Climbing the sacred mountain Munku-Sardyk. Munku-Sardyk (Eastern Sayan) or My unfinished gestalt... Climbing Munku-Sardyk reviews

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 largest peak in the Sayan Mountains.

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 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

This article will be of interest to beginners and hiking enthusiasts. 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– forever white char, the most high point 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, we 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

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 training, thanks to the well-coordinated work of the team and the professionalism of the instructors. During the 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 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 the majestic rivers Irkut, Kitoy and Oka (Sayan) originate. 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.