Ashley Burke, Central Asia 2009

Central Asia 2009 - The Mountains of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan

Trip 2 - Peak Lenin Climb


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Page 2

Advance to Camp 2 (5300m) and then Stay at Camp 2

	The route to Camp 2 is crevassed so we set off before first light to ensure we would cross the crevassed area while the snow was still firm. Here we are on the approach to the slopes leading to Camp 2, at first light.
	Ahead of us lies the slope leading up to Camp 2.
	A frozen pool on the glacier.
	The route ahead leading up towards Camp 2.
	The first rays of sunlight touch the surrounding peaks.
	Dawn over the glacier near Camp 1.
	Bett on the steep slope en route to Camp 2.
	Vincent and Boris.
	Vincent and Boris.
	Vincent and Boris.
	Boris.
	Looking back down to the glacier. Camp 1 is on the morraine at the left of the glacier. Base camp is out of sight, behind the tongue of the glacier.
	Andre.
	David and Vincent.
	Vincent and Boris.
	Boris.
	Andre, David, Vincent and Boris.
	David, Vincent and Boris.
	Andre, David, Vincent and Boris.
	With most of the steep climbing and crevasses behind us we enjoy a long rest in the warm sunshine. Camp 2 is not far away.
	Here is Camp 2. There are a large number of tents, most of them belonging to other climbing groups. Not all tents are occupied because teams leave tents pitched at Camp 2 ready for when they return here from higher or lower on the mountain. Our small number of tents are on the far right.

Acclimatization hike to 5850m above Camp 2 and then return to Camp 2

	On 19th July it was another fine day so some of us climbed above Camp 2 to gain further altitude acclimatization. We then returned to Camp 2 and stayed there a second night.
	Simon climbing above Camp 2.
	Andy climbing above Camp 2.
	Myself above Camp 2. After a height gain of about 300m above Camp 2 there are views again. There are no views from Camp 2 itself.

Descent back to Base Camp to Rest Prior to Summit Bid

	On 20 July, after having spent 2 nights acclimatising at Camp 2, we returned all the way back down to base camp to rest in preparation for our summit bid.
	En route between Camp 1 and base camp we passed horsemen in this dramatic landscape.
	Crossing the scree slopes again on our way between Camp 1 and base camp.
	A marmot in the valley above the Onion meadow.
	Marmot.
	Back at base camp.
	There isn't much to do at base camp except sit in the sun (when it's shining) and read a book.
	We were at base camp on my birthday and that evening we had birthday cake for dessert.

Ok. Finally it was time for our summit bid. Click next to continue.

Page created 22 Aug 2009, last updated 22 Aug 2009.


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