The list of Russia’s most enigmatic places spans five entries, as shared by the My Planet TV channel’s press group in conversations with socialbites.ca.
Victory in the poll went to the segment called Secrets Are Calling, chosen by viewers in the official VKontakte community during a dedicated marathon. Each contestant received a feature in the documentary series The Secret in the Map, hosted by Vadim Norshtein.
Experts summarized the voting by naming the top five destinations: Dyatlov Pass in the Sverdlovsk Region, the Solovetsky Labyrinths in the Arkhangelsk Region, the Vottovaara Mountain in Karelia, Kitezh City in Nizhny Novgorod Region, and the Caucasian Dolmens in Krasnodar. They also noted that the broader top ten includes notable sites such as the Moleb anomalous complex, which comprises Manpupuner, Kovdor, the Sun Temple, and monuments in Khakassia.
Speaking about the Dyatlov Pass feature, the team recalled lengthy discussions during preparation. The site clearly stirs the imagination, and there was surprise that Mangup-Kale in Crimea, a cave city that many consider fascinating, did not rank among the leaders.
Attention was drawn to the Manpupuner plateau, a remote and challenging destination nestled in the forests of the Komi Republic. Local traditions hold that the Mansi people honor their spirits at this place. The towering seven boulder giants, each about forty meters tall, leave a lasting impression and are widely regarded as worth visiting for those intrigued by ancient landscapes.
The broadcast also touched on how these locations blend natural awe with historical and cultural mysteries, inviting travelers and researchers to explore what lies beyond the beaten path. They remind audiences that Russia holds an array of sites where geology, folklore, and human history intersect in striking ways.
As inquiries about unique winter getaways continue to rise, questions naturally arise about where to stay close to these extraordinary locales, and how best to plan visits that respect local communities and environments.