Example Itinerary

The Putorana Plateau: Siberia's Empty Quarter

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Off the Grid, Trekking
Destinations
Siberia & Russian Far East

Please note: Due to international sanctions, we are currently unable to accept bookings for Russia.

It is nearly impossible to describe the incredible beauty of this expansive area located in the transpolar region of Russia. Completely untouched by human activity, the plateau is characterized by miles of flat-topped mountains that melt into the horizon, deep-cutting canyons and seemingly never-ending rivers. This incredible eight-day tour will bring you to a site where man has barely scratched the surface. You will encounter areas of spectacular natural beauty that remain to be been filmed or photographed by professional equipment and have the chance to connect with the extraordinary ecosystems that thrive here by camping on the surreal, mirror-like shores of lake Kutramakan. Panoramic views like none other can be witnessed in awe with helicopter charters and you can observe the extreme contrasts between the rural landscapes of the plateau and the bustling city of Novosibirsk. NB please note this trip is a private expedition and requires a minimum of 6 people. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Chopper Over Transpolar Russia: One of the most isolated, empty places on the planet, the Putorana Plateau is accessible only by helicopter. Here, travelers must rely on choppers to get them through the vertiginous mountains and endless massifs of the transpolar frontier.
  • Rivers and Lakes of the North: From Kutramakan Lake to Hibarba Canyon, the landscape of the Putorana Plateau is defined by the frozen wastes of the polar region, but in summer the rivers and lakes bring life to the empty north.
  • Waterfalls: The extreme temperatures and untamed waters of Putorana have made the region famous for its waterfalls, including the 108-meter Kanda river gorge waterfall, the highest in all of Russia. If visited in winter, the falls of the Putorana are also beautiful frozen over.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Novosibirsk

Upon arrival into Novosibirsk Airport, you will be met by your guide who will then take you to a lavish five-star hotel within the city, where you will spend your first evening at a comfortable city hotel. Take some time to rest after your travels and explore the local surroundings before meeting the translator and instructor who will accompany you throughout the tour.

Hotel Options
About

Doubletree by Hilton is a four-star hotel in Novosibirsk, ranking among the best places to stay in what is Russia’s third-largest city. The large, modern hotel is located right in the heart of the city, although the actual road is slightly quieter than the nearby busy streets.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

This luxurious five-star hotel was only opened in 2014, and now stands as one of the top places to stay in the central Russian city of Novosibirsk. Marriott really is a global name you can trust, and this Novosibirsk branch is no exception; expect a great location, stylish and spacious rooms and a whole host of onsite facilities and amenities.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Norilsk

Start the day with an early morning breakfast within the beautiful surrounds of the hotel before being transferred to the international airport to catch a 6:30am plane. After a flight of two hours and 45 minutes, you will land in Norilsk, the northernmost city of the world. A transfer will take you past the colorful buildings of this polar city to reach your modern hotel and check in. The afternoon is reserved for a tour of the nearby seaport of Dudinka, a town rarely seen by outsiders, before you return to your hotel to spend the night.

Hotel Options
About

Located in the Siberian city of Norilsk, the Polyarnaya Zvezda is a basic hotel that has a range of spacious, comfortable and clean rooms. What it lacks in modernity, it certainly makes up for in friendliness, with English-speaking staff and a helpful 24-hour reception desk.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Norilsk
Norilsk

Day 3

Lake Kutramakan

A helicopter charter will be your mode of transport this morning, from where you can observe the dramatic terrain of the plateau, to reach the beautifully secluded and serene lake Kutramakan, one of an amazing 25,000 lakes within this region. Shortly after arriving, embark on a trek to the stunning waterfall on the river Irkingda. There will be time to admire the scenery and photograph this incredibly rare sight. Opt for an afternoon of fishing or hiking to observe the diversity of rare plant species and vibrant wildlife here before returning to lake Kutramakan, where you will enjoy an evening of tranquility in a tent just off its shores.

Hotel Options
About

In a remote parts of Siberia, comprised of vast flat plains, fortress-like mountains tops and winding rivers that cut through the landscape, there are few accommodation options available, so one of the best ways to spend the night is under the stars in a tent. Things can get quite cool at night, so tent facilities include warm, comfy bedding to make for a good night’s rest.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Lake Kutramakan

The Putorana Plateau is thought to have been formed 10-12 million years ago as the result of a strong earthquake and you can catch a glimpse of this historic landscape out of a helicopter on your trip to Hibarba canyon. This unique rock formation carves through the rocky terrain and makes a beautiful backdrop for photo and video opportunities. Upon arrival back to your tent, enjoy an evening to yourself within picturesque scenery and exceptionally serene surroundings.

Lake Kutramakan
Lake Kutramakan

Day 5

Lake Kutramakan

Today is reserved for exploring the very best that the seemingly boundaryless Putorana Plateau has to offer. Strictly off the beaten track, this otherworldly region showcases scenery like no where else on the planet. You will visit three iconic rivers, sparsely populated and offering timeless views over this unique Russian territory. The river Kureika has a waterfall that flows over a vertiginous slope and is an impressive sight not to be missed. Take advantage of rare photo opportunities before heading back for a final night in your tent.

Day 6

Norilsk

Ensure you take in the unspoilt views of this region, thought to be 10 - 12 million years old, from the height of your helicopter as you head back to the city of Norilsk. Spectacular views of unique meneses, deep blue lakes and immense canyons will accompany you on your journey for a truly memorable flight. Once back in the city, you will have some time to take a look around this historic factory town and recuperate in a city hotel.

Hotel Options
About

Located in the Siberian city of Norilsk, the Polyarnaya Zvezda is a basic hotel that has a range of spacious, comfortable and clean rooms. What it lacks in modernity, it certainly makes up for in friendliness, with English-speaking staff and a helpful 24-hour reception desk.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Norilsk
Norilsk

Day 7

Novosibirsk

Your penultimate day in this surreal region commences with a traditional breakfast in your hotel followed by a transfer to the city airport. At 12:40pm, you will catch a plane to Novosibirsk and just under three hours later, you will touch down and then be transferred to your modern hotel where you’ll check in. Take a rest at the hotel before embarking on afternoon of exploration with a four-hour sightseeing tour around the bustling Novosibirsk.

Hotel Options
About

Doubletree by Hilton is a four-star hotel in Novosibirsk, ranking among the best places to stay in what is Russia’s third-largest city. The large, modern hotel is located right in the heart of the city, although the actual road is slightly quieter than the nearby busy streets.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

This luxurious five-star hotel was only opened in 2014, and now stands as one of the top places to stay in the central Russian city of Novosibirsk. Marriott really is a global name you can trust, and this Novosibirsk branch is no exception; expect a great location, stylish and spacious rooms and a whole host of onsite facilities and amenities.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 8

Departure

Following your final breakfast of the tour in the hotel, take a tour of Akademgorodok. This unique destination was built during the Soviet era and the sightseeing tour covers all the main attractions within the city. After the tour, you will then be transferred to the airport to depart to your onward destination but not forgetting this unbelievable region.

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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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