In the heart of Siberia lies a vast, roadless wilderness of canyons and waterfalls.

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Putorana Plateau is a pristine, isolated mountain range in northern Central Siberia. Spanning over 1.8 million hectares, this strictly protected reserve remains untouched by human infrastructure. It serves as a vital sanctuary for arctic ecosystems, rare plant species, and the world's largest wild reindeer migration route.

Established in 1987, the Putoransky State Nature Reserve—or Zapovednik—functions as a strictly protected zone where human activity is limited to scientific research and monitoring. Located about 100 km north of the Arctic Circle, the reserve is defined by its dramatic, layered basalt traps. These geological formations have been carved over time into deep canyons, creating a landscape of striking natural beauty that remains entirely free of roads. Access to this remote territory is restricted to helicopter or boat, a logistical barrier that helps preserve its integrity against industrial encroachment.

The reserve acts as a critical laboratory for studying subarctic and arctic ecosystems. It contains a complete range of habitats, from pristine taiga and forest tundra to arctic deserts and cold-water lake systems. With more than 25,000 fjord-like lakes, the area is a major center for plant species richness in the Arctic. It also supports diverse fauna, including the rare Putorana bighorn sheep and the massive wild reindeer herds that rely on the plateau for their migration. These ecological processes continue at a large scale, largely undisturbed by the outside world.

While the reserve is shielded by federal law, it faces modern challenges. Increasing tourism in the surrounding buffer zone threatens the area with unauthorized access, while potential mining projects outside the boundaries pose risks of pollution or infrastructure development. Protecting the long-term health of this wilderness requires rigorous management of these external pressures. By maintaining its natural state, the Putorana Plateau provides essential evidence for understanding how large-scale arctic ecosystems respond to climate change, making it a globally significant site for environmental research.

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