International geological and paleontological scientific expedition to the Madygen Geopark, Kyrgyzstan. 4-31 August 2026

International Geological and Paleontological Scientific Expedition to the Madygen Geopark

Expedition Dates: August 4–31, 2026

Location: Madygen Geopark, Southern Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan

As part of the expedition, a scientific and applied summer school in geology will be held

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. Ancientt insects, fish, and even rare flying reptiles are the most famous of the many founds that are made every year, continuously reshaping our understanding of prehistoric life.

Why is Madygen unique?

Scientific treasures: Madygen is home to extraordinary fossils like Sharovipteryx mirabilis and Longisquama insignis – species found nowhere else on Earth.

Stunning landscapes: Semi-arid low mountains with colorful rock formations create a breathtaking backdrop, making fossil hunting and geological research more intuitive and exciting.

This region is renowned for unique paleontological sections with a high concentration of ancient fauna and flora. Madygen is one of the few rare places in the world where the evolution of life on our planet can be studied across geological times.

Active discoveries: Over the past years, dozens of new insights on paleoclimate, paleoenvironment, species diversity and ecosystems have been obtained. However, despite its enormous scientific significance, Madygen remains a little-known center for new discoveries in geosciences and paleontology.

Historical Background

The Madygen Formation is a unique stratotype locality for the Middle to Late Triassic. The geological stratigraphic reference was first described in the early 20th century and remains a key reference point for the Triassic.

Notable discoveries from the Madygen Formation include:

Sharovipteryx mirabilis — an extinct Triassic reptile with presumable gliding tissues preserved on the hindlegs, is known only from a single specimen found in Madygen. It is the sole representative of its genus and the unique Sharovipterygidae family.
Longisquama insignis — another mysterious prehistoric reptile, whose fossil imprints have been unearthed from the Madygen Formation in the geopark area.
500 fossil insect species
12 endemic fossil vertebrates

Madygena at international forums: Madygen at „GSA Connects 2025“ in San Antonio (Texas, USA)

Geological Features

Excellent rock exposures in a semi-arid landscape with minimal vegetation create a bright, multicolored low-mountain scenery. These conditions are not only visually impressive but also greatly facilitate lithostratigraphic studies and fossil collection.

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.

Popularity with Geotourists and Photographers
The region’s striking and accessible landscapes make it easy to observe natural processes, attracting geotourists andinterested in outdoor learning and exploration.

Main Objectives of the Expedition

Conduct paleontological excavations at fossil-bearing horizons.
Complete geological mapping of the central geopark at a 1:25,000 scale.
Describe additional geological sections to clarify sedimentary conditions and paleo-basin evolution.

Madygen is a hub for scientists, students, researchers, and geo-enthusiasts, combining the value of an open-air natural museum with world-class geoheritage potential.

Meet the Leading Scientists

The expedition will include experts from Germany, the UK, 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 pioneers of Madygen research.

Logistics and Organization

Location:
The field camp is located 70 km from Batken and 300 km from Osh.

Arrival in Kyrgyzstan:
Participants can fly to Osh International Airport, where they will be met and accommodated in a guesthouse. Alternatively, arrival via Bishkek is possible, followed by transfer to Osh either:

By expedition-provided transport
By domestic flight (Bishkek–Osh, approx. 1 hour)

Preparation for the Field Camp:
A one-day preparation includes purchasing food, equipment, and consumables, plus a briefing and presentation on the expedition’s objectives, previous research, published results, and expectations.

Field Camp Facilities:

On-site cook
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
Tents or yurts

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.

Why August?

August is ideal for fieldwork:

Cooler temperatures
Minimal precipitation and wind
Long daytime

Who Can Participate?

Professional researchers
Early Career Scientists
Students (graduate, advanced undergraduate)
Geology enthusiasts

Learning and Collaboration:
The expedition provides hands-on experiences from the paleontologists and geologists among the Madygen-experts. At the same time, Madygen represents a place where everyone can learn from each other via new discoveries and scientific exchange on site.

Visas and Permits

Kyrgyzstan offers visa-free entry for citizens of over 80 countries. For citizens of more than 65 additional countries, a simplified visa procedure applies. Updated information is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Participation Conditions and Fees

The expedition fee covers:

Accommodation in Osh and the field camp
Three meals per day
Transport for field tasks
Permits
Cook services
Consumables

The fee does not cover:

International flights to/from Kyrgyzstan
Single-room accommodation
Hotels in Bishkek or Batken

Participation Duration & Fees:

14 days (04. – 17.08. or 18. – 31.08.) — $750
28 days (04. – 31.08.) — $1,250

New participants can join on designated dates. Early departures include transfer to Osh.

Partners and Represented Institutions:

UNESCO International Geoscience Programme (IGCP)
Department of Water, Oil & Gas Resources and Geohazards, KG-MI, Kyrgyzstan
Chemnitz Museum / Museum of Natural History Chemnitz, Germany
TU Freiberg — Freiberg University of Technology, Germany
University of Bonn, Germany

Expedition Schedule (Madygen, Southern Tien Shan)

Day 1 (Aug 4): Arrival in Osh

Meet at Osh International Airport
Accommodation in guesthouse

Day 2 (Aug 5): Expedition Preparation

Scientific Seminar: Madygen and its Contributions to Global Science.
Briefing and presentation of the expedition’s goals and objectives, participant introductions, and presentation of expert scientists.
Procurement of food and consumables
Equipment preparation

Day 3 (Aug 6): Transfer to Madygen

Travel to Madygen valley
Accommodation in field camp

Days 4–10 (Aug 7–13): Field Research

Daily excursions within 1–10 km of the camp
Paleontological and geological field work

Day 11 (Aug 14): Field Research

Daily excursions within 1–10 km of the camp
Paleontological and geological field work

Day 12 (Aug 15): Rest and Data Processing

Analyze collected materials
Work in locations and rest

Day 13-14 (Aug 16-17): Field Research / New Participants

Early departures
New participants join

Days 15–23 (Aug 18–28): Field Research

Excursions up to 30 km
Continued paleontological and geological field work

Day 24 (Aug 29): Camp Dismantling and Transfer to Osh

Prepare for departure
Travel to Osh
Accommodation in guesthouse

Day 25 (Aug 30): Expedition Wrap-Up

Results discussion, conference
Free program and city tour of Osh
Closing dinner

Day 26 (Aug 31): Departure

Transfer to Osh Airport

How to Apply for Participation in the Expedition

For logistics inquiries:
Email: info@geotianshan.org
WhatsApp: +996 553 991663

For scientific inquiries:
Alina Winkler
Email: Madygen2026@uni-bonn.de
WhatsApp: +49 174 4341698

Application deadline: May 1, 2026

International Madygen Team

We invite paleontologists, geologists, stratigraphy specialists, archaeologists, historians, biologists, and other researchers to join the “Madygen 2026” expedition.
We invite scientific centers, associations, institutes and universities, as well as all interested organizations to cooperate.
Madygen is an excellent natural platform for international scientific collaboration and a unique opportunity for students to gain practical experience alongside leading researchers.
Archaeologists, historians and biologists are also invited to the expedition.

Important dates