Page 1 of 1

How hard/easy is Peak Lenin?

PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 2:59 am
by SOE digital
Sorry if this is a bit of a bone question.

I'm thinking of joining an expedition organised through 'World Expeditions', which involves a 23 day trip, including a sumit ascent on Lenin; led by Simon Yates. Trip date is mid 2008.

I've had no apline experience, but I consider myself quite fit and I do a lot of rock climbing around West Australia. Am I getting in way over my head, by giving this a crack...with no real alpine experience? I understand it all depends on the person, and giving a dead on yes or no answer is impossible, but as a rough guide, should you have a few years experience before giving Lenin a go or is it as easy as I hear it is?

Cheers guys. Once again, sorry for the noobish question.

PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 3:53 am
by radson
A fellow Sandgroper!!

Without knowing you from a bar of soap, it is possible but unlikely you will have a good time on a 7000m ascent with no prior experience. There is a lot of merit to do your apprenticeship so to speak and do like what a lot of us aussies do and go to NZ and do a TMC and then over the years progress by going to S. America, Himalayan Trekking Peaks etc before attempting anything too big. Accumulate the experience and gear before going too high.

World Expeditions ara also very expensive. Why not go to Nepal and do some 6000m peaks for a fraction of the cost.

But if you have your heart set on Lenin, best of luck, take care and read everything you can on acclimitisation, keeping warm etc. Despite the money you pay for an expedition outfitter, at the end of the day, you are the one responsible for your health and safety.

you may also want to contact Dave Hancock at www.fieldtouring.com. His company is perth based.

PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 6:49 pm
by BigLee
It's around 7200m but involves no real technical difficulty so is ideal for a first "big one" Lenin can be very cold due to its northern latitude and is no place to go without adequate equipment. You really need plastic boots or modern equivalents, and decent down and Goretex otherwise you could have problems. Personally I'd just go for it if you have the right gear as you don't know until you try. Besides, if you've good rope work from rock climbing you'll probably be doing better than others! Kygryzstan is also an incredibly beautiful country. Colin Jackson once said it's 90% preparation, 10% what happens on the day - generally the same with climbing so I'd use the year to prepare!