Nalchik
Kabardino-Balkaria
Mt Elbrus. Kabardino-Balkarian Republic of Russia. Эльбрус
Elbrus at 5642m is the highest mountain in Europe and the approach to it has to be one of the most stunning views of this region. About 2 hrs drive from Nalchik through stunning Alpine scenery. A drive along the twisting roads, takes you through many old traditional villages with farmland as well as stopping for cattle that are seemingly everywhere except in the fields.
The roads and hillside are lined with fast flowing rivers which are fed from the melting mountain snow.
As we arrived at about 9.00 am it was very mild in the sunshine at base level but up towards the peak the temperature dipped to minus double figures with gusts unleashing the powdery snow like a sand storm.
The stunning twin peaks at the summit of Mt Elbrus.
The base has its own market area where local produce and knitwear is sold, where you can also enjoy the usual favourites such as barbequed meats, hichini and more.
Two sets of cable cars service the ground base, one very modern and French built and the older traditional type car of Russian build, you certainly notice the difference. The Russian version conjures up thoughts of those old combat films where action heroes climb out and have gun fights hanging off the side of these things. Every little jolt and creak is felt but they appeared quite safe, you have to experience both. The views on the way up are out of this World, what a privelage to see this place ! At the second base you can treck further again by cable car or the snow track vehicles which are popular with skiiers. There is also a restaurant where we enjoyed the local version of mulled wine, must have been have been 50% proof of some alcoholic beverage. Great meeting place to tast the local cuisine as well as taking in the views. Absolute paradise for skiing enthusiasts but just walking around was enough for me with such breath taking views and fresh air. 
Happy laika dog wandering around at second base who was grateful for his share of hichini in the wooden built cafe and bar. Nice little place to get out of the blisteringly cold wind with great food and drinks to warm you up.
Эльбрус 2008
Elbrus at 5642m is the highest mountain in Europe and the approach to it has to be one of the most stunning views of this region. About 2 hrs drive from Nalchik through stunning Alpine scenery. A drive along the twisting roads, takes you through many old traditional villages with farmland as well as stopping for cattle that are seemingly everywhere except in the fields.
The roads and hillside are lined with fast flowing rivers which are fed from the melting mountain snow.
As we arrived at about 9.00 am it was very mild in the sunshine at base level but up towards the peak the temperature dipped to minus double figures with gusts unleashing the powdery snow like a sand storm.
The stunning twin peaks at the summit of Mt Elbrus.
The base has its own market area where local produce and knitwear is sold, where you can also enjoy the usual favourites such as barbequed meats, hichini and more.
Two sets of cable cars service the ground base, one very modern and French built and the older traditional type car of Russian build, you certainly notice the difference. The Russian version conjures up thoughts of those old combat films where action heroes climb out and have gun fights hanging off the side of these things. Every little jolt and creak is felt but they appeared quite safe, you have to experience both. The views on the way up are out of this World, what a privelage to see this place ! At the second base you can treck further again by cable car or the snow track vehicles which are popular with skiiers. There is also a restaurant where we enjoyed the local version of mulled wine, must have been have been 50% proof of some alcoholic beverage. Great meeting place to tast the local cuisine as well as taking in the views. Absolute paradise for skiing enthusiasts but just walking around was enough for me with such breath taking views and fresh air.
Happy laika dog wandering around at second base who was grateful for his share of hichini in the wooden built cafe and bar. Nice little place to get out of the blisteringly cold wind with great food and drinks to warm you up.
Эльбрус 2008