Mount Elbrus – 5642m (2024)

Climbing Mount Elbrus: Summit #5 of My Singaporean Seven Summits Expedition

In July 2024, I found myself standing on the summit of Mount Elbrus—Europe’s highest peak at 5,642 meters. This marked a major milestone: the fifth summit in my Singaporean Seven Summits Expedition (2022–2025). But like every great mountain, Elbrus wasn’t just about reaching the top—it was about the journey, the camaraderie, and the memories forged in the thin air of the Caucasus.

The Team and the Mission

Our team of five—Paul, Salim, Safari, Irfan, and myself—landed in Mineralnye Vody, buzzing with anticipation. From there, we travelled to the alpine village of Terskol, nestled in the Baksan Valley, where we began our acclimatisation journey. This expedition was organised by JTRACE, the mountain expedition and training company that I’m a co-founder of.

Mount Elbrus has two main summits—East and West. The Western summit, slightly higher and more technically challenging, was our goal. The route itself is deceptively moderate at first, but with weather swings, icy slopes, and thinning oxygen, it demands respect and resilience.

Summit Day – Grit, Snow, and a Little Boost

Summit day started at 3 a.m., but unlike many expeditions, we took advantage of a game-changing option: the snowcat. The powerful machine took us up to Pastukhov Rocks (approx. 4700m)—saving us both time and energy for the real climb. This strategic choice shaved hours off the ascent and preserved our legs for the tougher push above.

From there, we climbed through increasingly thin air, battling icy slopes and frigid gusts. The path to the saddle between the two summits was steep and exposed, but our training and teamwork paid off. Spirits were high, and everyone dug deep.

We reached the West Summit—the true high point of Elbrus—after about 6 hours of climbing from the drop-off point. With clear skies above and the mighty Caucasus below, we celebrated at 11:45 a.m., soaking in the views and the quiet power of the summit.

We descended cautiously, again using the snowcat for the final section—a welcome luxury that made for a faster and safer return to base.

Leading with Heart

This climb was a perfect blend of technical planning and emotional strength. As expedition leader, I was proud to see each team member rise to the challenge. Whether it was adjusting to the altitude, facing down the cold, or simply pushing through mental barriers, we did it—together.

With five summits down, I’m more motivated than ever to complete this journey. Elbrus reminded me that mountaineering isn’t always about brute force—it’s about smart decisions, strong teams, and showing up every day with heart.

Next peak awaits. See you at the top.