Climbed Elbrus - so what next?

Climbed Elbrus – so what next?

Adventure Peaks’ success rate on Elbrus has been consistently good over the past three years, with 186 out of 190 clients reaching the summit and now the big question we are getting asked is….what next?

Is it to go higher than 5642m? If your dream is to reach 6000m, I would suggest:

Ecuador Volcanoes, 6310m

Ecuador is an astonishingly beautiful country that has some of the highest volcanoes in the world. Our Ecuador Volcanoes expedition tackles four of the best volcanic peaks, with a careful programme of acclimatisation and skills development to ensure you have the best chance of success, comfort and enjoyment combined with sufficient rest days to absorb the culture and visit the colorful Indian market of Otavalo. We initially climb on the peaks of Pasochoa and Guagua Pichincha before taking time out to visit the vibrant Otavalo market. Two days of skills are given before we attempt our next volcanoes Cotopaxi (5897m), Illinizas (5116m) and Cayambe (5790m), a beautiful glaciated peak and ideal preparation for our final peak Chimborazo (6310m), the highest peak in Ecuador.

Stok Kangri, 6153m

The region of Ladakh is a truly inspirational destination. The ascent of Stok Kangri is technically straightforward and makes an ideal objective for a first Himalayan peak but will be challenging due to the altitude. This is a wonderfully varied trip where the people of Ladakh and their unique culture give a distinctive feel to a stunning trek and a 6000m mountain that can be completed in just 2 weeks.

Saife and Sudarshan Peak, 6507m

These rarely climbed peaks lie in the heart of the Indian Himalaya away from the crowds of Nepal. Our main objective is Sudarshan but we anticipate being able to climb the stunning ridge of Saife Peak during our approach and acclimatisation phase of the expedition. The views from both peaks are spectacular and will leave an indelible impression in your memory. The majestic view of Shivling, the Matterhorn of the Himalayas, is always present and it is surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the world. Few groups have discovered these peaks – take advantage now!

But if you are short of time and can’t stretch to 2 weeks:

Mexico Volcanoes, 5636m (11 days)

This expedition to Pico de Orizaba (5636m) offers the opportunity to climb the highest volcano in North America, along with two other Mexican volcanoes; Malinche (4460m) and Iztaccihuatl (5260m). Pico de Orizaba is also one of the Seven Volcanic Summits, the highest volcano on each continent.

Mt Damavand, 5610m (10 days)

If you have already climbed the highest peak and volcano in Europe, then Damavand could be your next summit. It is Asia’s highest volcano and therefore another of the Seven Volcanic Summits. It is a delightful challenge for mountaineers and is located north of Tehran, close to the Caspian Sea and dominates the Alborz mountain range. With its near-symmetrical lines, Damavand is a beautiful and graceful volcanic peak.

The diverse, for those who want to be different:

Kamchatka, 4750m

Kamchatka is without exaggeration one of the most spectacular regions in the world. A land of volcanoes, fire and ice, active boiling springs, geysers, waterfalls and volcanic sculptures displaying a multitude of colours that took millions of years to create.

So where is Kamchatka? Its shores are on the Pacific and it’s in one of the remotest places in the world! You will find it at the far Eastern tip of Russia beyond Siberia. Still interested? Look for a small peninsular jutting down towards Japan. The area is remote with practically no infrastructure. We will aim to climb four of the most interesting volcanic summits in Kamchatka: Avachinski (2741m), Ushkovsky (3903m), Krestovsky (4057m) and the highest Kluchevskoy (4750m), a perfect cone.

Mount Belukha, 4506m

Our leaders have described this peak in Siberia as one of the most stunningly beautiful places they have been to. This remote trip combines a stunning approach trek bordering Mongolia, with the ascent of the highest summit of the whole Altai Mountains, the magnificent Mount Belukha (4506m). The summit is reached via fixed ropes to give dramatic views across Siberia and the Altai.

Borneo 3 Peaks, 4095m

A great adventure that combines the ascent of Mt Mulu Api Pinnacles, Mt Kinabalu and remote Mt Trusmadi with nature, the jungle and flora, like entering the world of ‘Lord of the Rings’. The expedition includes the thrills of the world’s highest via ferrata from the most beautiful mountain view in Malaysia and visits Turtle Island and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Mt Wilhelm and Mt Giluwe, 4509m

Enjoy this remote journey into the depths of Papua New Guinea. We start by acclimatising on Mt Hagen before attempting Mount Giluwe (4368m), the second highest mountain in Papua New Guinea, and the highest volcano on the Australasian continent. The ascent takes you through jungle, grassland, past innumerable tarns and lakes, but don’t expect home comforts. The climb is magnificent but it’s wild, and remote. Once acclimatized, we transfer our energy onto Mount Wilhelm, the island’s highest peak at 4509m. Again this is a wild and remote approach that presents the opportunity to experience ancient cultures and tribes people that are still largely intact. Leave behind any western ideas of comfort; this is a journey back in time. The paths are remote, crossing rivers, alpine grassland, glacial valleys and moss forests, the home of several birds of paradise.