Talnikovy Waterfall

Talnikovy Waterfall is a cascading water system on the Putorana Plateau in Russia that drops across multiple stages. The water originates from Table Mountain Trapeziya and descends roughly 600 meters (2,000 feet) through numerous steps.

The waterfall remained undocumented until the 1970s when researcher Mikhail Afanasyev learned of its existence from local accounts. His documentation brought it to scientific attention and expanded knowledge of the Putorana region.

The waterfall flows through a remote corner of Siberia that has held meaning for indigenous peoples of the region for generations. The place reflects the natural diversity that has shaped how people here understand their surroundings.

Visiting requires permits from the Putoransky Reserve administration in Norilsk and is typically only possible by helicopter or boat. Access is challenging, so careful planning and local guidance are needed.

The water flows for only two months each year, fed by snowmelt and rainfall from the plateau. This seasonal nature makes each visit a time-limited event, as the waterfall's strength and volume change dramatically.