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International Speleological Exploration Expedition
Southern Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan — August 2026
Kozu-Baglan & Madygen Karst Region
The Southern Tien Shan of Central Asia remains one of the last poorly explored limestone mountain regions on the continent. Between the Fergana Valley and the Turkestan Range lies a remote canyon-karst province composed of fractured Devonian and Carboniferous limestones — a geological setting highly favorable for the formation of extensive cave systems.
Within this region, deep canyons, vertical limestone walls, plateau karst and powerful perennial springs indicate active underground drainage and strong potential for major undiscovered caves. Numerous grotto openings are visible high on canyon walls, many aligned with tectonic fractures cutting the entire limestone massif from plateau to canyon floor — yet none have ever been explored.
We are organizing an international speleological exploration expedition to the Kozu-Baglan and Madygen karst areas — one of the most remote and least studied karst regions in Kyrgyzstan — to conduct the first systematic search for new caves.
We invite speleological clubs, federations, research institutions, speleobiologists and experienced cavers to participate.
Regional Setting
The expedition area lies in the northern foothills of the Turkestan Range within the tectonic system of the Southern Tien Shan. The terrain is dominated by the Takta-Boz limestone massif, deeply dissected by canyon systems and bordered by the Fergana Basin.
Geological conditions are relatively stable, while the climate is sharply continental: hot summers (+30 to +35 °C) and mild winters. August offers optimal access and safe working conditions in canyon environments.
Why This Region Has High Cave Potential
The Takta-Boz massif shows all classical indicators of advanced karst development:
- Devonian and Carboniferous fractured limestones
- deep canyon incision (300–400 m)
- numerous perennial karst springs at massif foothills (20–30 L/s discharge)
- plateau dolines and swallow holes capturing seasonal water
- major tectonic fractures crossing the limestone block
- multiple grottoes identified by drone on vertical canyon walls
These features demonstrate active subsurface drainage and suggest the presence of large underground conduits and chambers.
Despite these indicators, the region remains almost unknown to speleology. Only a few entrances are known locally, and their extent is unknown.
Karst Springs, Surface Features & Local Reports
At the base of the Takta-Boz massif, numerous perennial karst springs drain the limestone block. Their high and constant discharge confirms well-developed underground circulation.
During reconnaissance surveys, local residents described narrow cave entrances behind which large underground galleries and halls continue. Due to the absence of a sufficiently equipped technical team at the time, these caves were not explored.
On the Takta-Boz plateau, geologists documented several dolines in 1975 in the eastern sector of the ridge. These depressions (20–30 m diameter, 1–2 m deep) often terminate in swallow holes where seasonal waters disappear underground — further evidence of active karstification.
Exploration Areas
Kozu-Baglan Canyon
A remote canyon approximately 7 km long with steep vertical limestone walls, terraces and plateau margins. Drone reconnaissance has revealed numerous grotto entrances along the canyon walls, many located high above the floor and associated with structural fractures.
The expedition base camp will be established inside Kozu-Baglan canyon on a small flat terrace, allowing direct access to wall and plateau exploration targets.
Boat travel along the canyon will be used to approach entrances and survey sectors inaccessible from above.
Madygen Canyon – Sary-Beles Ridge
Located 25 km from Kozu-Baglan, this limestone massif forms a second karst province with deep canyon incision and major tectonic fracturing.
In 2017, a large high-level entrance was identified on the western vertical wall of Madygen canyon. Named “Soaring”, the entrance lies along a through-going vertical fault cutting the limestone massif from plateau to base.
- elevation above canyon floor: ~150 m
- limestone thickness above entrance: ~150 m
- structural position: major tectonic fracture
This geological setting suggests strong potential for significant vertical and horizontal cave development. Access will require a coordinated professional caving team.
Previous Reconnaissance
A reconnaissance expedition in 2021 confirmed:
- extensive canyon karst terrain
- multiple unexplored entrances
- active springs draining the massif
- plateau dolines and swallow features
- high-level grottoes on canyon walls
Both Kozu-Baglan and Madygen canyons are isolated from settlements (~50 km) and remain among the least explored karst areas of Kyrgyzstan.
Expedition Objectives
- discovery and exploration of new caves
- access and investigation of high-level wall entrances
- cave survey and mapping
- speleobiological research
- documentation of canyon and plateau karst morphology
- evaluation of large cave system potential in the Southern Tien Shan
Exploration will combine drone reconnaissance, vertical access techniques and canyon travel by inflatable boat.
Expedition Plan (14 days)
Day 1 — arrival in Osh, accommodation, briefing
Day 2 — transfer (350 km) to Kozu-Baglan base camp
Days 3–12 — exploration: canyon walls, entrances, plateau karst, Madygen sector
Day 13 — return to Osh
Day 14 — airport transfer
Field Base Camp & Logistics
A self-sufficient expedition base camp will be established inside Kozu-Baglan canyon near exploration sectors.
Organizers provide:
- 15-seat off-road expedition vehicle
- transport between karst areas
- individual tents
- kitchen and dining tents
- cooking equipment
- radio communication
- inflatable boat for canyon exploration
- electric generator
- field shower and toilet equipment
- ropes, carabiners, hammers
Hammer drill is not available; participants may bring personal units if required.
Team & Participation
We aim to assemble an international team capable of sustained exploration in rugged mountainous karst terrain, long approaches and technical work on vertical canyon walls.
The expedition will include 2–3 speleologists from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan together with international participants.
Speleological clubs, federations, research teams and qualified individual cavers are welcome.
Visa Support
Assistance with Kyrgyzstan visa arrangements can be provided if required.
Join the Exploration
The Kozu-Baglan and Madygen canyons represent one of the last poorly known karst regions of Central Asia — with clear geological evidence for major undiscovered cave systems.
We invite you to take part in the exploration.
Contact: info@speleoca.kg
Photos from the karst region of Kozu-Baglan and Madygen
