We are now in a small East Russian city callled Irkutsk. Having spent the last 6 nights on the trans siberian train, its nice to sleep in a normal bed! However, tonight we get on the train again to cross the border into Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar. Irkutsk is a nice city, with lots of trees lining the streets. There is also a lot of very old, unique, timber buildings scattering the city. Our main aim while here was to get our Mongolian visas as Roy's Russian visa exp...

On June the 8th we arrived in Min Vody Airport where we were met by our Russian Guide, Uri.After the usual inspection of our paperwork we made the long journey (3 hours) into the Valley to the foot of Mount Elbrus. On the way we met a lot of animals on the the road, wandering aimlessly, the driver swerving a number of times to avoid a collision. At the hotel we were given our intinary for the next 11 days. Each day, except one, involved high altitude climbing,...

Just arrived.........

Just arrived.........

This is where it all begins......