Putorana Plateau

An expedition to the wildest and least explored territory of Siberia.
The Putorana Plateau is one of the most fascinating natural wonders in the world. This 260,000 square kilometer (100,000sq.mi.) volcanic plateau was created by a massive eruption that nearly wiped out life on the planet. Eons of rain and snowmelt have cut dramatic canyons and spectacular waterfalls that are constantly changing. Known as the "Land of 1000 Waterfalls" Putorana is a paradise for anglers, photographers, and or just plain adventurers. An uninhabited land accessible only by helicopter, this is Russian wilderness as the first adventurers saw it.

Highlights:
" Trek through true wilderness with more waterfalls than people, including the highest waterfall in Russia at 108m/354ft.
" Raft through deep canyons, rock towers cut by shifting water melt in the volcanic rock.
" Battle the Taimen, a Siberian salmon trout, nicknamed "river shark", for his ferocious behavior on the line and his fondness for catching Arctic mice.
" Be the envy of biologists as you see the last herds of endangered species such as the "snow sheep".
" Putorana has only recently been open to foreign travelers - you will be among the first!

Day 1 Depart from Moscow to Norilsk on an overnight flight. Transfer to helipad for your flight to the Khibarba River. Establish base camp in a completely wild place where the nearest settlement is 250 m (400 km) away. Dinner around the campfire and lodging in tents. (L,D)
Day 2-3 Hike in the Kanda River Canyon to the tallest waterfall in Russia - 108m/354ft. The trek is about 26km/16 miles of starting to get to know the wilds of Putorana. Compare the Grand Canyon to the volcanic canyons. Spend the night along the river. Raft down Khibarba if the waters allow or trek back to base camp. (B.L.D)
Day 4 Trek along the left fork of the Khibarba river to the Khibarba waterfall. Here we may find the endangered snow sheep that populate this area. 15km/9mi (B.L.D)
Day 5 Trek along the Oran River Canyon and see both many waterfalls and "layer cakes' made by the river over 1000's of years. The trek is about 15km/9mi. Optional fishing. (B,L,D)
Day 6-7 Raft down the Khibarba River to the Ayakli River - about 70km/43mi. The water is usually about Class 2 rapids. The Khibarba River Canyon is very beautiful and severe with 3m/16ft walls. While the team sets up camp, explore some of the natural wonders of the Putorana Plateau, mountain lakes, table mountains, and amazing rock towers in the area. (B,LD).
Day 8-9 Continue rafting down the Ayakli River to the Ayan River. Visit an ancient hunting village. Establish camp nearby. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Fly to Norilsk by helicopter. Optional city tour. Farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 11 Departure (B,L,D)

Summary:
Days: 11 days/10 nights
Type of trip: Trekking/Rafting/Helicopter
Group: 5-8 people
Difficulty: Rigorous (rafting not yet rated)
Season: July 15 - August 15
Departure: July 30 - August 11, 2002
Price: $4200 per person (5-8 people)
$ 400 single supplement

To learn more please enquire hobo.partner@t-online.de