The Putorana Plateau is a vast, frozen wilderness hiding Russia's second-largest freshwater reserve.

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Located above the Arctic Circle, this remote Siberian massif is a geological titan. It holds massive nickel deposits, thousands of deep lakes, and the world's largest wild reindeer herd. Despite its harsh subarctic climate, the plateau remains a pristine sanctuary for diverse ecosystems, from taiga forests to arctic deserts.

The Putorana Plateau, situated at the northwestern edge of the Central Siberian Plateau, is a high-lying mountainous region defined by its basalt composition from the Siberian Traps. Its geography is rugged and expansive, featuring numerous subranges such as the Keta and Lama ranges. Mount Kamen, the highest point in the entire Central Siberian Plateau, reaches an elevation of 1,678 meters. The region is also home to Lake Vivi, which marks the geographical center of Russia, and Talnikovy Waterfall, considered one of the highest in Asia.

The plateau's most striking feature is its water system. With over 25,000 lakes, some reaching depths of 420 meters, the area acts as the second-largest freshwater store in Russia, surpassed only by Lake Baikal. These lakes are integral to the local ecosystems, which were recognized as a World Heritage site in July 2010. This designation protects a complete set of subarctic and arctic environments, including untouched river systems, forest-tundra, and arctic deserts, all of which remain isolated from significant human interference.

Life in the Putorana is dictated by a harsh, sharply continental climate. Winters are long and severe, with temperatures frequently dropping between −32 °C and −40 °C. While the region is generally unforgiving, specific valleys like that of Lake Lama benefit from a milder microclimate protected by surrounding ranges. Established in 1988, the Putorana Nature Reserve spans over 1.8 million hectares, serving as a critical refuge for snow sheep and the world's largest herd of wild reindeer. Beyond its ecological value, the plateau is rich in natural resources, containing significant deposits of iron ores, coal, and some of the world's largest known nickel reserves.

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