Russian Impressions - Elbrus

Russian Impressions - Elbrus

Page Type Page Type: Trip Report
Date Date Climbed/Hiked: Jul 20, 2010
Activities Activities: Hiking, Mountaineering, Skiing

Russia - go or not to go?

Russia is and always was an amazing country - sad and rich, unfair and strong, so different from the rest of the Europe. I had some mixed feelings about this trip, first I was in the process of changing jobs, moving to a different state in USA, selling a house etc. I kept changing my plans, and at the end I made no real plans, I just went...

I was surprised how much hassle it was to obtain the visa. I did contact Pilgrim Tours for some basic information, and visa invitation (you cannot request visa unless you have the invitation, and it could not be done by an individual, but a registered organization). I was contemplating between the light package, which Pilgrim tours offers, or taking the whole tour with them, or hiring a russian guide. Then due to my above mentioned circumstances, I was not thinking about this trip at all... I moved my 3 bedroom house into a storage unit in Colorado, filled hundreds of pages of paperwork necessary for me to practice medicine in Colorado, and flew to the Czech Republic to declimatize in the altitude of 150 meters.
I did not even purchase the airline tickets to Moscow, and from Moscow to Mineralne Vody until 2 weeks prior this adventure. I have to thank my brother Pavel, who took care of this, as well as for the accommodation in Moscow.
Pilgrim Tours


Moscow

my moscow guide - Alex climb
Handstand on Red Square

I received an e-mail from Alex Trubachev alex climb a few days prior going to Moscow that he is free, and would give me a tour of this amazing city. I was happy to meet another SP member, and a local, the only problem was I did not know where I was staying, and where we would meet. I was not planning this trip! I wanted to be relaxed and figure out things as they happen. My brother told me that someone will wait me at the airport (did not know who), and will take me to some monastery, where I could sleep. So, why to worry... even if nobody would wait for me, I could figure something out. Poor Alex, first I told him a name of one monastery, then another one... he had to think what a crazy woman!
Yes, there was a man at the airport, and he took me to St. Philip Russian Orthodox Monastery in a nice big Mercedes. I got my city tour, and the following day flew from domestic Vnukovo airport to Mineralne Vody. Just some observations about the transport - Moscow metro is very convenient and easy to use. Railway stations are connected to the metro, so it is easy to ride via Aeroexpress to the airports. Most people use Sheremetyevo airport connected with Beloruskaja metro station, or Kyjevskaja metro station connected with aeroexpress to Vnukovo airport. I was advised not to use taxi, and did not need it.
Air conditioning is rare in Russia, and it was very hot in Moscow during my visit - nearly 40C. I remember sitting in the airport hall and sweating, really profusely sweating. There was not even climatization inside the plane.
Another confusing thing for me was finding a toilet at Vnukovo airport - I followed a sign, then I saw written on the door "for smokers" (dlja kurenia), so I did not enter. Yes, it was the toilet - first, smoked filled room, and then the potty chambers. One had to hold a breath while...
Russian men were extremely polite to me. I never had to carry my backpack. Some man always came and carried it for me, on the street, metro, train. Very gentleman like...
Mineralne Vody - the arrival hall was very small, and after obtaining my baggage, pushing myself through a dense line of taxi drivers, then trying to avoid palm reading gypsy women, I saw a sign for Pilgrim tours. The bus ride from Mineralne Vody to Terskol was pretty uneventful, only 1 military check point with a tank on the road and some heavy duty armed russian soldiers. No, I did not take a photo of them, but was tempted.

Acclimatization hike to Cheget, 3600 meters

near the summit
Our Russian Guide

The acclimatization hike was super easy, first an easy hike down the road, then taking chairlifts, and then a short hike to the top of Cheget Peak, 3600 meters. Everybody from our big group of 17 felt great. There were many dogs on this trail, most of them looked dirty and hungry. The Pilgrim tours took care of all food and the water in the hotel Scheherazade was safe to drink from the tap. I did, and nothing happened...of course, you could always sterilize your gastrointestinal tract with vodka. This is Russia after all...
Our group was very international: 2 Americans from L.A., 1 UK, 5 from Spain, 3 Italians, 1 Mexican, and 4 young men from Denmark, and me. (only 2 women).
The hike was very scenic with amazing views of the main Caucasus ridge, Elbrus, and Donguz-Orunbashi Mnt. The flora in the July was splendid as well.

The Barrels

Barrels
Inside a barrel

The transfer to the Barrels was easy, taking a lift again (3 transitions), and then only about 50 meter hike to the Elbrus luxury. The Barrels are at the altitude of 3800 meters. There are 9 main barrels for clients, each accommodating 6 people + some kitchen huts, and other structures where you can be placed during the high season. I would recommend to make an advanced reservation during the high season. They had troubles to find spaces for us, so I ended up sleeping in a guide's hut, and our group got separated.
The barrels are dry and there is electricity there, and a small heater. The kitchens were great at supplying us with boiled water, and cooking was good. Vegetarian options were not great, so I ended up eating a lot of chocolate.
There is no need to bring a heavy duty sleeping bag since it is pretty warm inside the barrels, and no dishes. Pilgrim website lists bowl, cup, and spoon in their equipment list, but it was not needed.

Fun in and around the barrels

Birthday party at the barrels
Ice axe practices

I loved that moment of reading a book and listening to others snoring inside the hut... the lovely smell of unwashed men and stinky socks...
One of our climbing buddies was celebrating his birthday. I think that Martin from Denmark was turning either 21 or 22, so I wanted to give him something special! not just my underwear, but something making it even more funny. So, I went around to search for a condom. It was very interesting entering barrels and waking up napping climbers to ask them for a rubber protection. I had so much fun...
We also did some ice axe practices, stopping the fall etc. I picked up a few bruises in places which I rather not show... it was fun sliding down a small hill, head first...
An another adventure was a trip to the toilets. They named the toilets: 1. House of Pain, and 2. House of Horror, and I think that the names are well deserved. Still not sure whether to place photos of those places.

Pastukhov rocks

Aclimmatization hike
Skiers

I think that pretty much everybody hikes up the gentle slope of Elbrus to the Pastukhov rocks as a part of the acclimatization process. The lower Pastukhov rocks are at 4644 meters, and the higher end is at 4745 meters. There is a lot of activity going on along this part of the trek. Skiers, hikers, snow cats going up and down. You pass by Priut 11, Diesel hut, you see people camping on the rocks. There is no need for crampons or ice axes for this section (unless the snow is frozen). Our snow was soft, and in some section we had to cross icy puddles from melting glacier.
We had 3 skiers in our group, and they skinned up, no ski crampons needed.
One of the members of our team got ill from the altitude, but recovered as soon as he got down to the barrels and took a nap. The hike offers great views of the Caucasus range...

Russian guides

Sergei Baranov
hmmm....

Sergei Baranov was our main guide. He spoke excellent English, and some Spanish (very useful in our group). It was his 105th summit of Elbrus, and I can give him just the highest recommendations. Sergei took part in many expeditions around the world, especially K2 and Broad Peak in 2007.

We had many secondary guides, ratio 1 guide per 3 clients. They spoke some basic English, checked the equipment, helped with the crampons. One of the guides was assigned to skiers. Some smoked, some drank vodka, and some did both.

I think that Elbrus is a mountain where guide is not really needed in a good weather. The route is well marked, and the path well travelled. I would imagine that orientation must be very difficult in a stormy condition.

Finally, the summit

gentle slope
Elbrus shadow

Our wake up time was 2:00 am. I think that most of us did not sleep well, so much excitement. They served us a large breakfast, but I ate only "kasha" (something like a wheat cream) and drank some tea. The night was beautiful, pretty warm, and so many stars.
We went super slowly. I wanted to run, I wanted to go faster, but then I remembered: you never know what the altitude will do to you. So, I patiently waited for others. I ran ahead to take photos, I helped carrying a backpack, I was watching 2 members of our group puking out their breakfast, and most of all I kept turning back to stare at Ushba. It is an amazing mountain. Ushba info
We took many breaks, we had to send 2 members of our team down due to their acclimatization issues (heart rate in 200s). Finally, we slowly approached the saddle at 5381 meters. I felt so great, and I felt so bad to see others suffering. I think that being a woman makes me more immune to the altitude problems, and surely living in New Mexico at 1600 meters helped too. I have been higher than Elbrus, so I knew I could do it, but I wanted to be cautious (I did spend 3 weeks in Czech republic at 150 meters).
The steepest part of the climb is from the saddle up, a short section. Many people left their rucksacks at the saddle to make this section easier. And the last section is flat... we could see the small summit, overcrowded with climbers. What a day! What a luck! What an accomplishment!

Where is the top of Europe?

Elbrus decor
WOW... what a view

Is it in Russia, or in France? I was told that french people do not climb Elbrus. I do not know that, but the truth is I did not meet any french men on this trip. Generally, the recognized top peak of Europe is Elbrus, but in a traditional sense it used to be Mt. Blanc. I don't really care, I have climbed both. My Mt. Blanc Album I find it interesting that some people can quarrel about such a topic. Both are beautiful mountains, and deserve our respect.

Thanks and "da svidanija"

I would like to thank Alex for showing me around Moscow, to Sergei - our main guide, to my brother Pavel (who arranged the Moscow accommodation, and the air tickets to Moscow, and from Moscow to Mineralne Vody). And to our group, especially Chiara. We had so much fun.

I am so impressed with Russia. It is a hard place to live, and it makes its people very strong. Can't wait to go back.

Comments

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Viewing: 1-20 of 48
visentin

visentin - Jul 27, 2010 3:50 am - Voted 10/10

top of Europe

I recognize the french sense of geography... :) Imho this is a non-debate. Mont Blanc is Mont Blanc, top of the Alps, Elbrus is Elbrus top of Caucasus. By definition, mountains (almost) always make borders between countries, and natural barriers (seas, oceans) between continents. Elbrus and Caucasus are somehow the barrier between Europe and central Asia, the same way the Alps divide northern and southern Europe.
Considering Elbrus in Europe or not in Europe will not move its position by one centimeter closer of further... This is Elbrus, it is so much different than Mont Blanc (well I've been on none... but from the descriptions certainly) otherwise why people would go there ? :) Thanks for this virtual travel which gives us a genuine feeling of how these regions look like, so different than the usual pragmatic "peak pages".

Liba Kopeckova

Liba Kopeckova - Jul 27, 2010 9:17 am - Hasn't voted

Re: top of Europe

Thanks Erico.... always nice to have an input from a frenchman about the issue :)
Nicely written - our discussions will not move Elbrus anywhere... a nice area to visit, and nice mountain to climb...

Maybe, in a few years you will be able to bike up Elbrus, if the snow/glacier melt continues...

visentin

visentin - Jul 27, 2010 9:26 am - Voted 10/10

Re: top of Europe

There is a guy (Belgian I think) called Bruno who did ride it down by bike (but not up !) Someone (Corax I think) posted the Youtube video in MBPost but I can't find it anymore.

yatsek

yatsek - Jul 27, 2010 5:22 am - Voted 10/10

Today's

Russia compared to the west of Europe, say Germany, is like Mexico or Brazil against Canada, isn't it?

Liba Kopeckova

Liba Kopeckova - Jul 27, 2010 9:05 am - Hasn't voted

Re: Today's

I think that there is no comparison to Russia.... huge difference between between its people. A place where life for a honest man is very hard, much harder than for us, a former soviet union friends...
I had moments in my life where I was angry at Russians (as pretty much everyone in my country). My grandpa jailed, me standing in front of Lenin statue as a honor guar (had to), for forcing us doing such stupid stuff... but it is not their fault... the country is so different... nobody conquers them, winter is cruel, as well as the summers (I was dying during the 40 C heat in Moscow)...
I really think Jacek that there is no comparison when you say Russia.

visentin

visentin - Jul 27, 2010 9:34 am - Voted 10/10

Re: Today's

There was once a rich discussion about the russians mentality on a french forum about poland. One poster wrote something which I believe to be quite true. Russians were never conquered by anyone, fortunately not by Hitler, but also neither by Napoleon with his school and familly laws system, neither Charlemagne with his latin alphabet. Russians subsequently always were rough people, not very keen in any kind of discipline, which explains why they always were ruled by tyrans. Too gentle leaders always gave place to tougher and more powerful one. It was true also during tsar times. Once a russian friend told me "Russia is a place where the meaning of a human being is less than some other places". Another friend from Moscow told me "Here, everything forbidden is impossible to do, and what you can do, you must do it".
Besides of that one must be aware that nowaday's Russia is a mozaic of merged culturally and linguistically different countries. This is very true in the Caucasus, but not only. There are tense relations with the Siberians. Nowadays with several generations passed and the country is more stable than it used to be, but such mosaics-countries always were hard to manage except by authority (ex-Yugoslavia gives an example).

yatsek

yatsek - Jul 27, 2010 10:11 am - Voted 10/10

Re: Today's

Liba,
I'll never forget August 21st, 1968 I happened to spend in Prague. And I bet MOCKBA will agree with your conclusion. BTW I bet he'll be a great ski touring partner if you manage to lure him out of his Uinta hideout.

lcarreau

lcarreau - Jul 28, 2010 1:15 am - Voted 10/10

Re: Today's...

I felt a similar feeling when I visited SE Asia.

Like, everybody has been "programed" in a different way.

What about all the Russian immigrants coming to the U.S.?
Do you think because they have given up their "hard" ways,
that they have betrayed their countrymen ???

Something to think about. Guess everybody is different, and
the ultimate challenge would be to find common ground, such as
good old-fashioned European humor and body language.

My hat's off to you, Liba.

Liba Kopeckova

Liba Kopeckova - Jul 29, 2010 12:24 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: Today's

Hi Erico... Agree with all the above. I noticed that people in Moscow complained a lot about Asians moving in... feeling that their city is being taken over... but then, it is the capital of a huge country - both Asian and European.

Dmitry Pruss

Dmitry Pruss - Aug 3, 2010 12:49 pm - Voted 10/10

Re: Today's

Hey Jacek, always nice to get a little reminder from ya! (In this case, that I haven't been to Uintas since early spring! In a usual summer we'd be all over the woods there looking for wild mushrooms, but this year we picked our fill in Alaska, no real use gathering even more when the freezer is full of them already).

Nice TR Liba, glad that the spirits of altitude and weather were smiling at you up there! And it's interesting to learn something new about, of all, places, my hometown. The SVO Aeroexpress - it used to depart from town from a really inconvenient terminal, and to have hours-long blackout mid-morning, but it looks like they moved the city terminal to Belorusskaya metro station now. And the trains run all day now. Cool. Just gotta remember that it arrives to SVO terminal F, which is miles away from the International terminals by a shuttle bus ... so very few international travelers use it.

As to today's Russia, and how the visitors filter their impressions through the lenses of pre-conceptions ... enough said. It is a vast and very diverse country and you may find everything, nice and ugly, anticipated and surprising, if you look long enough :) For my today's midsize-town American self, Moscow is a stunning metropolis, bustling, youthful, cosmopolitan, flaunting its wealth and energy, and sort of intimidating in a NYC kind of way. It changed a lot, but I still connect with her & love her :)

yatsek

yatsek - Aug 3, 2010 2:04 pm - Voted 10/10

Re: Today's

Wow, Dmitry, nice to hear you made it to Alaska at last!

Alpinist

Alpinist - Jul 27, 2010 10:56 am - Voted 10/10

Congratulations!

Congratulations on your successful climb! I enjoyed reading your trip report.

Liba Kopeckova

Liba Kopeckova - Jul 29, 2010 12:34 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: Congratulations!

Thanks... wrote in in the plane while flying back from Russia, so still fresh memories.

Liba Kopeckova

Liba Kopeckova - Jul 29, 2010 12:35 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: Hey! Not fair!

You are visiting wrong places... hahaha
I think that older people smell differently compared to the sweat and stink from exercise...+ nursing homes smell funny...

Corax

Corax - Jul 27, 2010 3:26 pm - Voted 10/10

Small world

I'm glad to hear you got along well with Sergei!
Here are some photos from his Karakoram visit some years back. Amazing photos, but the site is a bit hard to navigate.

Eric/Visentin.
You may think about Bruno Sulcs, who cycled on the summit of Muztagh Ata?

Nice TR Liba :)

Liba Kopeckova

Liba Kopeckova - Jul 29, 2010 12:43 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: Small world

Thanks Janne... It was a great trip, but too short...waiting for your advice how to quit working and lead a life of a professional explorer. :)

visentin

visentin - Jul 30, 2010 2:16 am - Voted 10/10

Re: Small world

Yes, find me the video please !

Corax

Corax - Jul 30, 2010 4:22 pm - Voted 10/10

Re: Small world

The page is down nowadays :(

lcarreau

lcarreau - Jul 28, 2010 12:14 pm - Voted 10/10

Gotta keep your comrades warm ...

"Well the Ukraine girls really knock me out,
They leave the West behind;
And Moscow girls make me sing and shout,
That Georgia's always on my my my my my my my mind.

I'm back in the U.S.S.R.
You don't know how lucky you are boy;
Back in the U.S.S.R. ..."

The Beatles - 1968

rpc

rpc - Jul 28, 2010 1:04 pm - Voted 10/10

nice read

I enjoyed it & esp. like the general impressions of the country you include. Great photos as usual.

Viewing: 1-20 of 48