Olenyok (river)

The Olenyok River (also spelled Olenek; Russian: Оленёк, Yakut: Өлөөн) is a major river in northern Siberia, Russia. It flows through the Krasnoyarsk Krai and the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), emptying into the Olenyok Gulf of the Laptev Sea, part of the Arctic Ocean.

The river is approximately 2,292 kilometers (1,424 miles) long, and its drainage basin covers an area of 219,000 square kilometers (85,000 sq mi). The Olenyok originates in the Vilyuy Plateau, part of the Central Siberian Plateau. Its course is generally northwards, through sparsely populated tundra and taiga landscapes. The river is characterized by a meandering channel, especially in its lower reaches.

The river is frozen for much of the year, typically from late September or early October until June. During the short summer months, it is navigable for smaller vessels. The Olenyok is primarily used for transportation and fishing. Its waters are home to various species of fish, including Arctic cisco and various types of salmonids.

The Olenyok is of significant geological interest due to the presence of diamondiferous kimberlites in its basin. These deposits have led to mining activities in the region.

The indigenous people of the area along the Olenyok River are primarily Evenks and Yakuts, who traditionally rely on reindeer herding, hunting, and fishing for their livelihoods.