Manpupuner Stone Pillars in Komi Republic: The Ural Stonehenge and Its Mysterious Origins

The Manpupuner Stone Pillars on the plateau in the Komi Republic have long attracted the attention of scientists and tourists from all over the world. Many legends and myths surround these “stone guardians,” which are as tall as a 15-story building.

One of the Seven Wonders, Manpupuner means “Small Mountain of Idols” in the Mansi language. Since 1930, the plateau has been part of the Pechoro-Ilych Nature Reserve. The pillars, resembling ancient sentinels, are said to hold the wisdom and secrets of the ages. Reaching them is incredibly difficult. There are seven pillars in total, ranging in height from 30 to 43 meters. One, standing slightly apart, is called the Shaman.

In 2008, Manpupuner was included in the list of Seven Wonders of Russia.

The Mystery of Their Origin

The main puzzle is the origin and anthropomorphic shape of the pillars. According to geologists, millions of years ago, there were high mountains here. Over time, precipitation and wind caused the mountains to erode and weather. The softer rock eventually disappeared entirely, while the harder rock survived. Scientifically speaking, these stone figures are weathering pillars.

The Ural Stonehenge

Manpupuner is often called the Ural Stonehenge. Its beauty is mesmerizing. Those who have visited speak of an unprecedented surge of energy they felt in the area. For thousands of years, the Mansi people worshipped these stone idols, believing them to be imbued with divine power. Climbing the plateau was strictly forbidden for ordinary people. Only shamans had the right to do so, as they conducted special rituals there.

Mansi Legends

Naturally, such a remarkable natural wonder has inspired many legends. One famous story tells of a mighty giant who wanted to conquer the Mansi lands. The elders turned to a shaman, who could communicate with the spirits of nature. He summoned a fierce storm, with lightning flashing and thunder roaring, and the giant and his warriors were turned into stone pillars.

Another legend speaks of seven brothers who lived in harmony with nature and protected the forests. Once, a foreign army came to their lands. The brothers asked the mountain spirit for help, and he turned them into invincible stone giants standing shoulder to shoulder.

There are also beliefs that the Manpupuner pillars are guardians of ancient treasures and serve as gates to other worlds.

The Difficult Journey

Getting to the plateau is very challenging for tourists, but it is possible to fly, sail, or hike there.

By air is the easiest but most expensive way, usually by helicopter. Pilots often circle above the plateau so passengers can get a good aerial view of the stone giants.

On foot, it’s about 230 kilometers round trip. Such a journey usually takes about two weeks. Travelers start from Ivdel in the Sverdlovsk region, cross the infamous Dyatlov Pass, visit Mount Otorten, and other interesting places.

There is also a combined water-and-hiking route from the village of Ust-Unya. From there, tourists are taken upstream on the Pechora River on a hovercraft. Then it’s a 25-kilometer hike to the plateau. The entire trip takes five days.