The highest peak in the ridge of the Caucasus Mountains is Elbrus. It is also considered the highest point of Russia and the whole of Europe. Its location is such that around it live several peoples, which in different ways it is called. Therefore, if you hear such names as Alberis, Oshhomaho, Mingitau or Yalbuz, know that they mean the same thing.
In this article, we will acquaint you with the tallest mountain in the Caucasus - Elbrus, once a functioning volcano, occupying the fifth place on the planet, among the mountains formed in the same way.
Height of the Elbrus Peaks in the Caucasus
As already mentioned, the highest mountain in Russia is an extinct volcano. This is precisely what is due to the fact that its top has not a pointed shape, but looks like a two-peaked cone, between which there is a saddle at an altitude of 5 km 200 m. The two tops located at a distance of 3 km from each other are different: eastern 5621 m and western - 5642 m m. The reference always indicates a great value.
Like all former volcanoes, Elbrus consists of two parts: a pedestal of rocks, in this case it is 700 m, and a bulk cone formed after eruptions (1942 m).
Starting at an altitude of 3,500 m, the surface of the mountain is covered with snow. First mixed with placers of stones, and then passing into a homogeneous white cover. The most famous glaciers of Elbrus are the Terskop, Bolshoy and Maly Azau.
The temperature at the top of Elbrus practically does not change and amounts to 1.4 ° С. Here a lot of precipitation falls, but because of this temperature regime, it is almost always snow, so the glaciers do not melt. Since the snow cap of Elbrus is visible all year round for many kilometers, the mountain is also called "Malaya Antakartida."
Glaciers located on the top of the mountain feed the largest rivers of these places - Kuban and Terek.
Climbing Mount Elbrus
To see the beautiful view, opening from the top of Elbrus, you need to climb it. This is quite easy, since at an altitude of 3750 m you can reach the southern slope on a pendulum or chairlift. Here is a shelter for travelers "Barrels". It represents 12 insulated wagons for 6 people and a stationary kitchen. They are equipped so that they can wait out any bad weather, even for a long time.
The next stop is usually made at an altitude of 4100 m in the hotel "Priut eleven." The parking here was installed in the 20th century, but was destroyed by fire. Then, in its place, a new building was built.
Then the climbers go to the Pastukhov rocks (4700 m), then along the winter field and the scythe shelf. Crossing the entire saddle, it remains to climb up about 500 m and you are on the very top of Elbrus.
For the first time the Elbrus peaks were conquered in 1829 by the eastern and 1874 by the western.
Now mountaineers are popular with the massifs of Donguzorun and Ushba, as well as the gorges of Adylsu, Adyrsu and Shkhelda. Increasingly, mass ascents to the top are organized. On the south side is the ski resort "Elbrus Azau". It consists of 7 trails, a total length of 11 km. They are suitable for skating and beginners and experienced skiers. A distinctive black of this resort is freedom in movement. On all routes the minimum number of fences and dividers is observed. Visiting it is recommended from October to May in this period is the most solid snow.
Elbrus, at the same time, is a very beautiful and dangerous mountain. After all, according to scientists, there is a possibility that in the next 100 years the volcano will wake up, and then all the neighboring regions (Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachaevo-Cherkessia) will suffer.