10 interesting facts about Mount Elbrus – the highest point in Russia

Striking with its beauty, grandeur and height, which has become a goal for climbers and a muse for writers and musicians, Elbrus is a mountain that gives life and takes it away. This is the source of mighty rivers, home to millennial glaciers and a volcano that is still only sleeping, waiting for the moment to wake up and prove its strength.

Serving as a place of imprisonment for the Greek god Prometheus, who, according to legend, gave fire to people, Elbrus often becomes a grave for tourists who misjudged their capabilities. In our rating, we will talk about interesting facts related to Mount Elbrus.

10 Is a stratovolcano

Few people know that Elbrus is actually a real volcano. More specifically, a stratovolcano. Stratovolcano has the shape of a cone and its landscape consists of layers of lava hardened during cooling. This type of volcano is characterized by steep slopes, high altitude and explosion-like eruptions.

Elbrus last erupted more than five thousand years ago, forcing the cavemen who lived on its slopes to leave their homes and look for new lands. Scientists argue whether Elbrus can wake up again. Some say that it can, moreover, it should happen in 50 years. Others argue that this will not happen and even claim that the last eruption happened not five thousand years ago, but more than 22.

9. It is the highest peak in Russia and Europe

Elbrus is the highest peak in Russia and Europe. Its peak reaches a breathtaking height of 5 meters above sea level. Elbrus has not one, but two peaks, the difference in height between which is no more than twenty meters. They are located at a distance of three kilometers from each other.

The exact height of Elbrus was established by the Russian scientist Vishnevsky back in 1813. Elbrus competes with another giant of Europe – Mont Blanc, whose height is 4 meters, which is 810 meters less than the Caucasian one. Despite all the greatness, Elbrus gives way to the highest mountain in the world, Everest, whose height is as much as 732 meters.

8. From the top of the mountain you can see the Caspian and Black Seas

It is no secret that the most gorgeous view opens from the tops. The mountains themselves are a very beautiful phenomenon, which justifies the risk when climbing them. But only by climbing to the very top you can appreciate the beauty of wildlife and look at everything from a bird’s eye view.

It is for the sake of the panorama that many climbers annually make the most dangerous ascent. And Elbrus occupies a leading position in this regard, rewarding the conquerors with personnel that will forever be engraved in the memory of the most courageous.

Due to the particularly clean air and altitude, climbers have the chance to enjoy a particularly amazing view. Under favorable conditions at the peak, you can see two seas at once – the Caspian and the Black. But it is worth remembering that nature is capricious, especially at such a height. A change in pressure, temperature, or a snowstorm that has risen can make it impossible to see all the beauty in full.

7. Atmospheric pressure at the summit is about 50% of normal

From the school curriculum, we know about the presence of atmospheric pressure and its impact on the human body. Atmospheric pressure greatly affects the functioning of vital systems. With an increase in the level, a person will practically not feel the changes, but with a decrease in the situation, things are different.

With a decrease in atmospheric pressure, a person experiences oxygen starvation and is prone to the so-called mountain sickness. As you go up, the pressure gradually decreases. With every ten and a half meters, it drops by a millimeter of mercury. With simple calculations, we can find out that pressure at the top of Elbrus is half the norm and is 380 mm Hg.Art.

6. First conquered by man in 1829

To date, Mount Elbrus has become a favorite place for experienced climbers. You can climb it both alone and as part of a tourist group. But for a long time, Elbrus remained a peak unconquered by man.

Everything has changed July 22, 1829, when, as part of a military scientific expedition led by General Emmanuel, the first person stepped on the summit. They were Karachai Kilar Khashirov. It was he who received the title of the person who first submitted to Elbrus. We know very little about him and his life, but he forever inscribed his name in the history of the mountain.

5. “Shelter of Eleven” – the highest mountain hotel in the world

A hotel is a common thing for a tourist. This, in our understanding, is a comfortable and soft bed, the All Inclusive service and the next stage right after the airport.

But in the world there is also a completely unusual place for a weary traveler to rest. A place to the entrance to which you need to overcome 4 kilometers. And not along a straight asphalt road, but along the slopes of one of the highest mountains on Earth. Institution “Shelter of Eleven” is the highest mountain hotel in the world.

Interesting fact: The toilet of this hotel was recognized as the worst bathroom on Earth. The reason is simple – few plumbers will come to the call at a height of four kilometers to clear the blockage, and with the cleaning lady, one should assume, the same story.

4. The top of the mountain was conquered in an SUV

Each climber goes from the bottom to the top in his own way. Everyone has their own goals, thoughts and hopes. Even the way to conquer the mountains is different for everyone. Many people tried to conquer Elbrus and many, unfortunately, paid for it with their lives.

But the mountains love the brave and submit to the brave. One of these was Russian climber Alexander Abramov, who managed not only to climb the top of Elbrus, but also to do it by car. Of course, it was not a simple passenger car, which is familiar to us, residents of cities and villages, but a specially prepared Land Rover SUV. But this does not make his act any less courageous and heroic.

3. Elbrus has more than ten different names

The familiar name Elbrus is not the only name of this mountain. Different peoples living and living next to this giant had their own name for him. In the Turkic dialect, it sounded like “Jin padishah”, which in translation meant the master of spirits. In Georgian, Elbrus was called Yalbuz, or snow mane, and the Abkhazian language gave the mountain the name “Orfi-tube“- the mountain of the blessed.

2. The mountain is included in the list of Seven Wonders of Russia

Russia is rich in miracles and beautiful natural phenomena that amaze tourists and local residents with their beauties. The mighty Mount Elbrus is one of these wonders and is included in the list of the Seven Wonders of our vast country.. A dream and a muse for hundreds of travelers from all over the world, Elbrus also holds the title of one of the highest mountains in the six parts of the world.

1. 23 glaciers flow down from the slopes of Elbrus

The slopes of Mount Elbrus are covered with age-old glaciers, giving the mountain a special, unique look. But they play not only a decorative role in the life of the mountain itself and its surrounding territories.

The water that is formed as a result of the melting of ice caps flows down to the foot of Elbrus and feeds the largest and most important rivers of the Caucasus and Stavropol. The rivers Malka, Kuban and Baksan are filled with melt water.

Baksan, which is the right tributary of the Malka River, passes through the territory of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. Malka, passing through the same republic as Baksan, borders on the Stavropol Territory. The Kuban flows into the Sea of ​​Azov.