Geology Field Trip – Unknown Tian Shan
21 Jul – 01 Aug 2027 Special Interest

Led by Dr Alexey Dudashvili & Dr Lyudmyla Bartkova

Geology Field Trip – Unknown Tian Shan Led by Dr Alexey Dudashvili & Dr Lyudmyla Bartkova 21 Jul - 01 Aug 2027 Special Interest

About the Tour:

This tour will introduce participants to the geological evolution of the Tien-Shan as we travel from Bishkek into a series of contrasting tectonic and geological provinces across the country.

Beginning from the Northern Tien-Shan, we move southwards through the Middle and Southern Tien-Shan, crossing major tectonic boundaries and observing dramatic changes in landscape and rock type. Travelling via Toktogul, we pass through rapidly shifting mountain scenery, accretionary zones, and the impressive Toktogul Reservoir, before entering the Talas–Fergana fault system and the wider Fergana region.

The journey continues through Batken and the Madygen Geopark, where Mesozoic stratotypes, Triassic–Jurassic–Cretaceous sequences, rare fossil sites, and ancient metallurgical remains reveal the deep-time history of the region. From here, we explore karst landscapes and hydrothermal mineral belts before ascending into the high mountains beneath Lenin Peak in the northern Pamir. Here, glacial valleys, moraine lakes, and alpine landscapes illustrate the powerful processes shaping the high-altitude environment.

We then return north through Jalal-Abad, Kazarman, and Naryn, crossing multiple tectonic zones and sedimentary basins, before reaching Issyk-Kul, where striking Neogene formations and igneous geology define the landscape. The tour concludes in Bishkek following a visit to the remarkable Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, known for its vivid sandstone formations shaped by wind and time.

Tour Leaders: Dr. Alexey Dudashvili & Dr. Lyudmyla Bartkova

Dr. Dusahvili was born in a village in southern Kyrgyzstan and has been fascinated by caves and the natural world since childhood. A specialist in the geology of Central Asia, he is Director of the Foundation for the Preservation and Exploration of Caves and a founding member of the Tian-Shan Geological Society. With deep first hand local knowledge of Kyrgyz traditions, customs, and culture, Dr. Z combines scientific expertise with a strong connection to the region. He holds a degree specialising in hazardous geological processes and is a passionate advocate for the protection of Central Asia’s natural heritage. For several years, he has championed the creation of geoparks in the unique landscapes of the Tian-Shan mountains and is widely regarded as an expert in geological tourism. He is also the author of several books on the caves and geological heritage of Kyrgyzstan.

Dr. Lyudmyla Bartkova obtained BSc Geology from Birkbeck college University of London and MSc Geoscience Research from Keele University. She holds PhD in Economics and Environmental Studies. Lyudmyla’s geological interests include field geology, structural geology, global tectonics, igneous petrology, as well as volcanic and magmatic processes. For her research projects Lyudmyla completed comprehensive studies, and field work in Lake District, Isle of Rhum, NW Scotland, Sicily, Santorini, Morocco, and Central Andes. Currently she holds a post of Overseas meeting secretary at the Geologists’ Association London and co-leads groups to study geology in different parts of the world.

12 days from £4,590.00 per person

London-Bishkek-Toktogul-Osh-Batken-Osh- Pamir- Bishkek-London

Contact a
specialist consultant

020 3981 9838 holidays@indusexperiences.co.uk Enquiry

Itinerary View Map

Day 1 : To Bishkek

Wednesday 21 July

Departure from Gatwick Airport by Turkish Airlines TK1982 at 10:50. Arrive Istanbul at 16:50.
Connect Turkish Airlines flight TK0346 at 20:25.

Day 2 : Bishkek

Thursday 22 July

Arrive in Bishkek at 04:30, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. The day is at leisure to rest and recover after your journey, with the option to visit the National History Museum or explore the lively Osh Bazaar. In the early evening, there will be a welcome briefing introducing the programme, accompanied by an overview of the geological map and a short lecture on the regional geology of the Tien-Shan. Overnight at Hotel Asia Mountains. B, L, D

Day 3 : To Toktogul

Friday 23 July

After breakfast, we depart for Toktogul (approx. 350 km / 6–7 hours). The drive offers constantly changing mountain scenery as we cross major tectonic boundaries between the Northern, Middle, and Southern Tien-Shan. Along the way, we observe how geology and landscape evolve, moving from older Caledonian formations into younger Hercynian terrains, with visible transitions from sedimentary to igneous rock systems. Highlights include the Toktogul Reservoir, accretion zones, and key structural features. Overnight at Kok-Bel Hotel B, L, D

Day 4 : To Osh via Tuya-Muyun

Saturday 24 July

After breakfast, we continue towards Osh, crossing the Talas–Fergana fault zone. En route, we pass the dramatic badlands of Tash-Kumyr and fossil-bearing sites, including locations known for dinosaur egg (shell) discoveries. Overnight at Ethno Hotel. B, L, D

Day 5 : To Batken / Madygen Geopark

Sunday 25 July

We travel into the South Fergana mineral belt, known for mercury–antimony deposits and historically significant ore resources. From Batken, we continue to the Madygen Geopark, where we explore Mesozoic stratotypes spanning the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. The area is renowned for rare fossil finds, striking geological structures, and its long history of metallurgy, including ancient smelting sites dating back to the 9th–10th centuries. Overnight in tents near karst springs at Madygen B, L, D

Day 6 : To Osh

Monday 26 July

We return towards Osh, observing major tectonic features along the way, including the Tegermech thrust where Silurian rocks overlie Devonian formations. Overnight at Ethno Hotel or Osh Nuru Hotel B, L, D

Day 7 : To Northern Pamir

Tuesday 27 July

We travel from Osh into the high mountains of the northern Pamir, ascending to a mountaineering base camp at 3,600 m beneath Lenin Peak (7,134 m). The route crosses the Alay Valley, a major geological boundary between the Tien-Shan and Pamir systems, and passes glacial landscapes, moraine lakes such as Tulpar-Kul, and dramatic alpine scenery shaped by ongoing glacial processes. Overnight in tented accommodation B, L, D

Day 8 : To Jalal-Abad

Wednesday 28 July

We descend through striking mountain landscapes characterised by landslides, folded structures, and varied relief. Overnight at Mol Mol Hotel, Jalal-Abad B, L, D

Day 9 : To Naryn via Kazarman

Thursday 29 July

Today we cross from the Southern Tien-Shan into the Middle Tien-Shan, passing through multiple tectonic zones and ancient Meso–Cenozoic seabed formations. The landscape is defined by rugged terrain, sedimentary basins, and major structural contacts. Overnight at Khan Tengri Hotel, Naryn B, L, D

Day 10 : To Kaji-Sai

Friday 30 July

We travel across the Central Tien-Shan fault system, marking the boundary between the southern and central ranges. The route continues along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, where igneous rocks and Caledonian formations shape the landscape. Overnight at Al Hayat Hotel, Kaji-Sai. B, L, D

Day 11 : To Bishkek

Saturday 31 July

We visit the Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, known for its striking aeolian sandstone formations and colourful eroded landscapes in Neogene rocks. The day also includes an overview of the tectonic evolution of Issyk-Kul Basin before returning to Bishkek. Overnight at Hotel Asia Mountains Bishkek. B, L, D

Day 12 : Departure Bishkek

Sunday 1 August

Early morning transfer to airport for your return flight home. Departure Bishkek by Turkish airlines TK349 at 05:50, arrive Istanbul at 09:00 connect TK1997 at 14:30 arrive Gatwick at 16:40. B

Itinerary map

Dates & Prices

Dates	Price per person (Double/Twin share)	Single room supplement
21 Jul - 01 Aug 2027	£4,590.00	£480.00

Cost includes:

International Flights with Turkish Airlines in economy class including all Taxes.
Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
All transport services mentioned in the itinerary.
Services of Dr. Alexey Dudashvili & Dr. Lyudmyla Batkova as Tour Leaders.
A comphrensive Field Guide.
Entrance Fees for all places of interest and momnuments mentioned in the itinerary.
Traditional Folklore Show.
Golden Eagle Show.
Felt and traditional carpet marking workshop.
Protection of payment by our ATOL & ABTA Licences.

Cost does not include:

Visa (British Passport Holders get a 30 day free visa).
Any expenses of a personal nature.
Tips and Gratuities.
Travel Insurance.

We plan to follow this detailed itinerary, but events beyond our control – unpredictable weather, blocked roads, cancelled flights, mechanical breakdown – or unscheduled closure of any monument may require last minute changes to the itinerary. We will ensure that these changes are kept to a minimum if required.

020 3981 9838 holidays@indusexperiences.co.uk