I have been to many beautiful places, but nothing like the Putorana Plateau. It was like entering some realm that had forgotten to include people. By the time I arrived so spontaneously again in May, and long before I ended this unplanned vacation, somehow the silence returned; the waterfalls; the cliffs forever. Putorana Plateau should be on your list if you like going to somewhat unspoilt and wild places.
The Adventure Begins
Getting into the Putorana Plateau is a challenge in itself, adding to the magic. It was when I got to northern Siberia that I fully realised the trip I was about to start was hardly your average tourism relay. Because no buses were packed one on top of the other, no long lines waiting for tickets. In fact, though, with every kilometer I drove, it felt as if I was stepping back from the modern world.
No matter what the purpose of my temporary travel was, the journey had become an adventure on its own. Civilization receded like a tide and was replaced with stream banks, shrubs, and craggy mountains. Excitement mixed with uncertainty struck me then, for I knew it was about to propel me into one of the remotest locations on Earth.
A Landscape That Took My Breath Away
It halted me dead in my tracks when I got this first look at the Putorana Plateau. Great cliffs towered up from the blue waters of lakes which tumbles down their front in silver ribbons. There was also the clean and cool air. I remember going even a few minutes without saying anything because, honestly, words did feel inadequate.
Photos really don’t capture the scale of this thing. Everything felt far larger than I had perceived. More mountains, more forests pushing down into valleys as far back or to the right as you could see.
Walking Through Pure Wilderness
One of my fondest moments was traversing through the Putorana Plateau on foot. Each path led to another incredible perspective. I walked through green valleys at times, while other moments I hiked rocky slopes that overlooked still waters.
Silence was the best part of it. I heard the sounds of nature: birds, water, and the wind blowing through the tall grass. There wasn’t any sound of cars, music blaring, or busy stores. We don’t hear that often anymore, but I really enjoyed it.
The Waterfalls I Will Never Forget
The waterfalls of the Putorana Plateau are legendary; I see now why. All sorts and sizes of waterfalls. Some were thin rivulets plummeting from great heights; others slammed into lakes with astonishing violence.
One waterfall I sat beside for nearly an hour. The water was soothing, and the air smelled of cool mist. One of those moments when you were travelling that seemed unnatural and impossible to hurry.
Wildlife Around Every Corner
Over the Putorana Plateau, one can feel that one lives in wilderness. I saw the birds that flew along the animal paths over the remote cliffs. In the wilderness, there is an opportunity to admire such wild animals as brown bears, wolves, foxes, as well as large numbers of wild reindeer. In addition, it was quite unusual to perceive that the animals were in freedom, and that the fence separating the game park was the only barrier that kept me in the wilds.
Why This Place Feels Different
Quite a lot of the places in the world are beautiful, lively, and are, generally, quite crowded. But this one is no less than Arctic tundra, and, even more, the Puturana Plateaus of remote Russia have a completely unnatural awesomeness that, due to the surrounding unspoiled nature, makes it seem more imposing than other locations. Plus, the scarce presence of tourists adds to the intimidating level. I was spotting birds flushing away from the rocks from where they’ve perched to stare at all the animals that were walking past.
There is a really high probability of spotting predators such as brown bears, wolves, fox as well as large herds of reindeer in the pristine natural environments while being at this magical place.
A Short Summer Full of Life
It was a breezy Siberian summer, as colourful as it gets with all sorts of flowers. Flowers covered the valleys, and the long days made for easy trekking. The temperature was cool, just perfect for hiking and time outside.
Local guides told me that the Putorana Plateau becomes a land of snow and ice in winter. Under the northern sky, I can see how dramatic it makes this appear.
Travel Tips for Visiting the Putorana Plateau
Better that you organize some of the adventures there rather than book in advance, since the developed areas are limited, but at that the Putorana Plateau is best not to be visited if rushed due to the fast-changing climate.
Take with you warm clothes even in summer. Pack a waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers and good boots plus your cam with charged batteries. Above all, make some allowance – do not be visited the destination.
The Memory That Stayed With Me
When I departed the Putorana Plateau, I brought home more than photographs! I felt the serenity that is so rare in life. The wide-open spaces and stillness reminded me as well how stunning nature can be.
Some journeys run on for days, keeping you amused all the time. This was a real eye-opener to me in terms of wilderness and adventurous travel. I discovered that the most rewarding expeditions are the ones that require the most effort to get to.
Cessation
The Putorana Plateau is one of Earth’s best-kept secrets; it has dramatic gorges, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and unmarred vegetation. This place was left alone and untouched. It is a primeval wilderness, possessing an elegant beauty rarely found anywhere else in the world.
Putorana Plateau: If the bizarre sounds like a place you dream of visiting, an untouched land that existed long before modern man was even born, then this is all worth every bit of effort. Not simply another point on a map, this is a reminder that we live on a planet that still has the possibility of many beautiful worlds within it.
Also Read: Lake Baikal: The Silent Giant That Changed the Way I See Nature
