Russian Federation (Asian part)

The Ural Mountains divide Russian Federation into European and Asian parts. The latter part is almost 3 times bigger and more diverse. 60% of its territory is covered with forests and plains (tundra, taiga, mixed forests) and can be regarded as an attraction in itself, due to the unique ecological system and presence of wild animals. The Caucasus mountain range also attracts foreign visitors with its highest peak Elbrus (5642 m AMSL). It is located in the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, near the boarder with Georgia. This extinct volcano is build from anderite lava and consists of two summits covered with snow. It is regarded as Europe's highest peak by Reinhold Messner. Tourists in the area can also enjoy rafting on Amur river and Lena river and experience ride on the Tran Siberian Rail.

Scheduled program I: The quest for Elbrus

We begin our trip by taking a train ride from Warsaw to Moscow. Later we switch to a plane and take off to Mineral'Nye Vody. Another change of transport, this time a minibus, takes us to the destination - Elbrus village in the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria. We have to spend some time to buy food and to get permission to cross the border, but eventually we continue to the town of Azal. The town is located 2300 m AMSL, yet its not even half way up to the Elbrus mount, so a gondola ride is necessary. We have to reach one stop after Mira station known collectively as "The barrel station" at 3780 m AMSL. It is a perfect spot to organize camp and to rest before further climbing. In the morning we begin to approach the Prijut refuge at 4100 m AMSL. Spending few days in the refuge is essential as we must acclimate ourselves to the new environment. We can only reach the Pastuchov Rocks (4800 m AMSL), since by the sunset we have to get back to the hostel. With our preparations completed, we leave the refuge at 3 in the morning to pass the Pastuchov Rocks and the range between the summit and Elbrus mount. This is a long, rocky distance to walk. With the good weather condition we are able to see the whole panorama of Caucasus mountain range, especially the summits of Donguz-Orun, Ushba and Dychtau. Sometimes you can also spot the shores of the Black Sea as well. Please note that weather in the mountains changes quickly and we are unable to schedule this trip day after day. Our instructors will do their best to allow as many people as we can to reach the peak in the safest way possible. If we fail to size the summit, we try again if the weather permits. Having some additional time on our way down we can sightsee the valleys. We must keep one thing in mind- we have to walk more than at the Alps, so it's wise not to overwork yourselves. Elbrus- once an active volcano, is not difficult to climb and it lacks perpendicular walls and steep cracks. With the elevation of 5642 m AMSL, it is a real challenge. Volcanic fumes that reek from the rocks and splits can be dangerous.

Date:
Deadline for participation:
Length of the program : 2 weeks
Cost:

Scheduled program II: Russia - Kamchatka Ring of Fire

Kamchatka Peninsula covers an area of 370 000 km² and is located in the far east of Russian Federation. It divides Sea of Okhotsk and Pacific Ocean. There is only a small passage that links the peninsula to the continet- The Parapolsky Dol - the narrow lowland with the length about 100 km. The natural environment is unaltered. The coastline of Kamchatka is clear and placid, yet the peninsula is home to a number of volcanoes (28 active and over 130 extinct to date). The highest peak of Kamchatka is Klyuchevskaya Sopka (4750 m AMSL).

We take a train ride to Moscow from where we take off to Petropavlovsk. Our next stop is in Klyucha. There we begin our 5-6 days of climbing up the Klyuchevskaya Sopka (4750 m AMSL). Please note that this volcano is active but the last erruption was recorded in 1996. The sumit is not hard to reach but you will have to walk a lot - over a distance of 30 km. Later we continue to the Gayzer Valley in the Kronotsky Reserve where over 100 geyzers can be found. We end our trip after 13 days.

Date: June 2006
Deadline for participation: 30.04.2006
Length of the program: 2 weeks
Cost: