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Elbrus & Damavand

The highest volcanoes of Europe and Asia combined in an exciting journey from Russia to the Orient.

Our Elbrus expeditions will not be carried out until further notice.

This trip leaves no wish unfulfilled. Varied on all counts, with two great rewarding five thousand summits and plenty of historical sights. Our trip leads us from Moscow to Mineralny Vody (“mineral waters”) in the North Caucasus. During the first three days we will partake in acclimatization treks to 4650m with the help of lifts, and then go on to reach the summit of Elbrus (5.642m) over a period of two days via the classic south route. Afterwards, it´s back to Mineralny Vody and from there by plane to Tehran, where the next goal is on the agenda – the perfectly shaped picture book Damavand volcano (5.604m). With the best acclimatization, this technically not difficult mountain can be climbed in two days. After exactly two weeks it’s time for the journey home from Tehran, with two of the “Seven Vulcanic Summits” under your belt.

Both mountains are ideal and very rewarding skiing mountains. Therefore, in Spring, we have an extra date for ski tourers.

Adventure Factor courageous
Experience / Emotion thrilling
Fitness / Struggle workout
Risk feel free to tell your partner about it
Comfort sophisticated

Highlights:

  • The highest volcanos in Europe and Asia
  • A unique combination of these two amazing mountains in one unforgettable trip
  • Lift support on Elbrus
  • Continuous support from our English-speaking mountain guide

Trip dates:

Booking code:-
Minimum members:-
Price per person: 0

Because of the complex logistics of this double expedition, changes to the planned itinerary may need to be made during the trip. The exact plan will also depend on weather and snow conditions. In addition, we will be in a very remote and politically highly sensitive area where regulatory or environmental restrictions can be expected at any time.

The following schedule is planned:

1. - 5. Day: Arrival and Trips for acclimatisation

1. Day: Flight via Moscow to Mineralny Vody and overnight stay at the hotel.

2. Day: Early departure after a short night – transfer (4h ) to our hotel in Terskol at the foot of the Elbrus. Short acclimatization tour (1-2h) in the afternoon with lift support up to 3460m. Overnight stay at the hotel.

3. Day: Another acclimatization trek with lift support. After a walk of 3 hours, the 3570m high Gumachi False Pass is reached. Descent and overnight stay in the hotel.

4. Day: From Azau (2200 m) we will take the cable car lift to the mountain station Mir and then continue to the Garabashi station at 3750m with the chairlift, above which the famous “space capsule” cabins are located. Following an acclimatization trek to the Diezelhut at 4050m, we will return to the lower hut for the night (3900m).

5. Day: Acclimatization trek to Pastuchov`s Rocks at 4650m, which can be reached within about 3-4 hours. For the night we will again descend to the hut (3900m).

6. - 9. Day: Climb Elbrus and Transfer to Tehran

6. Day: Summit day. Early departure at 3 o’clock with a long and exhausting day ahead of us. If the weather is clear, we will be able to see the Black and Caspian Seas from the summit. After reaching the peak, we will return to the hut at 3900m and stay there overnight.

7. Day: Reserve day in case of bad weather.

8. Day: Descent to Azau and transfer to the hotel where we will eat, relax and celebrate abundantly.

9. Day: Transfer to Mineralny Vody and flight to Tehran, where we arrive late at night. Overnight stay at the hotel.

10. - 15. Day: Climb Damavand and Tehran

10. Day: Following a late breakfast, we will be transferred to the village of Rineh (2.060m) located in the Elbrus Mountains (150 km / 2hrs) at the southeast foot of Mount Damavand, the highest peak in the Middle East. The Iranian mountaineers association offers us accommodation in their guesthouse. Total travel time: about 8 hours. Overnight stay in the guesthouse.

11. Day: Rineh – Bargah-e-Sewom Hut: Depending on road conditions, we will drive as close as possible to the starting point for the ascent of Damavand (Gusfandsara Mosque at 3.031m). Pack animals or porters will take over the transport of large and common luggage. Already adapted to the altitude, we will proceed to the Bargah-e-Sewom hut (4.260m) at walking speed. Hm 1,230 . Overnight stay in the hut.

12. Day: Bargah-e-Sewom Hut – The Damavand – summit day also starts very early. On a clear day you can see the lights of Tehran. After about 8 hours or more (we have enough time) we should reach the summit of Damavand (5,671 m). The break at the summit and the magnificent panoramic view of the Alborz Mountains will make you forget all the effort. At the Bargah – e – Sewom hut we will interrupt the descent into the valley for a longer break and a second breakfast before we descend the last few meters in altitude with a burst of new energy. Helpers and participants will all meet again at the Gusfandsara mosque, where we will say goodbye to the locals and depart for Rineh. Hm 1,410 Hut – Summit – Hut, Hm 1,230 Hut – Gusfandsara Mosque. Overnight stay in the guesthouse.

13. Day: Reserve summit day or programme as on day 14.

14. Day: We drive back to the hotel in Tehran and have the afternoon for sightseeing. Travel time: about 3 hours to the hotel in Tehran. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

15. Day: Homeward journey with the return flight from Tehran in the early morning and arrival at home on the same day.

Mount Elbrus is an inactive, highly glaciated stratovolcano with two peaks in the western Caucasus. Its tremendous summit ice cap nourishes 22 glaciers. The western main peak is 5642 meters high, the eastern summit 5621 meters high, making it the highest mountain in Russia. The generally accepted geographical boundary between Europe and Asia runs along the main ridge of the Ural Mountains, the watershed of the Caucasus. Because Elbrus precedes the Caucasus main ridge in the north, and even rises higher than it, it is considered the highest mountain and the highest volcano in Europe, making it a recognized Seven Summits peak as well as a recognized member of the Volcanic Seven Summits group. Both mountains are ideal and very rewarding ski mountains. Therefore, in Spring, we have an extra date for ski tourers.

Some theories define the Kuma–Manych Depression north of the Caucasus as the boundary between Asia and Europe, according to which the Elbrus are in Asia, making the active Etna (3350 meters) in Sicily the highest volcano and Mont Blanc (4810 m) in the Alps the highest mountain in Europe. Although the Pico de Teide (3718 meters) located in the Canary Islands is also within the European Union and is even higher than Etna, the Canary Islands are geologically considered a part of the African continent.

The Damavand is a picture book volcano! The perfectly shaped, potentially active stratovolcano is the highest mountain in Iran and lies between Tehran and the Caspian Sea in the Alborz Mountains (not to be confused with the Elbrus volcano in the Caucasus). This highest volcano in Asia and the Northern Hemisphere has a special meaning in Persian mythology.

In the Tibetan Kunlun Mountains, there is a series of volcanic cones whose highest peak is slightly higher than the summit of Damavand. However, the summits of this volcanic group are classified only as pyroclastic cones and their prominence lies below 300 meters. Therefore, they do not belong to the highest volcanic peaks on the planet, giving that honour up to the Damavand as the highest Asian volcano.

check_circle_outline  Included:

• Planning and organization of the whole trip
• All accommodation incl. breakfast in a double room (Hotels, Guesthouses, Huts)
• All transfers according to the programme
• flight from Mineralny Vody to Tehran
• Climbing permits
• Lift tickets
• Continuous support from our English-speaking  mountain guides
• Porters, pack animals
• Half and full board during the whole trip (except on flight days)
• Pharmacy, high altitude emergency Medicine
• Kitchen team
• Satellite communication for a fee and depending on availability
• Radio communication
• All fees & permits
• Weather Reports
• Security and warranty of an Austrian tour operator

help_outline  Optional:

  • Single room supplement: € 450 (not possible in all accommodations)
  • Fees for satellite phones, emails

highlight_off  Not included:

• Personal insurance
• Intl. flights (to Mineralny Vody / back from Tehran)
• Russian visa (must be applied for on time by the participants with the Russian representative in their home country)
• Iranian visa (must be applied for on time by the participants with the Iranian representative in their home country)
• Personal medication
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tips
• Personal mountain and climbing equipment
• Sleeping bag

info  General Infos

Even despite modern equipment and altitude tactics, an expedition to great heights still poses a major challenge. In addition to the conditional requirements, the altitude itself is the greatest difficulty. We attach great importance to a prudent, slow acclimatization.
Weather and mountain conditions can lead to program or route changes. Participation in the expedition is solely at your own responsibility. Furtenbach Adventures is not liable for accidents, damages or losses.

If you are not sure that taking part in an expedition like this is the right thing for you, feel free to contact us on Tel +43 512 204134 or e-mail [email protected] for a personal consultation.

This package in general is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

https  Insurance

We strongly recommend taking out a travel insurance (including trip cancellation, interruption, medical and luggage insurance) at “Europäische Reiseversicherung AG” [European Travel insurance].

For this journey the insurance package “Annual-Complete+Cover” would be suitable. We’re happy to provide you with an individual offer after the booking of the trip or on request.

Note: Tour operator for the Damavand trip: Furtenbach Adventures.

In the Elbrus trip, Furtenbach Adventures will act as an intermediary. We reveal the terms and conditions of the tour operator Elbrustours, whose travel, cancellation and liability conditions are fully met. Address: 3, Podolskoe shosse, Moscow, 115093, Phone: +7 (926) 924 7948

language  Entry Requirements

EU or Swiss citizens:

Iran:
The passport must be valid at least 6 months longer than the granted visa. Each participant needs to apply for a visa to enter Iran at the embassy in your home country early enough. The processing can take a few weeks.

Russia:
The passport must be valid at least 6 months longer than the granted visa. Each participant needs to apply for a visa to enter Russia at the embassy in your home country early enough. The processing can take a few weeks. The required letter of invitation will be sent by Furtenbach Adventures after booking.

To enter Russia a travel health insurance is necessary.

Information about recommended vaccines and health regulations: http://www.who.int/ith/en/

Travelers must be able to prove their return or onward ticket when entering the country.

More detailed information regarding entry, visa and health requirements for this travel destination will be provided once you’ve communicated your nationality.

work  Equipment

A key success factor in expeditions is a good physical condition and stamina. Work out in the months prior to the expedition! Several hours of climbing with a heavy backpack over 1000 meters in altitude per day should not be a problem for you. We are happy to advise you personally on how you can best prepare yourself mentally and physically for an expedition!

insert_chart_outlined  Difficulty/ Technique

The ascent lies in the individual responsibility of the participants under the supervision of an expedition leader. Participants must be able to move safely and independently in mixed terrain (rock, snow, ice) and independently create rope teams when necessary. Showing cooperation, camaraderie and support on the mountain increases the chances of success for everyone. The participants are obliged to follow the instructions and accept the decisions made by the expedition leader. Each participant must know his/her own physical boundaries in order to be able to make the decision to turn back if need be.

perm_identity  Physical Fitness

A key success factor in expeditions is a good physical condition and stamina. Work out in the months prior to the expedition! Several hours of climbing with a heavy backpack over 1000 meters in altitude per day should not be a problem for you. We are happy to advise you personally on how you can best prepare yourself mentally and physically for an expedition!

local_hospital  Health

We recommend each participant to undergo a medical check-up prior to embarking on the expedition. Sound health is a prerequisite for taking part in an expedition. Of particular importance is a trip to the dentist, because previously unnoticed dental problems can suddenly become acute due to altered pressure conditions resulting from higher altitudes.

how_to_reg  Experience

We are very familiar with the charm and attraction of an eight-thousander! However, we want to make certain that you can ascend safely, come back alive, and be able to enjoy the expedition while on it and not afterwards. Therefore, in order to participate in our eight-thousander expeditions, you must already have collected some experience at high altitudes and mountaineering. When booking, please let us know which heights you have already reached and which high mountains you have climbed. If you are a newcomer, no problem, we offer a bespoke program aimed to train you for reaching your desired destination.

In order to participate in our seven-and six-thousander expeditions, you should have at least some experience on the four-thousander peaks of the Alps or other mountain ranges. Our offer for newcomers applies here as well, we can train you to become prudent and safe high altitude climbers!

We offer a special introductory weekend for all those who want to learn about – or refresh their knowledge of – all the skills and techniques needed on an expedition. More info here.

payment  Payment

Deposit Payment is made less than eleven months prior to the end of the trip and is a maximum of 20% of the price. The balance must be paid no earlier than 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding the payment in our GTC.

directions_run Right of withdrawal

The traveller has the right to withdraw from the travel contract at any time by paying the according cancellation fee stated in the General Terms of Conditions of Furtenbach Adventures GmbH.
The following fees apply for cancellations on the part of the client prior to travel:

until 30 days prior to departure…………………………. 30%
29 – 20 days prior to departure…………………….. 40%
19 -10 days prior to departure…………………….. 70%
9 – 4 days prior to departure………………………… 80%
from the 3rd day prior to departure (72 hours)………100%
on the day of departure………………………………… 100% of the tour fee.

The tour operator will be released from the contract if the specified minimum number of participants is not achieved and if the customer has been notified about the cancellation in writing within the following periods: until 20 days prior to departure.

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