Plizio Visual Lab

Anabar Plateau

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Oct 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

The Anabar Plateau is the northernmost part of the Central Siberian Plateau, located primarily in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). It is geologically significant as it encompasses the Anabar Shield, where some of the oldest rocks on Earth, dating back over 3 billion years, are exposed at the surface. The plateau features flat-topped massifs and deeply incised river valleys, created by rivers like the Anabar and Kotuy carving through ancient metamorphic rocks. Reaching a maximum elevation of 905 meters, the terrain is shaped by severe continental climates and continuous permafrost, restricting vegetation to sparse tundra and stunted larch forests. Due to its extreme isolation, the plateau remains virtually uninhabited by humans. However, it is a region of immense mineral wealth, famously known for its rich diamond deposits located in the kimberlite pipes along its fringes.

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Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-32	-32	-24	-14	-6	7	10	7	-1	-15	-26	-31
Rain mm	14	11	17	30	46	77	112	92	56	31	20	14

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The Anabar Plateau in northern Siberia is extremely remote and typically accessible only via helicopter drops or extensive, multi-week river expeditions. Hiring a local outfitter is absolutely essential to navigate the complex travel logistics.

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Best season

The only feasible window for visiting the plateau is a short period in mid-summer, typically spanning from mid-July to mid-August. Outside of this brief phase, extreme cold, heavy snow, and impassable conditions dominate the Siberian wilderness.

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Terrain & paths

The terrain consists of very old crystalline rocks, vast expanses of untouched tundra, winding rivers, and stony elevations. There are absolutely no marked trails, requiring excellent navigation skills to traverse the completely wild and rugged landscape.

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What to bring

Expedition participants require complete Arctic survival gear, high-quality waterproof clothing, strong mosquito head nets, and satellite communication devices. Sturdy, waterproof boots and comprehensive first-aid kits are absolutely critical for safety.

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Parking

There are no roads or parking lots anywhere near this region. All logistical infrastructure and departure points for helicopter flights are located in distant Siberian cities such as Krasnoyarsk or Norilsk, where outfitting typically begins.

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Safety

The area is extremely remote with absolutely no medical facilities or rescue services nearby. Travelers must be highly vigilant regarding wild animals, aggressive summer mosquito swarms, and sudden, extreme weather shifts in the deep wilderness.

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Time needed

Due to the immense logistical challenges and vast distances, typical expeditions to this region last at least two to four weeks. Shorter visits are practically unfeasible given the significant effort and high costs involved in simply reaching the area.

Geography

Coordinates

70.00000, 108.00000

Facts

The plateau is part of the Anabar Shield, featuring Archaean crystalline rocks.
Its highest peak reaches an elevation of 905 meters above sea level.
The Popigai crater nearby was formed by an asteroid impact 35 million years ago.
The climate is characterized by winter temperatures dropping to -60°C.
Rich deposits of platinum and rare earth elements are found in the region.
Larch trees found here are among the hardiest woody plants in the world.