The Tien-Shan Mountains, in Kyrgyzstan, stretch for 2000 kilometres from East to West. The Eastern part of the Central Tien-Shan known as the Tengri-Tag, is a complex network of colossal mountainous ranges. Scenery includes, never ending chains of snow covered peaks, giant mountains, the start of many a waterfall, mineral springs, wild animals and if you're lucky birds of prey. The "Mountain of blood" derives its name from the shadows cast at sunset on the granite summit. The effect of the fading sun turns the mountain in to a bright red hue. Whilst driving from Bishkek to Lake Issyk-Kul, you pass the Mongolian named Boom Canyon. Far below, at the bottom of the 60 kilometre long gorge, winds the Chu river.

Each year, more and more tourists come to the Boom Canyon for exhilarating white water rafting. Many smaller gorges lead off from the river, deep into the Kyrgyz Ala-Too. Red sandstone formations eroded over time by nature, is an extraordinary visual experience. For those intrepid adventure seekers, Central Asian tour operators will fly you in via helicopter, or by 4 x 4. This can only lead to the onset of a challenging experience.