Empi here. Mik started the journey to Pik Lenin from the Åland Islands this past Saturday morning, taking a ferry to Stockholm and flying to Bishkek. Below is his first update.
Pik Lenin: Osh and Base Camp 3,700m
6/August/2019: Writing this from the comparatively luxurious Central Asia Travel encampment a mere 200m and a river fording away from our more spartan Kyrgyz Alpine Club digs. WiFi is available here for a modest cost, and also at Advanced Base Camp at 4,400m, where will ascend to tomorrow and send a video and update with expedition partner Luuk.
Acclimatization is going according to plan so far, with a moderate hike to 4,200m this morning with guide Evgenii, 32 year old ethnic Russian from Bishkek. The green slopes at this altitude are covered in wildflowers and wild herbs such as thyme, wild onions and garlic, and a yellow poppy variety with medicinal properties.
I spent 24 hours in the city of Osh at roughly 1,000m elevation. Its 3,000 year history is not immediately evident, as the city center is dominated by the parliament building, an urban park along a raging river and one of the few remaining Lenin statues in the former Soviet Union.
The weather outlook for the anticipated summit attempt a little over a week from now looks unstable, with high winds. We will rely on our guide’s experience and advice to pick a possible ascent day.
Mountain Challenge - Higher, faster, stronger 
St Michael be your guide and light your way.
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