Lebanese Heroes in a Journey of Perseverance and Triumph: Conquering the Highest Peak in Europe

Our journey to the summit of Mount Elbrus (5642m) in Russia, the highest peak in Europe, was led by the expert guidance of Summit Souls, a Lebanese adventure travel company founded by the seasoned mountaineer Ouedes Kalpaklian.

Ouedes is no stranger to the challenges of high-altitude climbing. He has conquered over 80 summits above 4000m, including the mighty Mount Everest and Manaslu. His deep passion for mountains, commitment to safety, and adventurous spirit have earned him a strong reputation as a trusted expedition leader. Under his leadership, our group of eight climbers—Hamada Malaeb, Hassan Mourad, Kristina Mehdi, Georges Khoury, Georges Chami, Diana Shakerzianova, Lauren Bin, and Ouedes himself—embarked on a journey that tested our limits and left us with unforgettable memories.

“It was the greatest challenge of my life… and the most daunting. This mountain tested my limits, but it strengthened my resolve. With every step, I felt an increasing connection to the mountain and my inner strength. May I find the courage to conquer all seven summits.”

— Hamada Malaeb

Most of our team departed from Beirut, traveling via Dubai International Airport to Mineralnye Vody in southwestern Russia. There, we were joined by two more teammates—one from Russia and another from Canada. With our full team assembled, we set off on a three-hour journey to Terskol, eager to begin our adventure. As dawn broke, we arrived at our hotel in Azau, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.

Acclimatization and Training

The following day, we began our acclimatization process by hiking Mount Cheget, reaching 3600m, immersing ourselves in the vast landscapes and the challenges that lay ahead. On Day 2, we embarked on a 20km trek to Terskol Observatory, passing by the stunning Devichyi Kosy Waterfall, a sight that left us in awe of nature’s beauty.

By Day 4, we ascended by cable car to Mount Krugozor and climbed beyond Mir Station at 3500m. That night, we enjoyed a cozy stay in a mountain hut, sharing stories and laughter that warmed our spirits against the freezing air outside.

“It was an amazing experience! I could hardly believe how smooth, enjoyable, and comfortable our journey was! Our guides made sure our climb to the summit was as seamless and joyful as possible. I must say, this was the best and most efficient summit so far, despite being the most technically challenging.”
— Kristina Mehdi

The next morning, we took the cable car once again, this time to Garabashi at 3750m, where a snowcat vehicle transported us to our final base at Landmark Hotel Elbrus—our last stop before confronting the mighty Mount Elbrus. Later that day, we pushed forward to reach 4800m as part of our main acclimatization climb.

The following day was dedicated to intense glacier training, safety techniques, and mastering the use of ice axes and fixed ropes. We wrapped up our training at noon, enjoying a hearty meal before resting for the summit push at 2:00 AM. Excitement filled the air, making sleep nearly impossible. We woke up an hour early to double-check our gear and mentally prepare for the challenge ahead.

The Summit Push

Before dawn on August 10, 2024, we began our ascent in complete darkness. As we climbed higher, the conditions became increasingly severe—strong winds, snowstorms, dense fog, and temperatures dropping to -18°C. At certain points, visibility was close to zero, making the fixed ropes our lifeline as we navigated exposed ridges.

Around 4:00 AM, the first glimpse of sunrise broke through the clouds. We turned off our helmet lamps as the fog gradually lifted. Below us, a vast sea of clouds created a surreal view, marking our first rest stop. We took this opportunity to recover, knowing that the final push to the summit awaited us.

“For the fourth time, I have climbed this summit. Maybe we shouldn’t count numbers, but sometimes it’s necessary for the record books. As I always say, it doesn’t matter how many times I return to the same mountain—it’s always an incredible experience. With every climb, a new family is formed within the team, and that’s what truly makes me happy.

On this ascent, despite the challenging conditions, as is always the case on Elbrus, everything went smoothly. The team was well-equipped and experienced, with most members having already climbed Ararat and Kilimanjaro, forming a strong mountain bond.”**
— Ouedes Kalpaklian

With every step, the air became thinner, making each breath more challenging. Yet, we pressed on, hearts filled with determination. By 6:30 AM, the summit of Mount Elbrus finally came into view. We were so close!

At 7:07 AM, we stood on the roof of Europe! Overwhelmed with emotions, we took in the breathtaking panorama around us. It was a moment of triumph, resilience, and pure joy.