Elbrus World Race: the Long Azau Ring via Khotiutau and Chatkara: run in Kabardino-Balkaria
TrailTrack route Run Kabardino-Balkaria Multi-day
Waiting for the first trip report

Elbrus World Race: the Long Azau Ring via Khotiutau and Chatkara

Distance
135.6 km
Estimated moving time
1 d 8 h
Elevation gain
—
Difficulty
Hard
Open on map
Download route
GPXFor navigation apps KMLFor Google Earth and maps

Route description

The long Elbrus World Race ring leaves Azau via Khotiutau for Elbrus’s western side, then works around the massif from north to east. Khotiutau marks a distinct departure from the southern resort valley into more autonomous mountain terrain. Deep valleys alternate with open saddles; Balk-Bashi, North Karakaysky and Kyrtykaush belong to different sides of the circuit. Balyk, Dzhikaugenkez and Chatkara follow in the upper eastern portion before the direction returns towards the inhabited Baksan valley and Azau. This is a longer running option from earlier years. Contemporary competition courses have changed, so confirm admission, accompaniment and staffed support for the actual programme. The outing meets Elbrus from different sides without climbing its summits.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Added from a track

This route was added from a track. Individual sections have not been checked in the field.

Route data was imported from GPX and has not been field-verified.

Last updated Update date not provided

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

Recent completions

0

Be the first to confirm a completion and help other travellers.

Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
The high crossings reveal several sides of Elbrus within one extensive circuit. Valleys and saddles define the sequence from Khotiutau to the eastern Chatkara crossings, ending again on the southern side.
Length
135.6 km
Elevation gain
7417 m
Surface
Нет данных
Elbrus World Race: the Long Azau Ring via Khotiutau and Chatkara: route photo 3 in Kabardino-Balkaria

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car - Hard With children - No With a dog - No data By bike - No With a stroller - No Mobile signal - No data Arrange Azau arrival, emergency exits and the return beforehand. This is a demanding long mountain-running option for experienced participants; a children’s leisure outing, bicycle or stroller is unsuitable. Dog rules throughout and continuous reception are unconfirmed. Organizer food and support operate only within an agreed event programme.

Nearby

Elbrus’s summits and Chatkara summit are independent ascents excluded from this pass-based ring. Terskol and Maiden Braids waterfall walks can be planned separately after returning. Contemporary Elbrus World Race editions have their own changed direction, admission and organization.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
Verified current regular transport directly to the selected long-ring start is unavailable. Arrange arrival in Azau with the host beforehand. Transfers listed in a competition programme are not a public timetable for an independent outing.
By car
Azau is the lower start and return point in the selected version. Arrange vehicle delivery and the drop-off before travelling, and include other valley exits in the emergency plan. Driving over the ring’s high passes is unconfirmed.
Parking
Verified current parking information for this selected long version is unavailable. Arrange vehicle storage on the lower side for the complete undertaking. A parking-based start of a future shorter course does not establish storage beside this Azau start.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Khotiutau Pass the first high crossing towards the western side.
Balk-Bashi Pass the northwestern saddle of the extensive circuit.
North Karakaysky Pass the crossing after the northern portion.
Kyrtykaush Pass the saddle on Elbrus’s eastern side.
Balyk Pass the beginning of the upper eastern sequence.
Dzhikaugenkez Pass the next high saddle in this sequence.
Chatkara Pass the crossing before descending to the inhabited valley.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 7417 м.
SurfaceТип покрытия пока не определён.
Риски Snow-and-ice ground near Khotiutau, river crossings and high eastern saddles need particular care. Fatigue increases risk on stone and steep descents. Do not expect volunteers, marking or food outside the race. Establish documents and the permitted direction for border-zone portions beforehand. Dangerous water, snowfall or worsening visibility call for an agreed exit instead of an obligatory completion of the ring.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 1 d 8 h
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
Time for the route | Unestablished With stops | Unestablished Complete duration of a multi-day hike or running undertaking around the older long ring is not established for the actual party. Competition allowances for 2026 and 2027 describe different options and do not plan this undertaking. A hiking circuit requires independently agreed overnight stops, food, acclimatization and emergency exits. A day-by-day plan is not established.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
The selected circuit needs snow-free lower paths, safe upper snow-and-ice crossings and suitable river levels. Race dates do not guarantee independent-outing conditions. Storms, wind, cold and fresh snow can interrupt even summer travel; a winter option is unestablished.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Mountain footwear, warm clothing and waterproof layers under the complete mountain plan.
Main and reserve headlamps, emergency protection, first aid, water and food between confirmed resupply points.
Snow-and-ice equipment under organizer assessment, an exit map, communication and required border documents.

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

Verified current regular transport directly to the selected long-ring start is unavailable. Arrange arrival in Azau with the host beforehand. Transfers listed in a competition programme are not a public timetable for an independent outing

Is this route suitable for children?

Do not treat this as a basic child-friendly route: check difficulty, length, and trail conditions before going.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 135.6 km, hard.

Discussion

Comments 0

Log in to read the discussion and leave comments.

Ask about the route or its surface, or share your experience.

Log in Sign up