On the first day of our expedition to the Fergana Valley, we will travel to Osh, Kyrgyzstan, where we will be introduced to the history and sociodemographic information of Kyrgyzstan and the Fergana Valley. We will visit Sulaiman-Too, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to view the petroglyphs and learn about their historical significance. Next, we will explore the Historical and Archeological Museum, which showcases the region’s rich history. In the afternoon, we will take a sightseeing tour of Osh City Bazar, one of Central Asia’s largest markets, to immerse ourselves in the local culture and explore the market’s many stalls and shops.

Our tour will include a visit to the Chil-Ustun caves in Aravan. During the tour, we will explore the unique geological formations and landscapes around Osh, including the Sulaiman-Too Mountain Range, petroglyphs, and fossil deposits. We will also learn about the geology of the Fergana Valley and its impact on the region’s economy. Our geologists and local experts will provide lectures and insights throughout the tour.

Our next program part will take you to the Alay Valley and the Chong Alay Mountain Range. Lectures include local women leaders, folklore, Pamir Alai Highway, coal mines, flora and fauna of the valley, geological features of the Pamir Alai Mountains, hydrology, glacier retreat, water security, and pastoralism will be given during the hike.

You will visit the Kurmanjan Datka Museum in Gulcha to learn about the influence of local women leaders on regional dynamics.

Proposal to Osh State University: Conduct a scientific study about inventorying flora in the Alai Valley and improving the soil on pastures in Alai and Chon Alai regions.

We will hike 3-days through the Chong Alay Mountain Range along old Soviet mine roads, glaciers, and beautiful landscapes. Our guide Abdish will lead us from Sary-Mogol, and horsemen will carry our luggage. Lectures provide insights into the region’s natural and cultural history. We will experience breathtaking landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, and rushing rivers.

We will do an excursion to either Kyzyl-Kiya or Kadamjai for a firsthand experience of the local mines and metallurgy. Additionally, we will unite with the geological faculty of Osh TU at the Kadamjae camp for a collaborative learning experience. We will also offer a hiking tour of Kotur-Bulak. Our program will include an informative session on Batken, where you will learn about the reservoir, area water resources, and geological features of the region. In addition, we will examine the irrigation systems and agriculture in the region and propose new solutions to outdated challenges.

Next we will visit the Madygen Geopark to learn about the water supply in the region, including the oasis and groundwater systems. We will explore hydrology, water quality, and other related topics, giving you a better understanding of the region’s unique geology. During the afternoons, we will hike through the geopark to see the shell hills and rainbow hills up close. Additionally, we will visit the Canigut caves, where you can explore and appreciate the region’s natural wonders.

During our program, we will explore the Uzbek side of the Fergana Valley. The region’s climate significantly impacts the economy in Central Asia, and we will learn more about this during our visit to Fergana.

In Margilan, we will take city tours and attend lectures about the Silk Road. We will also be able to participate in ceramic courses and learn more about the local craft culture.

Our exploration of Kokand will include city tours and a visit to the Sheraly Khan Museum to learn about the history of the Kokand Khanate.

Closing the expedition, we will have a football event with a local team and enjoy a swim in the southern part of Osh, where we will spend the night. As a joint event with the football team, we will have dinner with classic Kyrgyz cuisine and live music. The next day, we will depart from Osh at 05:00.