those places, visit museums or simply enjoy life over a glass of delicious local gelato ice cream.

Climbing in Arco is a great option for a family holiday: there is something for everyone and you don't have to worry about what to do on a rainy day or when you're tired. Of course, before you go to the real rocks, you should practice a little under the supervision of experienced instructors who will teach you the correct climbing technique and show you how to handle the equipment. You can find everything you need for training at indoor climbing walls - exercise machines that imitate rocks. For example, the Limestone climbing wall in Moscow, where experienced instructors with extensive experience in rock climbing will always help you, support and prepare you, and also answer all the questions that may arise for those who decide to try this wonderful sport!

How to find like-minded people to climb mountains

If you want solitude, the route is simple and you will have to climb a small mountain along a well-trodden path - you can take the risk and walk alone. On difficult hikes that require special equipment, physical training and narrow professional knowledge, it is safer to go in a group.

You can find a company for climbing in clubs for mountain hikers. There, beginners are taught the basics of mountaineering, and more experienced athletes exchange experiences.

Federation of Mountaineering and Rock Climbing of Moscow

Regional sports public organization "Mountaineering Federation of St. Petersburg"

If you don’t have the opportunity to come to the club in person, you can look for like-minded people on the Internet.

Group “CALL OF THE MOUNTAINS” on VKontakte

Forum for those who go to the mountains

You can contact a travel agency and buy a tour to the mountains. You don’t have to buy equipment yourself or look for an instructor: a travel agent will do everything for you. You can go to any mountain peak, but sometimes such pleasure is not cheap.

Unusual tours to the mountains

Sometimes members of spontaneously created tourist groups become so close during the climb that they become best friends

Why do you dream about a house on a mountain?

It’s good if in a dream you happened to have your own house in the mountains. The dream suggests that, despite the obstacles, criticism and distrust of others, the dreamer will be able to withstand and continue his work with dignity. If the house was strong, tall, well built, the confidence in yourself and your abilities will not leave you. If the house was shaky, unstable, and looked unreliable, the dreamer sometimes loses self-control, sometimes he doubts himself.

To have a house on a mountainside in a dream means in reality to feel the support of a loved one.

Climbing for beginners in Russia

For a long time, man has tried to conquer the highest mountains on the planet. And if earlier such expeditions were an extremely dangerous undertaking, then recently with the development of modern communications and equipment, they have become available to most tourists. However, until now, conquering mountains above 4500-5000 meters remains a dangerous undertaking. Therefore, special education and training programs have been invented for beginners in mountaineering. We will tell you in this article how to properly prepare and choose a peak for your first ascent, what to take with you and how to overcome all the difficulties along the way.

How to prepare for your first ascent?

Do you need to train before climbing? Necessarily! If you are in good physical shape and regularly exercise, it will be easier for you. If it’s a stretch to call you an athlete, but you are determined to conquer the highest point in Europe or the main mountain of Altai at any cost, don’t despair! In any case, the first rule of training for beginners is constant and diligent training. Believe me, all the efforts spent will more than pay off at a high level. In addition, it will be a shame if you don’t reach the desired mark just a little, because all your strength will end in the last meters. Therefore, make a training schedule and don’t break it!

When should you start training? If you are, in principle, a sports person, then it will be enough to start exercising 3 months before date X. If your physical fitness leaves much to be desired and you don’t remember the last time you were in a fitness club or went for a run, and even climb If you can’t climb a couple of floors of stairs without shortness of breath, you may need more time to prepare. But let us repeat once again, the main thing here is desire!

What kind of training will help you prepare for the climb? Before you set off to conquer the top of the mountain, you need not only to get your physical fitness in order, but also to train your endurance and pump up your respiratory and cardiovascular systems. They bear the maximum load at height. Therefore, due to insufficient preparation, you may quit halfway. To prevent this from happening, engage in swimming, running, cycling and cardio training. It’s even better if you’ve already tried hiking and trekking in the mountains and know what it is.

How should the training be conducted? First of all, training should be constant, effective and intense. In addition, the load should gradually increase. In the case of running, be sure to do this taking into account your heart rate. Properly planned running will not only help you lose weight, but also strengthen your heart muscle. By running at a high heart rate, you allow your body to get used to the lack of oxygen - something that you will definitely encounter in the mountains. To strengthen your physical fitness and increase endurance, also run uphill or climb stairs at a fast pace. Well, don’t forget to rest a week before your trip.

Difficulties in preparation and during the ascent

Lack of motivation. We all know that to get things done you need the right motivation. Newbies are best motivated by an already purchased tour with a set travel date. Another method, tested on myself, is public preparation for climbing the mountain. For example, you can announce to friends, colleagues and relatives on social networks that after a certain period of time you will climb the selected peak. This is what our colleague Leonid Levdanov did, launching the hashtag #100 days before Elbrus on Instagram. In this case, it will be difficult to back down.

Insufficient physical training. How do you know that you are ready for the climb and can cope with the planned load? Can you climb the stairs at a fast pace to the 15th floor? How about doing this 3-4 times in a row? How about running a 10km cross-country race? If you answered yes to all these questions, then feel free to pack your backpack and set off towards the desired peaks. However, remember that in mountaineering good physical preparation is a prerequisite, but not a guarantee of success!

Mountain sickness and the poor health caused by it. Mountain sickness is the scourge of almost all beginners in mountaineering. Thin air at altitude leads to a lack of oxygen and hypoxia. At some point, you begin to feel general malaise, headaches and nausea, your heartbeat is disrupted, your appetite decreases and sleep disappears. For a long time, many climbers suffered from altitude sickness. Now, if you properly acclimatize at altitude, and also take headache medications with you, the manifestation of altitude sickness can be minimized!

How to properly acclimatize at altitude?

No matter how well prepared you are, improper acclimatization can ruin all your efforts and force you to leave the path ahead of schedule. That is why before you start climbing the mountain, you need to get used to the thin air at altitude. Believe it or not, the most common type of acclimatization in our time, the “saw tooth”, was developed only in the 1930s! Our compatriots did this during an expedition to Lenin Peak, a famous seven-thousander on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Later, the method they discovered was successfully tested in the Tien Shan and the Himalayas and became widely used in mountain climbing.

Before this, climbers either arrived and immediately stormed the heights, often at the cost of their own lives, or slowly climbed to different heights and sat on them for a long time in order to finally get used to the rarefied air. All modern ascents use a faster and more effective method of acclimatization - “saw teeth”. It consists in the fact that during the day you rise to a height and then descend back to spend the night. Each time the height of the rise increases and, accordingly, the place to spend the night becomes higher and higher. This way you gradually get closer to the top. And ultimately you will be able to climb the mountain without harm to your own health!

Clothing and equipment for the expedition

So, after good physical preparation and proper acclimatization, the third important condition for successfully conquering the top of the mountain is the right clothing and equipment. They should fit you perfectly, be comfortable, not restrict movement, not get in the way, and not rub. At the same time, beginners in mountaineering do not have to immediately purchase all the necessary equipment to climb the mountain. Most of it can be rented on site!

What you need to take with you on the expedition from personal belongings:

• a couple of sets of thermal underwear and a quick-drying fleece suit;
• waterproof trousers and a jacket made of membrane fabric, a warm down jacket;
• socks, mittens and gloves, a hat, as well as a bandana or balaclava;
• double mountaineering boots and trekking boots for short climbs;
• assault backpack with a volume of 50-60 liters;
• sleeping bag - depending on weather conditions and season;
• sunglasses or ski goggles, sun cream with high SPF;
• a personal small first aid kit, a flashlight, a thermos and a good mood!

What climbing equipment can be rented locally:

• crampons and ice axes;
• trekking poles:
• carabiners and harnesses with belay lanyards;
• avalanche equipment;
• tents, burners, pots and much more.

For information on how a beginner can choose the right climbing clothing and equipment, which brands, materials and models to give preference to and what to look for when purchasing, read the detailed article from our partners - the Sport-Marathon online store. By the way, for those who go with us to conquer the peaks of the mountains, we provide club discount cards for this store. And don’t forget to purchase special medical insurance - our managers can help you with its selection and purchase.

The best places for climbing in Russia

On the vast territory of Russia you can find hundreds of places for mountain trekking and hiking - the Khibiny Mountains on the Kola Peninsula, the Sayan Mountains in Siberia, the Urals, the volcanoes of Kamchatka and, of course, Altai and the Caucasus. However, if you want to make real climbs that are valued in mountaineering, then go to some of the most famous peaks in Russia - Elbrus and Belukha in Altai!

Let's say you have already decided which peak you want to conquer first. Without a doubt, for the first time you need to go to such heights only as part of an organized group with professional guides and experienced instructors. Otherwise, you will have every chance of remaining on this mountain. What you should pay attention to when choosing a tour:

• The route and side chosen for the climb - make sure that they are suitable for beginners and do not require significant mountaineering experience.
• duration of the route - is there enough time for acclimatization and is it provided for at all?
• number of participants and composition of the group - for every 3-4 tourists there should be at least one guide.

By the way, in 2010, domestic climbers got their own award badge - “Snow Leopard of Russia”. It is awarded to those who have conquered the 10 highest mountains in the country. Both Elbrus and Belukha are included in this list! Moreover, Elbrus, as the highest point in Europe, is also included in the list of “Seven Summits of the World,” which includes one highest mountain from each continent. So the conquest of Elbrus is highly valued not only in our country, but throughout the world.

Climbing Elbrus for beginners

Elbrus is one of the most popular mountains to climb in the world. This is because it is not only considered the highest point in Europe and Russia, but is also suitable for beginners. At the same time, for beginner climbers, the best time to climb is summer. Then it’s warmer, there’s less snow, and the weather conditions are more merciful. However, in the case of five-thousanders, “warmer” means that the temperature at altitude only drops to -15°C, and not to -40°C, as in the winter months.

If you are going to the mountains for the first time, make sure that you will climb Elbrus from the south - this route is considered the easiest. Also check that the tour program provides enough days for acclimatization. The ideal duration of the route for beginners is 9 days, as in our expedition “On the Top of Russia”. We invite you to go on this journey to the highest mountain in the country!

What is included in the cost of our expedition to the Western peak of Elbrus (5642 meters above sea level):

• transfer from Mineralnye Vody to the start of the route and back at its end;
• accommodation in hotels and alpine shelters on the slopes of Elbrus;
• Three meals a day;
• services of guides and instructors, training sessions with climbing equipment for beginners;
• walks through the most beautiful natural attractions in the surrounding area - Pastukhov rocks and the Devichye Kosy waterfall;
• a spare day to reach the summit in case of bad weather.

On your own, you will only need to buy tickets to Mineralnye Vody, as well as pay for the rental of individual climbing or hiking equipment on the spot. Worried before your trip? Read the report from this tour from our colleague Irina Milintsova, who several years ago, as a novice in mountaineering, conquered the Western peak of Elbrus. From it you will learn why Elbrus may “not let” climbers in and why they take chocolate on a hike.

Climbing Elbrus in a week

Have you already visited Elbrus with us? Or maybe they climbed other mountains in Russia and the world? Then we invite you to go on a more difficult expedition “Above the Clouds” with the conquest of Elbrus in seven days! On this trip we take only tourists with mountain climbing experience. During the trip, acclimatization at altitude will take place for only three days. Therefore, it is important for us that the expedition participants understand what awaits them, know how to use all the necessary equipment and are accustomed to rarefied air.

As in the case of the 9-day route, we will climb from the south to the Western Peak. Along the way we will pass beautiful places - the Maiden's Spit waterfall, the RAS Observatory and the Pastukhov Rocks, admire the magnificent views of the Caucasus Mountains and watch the sunrise on the way to the top. You can join this mountaineering tour starting from the first May holidays.

The price of the ascent includes instruction and support of the group by guides, accommodation, full meals, and general climbing equipment. You only need to take personal equipment, suitable clothing and medical insurance with you. You will also need to get to Mineralnye Vody on your own, from where we will pick you up and deliver you to the beginning of the journey.

Climbing Belukha in Altai

Of course, all climbers without exception dream of conquering Elbrus. However, the Altai Belukha is no less valuable for travelers. This is because the main peak of Altai, and the mountain region itself, is considered one of the largest places of power in Russia. In addition, our 12-day tour to the conquest of Belukha “In the Heart of Altai” also includes trekking in the most beautiful places in its surroundings, rafting and hiking on glaciers.

The highest point of Belukha is located at an altitude of 4509 meters above sea level, which is 1000 meters lower than Elbrus. However, this does not mean that climbing here will be much easier. In this case, tourists also need good physical preparation and experience in mountain climbing is desirable. The elevation difference on some parts of the route reaches 1000 meters, in addition, expedition participants will have to carry the necessary equipment and food supplies. Good news: some of the tents and food will be waiting for you at the parking areas.

One of the advantages of this route is that it is an active and interesting program, even for those beginners who, for health reasons, decide not to continue climbing the mountain. You can always stay at the Ak-Kem base and go on radial routes accompanied by a guide. In addition, during the tour you will not only test your strength and endurance, but also acquire useful mountaineering skills. Part of the route will pass along the glacier. Therefore, before you set off on your journey, our instructors will teach you the necessary techniques to complete it successfully. In any case, you will get a lot of positive emotions from this trip!

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Why do you dream of going down a mountain?

Descending from a mountain in a dream means going off the intended path, going astray, delaying important matters.

In general, going down a mountain in a dream is a warning; if you ignore it, you can get involved in a difficult, unpleasant situation. If there was no fear during the descent, the dreamer’s position is not as critical as it might seem. Failures, bitter grievances, setbacks will haunt the one who felt fear when descending from the mountain.

If you had to go down the mountain using skis , the opportunity presented in reality will not tolerate delay or delay. A successful outcome is possible if the dreamer manages to take advantage of the situation.

Mountains for beginners after long preparation:

1. Kazbek

(5033m) - according to the classics - the beginning and end of the hike take place in Vladikavkaz. This mountain does not provide for large slope angles (on average 25 degrees), but before the very top it is approximately 40 degrees.

2. Lenin Peak

(7134m) - over the course of 19 days you will approach one of the most difficult peaks in Tajikistan. The lack of vertical slopes does not make the climb any easier. Here you will find passes, icefalls and climbing glaciers. Ligaments, crampons and ice axes will help you reach the summit.

3. Around Annapurna

(8091m) – it is important to note that when conquering this peak you will have to go through 4 climatic zones at once. At an altitude of 4949 meters there is Lake Tilicho, and in addition there are waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers and the Thorong-La pass.

Going along the ridge is better than going down

Of course, this is my opinion, and other mountain experts may have a different opinion. And I would like to emphasize that this is not always the case (that it is better to climb up along the ridge), but in about half (or most) of the cases, since there are also difficulties when walking along a mountain ridge, and I will talk about them a little lower. In the meantime, I’ll explain my position on why it’s preferable to climb along the ridge (first of all, we’re talking about the ascent, although I also sometimes do the descent this way). In short, it’s cooler and more beautiful on the ridge (than below).

I walked along this ridge (this is in the Georgian province of Racha-Lechkhumi) and got a little more beautiful views than if I had climbed from below straight to that distant rock (but most likely, it will not be possible to climb it without special equipment).

And now in more detail. Climbing along the ridge usually gives the mountaineer much more gorgeous views (often with a view of all 360 degrees) than in the case of stomping around the bottom of the gorge, and since the climb up almost always does not happen very quickly (this is walking on the plain), during periodic rest (every 5-10 minutes) you can stop (at least for a minute) and admire the surrounding landscapes. But you can usually go down almost without stopping (since it is much easier), and there may not be enough time to admire (since sometimes you need to run down faster in order to make it before dark, but more on this “dark” nuance in the next episode, link which was given at the beginning of this issue).

Thanks to good views from the ridge, it is also easier to see further potential routes along the nearby mountains.

Also, walking along a mountain ridge is cooler than at the bottom of a valley, since at the top the winds blow stronger, blowing the traveler, and therefore, it is easier for a person to climb with air currents refreshing his body. By the way, if you are interested, here is a separate section about my methods of surviving in the heat.

This is above the Sev Lich lakes in the Syunik province of southern Armenia.

Klyuchevskaya Sopka

The highest active volcano in Eurasia is located 360 km north of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. From the top of Klyuchevskaya Sopka (4870 m) stunning views of the lava fields, mountain ranges and valleys of Kamchatka open.

The basic difficulty of climbing the volcano is 2A. No special training is required, but without good physical shape, getting to the top will be problematic. The ideal time for climbing is from mid-summer to the end of August. It must be kept in mind that the volcano is active. Ash emissions and rockfalls are possible on Klyuchevskaya Sopka.

How to get there

? From Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky you get to the village of Klyuchi by bus, and before you start climbing the mountain - by all-terrain vehicle.

Price

: the cost of tours for 10-12 days with tracking for acclimatization is from 70 thousand rubles.

Climbing Belukha (Photo source: lenalptours.ru)