Munku-Sardyk, the most high point Sayan, 3491 meters high, is a cult peak for climbers in Buryatia and Irkutsk. Every year at the beginning of May hundreds of people who want to climb there come there, fortunately, a proven a tourist route

I had a desire to visit Munku-Sardyk a year ago, as soon as I started communicating with climbers and learned about the annual pilgrimage to this mountain. A year ago it didn’t work out for personal reasons, but this time I decided to visit Munku-Sardyk at all costs.

Preparation

Let me remind you that Munku-Sardyk is located on the border of Russia and Mongolia - beyond the reverse slope there is already the territory of a foreign state. Accordingly, it is a border zone, to enter which you need to issue a pass. I became concerned at the end of March, and applied for a standard one, for a period of a year, instead of the previous one, the term of which was just ending.

There was also the question of who to go with - an experienced escort was needed. Several familiar climbers were going to Munku-Sardyk, but no one was particularly eager to take them with them, citing the fact that sometimes even trained people cannot cope with the climb, but experienced athletes will go at a fast pace, and everyone will have no time to bother with a beginner. Only the head of the RiF club, Elena Badanova, agreed. But she, too, frightened me for a long time with stories about how people could not stand the journey, not even reaching the lake, how the rarefied atmosphere caused severe health problems for some, how sometimes there were accidents when people fell off steep slopes. What I heard was really creepy. But the cards are dealt, I can't back down.

The third issue is equipment. I had some things for a long time: thermal underwear, a fleece sweatshirt and trowel, synthetic padding pants, a membrane ski jacket, Merrell winter sneakers. But I also had to go shopping - I bought a headlamp and a supply of batteries, climbing gaiters, spare fleece gloves, various little things. I also purchased a 150-liter “Relief” backpack. Of course, it is a long way from Nova tour products, but it is almost three times cheaper. At the same time, it fit everything: a sleeping bag, a tent, a change of clothes, a personal supply of food, etc. I also brought dark glasses so that the light reflected by the snow wouldn’t burn my eyes.

Road to hell

We left on April 30 at about 11 p.m., plunging into the hired mikrik. Morning, the border of the Okinsky district, the path is blocked by a barrier. The border guard, looking into the salon, collects passports and passes, and takes them to a container house. “I went to apply for loans,” someone quipped. It took about half an hour to sort out the formalities, and finally we moved on. Then a stop near the border checkpoint, then further along the highway, then a dirt road. Finally, the mikrik stops near a roadside shop with a hexagonal roof. The establishment is located a hundred meters from the bridge over the White Irkut, there is a kind of a starting point. We take out the things, throwing them into a pile, now we will distribute the load. The day is sunny, as hot as summer.

Although I tried to load the backpack with only the essentials, it still turned out to be quite heavy. In addition, I had to carry a share of the total load: cereals, sugar, pasta, and I was also entrusted with a responsible mission: to carry a camp cast-iron cauldron. The damned piece of iron weighs a fair amount, and as a result, my backpack turned out to be quite heavy. This does not inspire optimism at all - I already know very well that during a long journey, every extra gram becomes a heavy weight. Somehow I put him on my back, a pair of trekking poles in my hands, I stomp the road to the bridge, there we go down to the river.

We walk at a fast pace along the rocky river bottom. The ice and snow have not yet completely melted. There are many off-road vehicles near the shores, and snowmobiles rush by from time to time. There are a lot of people, sometimes whole crowds, some are going up the canyon, some are walking towards them. In places where the coast is covered with forest, there are whole tent cities.

Remembering the instructions of one Krasnoyarsk traveler, after every sufficiently long segment of the journey I eat a piece or two of chocolate, a bar of which I prudently hid in my belt pouch. All the same, a heavy backpack significantly reduces your strength. It’s good that we still make short stops occasionally. The incline becomes higher the further you go.

Every now and then you have to jump over streams of water flowing over ice or rocks. I did get my feet wet, several times, but I gave up on it, letting my shoes dry as I went. From the slopes on the sides every now and then stones fall with noise.

We reached the place where the canyon branches in two, we turn into the left turn. The slope goes sharply upward, now instead of a flat bottom there are stepped rocky rapids covered with ice. Walking along it, especially with a load, is very inconvenient. Having stopped, I put on the crampons provided by Lena on my feet. I am used to them, they are like family to me - I crossed Baikal twice in them. Now walking on the ice has become easier.

Be careful, stones fall every now and then,” those returning from above warn us.

In addition to fatigue, during a long but intense trek the main scourge is thirst. Water losses are enormous, the body requires compensation. A couple of bottles of mineral water have long been exhausted. During the next stop, I threw off my backpack, scooped it straight from the stream murmuring among the ice and drank ice-cold water. I was tired as hell, my backpack was pressing on my shoulders, but I still had to go on and on. But I take all these difficulties calmly, because I expect the worst to come, when the ascent itself takes place.

Finally, I reached the designated point in the upper reaches of the river. The main part of the group had long been located in the “clearing” - a vast, gently sloping area covered with forest along the right bank of the canyon. Having gone upstairs, I throw my backpack off the larch tree and spread out the rug, falling onto it with pleasure. However, everyone else is also resting.

After a long rest, we begin to set up camp. We pitch our tents, collect wood for the fire, and dry our wet shoes. After dinner, instructions are given, and beginners are given equipment - safety systems, ice axes, helmets.

We get up at five in the morning, we’ll go out early to try to get ahead of everyone and not get caught in the traffic jam there,” says Lena. “By morning everyone should be ready, so all that’s left is to put on the backpack.”

Rising to Madness

Climb! - is heard outside the walls of the tent. But I actually already managed to wake up, I deliberately went to bed early, so that at the same time I could restore my strength. It's already dawn outside.

We set off, it was still twilight over the mountain tops. We march along a winding path stretching along the gorge along the river, the water roars, hitting the boulders. The ground under your feet is replaced either by stones, or by melted snow, or you have to walk straight on the loose ice, under which it roars water flow. The slope is constantly increasing, it’s hard to walk uphill, although now the backpack weighs nothing compared to yesterday. I try to walk quickly so as not to fall behind the others, but I’m still trailing behind, while the main team has gone far ahead. Fortunately, Lena prudently ordered the RiF athletes to keep an eye on the newcomers.

At some point, the narrow gorge widens greatly, forming a vast depression. On the sides there are huge ridges rising into the sky. But Munku-Sardyk himself is not yet visible, he still has a long way to go. You need to climb the left slope, where a chain of figures with backpacks is already moving.

Is that a lake there? - I ask.

It’s still a long way off, says young RiFa climber Alexander. “We’ll have to climb even higher, then again, only then will it be there.”

At the top there is a vast valley among the snowy mountain slopes; we take a short break. I sit down on a stone so that it takes the weight of the backpack, and throw several pieces of chocolate into my mouth. Meanwhile, the others move on, and I, overcoming fatigue, follow them. We cross the valley, climb again on the left side, go around a huge rock, behind which a narrow gorge leads up, and a pile of stones forms something like a staircase. At the top there is again a flat space, in the middle of which is the same lake - the conditional middle of the path, at which it becomes clear whether a person can go further. Well, I still have strength. There are tents on the shore: someone decided to position themselves closer to the treasured peak.

Quickly crossing the frozen pond, we take pictures on the other side. Behind the lake there is a slope covered with rocks, gradually rising, and then sharply going up. Climbing it is simply torture. At the same time, heavy snow began to fall, and because of it, visibility became simply disgusting. I mentally measure the distance along the blackening stones in the snow. “Getting to this one, now to the next one, there, and it seems like it’s not far to the end of the climb.” Alexander and Purbo run briskly next to me, not showing the slightest sign of fatigue, and even taking part of my load. You can’t help but be surprised at their endurance, especially when you feel like you’re barely alive. Attempts to put yourself into a trance, as during the Baikal crossings, do not help, everything has to be done from last bit of strength.

With the last of my strength I climbed up this shoot. At the top there is a small flat patch. Tormented by thirst, I look for an untrodden place, scoop up the snow with my palm, and, squeezing it into a dense lump, I greedily bite into it.

Don’t touch the main “yellow” thing - laughs Purbo - The first rule of a climber: don’t eat “yellow snow”.

Behind the patch a new steep slope begins, covered with snow. I’m already crawling up like a zombie, overpowering myself. The snow underfoot is already deep, and Alexander gives the go-ahead to put on the crampons.

It’s already getting cold, I take my jacket out of my backpack. In general, the weather is still fine, they say there is a strong wind, and then the frost here is over thirty.

I want to sit still and relax, but I can’t, I have to hurry. Overpowering myself, I try to take it anyway, at least one or two extra steps up. The sky is covered with a gray veil of snowfall - the edge of the slope is no longer visible. By the way, the climbing gaiters turned out to be just a miracle - not a crumb of snow got into my boots.

Storm the sky

Exhausted like a dog, I finally climb to the top of the climb. A small snow-covered area, crowded with many people, appears again. This is the so-called “Pillow” - the place from where the ascent directly to the top already occurs.

I put on my harness, “reef man.” Chimit helps me tighten it correctly, secure the carabiner and the “mustache” - the safety rope. We, three newbies in the group, were ordered to be secured with a rope for insurance in case someone stumbled. I leave my backpack and trekking poles here and take an ice ax. They showed me ahead of time how to lean on it when climbing, and how to properly cling to it if you suddenly slip. Lena decided to change the route a little for us, and we did not go left along the main path, but straight, in order to climb the ridge extending from the peak and along it to get closer to the top.

New breakthrough. Again I was practically crawling up the steep snow-covered slope. It goes somewhere high up, the edge is not visible. I have almost no strength, I just want to lie down and not move.

Go ahead, don't stop! - Lena screams from the slope high above. Overcoming fatigue, I try to move higher at least two steps, time after time. Sometimes, when after a short stop my strength increases a little, I go up a meter or two for a jerk. The deep snow under my feet crumbles every now and then and I, losing my balance, fall. Two or three seconds of respite, but you have to climb higher.

Here we are on the ridge, and I sit down directly on the snow again with relief. On the reverse side there is a colorful panorama of a snow-capped mountain range.

Can you go? - Lena asks. The question is very important - in unaccustomed people, after such a rise, hidden ailments often worsen and internal organs fail.

Can! - I answer. Although the load is almost maximum, I still feel the strength to move on.

There's not much left, do you see that rock? - says Alexander. The cliff sticking out in the sky seems really close, but estimating that it’s actually still quite a long way to climb up to it, optimism diminishes.

We carefully move along the narrow path, skirting cliffs sticking out in the snow. The slopes are very steep, the slope is probably seventy degrees; if you fall, there is a risk of rolling down and eventually crashing. The pace is no longer too high, there are much more opportunities to rest a little.

Be careful not to push the stones down, Lena warns. A warning is in order - there are a lot of people below, a stone rolling from such a height along such a slope will inevitably injure or kill the one it hits.

Before we had time to reach the middle of the ridge, a thick fog suddenly descended on the mountains, completely obscuring visibility. Below everything is as if in milk, nothing is visible, only at a distance to the left you can discern a line of tourists climbing up the main path.

Stone! - from time to time a shout is heard when a small pebble rolls down the slope.

This stone is “living”, don’t cling to it, warns Alexander, walking along the cracked rock.

There are only the last meters left to the top, and the realization of this gives a surge of strength. I climb up the protruding rocks.

It’s already quite a bit - the “reef people”, who themselves have long since jumped up the stones, are encouraging me.

And so, the last push, and I’m at the top. That's it, I got there, the goal has been achieved. Wearily I sit down on a snow-covered stone, listening to congratulations from those accompanying me.

The top of Munku-Sardyk, as they said, turned out to be a rather cramped spot. There it stands worship cross, which, as I was told, was once dragged here by Chimit Tarmaev. Next to the cross is a pillar tied with “hii-morins”. There are a whole bunch of the same people around, it’s very crowded. I am surprised to meet friends who are in other groups. I look around: the damned fog has buried the hope of admiring the surrounding panorama from above. And it’s strange to realize that the territory of Mongolia already begins from this mountainside.

After sitting for a while and catching my breath, I remember about the flags that I promised myself to bring up at any cost. I take them out, my comrades willingly help stretch them so that I can take a photo. That's it, the mission is completely completed.

Return

Then there was a descent. On the one hand, it is easier - almost no effort is wasted, on the other hand, it is technically more difficult. I descended from the top, jumping down from rock to rock and holding on to the rope for insurance. Then we walked along the ridge again, fastened with a safety "mustache", then there was a descent along the snowy slopes - here you have to walk face forward, stepping with your heels. The descent is certainly not an ascent - the distance was covered much faster. I walked back without much haste, at a pace that was comfortable for me. Everything around is in a shroud of fog; after a few meters only dim silhouettes are visible.

Having arrived at the camp and spent the night in a damp, frosty tent, in the morning I packed my things and moved down the canyon, where I was supposed to meet a climber from another group who was supposed to go to Ulan-Ude. This is how my ascent to Munku-Sardyk went.

This article will be of interest to beginners and amateurs hiking. If your physical shape is average, but you love hiking; If the romance of the mountains is close to you, but you think about your safety, you are on the same path with us.


Munku-Sardyk- eternal white char, the highest point of the Eastern Sayan Mountains in Buryatia, on the borders of Russia and Mongolia. Its height is 3491 meters.


Our hike involves moderate physical activity. We will not climb the Munku-Sardyk peak itself - this will require an ice axe, crampons, a helmet, and some other specific equipment. But that doesn’t make our trip any less interesting. We will see frozen waterfalls, snowy peaks shining in the sun, bizarre rocks flowing with water, alpine meadows with rare plants.

The peculiarity is that this route is accessible to beginners, people of average physical fitness, and children.


The unique, protected route is open only for a short two weeks from May 1-14. At other times, the river freezes and the route becomes accessible only to climbers. It’s too cold in winter (-40). In May, the conditions are ideal for a stay for 3-4 days: temperatures -5, -10 during the day and -15 at night.


This makes the nature of Munku-Sardyk purest, untouched.


Along the frozen river, as if on the road, tourists climb Mount Munku, as well as to some other destinations: the lake, the “Circus” and the Holy Place of the Buryats.
At this time, more than 1000 people annually visit these amazingly beautiful places.

Approximate equipment for a hike to Munku-Sardyk:

1. Mountaineering (trekking) boots for climbing – pair
2. Bivouac shoes - pair
4. Thin socks - more, taking into account the length of stay (a pair of dry socks is never superfluous)
5. Woolen socks - more, taking into account the length of stay
6. Thermal underwear – set, replaceable
7. Fleece pants – 1 pc.
8. Waterproof and windproof pants – 1 pc.
9. Fleece sweatshirt – you can have two pairs, thin and thick
10. Waterproof and windproof jacket with a hood – 1 pc.
11. Down jacket with a hood – 1 pc.
12. Fleece (woolen) gloves – at least 2 pairs
13. Windproof mittens (gaiters) – pair
14. Fleece hat (wool) – 2 pcs.
15. Balaclava (face mask) – if available, optional
16. Bandana (panama hat) – if available, optional
17. Thermal underwear (gaiters) – a pair.
18. Travel telescopic sticks (folding) - pair
19. Sunglasses – pair
20. Sunscreen
21. Headlamp – 1 pc. with spare batteries
22. Personal hygiene items - at your discretion
23. KLMN (mug-spoon-bowl-knife) – you can use chopsticks, of course
24. Tourist backpack 80 liters or more – 1 pc.
25. Assault backpack – if available, optional
26. Tourist mat – 1 piece, preferably 2
27. Popper (foam rubber seat mat) – 1 pc., optional
28. Sleeping bag for -10, -15
29. Tent.

The travel plan is as follows:

From Irkutsk we travel 5 hours on a special tourist bus to the border with Mongolia. For bus passengers, passports are issued with permission to stay on neutral territory between Russia and Mongolia, where the route lies. Round trip transfer 1500 RUR. per person.


We are passing Baikal. We stop in Buryatia to eat national food - poses.


Then from May 1-5 we live in the mountains. We put up tents, cook food over a fire or gas burner, and walk a lot. Many people take snowboards with them and ride.

We are going to Lake Echoy (2000 m). On the second day we go to the Circus. On the third day we go to Holy place Buryats - on a rock with through openings.
Departure on May 5th. All these days, I, your guide, and my husband, an experienced traveler, will be with you.


On the way back, if desired, I recommend stopping in the Zhemchug (Vyshka) area in Buryatia. There are hot springs with a temperature of +54, and there are places for swimming. This methane-containing water has a powerful strengthening effect on the body.

Another place that deserves attention in this article is the Arshan balneological resort. Arshan is called in Buryatia

Route April 2018: Irkutsk - Mondy (A-164) - Munku-Sardyk.

The height of Munku-Sardyk is 3,491 meters above sea level, this is the most high peak Eastern Saiyans. The mountain is located on the border of Buryatia (Russia) and Mongolia.

“Friends of the hikers” invited me to go on a hike to Munku-Sardyk; the dressage date was determined in advance. Since Munku-Sardyk is located on the Russian-Mongolian border, it is necessary to take care of obtaining a pass to the border zone in advance - applications from citizens of the Russian Federation are considered up to 30 days, foreigners - up to 60 days. You can submit an application remotely either through the government services website or by email. I ordered the pass through the State Services website, with delivery to the postal address, everything took 10 days and the pass was in my hands. Here you will find all the comprehensive information on obtaining a permit https://angara.net/forum/t106692

We got from Irkutsk to the border control point in Mondy in 4 hours along a good asphalt road, it took half an hour border control, after which the barrier was opened and we drove further to the bridge at the mouth of the White Irkut, where the trail to Munku-Sardyk begins. The cars were left next to the yurt in the parking lot, then from the bridge they walked to the spit (the confluence of the White Irkut and Muguvek rivers).



When collecting information on the Internet, I read many reviews and articles about Munku-Sardyk, stories about how the ascent was very difficult mentally and physically, that the rarefied atmosphere caused severe health problems for some, how sometimes there were accidents when people lost their tempers from steep slopes, about avalanches that periodically descend from mountain slopes. They make tourists feel terrible)). The information also varied on the time required for the ascent, some took 5 days, others managed to get up and down from the bridge in a day.

At the end of the article I will give my conclusion on all controversial issues.

We walked to the arrow with backpacks for 2 hours, set up a base camp on the spot and began climbing Munku-Sardyk in the morning.



A lot of snow fell overnight, and in the morning the snow still did not stop falling. The clouds hung very low; the top of Munku-Sardyk was not visible.



Climbing equipment is required to climb the glacier safely. I only rented crampons, I didn’t take an ice ax with me, trekking poles were enough for me. The climb up the mountain is very steep, and in some places it becomes very scary when you look down. It’s physically and mentally difficult, I was personally convinced of this by myself and those around me. On the way I met a girl who had a fear of heights, she didn’t go further than the ridge (a section of 100 meters to the top), they were scared.


From the top of Munku-Sardyk you can see the Mongolian plains and Lake Khubsugul, and Lake Baikal on the north side. Unfortunately, due to heavy cloudiness, we were not able to contemplate all this beauty. Catches at the top cellular, but you need to be careful with roaming since the mountain is located on the border of two countries - step to the right for Mongolia roaming, step to the left for the Russian operator.





Descending from a mountain is much faster than climbing up a mountain, but the descent is no less dangerous. With me, the man decided to slide down the slope on his butt without taking off his crampons. I ended up twisting my ankle badly. The time to climb Munku Sardyk and descend is different for everyone, we managed it in two days, on the way back I met a group that was returning, they managed to go to Munku and return back in one daylight with backpacks from the bridge. It all depends on time, physical and psychological preparation, but if you don’t rush, 2.3 days will be required for the hike. Separately, I would like to express my gratitude to my “hiking friends” without whom my conquest of the peak would not have taken place.

Price:

11,200 rubles

Duration:

4 days / 3 nights

Travel date:

  • 04/30/2019 - 05/03/2019 (held)

Description of the trip

The peak of Munku-Sardyk is located on the border of the Republic of Buryatia and Mongolia. From this peak there is a stunning view of the Eastern Sayan Mountains and the famous Mongolian Lake Khubsugul. Climbing involves moving in ropes or with the help of individual safety equipment (crampons, ice axe, helmet, safety system) along a steep snow-talus slope of 35 degrees. One hundred meters before the top, the ascent is marked with special cables for individual belay. The ascent from base camp and back takes an average of 10 hours. The peak of Munku-Sardyk is very popular and accessible to people with different levels of training, thanks to the well-coordinated work of the team and the professionalism of the instructors. IN May holidays According to statistics, more than 5,000 people come to the border zone to climb this difficult peak. Accommodation is provided in the base camp at an altitude of 1,800 meters. We tried to create the most comfortable conditions for you to relax before and after the ascent. Life in the mountains can be more comfortable than you think. Our camp is equipped with warm tents with heating, capacity for 10 people, electricity, the ability to charge your electrical appliances, and use light in the tent and near the camp; we also install a field bathhouse with hot and cold water for our tourists. There are cooks at the camp, so you won’t have to worry about being on duty, and camp assistants will provide warmth in the tents at night, and you won’t have to think about providing firewood. They leave for the preparation of the camp a week before the ascent, collecting firewood, providing light, heat, a field kitchen, and transportation by snowmobiles. Age: from 12 years (accompanied by parents). Important: pay for the hike in full and send your passport details to issue a pass before April 14th. For foreign citizens, the deadline for submitting data is two months before the start of the tour; payment is also due April 14.

Included in cost

- transfer from Irkutsk railway station and back
- accommodation in winter tents with stoves
- services of a cook, assistants and guides
- meals from dinner 1 day to breakfast 4 days
- field bathhouse (capacity 10 people)
- use of group equipment and special
- issuing passes to the border area with Mongolia
- preparation of the camp and organization of its work
- registration at the rescue service
- medical support

Not included in price

- air and train tickets from and to Irkutsk
- meals at a roadside cafe 2 times
- souvenir products
- special equipment helmet, ice axe, crampons, safety system (harness, lanyard and 2 carabiners) – 1000 rubles/entire trip
- delivery of cargo to the base camp by snowmobiles - 300 rubles

Program

Day 1.
The length of the transition is 5.3 km, the altitude gain is 300 m. Meeting in Irkutsk (train station 8:00). We recommend arriving/flying to Irkutsk in advance, the night before or at night. Meeting the guides. Transfer to the beginning of the active part of the route (360 km) – the bridge over the White Irkut River (Republic of Buryatia). During the trip we will visit observation deck, which offers a beautiful view of the southern tip of Lake Baikal and the Khamar-Daban ridge, glorified by Vizbor. Further our path runs through the territory of Tunkinsky national park Republic of Buryatia with its picturesque steppe landscapes and Buryat settlements. Along the Tunkinskaya Valley the peaks of Khamar-Daban and Eastern Sayan rise majestically. Lunch at a roadside cafe. We also pass the Mondy border post, present our pre-issued passes and drive another 30 km to the starting point. Today we have to walk 5.3 km, with an elevation gain of 300 m. On the way we will meet the canyon of the river. White Irkut with its tall walls. Our base camp is located at the confluence of the White Irkut and Muguvek rivers (1800 m). Dinner. Overnight in tents heated by stoves. The altitude of the overnight stay is 1800 m above sea level.

Day 2.
The length of the trek is 15.3 km, elevation gain is 1100 m, drop is 1100 m. After breakfast, proceed to the acclimatization climb to the Obzornaya peak (2900 m). The ascent is not technically difficult; self-insurance is carried out using trekking poles. From the top there is a view of the Munku-Sardyk ridge and the Oka plateau, where they originate majestic rivers Irkut, Kitoy and Oka (Sayan). Lunch (snack). Descent from the top. Return to base camp. Dinner by the fire. Overnight in tents heated by stoves. The altitude of the overnight stay is 1800 m above sea level.

Day 3.
The length of the trek is 10 km, the elevation gain is 1700 m. Breakfast. Exit in the direction of the Munku-Sardyk peak along the Muguvek River. A sharp climb along the Muguveka icefalls, color blue ice mesmerizing. Then we continue climbing until mountain lake Echo. Dinner. We dress and prepare special equipment: personal safety system, helmet, crampons, ice axe. Note: the climb may be canceled due to deterioration weather conditions posing risks to the health of tourists (the decision is made by the instructor-guide). We continue our ascent. From the peak, whose height is 3491 m above sea level, a majestic panorama of Mongolia and the Eastern Sayan opens up; Lake Khubsugul, covered with a shell of ice, is clearly visible. Descent along the ascent path, rest, lunch. After which we descend to base camp.

Mount Munku-Sardyk is located on the border of Russia and Mongolia and has been attracting me with its name alone for many years now. To get there, we need to drive through the border checkpoint in the village of Mondy (don’t forget about the pass!!!), turn left from the good asphalt leading to Mongolia, onto the gravel road towards the village of Orlik and drive about 23 km. And here we are almost there:

There are still 130 km to Orlik
The reverse side of the sign is 22 km to the village. Mondy and 8.5 km to Mount Munku-Saridak

Let me make a reservation right away: we didn’t reach the mountain itself; we were unprepared and had a dog. Therefore, the article is called “unfinished gestalt”))) The height of Mount Munku-Sardyk, according to the signs, is 3491 meters, which is the most big top in Sayan.

I’ll show you a little road, which in itself is worth a ride along it:


The Kultuk-Mondy road is quite picturesque
In May, along the Kultuk-Mondy road, we saw unmelted snow glaciers slowly descending into the river
Bridge in front of the turnoff to the parking lot (the way to Munku-Sardyk)

People usually come here in large groups, leave their cars below, and further on the banks of the Irkut, closer to the main trails, they set up tents and go into battle around the surrounding area, wearing crampons.


We also went up the riverbed of the Irkut:


We got caught in the snow out of the blue on the road to Munku Sardyk

The weather is changeable - snow quickly gives way to spring sun. You won’t understand whether you’re cold or hot.


The ascents are long, the snow is icy crumbs, which digs painfully into the dog’s paws (we, unfortunately, didn’t think about this), it’s slippery in places, and there are deep cracks. But, God, how cool it is here!!!


Deep cracks in the ice of Irkutsk

But here it was slippery:



If you look closely, the photo shows base camps on the banks of Irkut

So we reached the last point where walking without crampons and a helmet was no longer safe.


And the dots in the photo are climbers who climbed a frozen waterfall (they definitely have everything in order with their equipment))).


It's time to turn back, the road down is always easier and faster:



The way back

On the way back we collected a lot of camel thorn, thickets of which we found on the banks of the Irkut. I warn you, you need to wear thick gloves when cutting, otherwise you will get hurt.

Now I’ll tell you in more detail about the nuances:

1. If you are traveling for one day (as on an excursion), without equipment, a tent, etc., then it is better to stay somewhere in, - you will be less tired from the road - you will spend more time walking. In 2010, when we came here “just to have a look,” we drove directly from Angarsk, we arrived late, we felt tired from the road, while we were walking, it began to get dark. The second time, in 2015, we left Arshan and, feeling rested, ended up enjoying the trip more.

If you are traveling overnight, it is best to take a warm sleeping bag, a tent, and don’t forget about a rug and a burner—the nights in the mountains are cold. We saw how people climbed up to organize a camp for a large number of people - they pulled huge sleds with luggage, brrr...

2. Passing is an important thing. You can submit a request to receive it in advance through the State Services website and then there are no problems, everything is done quickly, correctly - the issued pass simply arrives at your post office. That's what I did the last time. Or you can download the form, fill it out at home and apply for a pass at the border - it takes longer, there may be queues - that is, you waste time, this, I think, is inconvenient.

3. People come here mainly for the May holidays, for inexperienced tourists This is a plus; if something happens, you won’t be left without help.

4. If you are planning to climb, you must register with the Ministry of Emergency Situations (available in Kyren).

I don’t know if I have the courage to go up there one day, but I will definitely come here again and again!

And finally, watch the video in our group