Ashley Burke, Central Asia 2009

Central Asia 2009 - The Mountains of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan

Trip 2 - Peak Lenin Climb


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Summit bid. Advance to Camp 2 (5300m)

	On the morning of 24 July we were at Camp 1. Starting just after sunrise, we set off for Camp 2. There had been snow falling during the night.
	Our tents at sunrise at Camp 1, just as we were leaving.
	Our tents at sunrise at Camp 1, just as we were leaving.
	Andre climbing towards Camp 2.
	Andre.
	Looking back down to Camp 1.
	Bett and Simon.
	Bett climbing towards Camp 2.
	Extensive views en route to Camp 2.
	Here are our tents at Camp 2 again.

Summit bid. Advance to Camp 3 (6200m)

	On 25th July we climbed from Camp 2 to Camp 3 (6200m). Here is Bett with Camp 2 just below us.
	It was a hard slog from Camp 2 to Camp 3 because we were carrying full packs to above 6000m.
	But the weather was perfect and there were great views back into Kyrgyzstan.
	Here we are at the bottom of the long steep slope that led to Camp 3.
	This climb of the long steep slope to Camp 3 took several hours, even though the height gain was only about 400m.
	Getting closer to the top of the slope.
	At last we reached the top of the slope and got our first views of Camp 3. At last we were on the main ridge that divides Kyrgyzstan from Tajikistan. Peak Lenin is in the background, top left.
	Our first views over the Tajikistan side of the range. Tajikistan is nothing but mountains.
	Views into Tajikistan. Peak Kommunizma is the large peak in the background, top right.
	Our tents at Camp 3, 6200m.

Sunset from Camp 3, 6200m

	Once our tents were up and we'd tea-hydrated, it was time to take some photos.
	Evening light over Tajikistan from 6200m.
	The scene from Camp 3, 6200m.
	Peak Kommunizma, highest in the former Soviet Union.
	Evening views from Camp 3.
	Evening views from Camp 3.
	Our tents after sunset at Camp 3. It was cold now.
	Last light after sunset, Camp 3, 6200m.
	After sunset, Camp 3, 6200m.
	Myself looking at the view, after sunset, Camp 3, 6200m.

SUMMIT DAY - PEAK LENIN

	As expected, summit day began with an uphill slog. Camp 3 is in the top left of this photo.
	Summit day began with a steady 300m altitude gain.
	Here is Andy.
	Bett, with the glacier and Camp 1 now far below.
	After the initial slog, at an altitude of 6500m, there was a level section. Even though it was almost level, it was still slow going due to the high altitude.
	Views from the level plateau across to the mountains of Tajikistan.
	Tajikistan is nothing but a jumble of mountains. This photo is taken from an altitude of about 6600m. This is the high Pamir.
	The high Pamir, from 6600m on Peak Lenin.
	The high Pamir, from 6600m on Peak Lenin.
	The high Pamir, from 6600m on Peak Lenin.
	The high Pamir, from 6600m on Peak Lenin.
	Peak Kommunizma can be seen on right.
	The high Pamir, from 6600m on Peak Lenin.
	Peak Kommunizma!
	Ahead lies the steepest part of the summit day climb. There are fixed ropes on the steep slope ahead.
	Myself, climbing towards the fixed ropes at about 6700m.
	Views from about 6700m on Peak Lenin. Bett and Simon are approaching the fixed ropes.
	Bett and Simon on the fixed ropes.
	At an altitude of about 6900m we face a long and seemingly endless very gentle climb. In the thin air, this is extremely slow and difficult.
	Here we are above 7000m. The route to the summit snakes its way gradually through gently rising country. Due to the extreme altitude, progress is very slow and difficult.
	Now above 7100m, it is only about 100m to the summit. From here the summit flags can be seen, and Simon is nearly on top. It has started snowing.
	7134m. The summit of Peak Lenin.
	7134m. The summit of Peak Lenin.
	7134m. The summit of Peak Lenin.
	7134m. The summit of Peak Lenin. Happy to be on top at last.
	7134m. The summit of Peak Lenin. Bett and Simon.
	In the centre of the photo is Camp 3. It is around 6pm and I have almost made it back to Camp 3, now very tired.

Return to Camp 1

The day after summit day we descended from Camp 3 to Camp 1.

Here at Camp 1 we enjoy tea and watermelon in the sunshine. Thus commenced our rehydration, tea-hydration and post summit celebrations.

Our cooks presented us with a Peak Lenin cake, complete with cream topping in the shape of Peak Lenin.

Simon cuts the cake while we drool at the prospect of partaking in its abundance of fats and sugars.

Return to Base Camp

	On 28th July we crossed the scree for the last time and returned to base camp.
	Even though this was our third time along this route, it seemed just as spectacular.
	Bett crosses the scree en route to base camp.
	Back at the Onion Meadow we are in the land where things grow.
	Back at base camp the weather changed and during the night, snow fell even down here.
	Morning at base camp. Snow is everywhere.
	At base camp we were made another celebration cake!

The End

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


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