PUTORANA PLATEAU. Nature as if on the First Day of Creation
The Putorana Plateau is a vast mountainous plain crisscrossed by deep canyons. Here, thousands of rivers, lakes, and waterfalls flow across the landscape. On the high plateau, you'll find Arctic tundra and zones of permafrost, while the canyons shelter evergreen taiga forests. The pristine Lake Lama is located in the northwest part of this fascinating and little-studied world, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A simple fact illustrates the vastness of the Putorana Plateau: it is home to Russia's pole of inaccessibility --- the point most distant from any settlements on the map.
The Putorana Plateau was first explored and scientifically described by Russian researcher A.F. Middendorf in 1844. The name "Putorana" was first recorded on a map by N.N. Urvantsev, who heard it from a guide named Elbey during an expedition in 1921.
A.F. Middendor
(1815—1894)
(1815—1894)
- 250000
square kilometers
- 250000
square kilometers
A nature reserve the size of two Greeces, with an astonishing and almost otherworldly landscape. The plateau is the northernmost habitat for species such as the sable, the rock ptarmigan, and the Siberian flying squirrel. Moose, brown bears, wolverines, wolves, and northern pikas are also typical inhabitants.
The territory of the plateau serves as a major migration route for the Taimyr population of wild reindeer — the largest in Eurasia.
The Putorana Plateau spans 250,000 square kilometers across the northwestern part of Krasnoyarsk Krai. (Region).
Around 8% of its area is occupied by the Putoransky State Nature Reserve one of the largest natural landmarks in Russia, and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This monumental plateau with its unique ecosystem was formed 250 million years ago and still holds many natural secrets. Basalt lava from a prehistoric supervolcano sculpted the land, creating an alien-like terrain of endless gorges and flat-topped mountains. Over time, countless canyons filled with water, forming deep lakes, rushing rivers, and roaring waterfalls.
This monumental plateau with its unique ecosystem was formed 250 million years ago and still holds many natural secrets. Basalt lava from a prehistoric supervolcano sculpted the land, creating an alien-like terrain of endless gorges and flat-topped mountains. Over time, countless canyons filled with water, forming deep lakes, rushing rivers, and roaring waterfalls.
Among the Most Spectacular Sites:
- Lakes Lama, Kutaramakan, Vivi, Glubokoye
- Mountains Kamen, Kholokit, Kotuyskaya
- Waterfalls Talnikovy, Kandinsky, Irkindinsky
- Rivers Irkingda, Kureyka, Pyasina
The Putorana Plateau is home to black cranes, sables, flying squirrels, arctic foxes, Siberian salamanders, while the waters contain Arctic cisco, muksun, taimen, and 33 other fish species. Every year, wild reindeer — the Red Book pride of the Arctic — migrate across the plateau.
Book your encounter with pristine nature through "Panarctic Star" tour operator, as well as by phone or on the Neralakh Park Hotel website. The easiest way to get here from Moscow is by plane via Norilsk. Guest pickup and transfer are arranged at the Norilsk airport.
Book your encounter with pristine nature through "Panarctic Star" tour operator, as well as by phone or on the Neralakh Park Hotel website. The easiest way to get here from Moscow is by plane via Norilsk. Guest pickup and transfer are arranged at the Norilsk airport.