Plizio Visual Lab

Putorana Plateau

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Oct 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

The Putorana Plateau is a massive, untouched basalt plateau located in the northern reaches of Central Siberia, ranking among the most remote and untamed regions on Earth. The dramatic landscape is defined by deep, sharply incised canyons, icy fjord-like lakes, and an astonishing number of cascading waterfalls that have been carved into the volcanic rock by millennia of erosion. Due to its extreme isolation, a completely undisturbed subarctic ecosystem has flourished here, supporting one of the world's largest populations of wild reindeer. Undertaking expeditions into the plateau requires extensive logistical planning, as there is virtually no road infrastructure, making the area accessible almost entirely by helicopter or boat. Its unparalleled geological features and pristine wilderness have earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore on the map

How well do you know Russia?

Find cities, landscapes and regions in 10 varied challenges on the interactive map.

Start the map quiz 10 challenges

Your journey, your memory

A postcard from Putorana Plateau

Turn your own photo into a personal postcard with a local stamp. Free and no sign-up required.

Create a postcard

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	-30	-29	-22	-14	-6	5	10	6	-2	-15	-25	-28
Rain mm	27	23	42	54	68	118	124	142	93	66	37	31

📋 Practical info

🧭

Getting there

Exploring the expanses of Putorana Plateau usually begins in regional hubs across northern Central Siberia, with onward travel requiring specialized transportation like robust off-road vehicles. Reaching the interior is a major logistical undertaking.

📅

Best season

The prime window for visiting is typically the short summer season, spanning late June to August, when snow melts and landscapes become accessible. The rest of the year brings severe winter conditions making travel hard.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

The environment is characterized by rugged, incredibly diverse topography, featuring dense taiga forests, deep river valleys, and sweeping plateaus. Hiking off-trail is intensely demanding due to total lack of pathways.

🎒

What to bring

Proper preparation necessitates high-quality outdoor gear, including robust waterproof boots, extensive insect protection, and comprehensive survival equipment. Advanced navigation tools and communication devices are imperative.

🅿️

Parking

Do not expect formal parking facilities or typical visitor infrastructure within these remote protected wilderness areas. Vehicles are usually securely left at organized starting points in the closest bordering settlements.

⚠️

Safety

Extreme isolation is the primary objective hazard; medical help and rescue services are practically non-existent or days away. Unpredictable weather events and getting lost require hiring experienced local experts to be safe.

⏱️

Time needed

Due to the vast distances and complex wilderness logistics involved in reaching and traversing these remote regions, trips rarely last less than several days. A significant buffer for travel delays must be planned into any visit.

Geography

Coordinates

69.00000, 93.00000

Facts

Area of approximately 250,000 square kilometers.
UNESCO World Heritage site since 2010.
Home to Russia's highest waterfall (Kizhi).
Composed almost entirely of trap basalt.

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Motorhome dimensions

Lengthm Widthm Heightm Weightt

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the plateau easy to reach?

No, it is one of the most remote regions in Russia.

Do I need a visa?

Yes, required for entering Russia.

What transport means are possible?

By helicopter or boat from Norilsk.

When is the best travel time?

July and August are the only months for tours.

What is the main feature?

Impressive canyons and numerous waterfalls.

Putorana Plateau: where is it located?

Putorana Plateau is located in Russia.

Putorana Plateau: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Putorana Plateau: why is it worth visiting?

The Putorana Plateau is a massive, untouched basalt plateau located in the northern reaches of Central Siberia, ranking among the most remote and untamed regions on Earth.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →