Climb from the picturesque meadows of the Pamir Plateau to the summit of Kyrgyzstan's Peak Lenin. A non-technical yet challenging ascent of truly Himalayan proportion, Peak Lenin is an ideal progression towards your 8,000m goals.
Situated in the Pamir Mountains of Kyrgyzstan, Peak Lenin is the second highest mountain in the former Soviet Union. This non-technical ascent is an ideal stepping-stone to an 8,000m peak.
We schedule the climb as a standalone journey into enigmatic Central Asia or an ‘add-on’ to climbing Mount Elbrus in Russia, allowing you to climb one of the Seven Summits and a 7,000m peak in only 28 days!
Step-up to Peak Lenin with a pre-acclimatisation climb on Europe's highest peak and Seven Summit Mount Elbrus!
Making the most of your acclimatisation, follow your Elbrus expedition by flying directly from Mineralnye Vody to Osh. Here you'll transfer to the Peak Lenin Base Camp and fast track your ascent by moving straight onto the mountain. A short 15-day itinerary that provides ideal preparation for those looking towards attempts on more challenging 8,000m Himalayan climbs.
The Add On to Elbrus option is available on Elbrus Expeditions 2 or 3. See the Itinerary and Dates & Prices tabs for further information, or contact us.
Information on the Elbrus Expeditions can be found in the Expedition Trip Notes by clicking the images above or on our Elbrus page.
Peak Lenin Dates 2023
July 11–31, 2023
Add On to Elbrus Dates 2023
Add on to Elbrus 2: July 30 to August 13, 2023
Add on to Elbrus 3: August 17–31, 2023
Pricing Schedule 2023
The cost of the standalone Peak Lenin Expedition ex Osh, Kyrgyzstan is US$6,500.
The cost of the Add On to Elbrus Expedition ex Mineralnye Vody, Russia is €5,500.
Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.
We employ strong and specialised Expedition leaders and staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable base camp facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.
Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Account Information
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch
42 Willis Street
Spark Central
Wellington
New Zealand
for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited
Account # 1000-594771-0000
Account Type: US Dollars
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter's account.
We can also accept your deposit and balance payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card fee.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of US$500 is payable to secure a place on the expedition.
Balance
The balance is payable 90 days prior to trip start date
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 90 days prior to your trip commencement date. An expedition member may then cancel their participation on the following basis:
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons.
Account Information
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch
42 Willis Street
Spark Central
Wellington
New Zealand
for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited
Account Number: 1000-594771-0002
Account Type: Euros
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
We can also accept your deposit and balance payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card transaction fee.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of €500 is payable to secure a place on the expedition.
Balance
The balance of funds is payable 90 days prior to trip start date.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 90 days prior to your trip commencement date. An expedition member may then cancel his/her participation on the following basis:
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons.
The Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Peak Lenin Expedition. You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Team Membership
The team will have a minimum size of 5 members and 2 guides and a maximum size of 12 members and 4 guides.
Our Guides
The expedition leader will be scheduled approximately six months out from the trip start. All of our expedition leaders have extensive experience at high altitude and a proven record of safety, success and compatibility.
Head Office Support Team
Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.
Hayley Furze, Client Liaison
Hayley joins the AC team with a wealth of experience working in the tourism and hospitality industry along with a love of travel. She works as Client Liaison on a number of our European and international ascents, treks and expeditions.
Your Health
Expedition members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their family physician and receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the expedition leader and our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality. Please also enquire about our Fitness Training Programs.
Difficulty Rating
Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.
Food
Food will be of the highest standard possible, given the remoteness of the location. We can cater to special dietary requirements, please advise us at the time of registration. For special diets such as vegan and gluten/dairy free we will call you to discuss your needs and how this will work on the expedition.
Clothing & Equipment
Adventure Consultants will supply all group gear (e.g. ropes, etc.) whilst expedition members are to provide their own personal clothing and equipment. A comprehensive equipment list will be provided to expedition members upon confirmation of your participation.
| Day | |
| 1 | Arrive in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. |
| 2 | Transfer from Osh to Peak Lenin Base Camp (3,600m/11,800ft). |
| 3 | Acclimatisation walk towards Puteshestvennikov Pass (4,200m/13,800ft). |
| 4 | Acclimatisation ascent of Petrovskogo Peak (4,910m/16,109ft), descend to Base Camp. |
| 5 | Climb to Camp 1 (4,400m/14,440ft). |
| 6 | Acclimatisation ascent of Domashniy Peak (4,700m/15,20ft), overnight at Camp 1. |
| 7 | Rest day |
| 8 | Climb to Camp 2 (5,300m/17,400ft). |
| 9 | Day climb to Camp 3 (6,200m/ 20,340ft), descend to Camp 2. |
| 10 | Climb to Camp 3. |
| 11 | Descend to Camp 1. |
| 12-13 | Rest days |
| 14 | Climb to Camp 2. |
| 15 | Climb to Camp 3. |
| 16 | Ascent of Peak Lenin (7,134m/ 23,405ft) and descend to Camp 3. |
| 17 | Spare summit day. |
| 18 | Descend to Camp 1. |
| 19 | Descend to Base Camp. |
| 20 | Transfer to Osh, accommodation in hotel. |
| 21 | Trip ends, depart for home. |
| Day | |
| 0 | Last day of Elbrus Trip 2 or 3 - Drive to Mineralnye Vody, overnight flight to Osh, Kyrgyzstan. |
| 1 | Arrive in Osh and transfer to Peak Lenin Base Camp (3,600m/11,800ft). |
| 2 | Trek to Camp 1 (4,400m/14,440ft). |
| 3 | Climb to Camp 2 (5,300m/17,400ft). |
| 4 | Climb to Camp 3 (6,200m/20,340ft). |
| 5 | Descend to Camp 1. |
| 6–7 | Rest days. |
| 8 | Climb to Camp 2 (5,300m/17,400ft). |
| 9 | Climb to Camp 3 (6,200m/20,340ft). |
| 10 | Ascent of Peak Lenin (7,134m/ 23,405ft), descend to Camp 3. |
| 11 | Spare summit day |
| 12 | Descend to Camp 1. |
| 13 | Descend to Base Camp. |
| 14 | Transfer to Osh, accommodation in hotel |
| 15 | Trip ends, depart for home. |
Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your mountaineering adventure can be tricky! Rest assured when you book with the expedition specialists here at Adventure Consultants we'll help by sending through advice on what you'll need, including:
For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.
Please note you will be emailed out a set of Team Reference Notes upon registration. This extensive booklet includes detailed information to assist in the planning of your trip, from travel and medical advice to equipment lists and photography tips. The following is to serve as a helpful guideline but please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions as our team is here to help!
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
How long has Adventure Consultants been in operation?
Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since. You can read the full AC History here.
A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. In this league, what makes you the first choice for your climbers?
We are renowned for the quality of service and strategy applied to our expeditions. Our reputation is attributed to the meticulous planning and logistics coordination done by our head office. Once on the ground, you can expect to be well looked after by our guides so that you can relax and enjoy trekking and climbing in this amazing country.
What showers and laundry facilities will be available on the expedition?
Showers are available at Base Camp, along with wash stands with soap and mirrors. We suggest people to bring wet-wipes for an impromptu wash higher on the mountain.
What food will be available?
You’ll get breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, as well as ample hot and cold drinks. We can cater for vegetarians as well as many other special diets as long as we are informed of this prior to the trip. All of our expeditions provide excellent local and Western food! If you have any special treat you like, we encourage you to bring some along.
What is the food like?
Expect a mix of fresh European and Kazakh dishes such as shashlik (kebabs) and sizzling plates of meat and vegetables at Base Camp and Camp 1. Once higher on the mountain, we typically focus on MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat) which are real food, freeze-dried and vacuum sealed. Please indicate any specific dietary requirements you may have on your application form. We are happy to accommodate those with specific diets.
What is the accommodation like?
In Osh, we use a 4-star hotel. The rest of the trip is camping based, with Base Camp consisting of large yurt dining tents, showers and flush toilets.
What is the best way to get to Kyrgyzstan?
Regular flights operate into Kyrgyzstan's Osh International Airport from Russia and Turkey. Domestic connections are also available through Bishkek from Delhi and Dubai. If you are taking part in our Add On to Elbrus expedition we will arrange your flight between Mineralnye Vody and Osh.
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave?
No, our trip programmes all have an arrival day and a departure day built into them. You are welcome, and encouraged, to arrive a bit earlier to explore Osh if you have the time.
When should I book my ticket?
Generally, we ask you to wait until 90 days prior to your trip start date to ensure your trip has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights then ensure you can make changes to your tickets or you run the risk of losing your ticket if we do have to cancel the trip. In such situations, we are usually able to help you book on to an alternate departure, either with us or another operator.
Can I get a cheap ticket online?
The problem with these tickets is that you usually end up having to pay quite a lot more if you have to make any changes to your ticket. Some of the places we go to aren't straightforward, and we highly recommend using a travel agent for such travel as there are many intricacies that they can help you with. In the long run they save you money! We use professional travel agents for all our staff and guides' travel bookings to our expedition and trek destinations.
Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
Our Peak Lenin expedition meets in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. Arrange your flight into the Osh International Airport where an Adventure Consultants guide or representative will be there to pick you up off your flight. If you are arriving before the scheduled trip start date, we can also often make arrangements for a pick-up.
If you are taking part in our Add On to Elbrus expedition we will arrange your flight between Mineralnye Vody and Osh.
What if I am arriving early or departing late?
Adventure Consultants can make reservations for you and can often make recommendations for attractions you can enjoy while waiting for your trip to begin.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Yes, you will be sent a personal clothing and equipment list once our office has received your trip registration form and deposit.
Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared. Please bring everything on the list!
How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be? Will there be extra blankets available if required?
This will be clearly stated in your recommended gear list. You will need a sleeping bag warm enough for you in conditions that can be as cold as -15˚C or -20˚C. Blankets are generally not available so pay careful attention to the sleeping bags we recommend. We suggest buying a sleeping bag big enough to allow you to wear some clothes in if it is especially cold. Sleeping in a warm hat can greatly improve a bag's warmth.
How much weight will we carry on the expedition?
We utilise portage for all of our personal gear and group food and equipment between Base Camp and Camp 1. Group food and equipment will also be portaged between Camps 2 and 3. You will be required to carry your own personal gear above Camp 2 and on summit day you will carry a light pack with gear you'll need for the day.
How many guides will be assigned to our group?
For the Peak Lenin climb we will take a minimum of 5 people and a maximum of 12 people. The guide to climber ratio is 1:3.
Will I have the same guide if I choose the Add On to Elbrus option?
Yes, your AC guide will accompany you from Elbrus over to Peak Lenin.
Who goes on your trips?
Our climbers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, countries and skill levels, ranging from those seeking skill development to those seeking assistance with the world's highest mountains, or purely adventure. We provide courses, expeditions, treks and guided ascents for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
We are happy to arrange a private group trip to the destination of your choice and we have run many successful private trips and expeditions including summits of 8,000m peaks such as Manaslu and Kanchenjunga, all Seven Summits and remote destinations such as Antarctica. There is no specific group size, but obviously larger groups are more cost-effective. Please contact the office for more information or visit our Private Customised Expeditions page.
What kind of physical condition should I be in for the expedition?
We cannot recommend enough in regards to being fit prior to the expedition as this will make all the difference to your enjoyment and success. Focus on pack carrying on steep and varied terrain, aiming to carry 5-10% more than the maximum pack weight of approximately 10-15kg/20-30lb.
Endurance training is also important as you will have to be able to trek, carrying a light pack for 4-6 hours on most days. Summit day can be 10-12 hours long, so do fit some longer days into your training where possible.
Do also check out the training programs on our Fitness Training page.
What are the skills/prior experience required for this climb?
Peak Lenin is a snow and ice climb, so it would be good if you came to this trip having some snow experience under your belt. This would include having worn crampons and used an ice axe before. Please talk to our team about this.
What is the conditioning level needed for this climb?
As the altitude is over 7,000m/22,965ft, it is good to be in excellent cardiovascular shape, and be able to carry a moderate weight pack (10kg/20lbs). Please also see our Fitness Training Programs page.
How long is a typical day on the mountain?
Days where we are acclimatising between camps can be between 4-8 hours long. Summit day can be up to 14 hours, with the average summit day being 10-12 hours.
How do I know this is the right trip for me?
We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.
Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If yes then what would be the charges for usage?
Yes, most of our expedition guides take satellite phones and you are welcome to use these at US$3 per minute. Most often, your guide will post daily dispatches on the AC website in which your friends and family can follow your progress.
I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
Many of our treks and climbs send daily internet dispatches, and we receive updates from our guides while they are in the field. The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.
What insurance do we need to get?
On all of our international expeditions, there is a requirement for each expedition member to have insurance to cover any personal or medical mishaps that may occur before or during the expedition. This should cover you for any costs incurred in the event of any illness, medical emergency or evacuation that occurs while on expedition as well as trip cancellation, baggage loss, damage or theft, or any other such mishap that may occur.
Do I need evacuation insurance?
Yes, it is very important. Many of our expeditions are in remote places with no roads and developing medical services. In the unlikely event you get sick, you want to get to good medical care ASAP.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
Coverage varies based on your nationality and the trip that you are taking with us. When you have booked on for a trip with us, we will send you comprehensive information on various insurance options which will serve as a good starting point for obtaining the best coverage available for yourself. Please also visit our Expedition Insurance page.
What is trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without losing the total cost of the trip. Adventure Consultants highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all of our treks and expeditions. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (minimum numbers are not reached or travel to a country becomes too dangerous), then we refund your fees paid but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.
Can I pay by credit card?
We can accept both the trip deposit and balance payment on credit card. Please note that there is a 3% fee for all card transactions. Please contact our office or visit our online payment system.
What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
Please see the 'Payment Conditions' section above for the inclusions and exclusions for this particular trip. There is also a downloadable pdf document in the 'Trip Notes' section above. International airfares are not included in the trip price. We can however recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked should you require help with arranging your international airfare.
Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline!! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified western guides, proven dependable local operators, small group sizes and safe client-to-guide ratios, quality equipment and high summit success rates, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors ‘cheaper’ trips.
How do I sign up for a trip?
The best way to reserve your space on the trip is to contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our secure online payment system.
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
I love the photographs in your brochure and on your website, are they for sale?
Yes, our images are available for licensing or purchase. Please contact us for more information.
I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.
Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.
