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I just came across this news report about riots in Kyrgyzstan and especially the town of Osh:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100611/ap_on_re_as/as_kyrgyzstan_unrest

I am wondering if that is going to affect climbing in the Pamir, not that I was planning to go there this summer, but just in general. Was anybody here on SP planning to go there?

I'll be leaving for Kyrgyzstan in less than three weeks, although we will be climbing in the Kokshaal-Too (eastern Kyrgyzstan), not the Pamirs. We won't be anywhere near Osh, but will have to go through Bishkek. Needless to say, we are monitoring the situation closely.

I'll be on the 4th july in Osh, intend to plan a securit access to the base camp of Lenin Peak (Achik-Tash). If anyone have good news or would be associated with us to save money, he is welcome. Actually I have sent several mail to trekking organisation, still wait for answer

I report an exchange with itmc for the situation in the area of Osh

********************************************************
As you know the situation is difficult in south Kurgyzstan (Jala-Abad
and Osh) indeed. But there are sign that the situation is getting
better.

At the momment the road from Jalal-Abad to Osh is blocked by police and
military forces, the regular flights are not in operation
the airport in Osh works only for the transfer military authorities,
humanitarian aid and for the evacuation from Osh .

According to official information from Kyrgyz authorities, military authorities and news from Osh
we expect that the situation will improve during next 10-15 days.
We think during next 2 weeks it will be more clear if security situation can become safe for tourists in a month or not.
To the moment it is hard to say.

All infrastructure facilities are ready to set up the Base Camp and ABC at lenin Peak.
And we are waitting for the improving of the situation, unblocking of the roads, renewal of the security
situation in the region. And we are waiting for better news every day.
Although there are several clients who still wish to go to Lenin Peak in mid July.

In Osh there are many shops, internet clubs, theater and
a bank were destroyed on June 11-12. The Osh market is closed.
It is hard to say if you will be able to buy supplies in Osh.

If the situation in south will be safe we are planning to set up BC
and ABC about July 4-6. Now we have not order for the shared transfer
on July 4th. Sorry to say. If there will be transport to BC in
Achik-tash we will let you know.
*******************************************

Situation is not so clear, and I plan to go to Achik Task through the Tadjik side, fromn Douchambe to Sary Tash via Djirgital

another news for 16 jun 2010 :

At the moment Kyrgyz-Tajik border post "Kyzyl-Art" is closed.
You can not cross the border unfortunately. Probable the situation will be
more or less safe in the south in July and you will be able to pass to
Lenin Peak from Bishkek.

Since the climbing season in the high Pamir should be over now, I was wondering if there were any climbing activities this year for example on Peak Lenin or the other 7000ers. I did not read anything anymore about the riots lately and how the situation is now. It does not appear to be a topic of any interest in the news media here in the US.

I can't speak for the Pamirs, but I was in Kyrgyzstan for 5 weeks this summer and can confidently say there are ZERO issues related to the riots. Life is normal in Bishkek. The only thing we saw was one burned-out building. Apparently Osh is a bit more scarred, but I would feel fine if I were to travel through there. The Kyrgyz people were amazingly friendly and helpful.

I wasn't on an 7000ers, but I know there were lots of people who climbed Pobeda and Khan Tengri. I believe there was even a new route established on Pobeda by a team of Russians (check the Alpinist newswire). My team and I put up three new routes on unclimbed peaks in a region of the Kokshaal-Too known as the Djangart. I haven't had a chance to get anything on SP yet, but here are the three routes: