We are considering going to Tajikistan after Pik Lenin to attempt the two 7000m peaks there this summer. I have a few questions:

1.) Does anyone know of a basic services only, less expensive helicopter service to base camp? The cheapest, most basic package I can find is with AK-SAI travel, which is about $1900.
2.) I read a lot about how nasty the base camp food was last year; that several people got sick and didn't climbing anything. That the whole place is infested with e coli. Does anyone know if measures were taken to improve the situation for this season?

I climbed Pik Lenin in 2012 with Ak Sai. I had originally wanted to do Komm/Korz but my partner could not get in-country early enough.

It seemed all agencies used just one or two days in July to fly in, using the same helicopter logistics, then one or two days to fly out - much more restricted/concentrated than years ago. I could be wrong on that, but that is what I seem to remember from my research. So I doubt there is another helicopter operation other than what Ak Sai use.

FWIW, Ak Sai were good for Lenin, and while the food is OK, it's not great - and I'm not a fussy eater. I didn't hear about the e-coli in the other camp.