PEAK LENIN, 7,134 meters

Our WILD YAK Team:

Climbing Peak Lenine is challenging, physically tiring, and mentally demanding, and choosing the right climbing Team is crucial for a safe and successful climb. Therefore, WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS carefully determines and assigns the best Sherpa Team for your Peak Lenine Expedition, in collaboration with the local guides. Here are some elements that we take into consideration to evaluate and choose the right team for our WILD YAK Peak Lenine Expedition: 

Experience: our WILD YAK expedition Sherpa Team has extensive experience climbing significant mountains in the Himalayas and else in the world. They know the route, conditions, techniques and risks while climbing Peak Lenine. 

Expertise: our WILD YAK expedition Sherpa Team is a highly skilled team of Sherpa climbers who performs best in difficult situations. The WILD YAK Team consists of new-generation dynamic climbers, qualified and trained by Nepal Mountaineering Association. Last, our WILD YAK expedition Team is in excellent physical fitness and can withstand the rigors of such expeditions in high altitudes. 

Personality: during your Peak Lenine Expedition, you will spend much time with our WILD YAK expedition Team. Any expedition member must feel comfortable with our Sherpa Team and should establish a good relationship. Our WILD YAK expedition Sherpa Team is friendly, kind, and supportive. 

Communication: communication and personal compatibility within the team are crucial for a safe and successful expedition. Interaction with the members, responses to queries, and willingness to address their concerns are vital requirements in an expedition. Each Sherpa of our WILD YAK expedition Team communicates effectively with the member and ensures everyone is on the same page. Indeed, it is also the advantage of being a small group expedition, where the climbing members and the WILD YAK Team have sufficient time to understand each other as climbing partners properly. Some of our WILD YAK expedition Sherpa Guides speak multiple languages.

Weather Reports:

Weather reports are a lifeline for high altitude expeditions. They help members and the WILD YAK Team prepare for any situation, make informed decisions, and take necessary precautions. With valuable insights into weather conditions, these reports can reduce risk and increase the chances of a successful and safe ascent.

At WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, we emphasize the importance of weather reports and strictly follow our expeditions’ updates. 

Communications:

The WILD YAK Team takes every precaution to ensure your safety while climbing Peak Lenin. Our communication systems enable constant contact between the members, guides, and the Base Camp (Cook & BC Manager), with satellite phones, and radios.

In addition, the use of communication devices and climbing updates enhances safety. It provides peace of mind in the event of an emergency, particularly when it comes to weather updates.

Emergency:

WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS has well-defined emergency response protocols, such as:

– medical kits with high-altitude medicine

– oxygen with masks and regulators

– Plan for immediate response to medical emergencies in case of altitude sickness, frostbite, or injury. 

In addition, our WILD YAK Team is trained to administer first aid and coordinate rapid evacuations if necessary, including high-altitude helicopter evacuations.

Sustainability:

We demonstrate a solid commitment to responsible tourism by integrating sustainable practices into our WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS operations. 

Since 2014, WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, in collaboration with our charity organization “The Butterfly Help Project,” has contributed namely to school construction, sponsoring Sherpa children who have lost their fathers in the mountains, collaborating with local organizations to preserve their culture, and financially supporting community development initiatives.

In addition, WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS encourages travelers to actively participate in community-based activities and respect local customs and traditions. We highly encourage reusable water bottles, minimizing single-use plastics. We also provide proper waste disposal facilities during the expedition. 

Furthermore, WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS greatly emphasize the well-being of porters and the WILD YAK guiding Team. We are committed to treating porters fairly and providing them with better working conditions by limiting the weight carried by each of them. Additionally, we apply a strict policy of fair wages and provide them with proper clothing, footwear, and necessary accessories. Finally, we purchase insurance for each porter’s emergency medical and rescue services on each trip.

The climbing route:

From CIM Pamir to Camp 1, 4400 m

The “CIM Pamir” is located in a meadow at the foot of Petrovskiy Peak in the Achik-Tash valley, on the banks of a river. From the “CIM Pamir,” we head for the Puteshestvinnikov pass (4200m), which sometimes has snow residue. The climb generally takes 1 to 1.5 hours on a good path. This is followed by a descent towards the left moraine of the Lenin glacier and a river crossing before reaching Camp 1, at 4400m.

Camp 1 to Camp 2, 5500 m

From Camp 1, we cross the Lenin glacier and climb the long snow slopes that lead directly to the summit (north face). At 5,000 meters, we cross to the west and, rising gently, reach the edge of a large snow plateau. We cross it, passing under the Razdelnaya peak. A short climb up an ice and snow slope leads to Camp 2. There are a few crevasses on this section of the route. This is a long day.

From Camp 2 to Camp 3, 6100 m

Camp 3 is just below the Razdelnaya peak (6148 meters), at 6,100 meters. We reach it by climbing steep slopes and glacier sections. A diversion to Razdelnaya Peak is to perfect our acclimatization. The view from the summit is sublime. To the north, we can finally see a proper perspective of the Alai plain, while to the south, there are a multitude of snow-capped peaks. From the Razdelnaya peak, we descend a hundred meters west to the Razdelnaya pass at 6,000 meters. It is where we set up Camp 3.

From Camp 3 to the summit, 7134 m

From Camp 3, the entire summit ridge is visible. We follow the broad ridge to a plateau at 6,400 meters before crossing the ridge itself. The final part of the ascent is on a broad snow slope. A magnificent panorama rewards the effort of the climb! On the horizon, we can make out Mustagh Ata (7546 m) and Kongur in China. Further west, we can see the Hindu Kush and, even further west, the Karakoram.

The final day is long and demanding. Depending on the conditions, the descent from the summit to Base Camp can be made on the same or the following day.

At IMC “Pamir” Base Camp:

Accommodation in rooms or double tents. Each room with beds is equipped with electricity, heater and furniture; each tent is equipped with mattresses and wooden platforms and electricity in each tent. There is a permanent source of electricity 220V.

The following facilities are part of the Base Camp: a café, a dining room, WC, hot shower and a storage.

A medical first aid managed by a professional doctor is also available.

At Camp 1:

Accommodation in double tents with mattresses and wooden platforms. Electricity 220V, 50HZ is provided by a source-generator.

A medical first aid managed by a professional doctor is also available.

The following facilities are part of Camp 1: a dining tent, WC tent, and a storage tent.

Both Camps are on a full board basis.

High Camps:

In the high camps, we encourage team spirit by asking two members to share a tent to support each other and make diligent observations of each other’s form, particularly at night. 

We provide essential equipment such as thermal mattresses and utensils and high altitude food.

If necessary, you can also hire sleeping bags for the high-altitude camps. 

Payment and Cancellation:

Payment Methods: bank transfers 

Currency: The default transaction currency will be specified on our website or provided when booking. If you pay in a different currency, currency conversion fees may apply, and the payment provider or financial institution will determine the exchange rate. Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter’s account.

Payment Schedule:

• The payment schedule will depend on the type of booking and the specific terms and conditions associated with your booking.
• For some bookings, full payment may be required at the time of booking.
• For other bookings, a deposit will be required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due before a specified deadline.
• Failure to make the required payments within the specified timeframe may cancel your booking, subject to our cancellation policy.

Payment Security: We prioritize the security of your payment information and comply with industry standards and best practices.

Payment Disputes and Refunds: In the event of a payment dispute or if you believe an incorrect payment has been made, please get in touch with our WILD YAK service team immediately. Refunds, if applicable, will be processed according to our cancellation and refund policy.

Modifications to the Payment Policy: We reserve the right to modify this payment policy at any time without prior notice. Any changes to the payment policy will not apply retroactively and will only affect future bookings.

Please note that this is a general overview of our payment policy. The specific payment terms and conditions may vary based on your booking and destination. We recommend reviewing the detailed payment policy provided when booking or contacting our WILD YAK service team for further assistance.

Trip Cancellation Policy (cf. Article 5 of WILD YAK Terms and Conditions):

At WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, we understand that unexpected events can disrupt your travel plans. To ensure a smooth and transparent experience for our valued customers, we have developed the following trip cancellation policy:

Cancellation Requests:

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email, registered letter or through our designated cancellation form available on our website. The date of receipt by us of your cancellation will be considered for calculating the charged money. If the last day of the time limit is an official holiday or a non-business day, the time limit shall expire at the end of the first subsequent business day. 

Cancellation & Refund Policy:

Cancellation from your side:

The cancellation charges will vary depending on the type of booking, destination, and specific terms and conditions associated with your reservation.

Once you have paid your deposit, your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the fees owed 60 days before your trip commencement date. An expedition trek member may then cancel their participation on the following basis:

• Cancellations outside of 60 days will result in the loss of the trip deposit
• For cancellations made within 60 days of the trip commencement date, we reserve the right to retain 50% of the total fee.
• For cancellations within 30 days of the departure date, a cancellation fee of 100% of the total fee applies.

Non-refundable components of your booking, such as certain flights, accommodations, or activities, may not be eligible for a refund.

Refunds will be issued using the original payment method used for the booking.

Cancellation by WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS:

If we need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, we will notify you as soon as possible.

If we cancel your trip, you will be eligible for a full refund of the amount paid for the affected booking.

Modifications to the Cancellation Policy:

We reserve the right to modify this cancellation policy without prior notice.

Any changes to the cancellation policy will not apply retroactively and will only affect future bookings.

Please note that this is a general overview of our trip cancellation policy. The specific terms and conditions may vary based on your booking and destination. We recommend reviewing the detailed cancellation policy provided when booking or contacting our WILD YAK service team for further assistance.

Briefing & Training:

With WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, we ensure you’re well-prepared for your climb. Our pre-expedition briefings and training sessions in the Alps will give you essential mountaineering skills. We’ll organize virtual meetings for those you can’t attend in person. 

Our preparation workshops in the Alps cover everything from physical and mental fitness advice to emergency procedures and the risks associated with high altitude. With our expert advice, you’ll be well-prepared and confident that you’re ready to meet the challenges of your next expedition.

Fitness & Difficulty Level:

Finding the perfect mountain to climb can be challenging, especially considering your skill, fitness, and experience. That’s why our team of expert guides has created a straightforward grading system to make the process easier. With this system, we can help you choose the mountain that best matches your abilities and capabilities. Trust our expertise to guide you toward the perfect climb.

• Fitness: this climb requires very good body and mental strength, stamina, and efficiency to deal with the strenuous situations of the high altitude
• Technical skills: advanced mountaineering skills are required; you must be able to ascend and descend independently with your technical devices. You should be a confident climber in different mountain terrains, such as ice, rock, and snow, with excellent knowledge of your climbing gear, high altitude, and crevasse rescue
• Climbing experience: some prior technical 4000-meter peak climbing experience in the Alps and previous high altitude climbing experience (5000-6000 meters peaks) are highly recommended
• Strength: you should be able to carry an 7 to 10 kg backpack in an high-altitude environment
• The climbing duration between the camps: 4 to 7 hrs
• Summit distance overall from the last high camp: 8 to 11 hrs from the last camp and back to the last camp
• Number of high camps: 3 
• Degree of technical difficulty: medium
• Steep sections: some sections of  50 to 100 meters elevation with some steep parts of 35-55 degrees
• Ice climbing sections: some sections of 10-20 meters elevation and 25-40 degrees
• Mix rock and ice climbing: few short sections
• Altitude: up to 7134 meters / 23,405 feet
• Oxygen Level : approx. 36%

Technical Gear:

Acquiring the necessary equipment for your high-altitude journey can be expensive, with specific requirements that you might only need for this particular adventure. To help minimize expenses, we provide our guests with the option to rent some expensive equipment at a very reasonable price. Our offerings include expedition sleeping bags, down suits, and warm-down jackets. This allows you to experience your expedition without purchasing gear you may never need or use again.

Note: Members must order the required expedition equipment (sleeping bag, down suit, down jacket) 60 days before the expedition’s departure. Don’t miss out on securing these essential goods in time!

We will provide the members with a comprehensive list outlining all the essential clothing and equipment they must bring individually.

Travel Insurances:

Having the right travel insurance is essential to enjoy your trip with WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS fully. Travel insurance must provide coverage for trip cancellation due to personal emergencies (mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation shall be covered), medical issues, natural disasters, or other covered events.

Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances, including trip cancellations is therefore mandatory for anyone booking a trip with WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS. To this extent, you must submit a copy of your insurance policy to the WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS office with your registration form.

We recommend carefully choosing your insurance policy, as some insurance companies make exceptions for such trips. Before booking your insurance, check that the insurance company knows the itinerary you will be following with WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS and that all activities undertaken during the trip are covered. 

 Finally, check that your insurance policy also covers trip cancellation.

Due to the international origin of our clients, please note that WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS does not sell insurance. For more information on this subject, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Add additional Personal Sherpa:

Sherpas play a critical role in supporting climbers during expeditions at extreme altitudes. Their expertise, strength, and unwavering commitment make the ascent to the summit more attainable while effectively mitigating the associated risks. Their invaluable contributions enable climbers to fulfill their dreams and conquer the formidable challenges that await them. Adding a personal sherpa contributes thus to a sense of security. It reduces the risk of injuries or physical strain associated with carrying heavy backpacks. It is best for everyone with difficulties recovering from strenuous activity. 

By opting for an additional Personal Sherpa service, you’ll gain invaluable support from a dedicated and highly experienced WILD YAK climbing Sherpa. 

Your Personal Sherpa will accompany you throughout the journey, guiding and assisting you from Base Camp to the summit and back. He will even help carry your necessary personal equipment to the higher camps. You will share a tent with your Personal Sherpa, who will also handle cooking responsibilities, ensuring a right recovery and comfortable experience. 

Our WILD YAK Sherpa guides are highly skilled professionals and friendly and supportive companions. Having conquered Everest and other challenging peaks multiple times, they have the proper expertise to make your climb successful.

Become a Volunteer:

Make a difference through volunteer programs, where you can contribute to community development, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation projects. Experience the satisfaction of leaving a positive impact and gain a profound understanding of Nepal’s social challenges and initiatives.

WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS is dedicated to sustainable tourism and actively contributes to the community. Through their charity organization “The Butterfly Help Project”, the co-founders of WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS have undertaken various initiatives, including constructing four schools in remote areas of Nepal. Additionally, they run a hostel for underprivileged mountain children, providing them with accommodation and education opportunities. They also sponsor numerous children who have lost their fathers in the mountains.

In addition to their educational efforts, the co-founders of WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS have established two apple orchards in the Kanchenjunga region at more than 3000 meters, supporting the local economy.