Skip to content 
The Putorana Plateau is one of the most mysterious and majestic corners of Russia, located in the northern Krasnoyarsk Krai above the Arctic Circle. It is a vast basalt massif covering approximately 250,000 square kilometers, the second largest in the world after the Deccan Plateau in India. It combines canyons up to 1,000 meters deep, thousands of lakes, waterfalls as tall as the Eiffel Tower, and pristine taiga. The plateau is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique geology, biodiversity, and landscapes. Summers are short (July-August), with polar days, and winters last nine months with temperatures reaching -60°C. Nature here is a paragon of wild beauty, where humans are merely visitors.
In this article, we'll explore the geology, flora, fauna, climate, and landmarks of the Putorana Plateau. We draw on scientific data and expedition reports. Respect for the nature reserve is paramount: visits are permitted only with permission, and no littering or fires are permitted outside of campsites.
Geology and relief: canyons, waterfalls and lakes
The plateau was formed 250 million years ago as a result of the Siberian Trapp magmatism—one of the largest volcanic events in Earth's history. Basalt flows created a stepped topography with "traps" (staircases). Deep canyons cut through the plateau, and tectonic faults formed thousands of lakes.
| Peculiarity | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Canyons | Depth 500–1000 m, sheer walls | Kureika River Canyon, Talnakh |
| Waterfalls | Height 100–500 m, cascades | Bolshoy Kureisky (108 m), Kandinsky |
| Lakes | >20,000, tectonic origin | Lama (depth 300 m), Vivi, Sobachye |
| Mountains | Flat tops, altitude 1000–1700 m | Mount Kamen, Putorana Peak (1701 m) |
Fact: Lake Vivi is the geographic center of Russia. The lake's water is crystal clear, with visibility up to 40 meters.
Climate: polar day and harsh winters
The plateau lies in the subarctic zone. Summers are short (+5…+18°C), with white nights. Winter lasts from October to May, with temperatures of -30…-50°C, and snow cover up to 2 meters.
| Season | Temperature | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (July-August) | +8…+15°C | Polar day, mosquitoes, flowering |
| Autumn (September) | 0…+5°C | Golden taiga, bird migration |
| Winter | -40…-60°C | Polar night, northern lights |
| Spring (May-June) | -10…+5°C | Melting, flooding |
Tip: Best time to visit: July-August. Bring mosquito repellent and warm clothing.
Flora: taiga, tundra and endemics
The vegetation is zonal: larch taiga in the south and tundra in the north. There are over 600 species of vascular plants, 30 of which are endemic.
- Taiga: Gmelin larch, birch, willow. Undergrowth – lingonberry, blueberry, cloudberry.
- Tundra: Mosses, lichens, dwarf birch. Summer – a carpet of flowers (fireweed, rhododendron).
- Endemics: Putorana poppy, Putorana campion.
Fact: In summer, the taiga explodes with berries – a harvest for tea and jam.
Interesting facts about the Putorana Plateau
The Putorana Plateau isn't just "another nature reserve," but a miniature planet where geology, nature, and history intertwine to create an epic worthy of a BBC film. Here are 20 facts that will make you pack your backpack and buy a ticket to Norilsk.
Polar day and night – 9 months of winter
- July: The sun doesn't set for 60 days
- January: 60 days of total darkness
- Northern Lights - every night
Fauna: from bear to snow sheep
The plateau is home to 35 species of mammals, 140 birds, and 30 fish. Many are listed in the Red Data Book.
| Group | Types | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|
| Mammals | Brown bear, wolverine, reindeer, bighorn sheep | Reindeer migrations are a sight to behold |
| Birds | White-tailed eagle, gyrfalcon, bean goose | Nests on the rocks |
| Fish | Taimen, lenok, grayling, whitefish | In rivers and lakes |
| Rare | Putorana snow sheep (endemic) | <3000 особей |
Fact: Bears are active in summer - keep food in containers.
Attractions and routes
The plateau is suitable for ecotourism: rafting, trekking, and photo hunting.
- Waterfalls: Bolshoy Kureisky, Kandinsky.
- Lakes: Lama (yachting), Ayan (hiking).
- Canyons: Bugarikhta River – rafting.
- Tours: Helicopter from Norilsk, rafting 7–14 days (from 450,000 rubles).
Advice: Only with a guide - bears, swamps, no communication.
Nature of the Putorana Plateau
The Putorana Plateau is a natural masterpiece, where basalt canyons coexist with thousands of lakes, and the taiga transitions to tundra under the northern lights. I mean, here you'll see waterfalls like Bolshoy Kureisky, herds of reindeer, and crystal-clear rivers brimming with taimen. The best time is July and August, when the polar day illuminates the blooming tundra. Visit with a license, through tour operators; leave only footprints, take only photos.
Conclusion
The nature of the Putorana Plateau is a symphony of the elements: volcanic traps, cascading waterfalls, mirror-like lakes, and wild animals. From the Kureika Canyon to the cloudberry-filled tundra, every meter exudes antiquity. Respect the nature reserve, obtain permission, and the plateau will reveal its secrets. A trip here is not a vacation, but an encounter with the planet in its pristine state!
