2 Climbers Found Dead on Russia’s Second-Highest Mountain Peak

Sep. 23, 2026 Russian Emergencies Ministry Two missing climbers were found dead following a three-day search and rescue operation on one of Russia’s highest mountains in the North Caucasus republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, the Emergency Situations Ministry said Wednesday. The climbers went missing on Sunday while attempting a highly challenging ascent of Mount Dykhtau, which rises 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level and is the second-highest peak in Russia and Europe after Mount Elbrus. Both failed to contact base camp personnel at their designated time and elevation of 3,800 meters, after which emergency services were alerted. The Emergency Situations Ministry said it planned to dispatch a commercial helicopter to evacuate the bodies. Russian media reported that the climbers had arrived from the cities of Nizhny Novgorod and Tolyatti. Regional law enforcement authorities reportedly opened a preliminary investigation into the deaths. The deaths come after an avalanche on the nearby Mount Mizhirgi killed 17 climbers earlier in September. Read more about: Kabardino-Balkaria , Emergency Situations Ministry , Accidents , Regions Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Bosnian Climbers Die on Russia’s Mount Elbrus Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry said rescuers had saved two other climbers, who were evacuated and taken for medical care. 1 Min read Sauna Owner in Kemerovo Region Placed in Pre-Trial Detention After Fire Kills 5 Teenagers This is the third deadly scandal to rock the Siberian region in less than a month. 2 Min read Train Slams Into Tourist Bus Near St. Petersburg, Killing 1 and Injuring 16 Police said the train hit the rear of the bus, which was carrying members of a religious group on their way to the Alexander-Svirsky Monastery. 1 Min read Flooding Emergency Declared in Far East Russia’s Sakha Nearly 450 homes and more than 550 land plots have been flooded since the Lena River started overflowing last week. 1 Min read