The mysterious stone pillars of Manpupuner, known as the “Mansi blockheads,” attract tourists from all over Russia. But before you go to this amazing place, it is important to plan your route - especially if you are driving from Yekaterinburg. The distance to the plateau is not that small, but the road requires preparation.
In this article we will look at exact distance from Yekaterinburg to Manpupuner, compare different routes (including detours), estimate travel time and cost of the trip. We’ll also give practical advice on how to prepare your car for such a long trip and what to consider when planning.
Exact distance from Yekaterinburg to Manpupuner
There is no direct highway to the Manpupuner plateau - the road runs through several regions and includes areas with different surfaces. Distance along the most popular route (via Serov, Ivdel and the village Ivdel Nature Reserve) is approximately 720–750 km one way. However, this value may vary depending on the selected path and detours.
It is important to understand that the latter 100–120 km - These are dirt roads with sections without asphalt, which can be difficult to pass in rainy weather. Therefore, the actual distance on the odometer is often greater due to detours and maneuvers.
- 📍 According to Yandex/Google maps: 720–740 km (road route).
- 🚗 Actual mileage: 750–800 km including exits and detours.
- ⏱️ Travel time: 12–16 hours (non-stop).
- ⛽ Fuel consumption: 60–90 liters (depending on the type of machine).
If you are planning a trip to crossover or SUV, you can shorten the path by using forest roads. But for sedans and hatchbacks, it's better to stick to the main route, even if it's longer.
Popular routes: which one to choose?
There are three main options for the road from Yekaterinburg to Manpupuner. Each has its pros and cons - from the quality of coverage to the number of gas stations along the way. Let's take a closer look at them.
| Route | Distance | Travel time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ekaterinburg → Serov → Ivdel → Manpupuner | 720–750 km | 12–14 hours | The most proven path, many gas stations | The last section is unpaved, traffic jams are possible near the reserve |
| Ekaterinburg → Krasnoturinsk → Karpinsk → Manpupuner | 780–800 km | 14–16 hours | Fewer trucks, nice views | 50–60 km longer, fewer gas stations |
| Ekaterinburg → Nizhny Tagil → Kushva → Manpupuner | 800–830 km | 15–18 hours | Good asphalt surface to Kushva | Longest route, difficult turns |
Most tourists choose the first option through Serov and Ivdel, since it is the most predictable. However, if you are traveling to motorcycle or low-power car, it is worth considering a detour through Krasnoturinsk — there are fewer steep climbs.
⚠️ Attention: In 2026, repair work is underway in the area between Ivdel and the Manpupuner plateau. Check the current state of the road on the forums 4x4 or in groups of travelers a week before the trip.
How long does the journey take?
Theoretically, under ideal conditions, the path from Yekaterinburg to Manpupuner can be covered in 12 o'clock. But in practice this is almost impossible. Here's what affects actual travel time:
- 🚦 Traffic jams and road repairs: This is especially true when leaving Yekaterinburg and near Serov.
- ⛽ Stops at gas stations: It is recommended to refuel in Serov or Ivdel - further gas stations are less common.
- ☕ Rest and snacks: A minimum of 2-3 stops of 20-30 minutes is required.
- 🌧️ Weather conditions: Rain or snow may increase the time by 3-5 hours due to reduced speed on the dirt road.
Realistic schedule for a car trip:
- 🚗 Passenger car: 14–16 hours with stops.
- 🏍️ Motorcycle: 12–14 hours (but requires more rest stops).
- 🚙 SUV with trailer: 16–18 hours (due to speed limit).
If you are planning an overnight stay along the way, the best places to stop are: Serov (many hotels) or Ivdel (there are campsites and hotels). In the village itself near the Manpupuner plateau there is almost no infrastructure, so stock up on everything you need in advance.
Before the trip, check the tire pressure and stock up on a spare wheel - there are no tire service stations for the last 100 km of the trip.
Cost of the trip: fuel, accommodation, entrance to the territory
A trip to Manpupuner is not only kilometers, but also serious expenses. Let's calculate the minimum budget for traveling by car from Yekaterinburg.
| Expense item | Cost (for 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel (round trip) | 8 000–12 000 ₽ | Depends on fuel consumption (10–15 l/100 km) |
| Accommodation (1 night) | 2 500–5 000 ₽ | Hotel in Serov/Ivdel or camping near the plateau |
| Entrance to the reserve | 300–500 ₽/person. | To be paid at the checkpoint before the plateau |
| Meals (for 2 days) | 2 000–3 500 ₽ | Cafe along the way + snacks from the store |
| Unforeseen expenses | 3 000–5 000 ₽ | Car repair, fines, souvenirs |
Total minimum travel cost for one person in a car will be 15 000–20 000 ₽. If you are traveling with a group SUV, the costs can be divided among all passengers.
Tip: take it with you cash — on the last 100 km of the route, card payment terminals are extremely rare. Also check if your OSAGO insurance on the territory of the Perm region (where the plateau is located).
⚠️ Attention: Since 2023, on the territory of the Manpupuner reserve, ban on bonfires outside specially equipped places. The fine for violation is up to 5,000 rubles.
How to prepare your car for a trip?
The road to Manpupuner is a serious test for a car, especially if you are driving sedans or hatchback. Here is a checklist of required preparations:
☑️ Preparing the car for the trip
Pay special attention suspension and tires:
- 🚘 For passenger cars: Puncture resistant tires are desirable (e.g. Michelin CrossClimate or Nokian Hakkapeliitta).
- 🏔️ For SUVs: Tires will fit BFGoodrich All-Terrain or Yokohama Geolandar.
- 🔧 Additional equipment: Compressor for inflating tires, jack, wheel chocks.
If your car is not designed for off-road use, consider renting SUV in Yekaterinburg. Rental cost Toyota RAV4 or Mitsubishi Outlander for 3 days - approx. 12 000–15 000 ₽.
What to do if your car gets stuck in the mud?
If your car skids on a dirt road, do not accelerate sharply - this will only worsen the situation. Try:
1. Place branches, stones or special ramps under the wheels.
2. Lower the tire pressure to 1.5–1.8 atm for better grip.
3. Ask for help from passing SUVs (usually tourists help each other).
If it doesn’t help, call a tow truck from Ivdel (reserve number of the reserve: +7 (XXX) XXX-XX-XX).
When is the best time to go: seasonal features
The Manpupuner plateau is accessible to visitors all year round, but travel conditions vary greatly depending on the season. Let's look at the pros and cons of each period:
- 🌞 Summer (June–August):
- ✅ Pros: warm weather, all routes are accessible, you can spend the night in tents.
- ❌ Cons: many tourists, high cost of accommodation, mosquitoes.
- 🍂 Autumn (September–October):
- ✅ Pros: few people, beautiful foliage, cool.
- ❌ Cons: frequent rains, the primer becomes slippery.
- ❄️ Winter (November–March):
- ✅ Pros: fabulous snowy landscapes, complete privacy.
- ❌ Cons: the road is covered with snow, four-wheel drive and chains are required.
- 🌸 Spring (April–May):
- ✅ Pros: melting snow opens up unusual views.
- ❌ Cons: muddy roads, many roads are blocked.
Optimal time to travel - late May–early June or September. During these periods, the weather is stable, and the flow of tourists is not yet too large. If you are traveling in winter, be sure to check whether the road to the plateau is open - sometimes the road is closed due to snow drifts.
It is better to avoid traveling in April and November - at this time, due to muddy roads, many sections of the road become impassable even for SUVs.
Alternative ways to get to Manpupuner
Not everyone has the opportunity or desire to drive their own car. Let's consider other options:
- 🚌 Bus + walking:
- You can get to Ivdel by regular bus from Yekaterinburg (ticket ~1,500 ₽).
- Next - a taxi to the village or a walking route (30 km, requires preparation).
- 🚁 Helicopter:
- Helicopter tours are organized from Yekaterinburg or Perm (from RUB 25,000 per person).
- The flight takes 2–3 hours, but offers stunning views.
- 🏕️ Organized tour:
- Many tour operators offer jeep trips with a guide (from RUB 10,000 per person).
- Includes transfer, meals and excursion to the plateau.
If you choose walking route, please note that the last part of the path will have to go through the forest without navigation signs. Be sure to take it with you GPS navigator (for example, Garmin eTrex) and water supply.
For those who prefer comfort, the best option is organized jeep tour. The guides know all the detours and will ensure safety. The downside is the high cost and tight schedule.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the trip to Manpupuner
Do I need to get a pass to visit Manpupuner?
Yes, the plateau is located on the territory of the Vishersky nature reserve. You need to pay at the checkpoint before entering environmental fee (300–500 RUR per person) and present your passport. The pass can be issued on the spot; no prior registration is required.
Is it possible to get to Manpupuner by motorcycle?
Technically yes, but it's extremely risky. The last section of the road (100 km) is a dirt road with holes and stones. If you still decide, take it enduro motorcycle (for example, Honda CRF250L or Yamaha Tenere 700) and spare inner tubes for wheels.
Is there mobile coverage on the plateau?
Communication MegaFon and Tele2 catches at the foot of the pillars, but very weakly. Beeline and MTS practically don't work. We recommend downloading offline maps Yandex.Navigator or Google Maps in advance.
Is it possible to pitch a tent right next to the stone pillars?
No, camping is only permitted in designated areas (marked with signs). For spending the night in the wrong place, you can get a fine from the reserve inspectors. It is better to book a campsite in advance through the reserve's website.
How long does it take to explore the plateau?
Minimum 2-3 hours to walk around all seven pillars and take photographs. If you are planning a detailed guided tour or want to capture sunset/sunrise, allow 4-5 hours. Many tourists stay on the plateau all night to see the starry sky.