Western Putorana 2003

As it is known, Taimyr peninsula is the far north part of the continent. It is severe, but very beautiful. And in its south part, where it turn into Asian continent there is a fantastic and wonderful creature of nature – Putorana tableland. When you find yourself here you fill the whole unreality of the happened: the forces of nature lifted this part of land, which consists of basalt rocks. Some rivers have changed their routes and made deep canyons. Deep, clear lakes have appeared in some places. The water is rather cold because ice melts only in July. But during shot summer lakes manage to collect some warmth and can soften beginning of long winter. There is a special climate in its region, which allows watching genuine flora and fauna of taiga, while on the top or the tableland there is arctic tundra. Almost every river has its waterfalls here. No settlements have ever been situated here. Only to the far west there is Norilsk industrial region, which made Putorana tableland accessible, although only by a helicopter. In 2003 I had a chance to visit Putorany once more. This expedition was held by request of a publishing house Penta. The work was made in the west part of Putorany, where great lake system is situated. From Norilsk I was driven by a motor boat to Lake Melkoe. The further transportation was realized with the help of a cayak. You can read about this travel in details in the article “Trip to West Putorany – 2”. Also there is a photoalbum “West Putorany” on CD.