Olyokma Upplands

The Olyokma uplands form part of the rugged mountain country north-east of Lake Baikal. Ridges and intermontane valleys break up the Stanovoy Highlands, while the Olyokma and its tributaries carry water north toward the Lena. Forest covers much of the lower ground, giving way to sparse vegetation on the higher slopes. Long, cold winters keep this remote interior under snow for much of the year.