Munku-Sardyk is the highest point of the Estern Sayans, the mountains in the south of Siberia. Its name in Buryat language means “all-time white goltsi” (“barren rocks”). The main peak attains 3491m, and it is situated on the boundary between the Republic of Buryatia (Russia) and Mongolia. The magnificent peak raises upper the snow line and is covered with all-time ice. The northern glacier of the main peak is considered to be the biggest one. There are 6-m splits inside its upper part.

There is a little mountain lake of a right round form at the mountain foot, at its northern side. A fascinating view of the mountain ranges of the Eastern Sayans, plains of Northern Mongolia as well as Lake Khubsugul opens from Munku-Sardyk peak.

Long since, Munku-Sardyk attracts attention of tourists and alpinists. The first registered climbing was done in 1858 by a naturalist Gustav Radye. As a rule, all the alpinists assault the mountain usually in summer from its southern side that is more accessible for that. Its northern side that ends abruptly upon the lake and upon which a main glacier of 85m widthwise is hanging, was considered to be unapproachable one. However, in 1958, the first winter climbing was organized from its northern side. Since then, this very route is considered as the classical one. The alpinists get together at Munku-Sardyk for carrying out the mass ascent on the peak.

There are about 30km between the settlement of Mondy and the Munku-Sardyk foot. A modern gravel road with bridges is lying along the right shore of the Irkut River. There is a base camp at the place of the White Irkut River’s disembogue.