INRTU Rector Mikhail Kornyakov Meets with the Participants of the Munku-Sardyk Climb
On April 11, INRTU Rector Mikhail Kornyakov met with the participants of the Munku-Sardyk ascent, held as part of the Two Lakes Cup International Tournament. Russian and Mongolian students shared their impressions of the expedition, answered questions.
The meeting was moderated by Vera Brenzey, a specialist in project management of the Coordination Center, head of the Sport Tourism Club. She said that the Cup is timed to the anniversary of the flight of the Soviet-Mongolian crew into space, which took place on March 22-30, 1981 on the spacecraft Soyuz-39. The crew included Vladimir Dzhanibekov, the ship's commander, and cosmonaut-researcher Zhugdardemidijn Gurragcha, who headed the organizing committee of the Two Lakes Cup.
Mikhail Kornyakov thanked the students who managed to conquer the highest peak of the Eastern Sayan Mountains:
"You have traveled a long way, overcome all difficulties and contributed to the development of Russian-Mongolian friendship.
The initiator of the ascent is the first Mongolian cosmonaut, hero of Mongolia and the USSR Zhugdardemidijn Gurragcha, with whom the participants of the trek contacted after reaching the mountain top. It is symbolic that the students started their ascent from the two countries' sides, as Munku-Sardyk is located on the border of Russia and Mongolia".
From the Russian side, the hike was led by the instructor of the Sport Tourism Club, INRTU graduate Alexander Ekimov. It was he who made contact with the Mongolian cosmonaut at the top of the mountain.
"The way to Munku Sardyk through the Republic of Buryatia is considered the most difficult. During the trek we used special equipment, crossed glaciers and steep slopes. In addition, due to weather conditions, we first made an acclimatization trip to Obzorny Peak at 2863 meters above sea level. This contributed to a smooth adaptation.
During the telephone conversation, Jugdardemidijn Gurragcha thanked us for the ascent. We wished the Mongolian cosmonaut good health. After the descent I felt a sense of success. Everything was successful thanks to the teamwork and good preparation of the participants of the trek," said Alexander Ekimov.
Sabir Bolotov, a student of the School of Subsurface Resource Management and a member of the Sports Tourism Club, led the ascent from the village of Khankh. With him went Mongolian students Bat Ochir Purevbaatar, Gantulga Tselmeg and Sanzhdorzh Saruulbuyan. It is interesting to note that the two groups of students arrived at the summit a few minutes apart.
According to Sabir Bolotov, his first acquaintance with Munku-Sardyk was in 2021, when he conquered the summit from the Russian side:
"The ascent from Khankh is easier and does not require any special equipment. I only met the Mongolian participants before the climb, but we quickly became friends and now we keep in touch.
The Mongolian hospitality was very memorable for me. When we returned from the peak, Sanjdorj Saruulbuyan organized a warm welcome for us and treated us to Mongolian food".
Sanjdorj Saruulbuyan, a resident of Khankh village, has experience of climbing Munku-Sardyk from Mongolia:
"It was an honor for me to take part in the event initiated by the hero of Mongolia Zhugdardemidijin Gurragcha".
For the first time the highest point of the Eastern Sayan Mountains was conquered by one of the INRTU students, Denis Kirillov. According to him, getting to the mountain top was difficult, but thanks to the support of his fellow students, theoretical training and good physical condition he managed to overcome the difficulties.
Anastasia Zharkova, a student of the Siberian School of Geosciences, showed no less willpower during the hike. She successfully completed the route until she was injured. Anastasia decided not to risk her health and to wait for the team at the foot of the mountain.
At the end of the meeting, the representatives of the Sport Tourism Club shared their plans and invited everyone:
"This year we celebrate an anniversary - our movement has been in INRTU since 1969. The club is open to beginners and sportsmen of all ages.
The Baikal Region is famous for its picturesque nature, variety of mountains. If you become a member of our club, you will be able to get special training and see all the Region’s beauties".
The Two Lakes Cup international bandy tournament has been held for the second time. The INRTU team and teams from the Republic of Buryatia and Mongolia took part in the competition. The Cup's first stage was held on the ice of Lake Baikal near the Maximikha village. The final matches were organized on Lake Khubsugul. INRTU hockey players won the international tournament.
