Putorana Plateau
Nature Reserve Remote Siberian plateau of canyons, lakes, and tundra
The Putorana Plateau in northern Siberia comprises tablelands, deep canyons and thousands of lakes above the Arctic Circle; expedition teams come for remote trekking, waterfall panoramas and boreal wildlife studies.
Putorana Plateau is a vast, remote plateau of table mountains, deep canyons, waterfalls and lakes in north‑central Siberia noted for its dramatic basalt landforms and intact Arctic and subarctic ecosystems. The area is recognised for its geomorphology and for supporting populations of cold‑adapted wildlife.
Landscape features include flat‑topped mountains, steep cliffs, river gorges and numerous freshwater lakes and waterfalls forming a rugged, strongly dissected plateau. The region is mostly roadless and valued for its wilderness character and ecological integrity.
The plateau sits in the north of the Central Siberian Plateau within Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia, and lies north of the Arctic Circle in a remote Arctic to subarctic setting. Human settlements are sparse and access is typically by river, helicopter or light aircraft.
- Access: The plateau lies north of the Arctic Circle and is a remote, largely roadless wilderness best accessed by river transport or small aircraft during the short summer season.
How to Get to Putorana Plateau #
Access is by river and air from Norilsk and other regional hubs; private expedition operators generally arrange logistical details, including charter flights and riverboats. Travel requires permits and careful planning.
Tips for Visiting Putorana Plateau #
- Organize travel through a reputable local operator - the plateau is remote and logistics (planes to Norilsk or charter flights) require planning.
- Bring layered, high-performance cold-weather gear - temperatures can plummet well below freezing.
- Respect protected-area rules: the region is a habitat for vulnerable species such as the Taimyr wild reindeer.
Best Time to Visit Putorana Plateau #
Best visited in the short Arctic summer (June-August) when access is possible and tundra routes open; winter visits are for experienced, well-equipped expeditions only.
Weather & Climate near Putorana Plateau #
Putorana Plateau's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -37°C to 16°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -27°C and lows of -37°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -26°C and lows of -35°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -18°C and lows of -29°C. The driest month with just 17 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -22°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 61 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -20°C and lows of -29°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -24°C and lows of -33°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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