Lensk, established in 1663 as a winter camp (zimovye) called Mukhtuya, served as a crucial staging point for expeditions exploring the Lena River basin and expanding Russian influence in Eastern Siberia.

Situated on the left bank of the Lena River in the southwestern part of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Lensk's geographical location has historically determined its role as a vital transportation hub.

Lensk experiences an extreme subarctic climate characterized by long, severely cold winters and short, mild summers, resulting in permafrost underlying much of the area.

The population of Lensk has fluctuated significantly over time, experiencing periods of growth linked to diamond mining and declines related to economic restructuring after the Soviet era.

Diamond mining, spearheaded by ALROSA (a major Russian diamond producer), constitutes the cornerstone of Lensk's economy, providing significant employment and revenue for the region.

The town's infrastructure is significantly dependent on the Lena River for transportation, especially during the navigable summer months when goods are shipped to and from other parts of Sakha and Russia.

Lensk's cultural landscape reflects a blend of indigenous Yakut traditions and Russian influences, with local arts, crafts, and folklore contributing to its unique identity.

The devastating flood of 2001, caused by ice jams on the Lena River, profoundly impacted Lensk, necessitating extensive reconstruction and highlighting the vulnerability of settlements along the river.

Following the 2001 flood, Lensk underwent significant modernization efforts, including the construction of new residential areas, infrastructure, and social facilities, transforming its urban landscape.

The Lensk Regional Museum of Local Lore showcases the history, culture, and natural environment of the region, preserving artifacts and exhibits related to the area's past.

While Lensk itself doesn't host a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its proximity to the Lena Pillars Nature Park, a UNESCO site further up the river, indirectly benefits the town through tourism and associated economic activities.

The traditional Yakut festival of Yhyakh, celebrating the summer solstice and the rebirth of nature, is observed in Lensk with local variations and festivities.

Lensk serves as an administrative center for the Lensky District, overseeing the governance and development of surrounding rural settlements and resource extraction activities.

The development of Lensk and the surrounding region has been significantly influenced by the extraction and processing of natural resources, including diamonds, oil, and gas.

Lensk continues to grapple with challenges related to environmental protection, sustainable development, and the diversification of its economy beyond diamond mining.