At 70 years old, RNG’s veteran employee Aleksandr Menshov has recently returned from a high-altitude expedition to the Pamir Mountains, where the RNG flag and a replica of the Victory Banner were raised on one of the region’s tallest peaks—Peak Korzhenevskaya. The climb, backed by RNG and timed to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, tested every limit.
Also known as Peak Ozodi, Peak Korzhenevskaya is the fourth-highest mountain in Tajikistan, rising above 7,000 metres in the Pamirs. Its steep, technical routes attract seasoned climbers from around the world.
Menshov’s team reached the assault camp at 6,400 metres, a demanding climb that tested both physical endurance and technical ability.
High winds of up to 45 km/h, however, made a summit attempt too dangerous, forcing the team to retreat.
“This was one of the most challenging ascents I’ve faced,” said Menshov. “The weather didn’t give us a window to continue safely. It is an unforgiving pursuit. The mountains test not just your body, but your resolve, too. In mountaineering, success isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s also about knowing when to turn back.”
Honouring Menshov’s determination, fellow climber Roman Krasnikov, from Barnaul, completed the final leg of the ascent days later under improved conditions. As part of the next group, he reached the summit and raised both the RNG flag and the Victory Banner at the top of Korzhenevskaya, on the Roof of the World.