The Lena river The Lena is one of the ten greatest rivers on the
planet. Beginning in the mountains of the Baikal range the Lena
flows 4400 kilometers to the Arctic Ocean. The river-bed spans
as much as 15 kilometers in its middle reaches, while in the
lower reaches it spans as much as 25 kilometers. The size of the
Lena delta is mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Some of the Lena’s tributaries, such as the Vitim, the Olyokma,
the Aldan, and the Vilyuy, are longer than some of the greatest
rivers in Europe. The river is bounded in ice for seven months.
The ice crust gets more than a meter thick. The Lena opens up in
the second half of May. There are no dams, weirs, or
hydroelectric stations on the river. The Lena flows as it did
ages ago. One can still draw potable water strait from the
river. Amazing landscapes, Lenskie Shyeky (where walls of rock
squeeze the river), rich flora and fauna, and unique and ancient
culture, could all impress even an experienced traveler.