(Source: http://www.nat-geo.ru/photo/1138980)

The Putorana Plateau... One mysterious name of a mountainous country, where the reserve is located. Exceptionally beautiful landscapes, the rich animal and plant wildlife of the lost world attracts not only scientists, but also tourists who are curious and adventurous.

How to get there

The administration of the reserve, where tourists need to get permission to enter the protected area, is located in Norilsk,  the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Airplanes from Moscow to this northern city fly daily, so it’s easy to get there. There is no highway from Norilsk to the reserve. In winter, tourists take  snowmobiles. At the same time, it is not recommended to drive  yourself, especially for the first time: it is difficult to find a place to climb the plateau. In summer, groups are transported by water: all river vehicles are privately owned. There is still an opportunity to get to the plateau by helicopter, but this transfer is very limited by weather conditions. In 2016, the flight hour "MI-8" cost 150 000 RUB.

Ecotourism in the Putorana Reserve

The Putorana Reserve is quite large: its area is almost 2 million hectares. Climbers are attracted by the Table Mountains (plateau), while water tourists are attracted by giant tectonic lakes and numerous waterfalls. Hiking, water or ski routes, multi-day expeditions or weekend trips - everything is possible in Putorana! In 2010, the reserve was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Putorana lakes and waterfalls

Lakes occupy 10 percent of the reserve - there are more than 25 thousand here! Just think about this figure! At the same time, along with a huge number of small lakes, which is typical for the Subarctic in general, there are about 20 large tectonic ones, such as Lake Ayan, for example. Tourists can also see an incredible number of waterfalls: some are small and lazy, others are gigantic, noisy, falling from black basalt rocks. On the Konda River there is a waterfall that is108 meters high, one of the highest in Russia.

Preparing for the trip

It is important to prepare well for the visit to the reserve, even if you are traveling only for a weekend. A visit to the Putorana Plateau without good equipment and adequate weather, is  dangerous. The climate is harsh. The ice on the lakes comes down in mid-July, and reappears in early September. Frosts in April can reach minus 40 ° C. In summer it is, on average, about plus 12 ° C, but because of the constant winds it is uncomfortable. It may suddenly rain, even with snow. The warmest month is July. So you should prepare carefully: even in summer, take warm gear, which is water- and windproof.