Boom Gorge, Natural canyon in Chüy Region, Kyrgyzstan.
Boom Gorge is a canyon in the Tian Shan mountains featuring steep rocky walls and narrow passages. The Chu River flows through the deep valley, carving a tight corridor between towering rock formations.
The gorge was first documented in 1850 by Russian explorer Pyotr Semyonov, who revealed the hazards of this mountain route. A railway line was later constructed through the valley and began service in 1948.
The name Boom comes from local language and means 'evil spirit', reflecting how travelers once feared this mountain passage. This naming shows how the place was long seen as dangerous and unpredictable by those who crossed it.
The main highway and railway pass directly through the gorge, connecting different regions easily. Taking a train through offers a good view of the landscape from a different vantage point.
German prisoners of war played a key role in building the railway through the passage, leaving their mark on the region's infrastructure. This historical connection often surprises visitors learning about it during their journey.
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