Approach notes

From Nalchik there is a daily marshrutka leaving the bus station in the afternoon towards Terskol (the jumping off point for Mount Elbrus). The trailhead for the Shkhelda Valley begins a short distance beyond the village of Elbrus (the place not the mountain), immediately after a bridge that crosses the river from the true left to the true right.

Initially the way follows a paved road. Shortly after the border check post, Elbrus camp is reached. From here path up the Shkhelda valley begins. The start of the path isn't obvious so ask a local if in doubt. Once on the path the way is easy and there are no forks to cause confusion. If leaving Nalchik in the afternoon you will likely spend the first night below the Shkhelda Glacier. On the second day continue to climb the valley, mount the Shkhelda Glacier then follow its true left side. The glacier is covered in moraine between the glacier