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Lenin Peak (Russian: Пик Ленина, Pik Lenina), originally known at Mount Kaufmann, is the highest mountain in the Trans-Altai range of central Asia and the second highest peak in the Pamir Mountains. It is named after the Russian revolutionary and first leader of the Soviet Union, Vladimir Lenin. Lenin Peak was thought to be the highest mountain in the former Soviet Union until 1933 when Ismail Samani Peak (known as Stalin Peak at the time) was climbed.
Lenin Peak was first climbed in 1928 by Karl Wien, Eugene Allwein and Erwin Schneider of a German expedition.
There are 16 established routes on Lenin Peak, nine on the southern side and seven on the northern slopes. The peak is quite popular with climbers due to its easy access and some uncomplicated routes. However, the peak is not without its share of disasters. In 1974, the entire team of eight female climbers died high on the mountain in a storm. An avalanche triggered by an earthquake killed 43 climbers in 1990.
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