Alignment Pillars
The unique natural monument Pillars of Weathering is located on the Manpupuner plateau, considered the pearl of the Urals. In the language of the locals, the Weathering Pillars mean "Small Mountain of Idols", as they revered these places as saints and worshipped them. It was a great sin for the local population to rise up. It was believed that spirits lived here, and only shamans were allowed to get closer. The second name of the creation of nature is "Mansiysk blockheads".
More than 200 million years ago, high mountains rose on the plateau, which suffered significant damage under the influence of natural conditions. Rocks of a softer composition were destroyed due to weathering, hence their name. Only solid sericite-quartzite schists have survived to our times.
There are 7 pillars ranging in height from 30 to 42 meters, which rise to the skies on the bare Manpupuner plateau. They are clearly visible even from afar. These geological formations of a wide variety of shapes and outlines, depending on the viewing angle, resemble the figure of a man, a horse or another animal.
Six of them are aligned in a row above the cliff, and the seventh, up to 34 meters high, rises separately to the side. Its shape is associated with an upside-down bottle. The appearance of these pillars is associated with many legends that were put together by the local population – the indigenous Mansi, Komi and Russians.
The type of terrain changes dramatically depending on the time of the year. The most beautiful Weathering Pillars are in winter. At this time, the Pillars, covered with snow, are white and look like crystal. In autumn, in times of fog, the outlines that loom through the haze fascinate the eye.
It is not so easy to get to them, because the Weathering Pillars on the Manpupuner Plateau are quite far from inhabited places. Before deciding on such an unusual trip, you need to weigh the pros and cons, because along the 200 km long route, tourists are faced with strong gusts of wind, rain and fog, as the weather in the tundra is unpredictable and harsh. Initially, only trained athletes and various scientific expeditions could taste the plateau. Helicopter tours have been organized especially for tourists who do not have the slightest experience in such conditions, but who want to see the Seventh Miracle of Russia. Before visiting the reserve, you need to get permission from the director by writing an application and paying an environmental fee.
Having overcome all the difficulties of the journey, all the beauty of nature, mixed with a certain mysticism, opens up to the gaze. Everything is filled with peace and positive energy.
