Immunizations

Travelers to Russia should be up-to-date on all their routine immunizations and consider Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and influenza vaccines. Obviously, see your doctor 4 to 6 weeks prior to your departure.

Passports and Visas: $255+

A current passport, visa, and formal invitation (known as “visa support”) are required to enter Russia. The visa application process can be complicated and lengthy. Travel agencies or guide companies can offer assistance, and some recommend that you go through online visa service companies to guarantee that all forms are correctly filled out and all fees are paid on time. Once in Russia, you must register your visa at your hotel or a local police station within three business days of your arrival.

To climb Mt. Elbrus, you will need your passport, a Russian visa ($190+), a voucher with the Elbrus region mentioned on it, OVIR registration (available at MinVody airport for $15), and an Elbrus area preserve permit (about $50).

Airfare

No matter what company you choose, you will most likely start your trip in Moscow. Travel time from the U.S. to Moscow is about 24 hours.

• $1,245 to $3,145 – Round trip from New York City (LGA) to Moscow (MOW)
• $1,380 to $5,525 – Round trip from Chicago (ORD) to Moscow (MOW)
• $1,370 to $6,000 – Round trip from Los Angeles LAX) to Moscow (MOW)

You will fly from Moscow to the industrial city of Mineralnye Vody (MinVody). The cost for this flight is included in most international tours but usually not in Russian-based tours.

• $285 to $500 – Round trip from Moscow (MOW) to Mineralnye Vody (MRV)

Note: If you do everything exactly wrong, you can end up spending as much as $840 for this 90-minute flight, so watch out!

Guided trips: $670 to $5,100

• Lower prices represent short (8 day/7 night) trips sponsored by Russian companies. They do not include transportation costs or city tours within Russia, permits and fees, and some costs on the mountain. One company lists its “group equipment included in the cost” as a flashlight, a first aid kit, and a rope.
• Higher prices are often trips originating in the U.S., with longer duration (14-16 days), complementary city tours in Russia, group restaurant meals and hotels, well-known guides, high-tech extras like Internet and satellite phones, and close to a 100% success rate.

• Porter support is neither available nor necessary on Mt. Elbrus.
• Trips last anywhere from 8 to 15 days, but Day 1 is “arrive in Moscow” and Day 2 might be a city tour. Day 3 will be “fly and drive to base of mountain.” You’ll need extra days in case of bad weather and two days to get back to Moscow. Acclimatizing to the altitude is essential to the success of your trip, so be sure you feel comfortable with the schedule you’re signing up for.
• If you are traveling with an American company, Leave No Trace strategies are employed to keep pollution and litter to a minimum. If you’re traveling with a Russian company, be aware that it’s a different culture with different priorities.