The Alay Range lies on the divide between the mountainous countries of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Its highest point - Peak Lenin / Ibn Sina Peak, rising to 7,134m, is a giant, glaciated behemoth, rising almost four kilometres above the colourful valley floor below.
We arrived at the trailhead just as a storm was brewing, however, the forecast promised a clearing right before sunset. We persevered through wind and sleet, about two hours' walk from our yurt camps. The gamble paid off - the storm started to dissipate, and the first, lower faces of Lenin Peak began to emerge. The very summit lingered for a while longer, revealing itself only briefly, before the clouds enveloped it again for the night.
