|
|
Elbrus
Tips
about
Elbrus
and
Russia
Russia
is
quite
a different
place,
so
prepare
for
a
small
culture
shock.
But
the
people
are
friendly
and
will
try
to
help
you
as
much
as
is
possible.
| Time
to
climb
and
seasons: |
The
mountains
will
be
really
cold
in
winter,
spring
and
autumn,
so
climb
in
the
'warm'
months:
June-
September.
Check
out
the
FAQ
about
weather
and
equipment
here |
| Language: |
some
people
will
speak
a
few
words
of
English,
but
most
will
speak
Russian
only,
so
bring
a
Russian
guide.
In
Moscow
many
people
speak
English,
but
only
in
the
center
of
the
city |
| Money: |
Rubles,
Check
your
bank
or
the
internet
for
the
latest
currency
values.
Be
sure
to
exchange
enough
$$$
in
Moscow
as
this
will
be
a
problem
in
the
Baksan
valley |
| Visa: |
Most
foreigners
need
a
visa
to
enter.
Get
an
invitation
from
a
Russian
travel
agent
or
hotel
and
you
will
be
able
to
buy
one
at
your
local
consulate.
There
are
many
hotels
that
offer
this
service
(faxing
an
invitation)
for
about
$50;
when
you
arrive
you
will
have
to
check
in
your
visa,
which
will
be
validated
the
next
day.
Detailed
information
is
to
be
found
in
the
FAQ
section |
| Food
and
drinks: |
This
is
the
land
of
Vodka!
Bit
also
here
is
an
abundance
of
Pepsi
and
Coca
cola
and
Fanta;
the
water
is
mostly
very
clean
and
tastes
good;
there
are
several
mineral
springs
in
the
valley.
The
food
is
simple
but
nice,
lots
of
cabbage,
soups
and
meat;
also
some
simple
salads
can
be
available. |
| Vaccinations: |
Not
necessary |
| Politics
and
other
hazards: |
Of
course
the
reason
that
the
Caucasus
appeared
on
the
world
map
is
because
of
the
endless
war
in
Chechnya,
which
is
only
about
200km
away,
but
there
are
a
lot
of
high
mountains
in
between,
so
little
of
the
war
is
noticeable
in
the
Valley.
There
are
no
strong
separatist
forces
in
the
Elbrus
region,
although
there
is
a
'weight
control'
post
on
the
way
to
MRV
where
they
don't
check
your
weight! |
|
