Mount Elbrus, Highest mountain in Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia.
Elbrus rises as a pair of volcanic summits, the western one at 5642 meters and the eastern at 5621 meters above sea level. Both peaks stay covered in snow and ice throughout the year, while the lower slopes show meadows and rocky terrain in summer.
The first recorded climb of the eastern summit took place in 1829 by Khillar Khachirov, a local guide from the region. The higher western peak was only reached in 1874 by British mountaineer Frederick Crauford Grove.
Herders from nearby villages bring their livestock to the slopes during warmer months, keeping old traditions alive in the high pastures. Travelers often see small stone cairns left by climbers along the trails, marking paths and honoring safe passage.
Cable cars carry hikers and climbers up to roughly 3800 meters, where different routes continue higher. Mountain huts along the ascent routes offer shelter and serve as stopover points for multi-day trips.
Twenty-two glaciers drape the slopes and feed several river systems that flow down into the plains. The ice streams are clearly visible from the valleys below and shape the look of the whole landscape.
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