Trekking in the Caucasus

Now that the former Soviet Union is open to Western walkers and climbers many are taking the opportunity to visit the fabled Caucasus, the highest mountains in Europe. British climbers knew the area a century ago and, unlike the Alps, the changes have been minimal. 62 walks are described. Some need simple climbing skills but most are straightforward. In addition two routes are described to the tops of Elbruz, the highest mountain in Europe. This is the first modern book of its kind by Russian authors. There are some very easy routes across the Main Range, following good, wide paths, but the fact is that the central part from the Klukhor to Mamisonsky passes cannot offer such a boon. It does not mean you have to climb to get over the Range, but you should not expect a comfortable path up to the saddle and you have to be ready for scree, grass and snow slopes. Not a big hardship, considering the reward in calm and seclusion, so rare nowadays.
 
Now that the former Soviet Union is open to Western walkers and climbers many are taking the opportunity to visit the fabled Caucasus, the highest mountains in Europe. British climbers knew the area a century ago and, unlike the Alps, the changes have been minimal. 62 walks are described. Some need simple climbing skills but most are straightforward. In addition two routes are described to the tops of Elbruz, the highest mountain in Europe. This is the first modern book of its kind by Russian authors. There are some very easy routes across the Main Range, following good, wide paths, but the fact is that the central part from the Klukhor to Mamisonsky passes cannot offer such a boon. It does not mean you have to climb to get over the Range, but you should not expect a comfortable path up to the saddle and you have to be ready for scree, grass and snow slopes. Not a big hardship, considering the reward in calm and seclusion, so rare nowadays.