International Geological Expedition and Summer School, Madygen Geopark, Kyrgyzstan, 3-31 August 2027
Dates: August 3–31, 2027
Location: Madygen Geopark, Southern Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan
Welcome to one of the world’s most extraordinary natural laboratories!
The Madygen Geopark is famous for its exceptionally rich fossil sites and long, nearly untinterrupted geological record, representing almost 500 Million years of Earth’s history. Ancient insects, fish, and even rare flying reptiles are the most famous of the many finds that are made every year, continuously reshaping our understanding of prehistoric life.
Why is Madygen unique:
- Rare fossils. Species such as Sharovipteryx mirabilis and Longisquama insignis have been found nowhere else. The local rock sections preserve abundant remains of ancient plants and animals, including more than 500 fossil insect species and 12 endemic fossil vertebrate species.
- Landscapes. Colourful rock outcrops across the dry foothills make fossil hunting and field geology engaging and bring the region’s geology to life.
- Recent discoveries. In recent years, research at Madygen has yielded dozens of new insights into past climates, ancient environments, species diversity and prehistoric ecosystems. Despite its scientific importance, Madygen remains little known and offers many opportunities for further geological and palaeontological research.
- Geological features and discoveries. These striking, multicoloured mountains record a rich geological history shaped by processes that are still to be explored.
Madygen is therefore a unique and highly attractive site for both professional researchers and early career scientists conducting field studies, paleontological research, and reconstructions of ancient ecosystems.
What makes Madygen a geological masterpiece: Madygen Geopark – a journey through 500 million years of evolution in one day.
More information on the geology and palentology of Madygen:
Madygen Field Guidebook 2026 [Link to field guide]
Spiekermann et al. (2026) Charcoalified wood remains from the Madygen Fossil-Lagerstätte (SW Kyrgyzstan): Evidence of wildfire in the Triassic (Ladinian–Carnian) mid-northern latitudes https://www.researchgate.net/publication/403758440_Charcoalified_wood_remains_from_the_Madygen_Fossil-Lagerstatte_SW_Kyrgyzstan_Evidence_of_wildfire_in_the_Triassic_Ladinian-Carnian_mid-northern_latitudes
Trubin et al. (2025) New insights into the middle Eocene environmental conditions and biogeographic setting of the Fergana Basin (Central Asia): Micropaleontological approaches [PDF upon request from Madygen2027@protonmail.com
Voigt et al. (2017) Triassic life in an inland lake basin of the warm-temperate biome – the Madygen Lagerstätte (southwest Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia) PDF upon request from Madygen2027@protonmail.com
Geyer et al. (2014) A remarkable Amgan (Middle Cambrian, Stage 5) fauna from the Sauk Tanga, Madygen region, Kyrgyzstan https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262646672_A_remarkable_Amgan_Middle_Cambrian_Stage_5_fauna_from_the_Sauk_Tanga_Madygen_region_Kyrgyzstan
Moisan et al. (2012) Lycopsid–arthropod associations and odonatopteran oviposition on Triassic herbaceous Isoetites https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228326456_Lycopsid-arthropod_associations_and_odonatopteran_oviposition_on_Triassic_herbaceous_Isoetites
Fischer et al. (2011) A Selachian Freshwater Fauna from the Triassic of Kyrgyzstan and Its Implication for Mesozoic Shark Nurseries https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232834027_A_Selachian_Freshwater_Fauna_from_the_Triassic_of_Kyrgyzstan_and_Its_Implication_for_Mesozoic_Shark_Nurseries
Schoch et al. (2010) A chroniosuchid from the Triassic of Kyrgyzstan and analysis of chroniosuchian relationships https://www.academia.edu/23436061/A_chroniosuchid_from_the_Triassic_of_Kyrgyzstan_and_analysis_of_chroniosuchian_relationships
Shcherbakov (2008) Madygen, Triassic Lagerstätte number one, before and after Sharov https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285280414_Madygen_Triassic_Lagerstatte_number_one_before_and_after_Sharov
Main Objectives of the Expedition
- Sytematic paleontological excavations of important fossil-bearing horizons.
- Continued geologic mapping and profile logging, including prospecting for new fossil localities
- Concucting field work for participant´s theses or research projects
The expedition will include experts from Germany, Chile, Israel, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries who have studied Madygen for many years. Participants will work alongside paleontologists (vertebrate, invertebrate, micro, botanists), structural geologists and sedimentologists as well as hydrogeologists. This is a unique opportunity to gain advanced knowledge and hands-on experience directly from the researchers.
Logistics and Organization
Location:
The field camp is located within the Madygen Geopark 70 km from Batken and 300 km from Osh, and 185 km from Khujand (Tajikistan).
Arrival in Kyrgyzstan:
Participants arrive at Osh International Airport until August 3rd, where they will be met and accommodated in a guesthouse until the start of the expedition early morning on August 4th.Field Camp Facilities:
- On-site cook and first aid
- Dining area, showers, and toilets
- Sustainable ecoseptic waste water cycle
- Scenic poplar grove near a karst spring with clean drinking water
- Off-road vehicle support for field excursions
- Yurts (double occupancy) or tents (single occupancy)
Daily Life and Recreation
The expedition annually brings together researchers from around the world. The friendly atmosphere unites specialists from various geological fields. Evening campfires foster discussion, idea exchange, and inspiration. Many participants continue collaboration afterward through joint projects, publications, and lasting friendships.
Who Can Participate:
- Professional researchers
- Early Career Scientists
- Students (graduate, advanced undergraduate)
- Citizen-scientists interested in geology and paleontology
Visas and Permits
Kyrgyzstan offers visa-free entry for up to 30 days citizens of over 80 countries. For citizens of more than 65 additional countries, a simplified visa procedure applies. Электронный Консул website.
If you intend to stay in Kyrgyzstan for more than 30 days, e-visa must be obtained from this website: https://evisa.e-gov.kg/
Please contact the organizers in time to receive the necessary documents for your visa application.
Participation Fees
The expedition fee covers:
- Accommodation in field camp
- Food, cook service and consumables
- Transfer from Osh to the field camp and back
- On-site transport to field work sites
- Permits
The fee does not cover:
- International flights to/from Osh
- Accommodation in Osh and Batken
- Single-room accommodation at the guest house
- Additional overnight stays before Aug 3rd or after Aug 31st
Prices:
- 14 days (03. – 17.08. or 17. – 31.08.) — 800 US-$
- 28 days (03. – 31.08.) — 1300 US-$
Schedule
Day 1 (Aug 3rd): Arrival in Osh
- Pick-up at Osh International Airport
- City tour
- Accommodation in guesthouse
Day 2 (Aug 4th): Transfer to the field camp
- Drive Osh-Madygen (c. 300 km, 6 hours)
- Briefing on the expedition’s objectives and safety measures, participant introductions, Presentations on the geology and paleontology of Madygen by the scientific staff
Day 3 (Aug 5th): Introductory field trip
Days 4–12 (Aug 6th–14th): Field-Research
- Systematic paleontological excavations
- Micropaleontologic field work
- Geologic mapping and profile logging
- Field work for theses and individual research projects with support by the scientific staff
Day 13 (Aug 15th): Field Trip (Kan-i-gut cave, Sai Sogul, „Sphinx“ Valley)
Day 14 (Aug 16th): Transfer to Osh
- Drive Madygen-Osh (c. 300 km, 6 hours)
- Accommodation in guesthouse
- Participants who stay for 4 weeks can remain in the field camp and continue field work
Day 15 (Aug 17th): Departure of Group 1 /Arrival of Group 2
- Pick-up at Osh International Airport
- City tour
- Accommodation in guesthouse
Day 16 (Aug 18th): Transfer to the field camp (Group 2)
- Drive Osh-Madygen (c. 300 km, 6 hours)
- Briefing on the expedition’s objectives and safety measures, participant introductions, Presentations on the geology and paleontology of Madygen by the scientific staff
Day 17 (Aug 19th): Introductory field trip (Group 2)
Days 18-26 (Aug 20th-28th): Field-Research
- Systematic paleontological excavations
- Micropaleontologic field work
- Geologic mapping and profile logging
- Field work for theses and individual research projects with support by the scientific staff
Day 27 (Aug 29th): Field Trip (Kan-i-gut cave, Sai Sogul, „Sphinx“ Valley)
Day 28 (Aug 30th): Transfer to Osh
- Drive Madygen-Osh (c. 300 km, 6 hours)
- Accommodation in guesthouse
Day 29 (Aug 31st): Departure from Osh
- Transfer to Osh Airport
How to apply for participation in the expedition
Application deadline: December 31st, 2026
Send us your details to Madygen2027@protonmail.com including
- Name, Affiliation, contact
- Participation option (04. – 31.08./ 04. – 17.08. /18. – 31.08.)
- Main research interests
- Interest in BSc, MSc topics
We will inform you by January 15th, 2027 whether you have been selected for participation
After March 15, 2027, the participation fee will be 20% higher than the initial amount
Before applying, please check: Passport validity, visa requirements, health insurance (esp. coverage of transport to your home country)
For logistics inquiries:
Email: info@geotianshan.org
WhatsApp: +996 553 991663
For scientific inquiries:
Email: Madygen2027@protonmail.com
Organisers and Partners
- Institute of Geology, National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic
- Tian Shan Geological Society
- Madygen Geopark Public Foundation
- Institute of Geology, TU Bergakademie Freiberg
