Djan Tugan is a beautiful pointed peak in the Adil Su valley in the Caucasus. From far away it looks very difficult, but there is a quite easy route up via a couloir, which is a 2B Russian grade
It is a one of the more popular peaks in the area, probably number two after Gumachi. The difficulties climbing the peak is 1). Some very nasty crevasses en route. 2). Potential objective dangers on the way to the peak and also the last part on the climb. 3). The normal camp spot before attacking is on a snow field full of hidden crevasses. Be very careful here. We saw the result of a bad accident up there.

Getting There

Most people arrive in Mineralniye Vody when going to the Caucasus. From there the most convenient mode of transport is of course to go by pre-rented mini buses, but there are also good bus connections from Min Vody, to the main valleys of the Caucasus. If going by bus, opt for one heading for Terskol or Elbrus Village. Sometimes you have to change buses on the way.
Many people also hitch hike from Min Vody. Sometimes it's a free ride, but more commonly you end up going in a mini-bus where you have to pay a small fee.

When in the main valley of Elbrus, jump your transport at Camp Adil Su. There is a small camp ground, hotel, bar, shop and restaurant there. You can also put excess gear in the restaurant's "gear room for a small fee.

Walk on a steep asphalt road for 4 km. At the end of the asphalt there are some good restaurants and shops. Useful for last minute shopping.
Take a left at the junction and continue along a dirt track. After another 4 km you'll hit the entrance of Adil Su National Park, where you have to register. From here on, it's normal trekking along nice streams to the base camp of Djan Tugan.

If you don't have a map for the area, ask for routes at the base camp. The officials staying there knows where the crevasses en route are dangerous.

Walk up the valley on the left hand side of the base camp and continue until you hit the glacier. You better stay in the middle of it as the right hand side/Djan Tugan side is dangerous due to rock and ice fall.
Walk towards the gap in between a small peak and Djan Tugan to the pass. The way up to the pass is steep, icy and there are some huge crevasses just before the steepest section starts. When on the pass, walk towards the foot of Djan Tugan. There is a big snow field here which is good for an attack camp. Be very careful here!
There are crevasses also on the field itself.

A map of the area. It may be a bit hard to read. Large version here!

Red Tape

The fee of entering Adil Su National Park is at the time writing � 0.6/day and it's payable in Russian rubles at the entrance of the park.

You have to have "Adil Su" written on your visa invitation to Russia or the military will not let you pass the checkpoint in Adil Su Border area. The army checkpoint is located roughly a km after the entrance of the park.

There are no peak fees.

When To Climb

The general climbing season is May to September, but the peaks are climbed at all times of the year. Winter or off-season climbs reduce the rock fall and crevasse danger which is a potentially a hazard on the approach to the mountains.

The couloir on the normal route is hazardous when it's sunny. Mini-avalanches and falling rocks are common.

Camping

Camping is allowed everywhere in the natural park. No fees. There are basic huts in the base camp, but they are in general used for either the rangers or persons who for one or the other reason need to stay inside a hut, i.e. have had an accident or are in a bad condition somehow.

The base camp at the foot of the snow fields and glaciers is grassy and there are fresh water around. What�s a bit intimidating is the piles of garbage which just lays there waiting to be picked up and brought down by the park authorities.

Mountain Conditions

The locals in the area seems to be very updated on the conditions higher up in the valleys and the administrative people staying in base camp have all the information you need about the conditions on the mountain. You can also ask at the Park Head Quarters and at the army check point on the walk in to the peak.

Routes

The normal route starts at the snow field on the mountain's east side. Negotiate the rocky little step and continue up the snowslopes. Usually there are snow on the whole ridge, but you may have to climb some rock on the way. There is a snowy shoulder which is quite wide until it gets steeper and you enter the couloir.
The final part to the summit is a constant 60-65 degree climb on snow or ice. I was recommended to stay on the right hand side on this section.

The North-West ridge route is a harder route at 3B, which includes mixed climbing and some airy sections. The acess to this route starts directly from the base camp. Walk straight up the little tung of snow and continue past the huge boulders where the snow tung is almost connecting to the glacier behind the "base camp ridge" in the north.

There are some other routes on the mountain, the most difficult is a steep and hard 4B. The south face is supposed to be a nice rock climb.

A simple sketch of the routes of Djan Tugan

Safety in the Caucasus

The Adil Su valley is very safe and is under strict control of the army. You are very close to the Georgian border and don't stray to far south. You will end up in hassle if caught or even seen by people "from the other side".

The Book

Kopylov, the person who really knows the mountains of the Caucasus has written a book called Forbidden Mountains - The most beautiful Mountains of Russia and Central Asia.

Gear Shop

There's a great gear shop very close to the turn off to the Adil Su valley. It's located along the main road in the Terskol Valley. I think it's called "AlpIndustria".
You can find basically everything you'll need here to very affordable prices.

External Links

A map of the area around Djan Tugan.

Route map by Kopylov.

A good page with more info.

Images



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